Your District Council Matters (Issue 26 - Spring 2012)

inside:

• Countdown to London 2012 Your District Council • Festival and events guide • Give a red card to dog fouling • Recycle even more issue 26

spring 2012

Matters

Lancashire Witches 400 Competition and feature - page 3

Page 2

Welcome... ...to the latest edition of Your District Council Matters.

Each year tens of millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money is spent in the Lancaster district on services used by the public.

Late last year representatives of many of these public sector service providers met with local people and organisations to consider how, in these tough financial times, they can work better together. You can find out more on page 5.

One thing that was clear was the passion that we all share for our district.

There’s no doubt that we live in a place that we can be proud of and we can all contribute to making it even better in all sorts of ways, including: • Promote our district and encourage others to visit, or try somewhere you’ve never been before.

• Volunteer some time – visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/volunteer ing to find out more.

• Dispose of litter responsibly and encourage others to do likewise - check out www.lancaster.gov.uk/binit.

• Use local businesses and shops wherever possible to help our local economy.

This year also offers much to celebrate. On June 22 we’ll welcome the Olympic Torch (page 15) and 2012 also marks the 400th anniversary of the Lancashire Witch Trials (page 3).

Throw in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and a summer of festivals and there are more opportunities than ever for us to in where we live.

Throughout the year we’ll be working with our partners in the public sector to highlight ways in which we can all contribute and we’d love to hear your ideas and what you’re doing to in where we live.

Email: suggestions@lancaster.gov.uk

Surfing in Lancaster If you haven’t already surfed to www.lancaster.gov.uk, here are some useful links for you to try:

• View and subscribe to online calendars for fitness classes, swimming sessions and special events, and find out about our full range of activities: www.lancaster.gov.uk/saltayre • Use our interactive map to zoom in to any location in the district and view current planning applications. Save your search and get email updates whenever a new application is submitted: www.lancaster.gov.uk/localapps • Use our interactive Find My Nearest service to find out what’s nearby, such as who your local councillor is and when the bins are

collected: www.lancaster.gov.uk/ nearest

• Our award-winning visitor information centres run a secure online shop where you can buy tickets to main Platform and Williamson Park events, maps, books, souvenirs and more: www.lancaster.gov.uk/shop • We’re on Twitter @lancastercc, and you can like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lancastercc • Our monthly e-newsletter brings the latest news direct to your inbox: www.lancaster.gov.uk/news letter

Contact us You can contact Lancaster City Council by: Telephone: 01524 582000 Email: customerservices@lancaster.gov.uk Website: www.lancaster.gov.uk Post: Lancaster City Council, Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ In person: Customer Service Centres at Lancaster Town Hall (Dalton Square), or Morecambe Town Hall (Marine Road East), 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

If you would like a large print or audio version of Your District Council Matters please call 01524 582041 or email communications@lancaster.gov.uk

Page 3

THIS year marks the 400th anniversary of the Lancashire Witch Trials (also known as the Pendle Witches) – perhaps one of the most notorious events in the county’s history.

The Lancashire Witch trials took place in 1612. The story began when pedlar John Law suffered a stroke after meeting Alizon Device on a country road.

Convinced he had been cursed by

a witch, Alizon was arrested by the local magistrate. This sparked a spiral of events which led to 20 people being accused of witchcraft. Of these 19 went on trial at Lancaster Castle (one having died in prison), and 10 were found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging.

To commemorate the anniversary a range of events and activities will be taking place.

Photo. John Mills

Summary of events taking place in the Lancaster district All year Lancaster Castle All guided tours of Lancaster Castle include the story of the Lancashire Witches.

June 7 - 16 The Dukes

Until Nov 11 Ashton Memorial Witch Hunts, then and now: Multimedia exhibition exploring witch hunts in 1612 and modern day Africa.

July 13 at 7.30pm Lancaster Priory

Service in Solidarity Sabbat: The Trials of the Lancashire Witches. with Victims of Persecution and Hate Crime.

Judges' Lodgings Museum Spellbound: Superstition, Stories and the Silver Screen – an exhibition looking at witches and witchcraft in popular culture.

Lancaster Priory The Legal Significance of the Lancashire Witch Trials, a lecture by His Honour Judge Anthony Russell QC.

WE have tickets to see Sabbat at The Dukes, along with copies of three Lancashire Witches books to give away to two lucky readers in our competition.

Published by Carnegie Publishing the books are: • 1612: The Lancashire Witch Trials, a new guide by Christine Goodier • The Lure of the Lancashire Witches by Jennie Lee Cobban • The Wonderful Discovery of Witches in the County of Lancaster (a modern interpretation) by Robert Poole

June 7 - 16

Lancaster Castle

The Dukes

(departs Castle gates 7.30pm)

Exhibition of oil paintings inspired by the Lancashire Witches.

Pendle Witch Walks Thursday and Sunday evenings (check dates at www.catwalkslancaster.co.uk). £4 adults £1 children.

July 14 at 4pm

For more information on events visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/witches

Competition

May - Sept Various days

April 1 - Oct 31

July 21 Sept 29

October 28 November 3

Lancaster City Museum

Lancaster City Centre

A Wonderfull Discoverie: Lancashire Witches 1612-2012 Exhibition exploring the people involved in the trials.

Events culminating with the Fireworks Spectacular, viewed from areas across the city.

The books are available for purchase from Lancaster Visitor Information Centre (The Storey Creative Industries, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster) or online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/shop To enter the competition simply complete and return this wordsearch to: Lancashire Witches competition, Communications, Lancaster City Council, Lancaster Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ. Please don’t forget to include your name, address and a daytime telephone number.

The deadline for entries is Friday April 27.

A Q H S O F E S E A I N C I

E

F D E D L N R WR

N A Z E F T Y T C S P I I

S H D R K K U L E A H

V T WU N K O S A N S S E L D N E P G U S H WA R E X G E O N P A N V C S U P E R S T I

T I

O N

A T E O S A B B A T L A R M R N T E H T R I

A L

Y E E S A K P Z U R Y O X R I

D B J E G S M S K

Words to find: Pendle, Sabbat, Anniversary, Castle, Dungeon, Trial, Superstition, Lancashire.

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Could you recycle just one more item?

THANKS to you carefully separating your paper, cardboard, glass, cans, plastic bottles, textiles, food and garden waste from your non-recyclable waste, an impressive 43% recycling rate has been achieved.

With your continued help we can do even better and this year we have a target of recycling at least 50%. We can easily reach this target if everyone recycles one more thing and continues to recycle their food waste. There are many day to day household items that you may not realise can now be recycled.

Here’s a list to get you started.

Box 1: Paper and Cardboard

Box 2: Glass, Cans and Plastic Bottles

Catalogues

Aerosols

Shredded Paper

Sweet/Biscuit Metal Tins

Greetings Cards

Perfume/Aftershave Bottles

Telephone Directories (including Yellow Pages)

Cleaning/Detergent Product Bottles

Envelopes (including window envelopes)

Shampoo/Hair care Bottles

Cardboard Tubes

Clean Foil

Box clever DID you know that last year it cost the council £110,000 replacing wheelie bins and recycling boxes which had been lost, stolen or damaged?

We need your help to reduce these costs so we can continue to provide a quality refuse collection service across the district.

To reduce the risk of your bins and boxes being lost or stolen mark them clearly with your street name and house number, using either durable paint or stickers.

Lost recycling box lids can be replaced with tie-on lids that do not blow away in windy weather.

Gift Wrap

If you currently have more bins or boxes than you need, call Customer Services on 01524 582491 who will arrange for any spares to be collected.

Don’t forget that by squashing your cans, plastic bottles and cardboard you will create more space for these additional items in your recycling boxes.

If your wheelie bin is broken, call Customer Services and we will send spare parts or someone will come and fix it.

Many other councils in Lancashire charge for replacing bins and boxes and the city council recently debated whether it should do the same.

While it was decided not to charge for the time being, if the costs continue to increase, it may have to be looked at again in the future.

Did you know?

Lancaster City Council also collects textiles for recycling, such as clothes, curtains, towels, cushion covers, bed sheets and table cloths. Just put them into a clearly labelled carrier bag and place at the side of your recycling boxes for collection. Textiles are graded into categories. Any reuseable clothing is sent to a network of charities and any unusable textiles are shredded to be used as industrial rags.

What happens to your recycling?

Our recycling wagons are split into two compartments. One compartment for paper and cardboard and one compartment for glass, cans and plastic bottles – just the same as your recycling boxes. Why not watch the collection process online in our new video at www.lancaster.gov.uk/bins

Changes to refuse and recycling collection days THERE may be changes to the usual day on which your waste and recycling are collected following the bank holidays at Easter and in June.

Please check your collection calendar for details, or visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/bins to download a copy if yours has been misplaced.

Page 5

Giving the red card to dog fouling A YOUTH football club has given its dog poo problem a red card.

Members of Storey’s Youth FC, who train and compete on York Road field in Lancaster, were fed up of having to clean up the dog dirt from their pitch every week.

• Your dog won’t clean up after itself – it’s up to you

So they called in the council’s dog wardens, who set up regular patrols to monitor the problem and tackle the people ruining their game.

information centres, most pet stores and vets. Plastic carrier bags can be re-used for the same purpose.

Unfortunately the dog poo problem experienced by the team is a growing one on our parks, pavements and public areas. While it may only be a minority of dog owners who fail to clear up after their pets, even one incident is one too many.

Dog waste wrapped in this way can be disposed of in any ordinary litter bin or dog waste bin.

If no bins are available the waste should be taken home and placed with normal household waste.

Not only is it unsightly, it is a serious health hazard and there have been cases reported of children going blind after contracting Toxocariasis, an infection caused by worms in dog and cat faeces.

Keeping our district clean is everyone’s responsibility and the minority of irresponsible dog owners refusing to clean up after their dogs costs the council thousands of pounds each year.

Dog owners should always be prepared to clean up after their pets and dog waste bags are easily carried and readily available from the visitor

Litter campaign update THANKS to everyone who’s supporting Bin It!, our district wide litter campaign.

We all want to see our district kept clean and tidy, and it’s encouraging that many of you do too. Please keep using the litter bins provided – there are more than 1,200 across the district – to dispose of your rubbish.

And remember, just because there isn’t a bin right next to you, there’s no excuse for dropping rubbish – hang on to it until you find a bin or take your rubbish home with you and dispose of it in the appropriate bin or box.

If you’d like to go further then you might think about organising a litter pick in your area. You can find more details at www.lancaster.gov.uk/binit It's your district - be proud of it!

One of the most littered items are cigarette butts and the council spends thousands of pounds every year cleaning them up.

Anyone caught throwing their butts on the street can be handed an £80 fine and you can avoid this by disposing of your butts properly in the nearest litter bin (having stubbed them out first).

As an encouragement to do the

A poster reminding dog owners of their responsibilities - and the £1,000 they could face if they don't - is available for you to put up in your window, or elsewhere on your property. It is available from www.lancaster.gov.uk/dogpoo, the Customer Service Centres at Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls, Council Housing offices on Cable Street in Lancaster or by telephoning 01524 582935.

Anyone who witnesses any irresponsible dog owners failing to pick up after their dog, or knows of a problem area for dog fouling, should contact the dog wardens on 01524 582935 or report it online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/dogpoo.

right thing, Lancaster City Council is giving away free cigarette butt holders.

The pocket ashtrays are available free from the Customer Service Centres at Morecambe and Lancaster Town Hall receptions while stocks last.

Made of fire resistant plastic, their airtight design means that smoke odours are locked inside and they can be emptied and reused again and again.

To collect yours, pop into one on of the Customer Service Centres and ask for one.

Page 6

Share the excitement IN only a few short months the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will be on their way to London.

While much of the action will be taking place at the Olympic Park in London, there are still plenty of opportunities to share the excitement and be part of the occasion locally.

From April 23 to 29 many local clubs and organisations will be throwing open their doors for an open week of sport. This is your opportunity to get a taster of some sports which you may have never tried before. For more information visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/openweek

• The mayor and mayoress of Lancaster, Coun Paul and Dee Woodruff, celebrate the Olympic Torch relay coming to the Lancaster district.

involved with the Olympic spirit. More details will be available on our website.

Then, on Friday June 22, the Olympic Torch Relay will There are plenty of free tools to make your be passing through the district - your once in a lifetime celebration one to remember, whether it’s a night in opportunity to be part of the biggest show on earth. with friends to watch the Opening Ceremony or a Exact details of the route have not yet been revealed community party with neighbours. Visit the Local but what we do know is that the torch will be passing Leaders page on www.london2012.com for details. through Carnforth, Bolton-le-Sands, Hest Bank, Morecambe and Lancaster on its way to Blackpool.

During the Torch Relay on June 22 there is likely to We’re in the process of contacting local schools and be some major disruption to traffic and some roads organisations to get them involved in the celebrations may need to be closed. If you normally drive to and make it a day to remember. work, it is recommended that you make alternative Check out www.lancaster.gov.uk/london2012 nearer arrangements such as using public transport, cycling the time for more details of the Torch Relay, including or walking. If you need to use your car, plan ahead maps of the route and good vantage points. and make a note of any road closures or diversions.

More information will be available nearer the time As an added bonus we’ll be holding a celebration of at www.lancaster.gov.uk/london2012 sport over the following weekend (June 23 and 24) and there will be plenty of opportunities to get

Get healthy and fit at Salt Ayre Sports Centre IF you’re looking to get fit and healthy then Salt Ayre Sports Centre has a wide range of events and activities to help you get back in shape.

In particular, the Active Health Programme has been created to help people who have existing health concerns and who have not participated in any exercise programmes before.

It starts with gentle exercise and you can then add different elements to create the ideal exercise environment. This could include a Tai Chi class, Pilates or even a gentle swim followed by a session in the sauna.

Michelle, from Galgate, Lancaster, took part in the Active Health Programme last year and went from a size 16 to a size 12.

As someone who had suffered from weight and health issues for years, Michelle embarked on a 12 week programme of gentle aerobics, stretching and minimum weight lifting.

Reflexions can design a programme that will help her maintain and even extend her new healthy status. Talk to your GP today if you think this may be the programme for you.

Her determination, along with support from her family and the knowledgeable staff at Salt Ayre, has helped her to achieve her goal of becoming healthier and stronger.

For more information, contact Salt Ayre Sports Centre on 01524 847540 or visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/saltayre.

“It’s a lovely place to be and I’ve met some lovely people on the Active Health Programme. We have swapped tips and stories. It’s helped me deal with my condition and encouraged me,” said Michelle.

Michelle has even signed up to continue her fitness with the Reflexions gym at Salt Ayre.

Page 7

We are hard at work for you Sport Relief LANCASTER City Council’s employees are hard at work every day of the week to make our district a better place.

But how much do you know about the services they provide?

Your District Council Matters asked staff from across the council to tell us a little about about their jobs and the difference they make to the lives of the community.

Name: Will Griffith

Name: Donna Swarbrick

Occupation: Operations Manager, Williamson Park

Occupation: Active Health Manager

Williamson Park in Lancaster attracts more than 120,000 visitors every year.

Maintaining a 54 acre park with a café, shop, Butterfly House and zoo and one of Lancaster’s most treasured historic buildings is no mean feat.

Will Griffith is the Operations Manager at Williamson Park and is responsible for one of the main attractions for visitors in Lancaster and the North West.

Over the last year a number of changes have been made to make improvements and increase visitor numbers.

Donna is responsible for the overall management and day to day running of the Active Health scheme, for people who wish to become more physically active, fitter and healthier.

The scheme has a wide variety of customers who are seeking help for a number of reasons. This can range from people recovering from illnesses to people who are concerned about their weight or just want to improve their fitness levels.

“Working with such a variety of people means that no two days are the same,” said Donna.

“Finding out what’s best for an individual’s needs and motivating Will said: “I consider it to be a very and helping our clients is really privileged job and I have a great exciting and challenging.” responsibility to local residents and As part of the scheme Active visitors to ensure they have a safe Health officers assess the health of and enjoyable visit every time they their clients and set them off on a come to Williamson Park. No two 12 week programme of exercise. days are ever the same and there are challenges every season, all year The programme of exercises is round. suited to each person but can contain fitness classes, trips to the “Running a large scale visitor Reflexions health and fitness suite attraction needs a great team of at Salt Ayre Sports Centre or even workers. There are over 30 outdoor-led walking sessions along contracted and casual staff who all contribute to maintaining the park, Morecambe Promenade. from café and shop staff to zoo keepers and grounds maintenance, as well as other colleagues within the city council.“

To find out if you could benefit, ask your GP – access to the Active Health programme is by referral only.

THE Lancaster district is set to host its second Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on Sunday March 25, and needs local people to come together and show their support.

As one of the UK’s biggest fundraising events, Sport Relief brings the entire nation together to get active, raise cash and change lives – so it’s time to dust off those trainers and register to take part.

Setting off from Salt Ayre Sports Centre, the Lancaster and Morecambe Mile will take place along a beautiful stretch of the River Lune with views over Lancaster Castle and the Priory Church.

With a smooth surface providing great access for pushchairs, wheelchairs and family pets, everyone is welcome!

Entrants don’t have to be sporty to take part, but can choose to complete either one, three or six miles.

As a warm up to the Sport Relief Mile, young people are also being encouraged to take part in Shuffle Mania - a mass dance event – at Salt Ayre at 10am.

For more information on Sport Relief or Shuffle Mania visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/sportrelief.

Page 8

Festivals IF you’re looking for something to do between now and the end of the year then there’s no need to stray too far – our district has more than enough on offer to keep you and your family busy without dipping too far into your pockets.

As well as rolling countryside, golden sands and history galore, there’s a full range of festivals and events taking place to whet the appetite.

In addition to many established events, 2012 will see several events to celebrate the Olympics, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 400th anniversary of the Lancashire Witch trials.

And as well as having a great time you’ll be helping to support the local economy.

Festivals and events have a direct impact on our economy, attracting more visitors to a destination, raising the profile of a place, creating investment and benefiting local businesses.

Last year the Seaside and Sandcastle festivals alone are

estimated to have had a combined estimated benefit for the local economy of nearly £1.4million, so by supporting local events you’ll be helping to create and maintain jobs locally.

For a full events guide please visit www.citycoastcountryside.co.uk, from where you can also download a copy of the Morecambe Festivals by the Sea events guide.

A big thank you to all the people, businesses and organisations – too numerous to mention here - who work so tirelessly to put on such great events in our district.

Details of events taking place between now and the end of June are listed in the events guide on page 9, but don’t forget some of the other great events coming up this year:

Visitor guide LANCASTER City Council has launched its visitor guide for 2012.

Designed to encourage visitors to take a holiday or short break in the district in 2012, the guide features many of the historic riches of Lancaster, the pleasures of the seaside in Morecambe and the district's beautiful countryside escapes as well as highlighting the contrasting range of places to stay.

To request a copy to pass on to friends and family, visit www.citycoastcountryside.co.uk, pop into one of the visitor information centres, or telephone 01524 582394/582808.

July 7 and 8: Free family fun weekend at Morecambe’s Festival Market July 6-8: Morecambe Jazz Festival July 21-29: Love Parks Week July 27 and 28: Tutti Frutti July 28-September 2: Summer sensations at the Festival Market, Morecambe - live music every weekend August 5: Morecambe Bay open water swim August 10-12: Motown Magic, Morecambe.

September 1-2: Morecambe Seaside Festival.

September 6-9: Heritage Open Days October 28-November 3: City Centre Events culminating with the Fireworks Spectacular

The Storey continues…

THE Storey Centre for the Creative Industries opened in February 2009, following a £4million makeover, facilitated and supported by Lancaster City Council.

It has quickly established itself as a hub for successful businesses from across the creative sector.

From high-tech digital arts and ICT businesses, to graphic design and marketing companies, the Storey provides a home.

It’s also a place of learning and culture and is open to the public daily, with a wide programme of events including literature, comedy, music, theatre and debate.

It’s also home to The Storey Gallery, which promotes a programme of contemporary visual art, and Lancaster’s Visitor Information Centre.

As the centre is still in the early years of its development, Lancaster City Council recently provided further support to help further its ambitions by providing a loan so it can continue to build on its success.

Why not find out for yourself what it has to offer – visit www.thestorey.co.uk.

Page 9

Event highlights March - June MARCH Until March 24: Much Ado about Nothing – Lancaster Castle.

24: Limehouse Lizzie - The Platform, 8pm, £14/£12. Age 14+.

25: Magical Day - Happy Mount Park, Morecambe.

31: The Searchers - The Platform, 7.30pm, £17.

APRIL 3 – 7: Alfie – The Dukes, 8pm.

Tickets £5/£18.50.

3 – 5: Dust - Lancaster-Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm, £14/£12.

7: Cavern Beatles - Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm, £17/£16.

7: Easter Extravaganza in Happy Mount Park.

8: Easter Fun Day – Morecambe’s Festival Market. Featuring Easter bonnet parade, brass band and visit by French ‘giants’.

10: Wheels on the bus – Platform, 11am, £6 child, £7.50 adult, family £22.

13: Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown - Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm, £20.

14: Bootleg 60s - The Platform, 7.30pm, £16.

14: Freddie Starr - Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm, £15.

17 – 21: The Hound of The Baskervilles – The Dukes Theatre, 7.30pm, £5 - £18.50.

20: Later with Jools Netherland – Platform, 8pm, £10 (18+).

21: ‘From Here to Absurdity’ Touring Show - Furness and Midland Hall, Carnforth Visitor Centre.

23 – 29: Open week of sport – see page 6.

24 – 28: Blood Brothers - Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm, £9/£8 and £7.

25: Adam Kay’s Smutty Songs - The Platform, 8pm, £16 (over 18s only).

25 – 27: North Lancashire Soul Festival - Smokey O`Connors Nightclub and The Platform.

27: The Two Martins (Martin Taylor and Martin Simpson) - The Platform, 8pm, £17.

28 – May 7: Wray Scarecrow Festival. www.wrayvillage.co.uk/ scarecrows.htm

29: Paul Rigby - Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm, £16/£15.

30: An Evening with Katya and Pasha from Strictly Come Dancing Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm, £30.

MAY 4: Talon 15th Anniversary Tour - The Platform, 8pm, £17.

4: An evening with Stuart Maconie – The Dukes, 8pm, £12/£10.

4: Magic: Queen Tribute - Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm, £16/£15.

5: Olde England Day in Happy Mount Park.

5 – 7: Morecambe Live Weekender – The Platform.

6, 13, 20, 27: Brass Band concerts Happy Mount Park, 2.30pm.

9: Fairport Convention – Platform, £17/£16, 8pm.

11: Real Diamond – Platform, 7.30pm, £17.50/£16.

12: Moonlight Serenade Orchestra – Platform, 7.30pm, £13.

13: Catch the Wind Kite Festival Morecambe.

18: We’ll meet again – Platform, 2pm, £10.

19: The Magnets (Acapella Group) Platform, 7.30pm, £15.

20: The Carpenters’ Story – Platform, 8pm, £17.

22: Gervase Phinn – Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm, £16.50.

24: Rich Hall – Lancaster Grand Theatre, 8pm, £15.

25: Showaddywaddy - The Platform, 7.30pm, £17.

25 – 27: North Lancashire Soul Festival.

26: Joe Longthorne - Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm, £20.

26: Teddy Bears Picnic - Happy Mount Park.

27: Promenade Concert Orchestra presents ‘The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert’ - The Platform, 3pm, £13/£11/£6.

JUNE 1 – 3: Nice N Sleazy Punk Festival – The Trimpell Club, Morecambe.

1-5: Lancaster Unlocked.

2: Bob Mills and John Moloney Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm.

2-3: Country Kickback Festival – Morecambe.

2-6: Lancaster Unlocked.

3: Richard Digance - Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm, £15/£13.

3, 10, 17, 24: Brass Band - Happy Mount Park, 2.30pm.

7, 9, 11 – 16: Sabbat – Dukes Theatre, 7.30pm, £5 - £18.50.

8: Gerry Cross the Mersey – Platform, 7.30pm, £16.50.

9 – 10: Sandcastle Festival, Morecambe.

9 – 10: Armed Forces Weekend.

10: Craig Campbell- Lancaster Grand Theatre, 8pm, £12.

14, 24, 28: Catwalks ‘Pendle Witch Trail’ - Meet at the castle gates at 7.30pm, £4/£1.

16: Cool Britannia – Platform, 8pm, £19/£17.

22: Olympic Torch Relay – Carnforth, Bolton-le-Sands, Hest Bank, Morecambe and Lancaster.

Followed by a weekend of sporting activities.

23: Haffner Orchestra Concert – Ashton Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster, 7.30pm, £12/£11 (under 18s – Free).

22-24: Blueswater Festival – Morecambe.

25: Jethro - Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm, £18.50.

30: Pirate Day - Happy Mount Park, Morecambe. *Every effort has been made to ensure that the details in this guide are correct, but please contact the venue before making a special trip as details may change.

For a full list of events and activities visit www.citycoastcountryside.co.uk

New Platform brochure The Spring/Summer Platform brochure is out now. To view it online visitwww.lancaster.gov.uk/ platform or pick up a copy from the visitor information centres in Morecambe or Lancaster, or Customer Service Centres at Lancaster and Morecambe town halls

Page 10

Talks to continue on future of Lancaster Indoor Market TALKS are currently taking place with Allied, owner of the Lancaster Market building, to negotiate a surrender of the lease the council holds on the building.

This follows a resolution by members that negotiations should take place to try and achieve early surrender of all interests in the market, by the end of 2012.

The difficult decision was taken due to spiralling costs and a

reduction in rental income from traders.

The current market opened to the public in 1995, having been rebuilt after the old market burnt down in the 1980s.

At the time of its opening the market was a thriving concern.

Over the years, the change in shopping habits, and shift in retail provision, has resulted in a reduction in demand of retailers

wanting to take space within the indoor market in Lancaster and this has resulted in the costs of running the market increasing to the stage where it now requires an annual subsidy of more than £600,000 to keep open. This is in contrast to an increase in demand for the outdoor market.

While the council has taken action to request negotiations take place with the owners of the indoor market, and the retail traders, it continues to consider that markets are an essential element of a vibrant town centre, and will continue to run a series of other thriving markets in the district.

Lancaster Charter Market LANCASTER’S Charter Market can trace its origins to 1193 when the city (then a town) received its first Royal Charter. This confirmed the right to hold a weekly market and an annual fair.

Today this bustling market operates in the city centre every Wednesday and Saturday with

stalls selling fruit and veg, bread, hot food, cupcakes, books, and much more.

Located in the heart of the city the market is perfect for all your needs. And it’s set to get even better - the Square Routes project (see page 11) has helped to transform Market Square and

provide more space for the market stalls.

Festival Market, Morecambe A VISIT to the Festival Market is one of the highlights that the town has to offer for shoppers looking for a unique experience.

With more than 100 stalls and shops selling an enormous selection of products, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

There are also two welcoming cafes serving homemade meals and cakes and onsite public toilets.

Shoppers can be certain to find a warm welcome from the established stall holders at this traditional market and if you happen to be visiting one of the special events hosted by the market throughout the year, the atmosphere will be even better.

Next up on the events front is a fun day on Easter Sunday (April 8), which will feature an Easter Bonnet Parade, brass band and a visit from some French ‘giants’.

There are also some great free competitions to enter. From March 18 to April 8 children can enter a colouring competition, and Easter egg hunt.

More details on the event and how to enter the competitions is available from the market office or by visiting www.lancaster.gov.uk/ festivalmarket.

Assembly Rooms LOCATED on King Street the Assembly Rooms are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm. Here you’ll find a vast array of military memorabilia, vintage clothing, rare comic books and collectables.

Don’t forget to visit The Assembly Rooms cafe for fine food at exceptional prices.

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Shaping the district’s future Last summer we were out and about asking where you would like future development to be directed and which areas you want to see protected.

This information will identify preferred options and those sites which the council believes, based on the comments and evidence provided, should be allocated for development and those which should be safeguarded and protected.

More than 1,200 comments were received and these, along with responses, are available to view online.

The next stage will also describe the detailed policies that the council believes should be used to determine planning applications.

The consultation also identified additional sites and these are also available to view in the report.

We will be consulting on the preferred options in the summer and we want to know what you think about the options we will be putting forward.

MAJOR changes are in the pipeline that will affect everyone who lives or works in the Lancaster district.

Using your feedback, we are currently undertaking a detailed assessment of potential sites and the constraints and opportunities that exist.

To find out more, including how and where you can have your say, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/ldf

A new look for Market Square AS Your District Council Matters went to press the first phase of the Lancaster Square Routes project was due to be completed.

This has included the removal of the fountain and resurfacing of Market Square, along with new lighting columns to the centre, and new lights on the Old Town Hall (City Museum).

Ffrances Passage, an important pedestrian access route into the city centre, has also seen improvements with new surfacing and drainage.

New building mounted lights have also been installed around Market Square, along Market

Street, up Penny Street to Ffrances Passage and Gage Street. This provides a softer, more diffused light and is much more efficient than the previous lighting.

The long term vision is for more improvements to help make Market Square the civic heart of the city and a better place for activities such as the outdoor market, performances and events.

The next phase of the project is subject to funding but would focus on continuing works in Market Square.

To find out more about Square Routes visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/squareroutes

In the fast lane MORE than 2,200 rural homes and businesses can look forward to superfast broadband having been chosen to pilot a new project.

Those living and working in the parishes of Arkholme, Melling, Wennington, Wray, Quernmore, Wyresdale and Caton are set to benefit from a broader project being led by Lancashire County Council. This aims to bring superfast broadband to 97% of the county by 2014 at speeds in excess of 30mbps.

The roll-out will see significant public sector investment in the project, to ensure that superfast broadband reaches those areas – approximately one third of Lancashire - that would be unlikely to receive the service in the near future if it was left to the private sector alone.

The scheme will work with local communities on innovative approaches, including setting up a £500,000 community fund aimed at working with communities to get superfast broadband to those few remote properties – about 3% of the total - not reached under the main scheme.

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Do something positive for the Lancaster district WOULD you be interested in preserving the environment, encouraging safer and cleaner transport options and supporting local enterprise? Would you like to take part in projects to raise awareness of climate change and reduce resource use?

Then why not join the Sustainability Partnership of Lancaster District.

The Sustainability Partnership, formed in 2003, is a group of local residents and organisations promoting sustainable activity in the Lancaster district. Recent projects include: • The Incredible Edibles Awards – Developed with partner organisation LESS (Local and

Effective Sustainable Solutions), the awards champion local food growing by showcasing the best food growing projects in the area.

• The Little Book of Sustainable Living, a free guide to environmentally-friendly living, available online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/littlebook or you can request a printed copy by telephoning 01524 582061.

• Pass on Plastics – A campaign to reduce plastic pollution locally by advising residents on how to easily reduce their use of plastics and help to clean local beaches.

• The Rainwater Harvest Project, which converted waste plastic

Home Insulation THE amount of energy required to heat our homes can have an ever increasing impact upon both the environment and our finances. Unfortunately, in some homes, as much as a third of the heat is lost through the walls or the roofs as a result of poor insulation.

It’s likely that many houses built within the last 20 years will have adequate insulation, but older houses could benefit from improved measures such as cavity wall or roof insulation.

The Lancaster District Local Strategic Partnership is currently working with Tadea, the sustainable energy and carbon reduction organisation, to manage a scheme which will see homes in the Lancaster District fitted with cavity wall and loft insulation.

food barrels into water storage containers saving over 7,000kg of plastic from landfill and providing free water to local allotments.

• A series of public events including: the Great Wind Debate – An informative look at wind energy; and the Wonderful Woodlands – an exploration of our local woodland environment.

If you want to get involved and help shape positive and sustainable activity in Lancaster district, you can join the Sustainability Partnership by downloading a membership form at www.lancaster.gov.uk/sustainability or you can request a copy by telephoning 01524 582061.

Funding for your Environmental Projects ARE you planning a project to improve your local environment and make a lasting contribution to your community? Will it result in practical environmental improvements, raise awareness of environmental issues or promote environmental events?

If so, you could be eligible for funding through the Green Partnership Awards; a community partnership between Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and other key agencies.

The scheme is available to residents of the district and, depending on the circumstances of each individual household, the government-approved installer Cosyseal will fit insulation either free of charge or at a discounted rate.

The Green Partnership Awards (GPA) gives grants of around £500 for environmental projects including conservation, waste reduction and arts development.

These grants are available to community organisations and groups. Schools are also encouraged to apply.

For further information about free insulation, or guidance about reducing your energy bill, please contact Tadea on 0800 1244320 or the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012.

For more information please visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/grants and follow the link to the Green Partnership Awards or call 01772 531257.

For further information please contact Lancaster City Council’s Community Engagement Team on 01524 582061 or sustainability@lancaster.gov.uk

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Staying independent in your own home LANCASTER City Council’s Home Improvement Agency offers a high quality care and repair service, offering vulnerable residents independent advice and assistance to help them remain comfortable in their own homes.

The service is free to all residents over the age of 60, or who are disabled.

was carried out to the client’s satisfaction.

The agency can also help clients explore ways to raise finance to improve their home, including advice on benefits, ways to reduce energy costs, and investigating moving to alternative forms of accommodation if appropriate.

Assistance can also be provided to both homeowners and private tenants to complete disabled adaptations.

If you would like to know more, contact the team on 01524 582257 or visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/home improvement to find out more.

The team was recently contacted by the concerned neighbour of an elderly lady who had suffered a number of falls.

Another resident recently called the agency regarding problems with a leaky roof. The team arranged for a visit and an estimate from a Safe Trader contractor, and worked with the contractor to ensure the work

Funding to help stay warm and healthy

The Department of Health has provided funding for the Warm Homes, Healthy People Campaign.

The money will be used to help people to improve the insulation in their homes and attend free Utility Bills Clinics. It also offers FREE ‘safe and warm’ packs which include flasks, blankets, socks, hot water bottles, gloves and information on local support available.

SOLAR panels are set to be installed on the roofs of council owned buildings as part of a scheme to cut fuel bills and generate income by harnessing the power of the sun.

Lancaster City Council is looking to take advantage of the Government backed FIT (Feed In Tariffs) scheme and other opportunities to make its own energy and become more energy efficient.

The agency arranged for grab rails to be fitted, trip hazards fixed and the installation of a level access shower.

RESIDENTS struggling to keep up with fuel payments and keep their homes warm, could benefit from a new campaign aimed to improve insulation, reduce isolation and help people keep warm and healthy.

Council goes Solar

As a result of the extra funding, community organisations and charities will be supported to deliver services to help Lancaster residents stay warm and healthy during cold weather conditions, preventing slips, trips and falls and reducing social isolation.

For more information contact Help Direct by: Telephone: 0303 333 1111 Email: askus@loc.helpdirectlancs. org.uk Website: www.helpdirect.org.uk Visit: pop into the Help Direct office at 7-11 Chapel Street, Lancaster.

A key benefit of this scheme would see the council reducing its own energy costs while at the same time generating an income by selling the electricity it generates to the National Grid.

Additional benefits over the longer term will include the potential to develop and diversify the local economy by employing local labour and potentially creating apprenticeships, as well as meeting the council’s objective of cutting carbon emissions.

Planning applications have been approved for the installation of panels on the roofs of White Lund Depot, Salt Ayre Sports Centre, Lancaster Bus Station and CityLab. Other council owned properties including communal blocks of Council Housing flats will also form part of this scheme.

These additional buildings would see the council making even greater savings and providing a guaranteed income, benefiting other services by reducing the need to make savings elsewhere.

Page 14

Spring is in the air in our beautiful parks HAPPY Mount Park will be hosting its popular brass band concerts every Sunday from April 29. Bring your picnics and have an afternoon sitting on the grass and listening to traditional music in Morecambe’s most popular park.

Concerts start at 2.30pm and take place every Sunday until September 9.

during the Easter weekend (April 6-9) and will then open every weekend until May 21 when it’s open daily until September 2.

For more information about what’s happening in Happy Mount Park visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/happymount park

A project is currently looking at the future possibilities for the park, with a view to developing a masterplan.

Claypitts Field MAJOR improvements are being made to the Claypitts Field on Out Moss Lane in Morecambe. Work will include a new play area, new multi-use games area and landscaping. It is due to be completed in May.

The Splash Park may open (depending on the weather)

Williamson Park EVEN on the coldest and wettest days you can feel like you are in a tropical rainforest when you visit the Butterfly House in Williamson Park. Entry tickets include a visit to the mini beast cave and your chance to see snakes, tarantulas and deadly bugs before visiting furry friends in the woodland garden.

And no visit to the park is complete without taking in the splendid views (inside and out) of the Ashton Memorial.

RYELANDS Park is a great facility for the whole community. With 40 acres of green space the park has the potential to offer more facilities and opportunities for community events and activities.

To find out more and to get involved visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/ryelandspark

Don’t forget, entry is free and what better way for the children to cool off when the weather warms up. The Splash Park is one of the biggest in the region and attracts visitors from far and wide.

Afterwards rest and replenish in the Pavilion café, which serves a wide range of locally sourced, freshly prepared food.

Ryelands Park

Funding has already been secured from United Utilities to improve the play area, and work is due to start in September.

The much anticipated opening of the Splash Park will officially take place in May.

Try and explore some of the 54 acres of parkland by completing the orienteering trail - maps are available at the gift shop – and find some of the park’s unique features including the sundial, Temple Shelter, the Dell and the old site of the Greg Observatory.

News in brief

Regent Park RESIDENTS of Morecambe’s West End are being asked to get involved with the future of Regent Park.

Lancaster City Council has been working closely with the Friends of Regent Park to prepare a masterplan for the park.

The park is open daily from 10am until 5pm and is free to enter with small admission charges to the Butterfly House and mini beast cave.

Celebrating a child’s birthday soon? Let us be the host and create a wonderful experience for your special day. Contact us to discuss your individual requirements.

For more information call Williamson Park on 01524 33318 or visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/williamson park

Flowerbed Sponsorship Scheme THE city council is looking to pilot a new flower bed sponsorship scheme and is looking for local businesses or individuals to sponsor flower beds in key locations on Morecambe’s promenade and Happy Mount Park.

For more information or to get involved with any of these projects, please contact Helen Ryan on 01524 582822 or email hryan@lancaster.gov.uk

Page 15

Help to celebrate volunteering in 2012 THE Volunteer Achievement Awards are hosted annually by Lancaster District Community and Voluntary Solutions (LDCVS) and is the only event of its kind held in the district.

It is an invaluable opportunity to celebrate the commitment of volunteers in our local community, as well as providing guests and nominees with the opportunity to meet and share their experiences.

Last year’s event was attended by more than 120 guests and each nominee received a certificate marking their individual commitment.

The 2012 ceremony will be held in partnership with Lancaster City Council and other public sector organisations and will be hosted at

the Ashton Hall (Lancaster Town Hall) on Wednesday June 6 from 4pm to 7pm.

Individual nominations are invited in the following categories:

www.lancastercvs.org.uk/volunteer awards, by emailing hannahbland@lancastercvs.org.uk or calling (01524) 555900 Ext 26.

• Volunteer of the Year (individuals who volunteer for community based projects) • Young Volunteer (18 and under) • Trustee of the Year • Community Pride Volunteer (individuals who help to take care of their area or support people in their area) You can also nominate groups of volunteers.

The deadline for nominations is Friday May 18. Nomination forms are available to download from the website

• Among those honoured in last year’s awards were volunteers from Homestart, who were presented with their certificate by Chris Batten, Director of the Francis C Scott fund.

Community conversations

In particular we want to know what public services matter most and need to be maintained in our district.

THE current condition of the economy – both locally and nationally – has left us all with extremely tough choices in managing our budgets.

Also, we want to know if there are there any services you think shouldn’t be provided or if you have any ideas on how they can be provided in a different way.

This is not only true of our own households but public bodies such as such as the city council – we all have to prioritise our spending and look at areas where savings can be made.

We’re also keen to find out if there is role for voluntary and community groups in providing some services.

Late last year representatives of the district’s public services came together with businesses, organisations and individuals to discuss the future of the district in light of these issues.

From those that took part it was clear that:

Whatever you think, we’re keen to hear from you.

Send your views and ideas by: Email: suggestions@lancaster.gov.uk Post: Jennifer Milligan, Lancaster Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster LA1 1PJ Telephone: 01524 582268

• Everyone understands there are reductions in public expenditure and changes will need to be made • There is an appetite for organisations to work more closely together to re-examine what services the district needs and how they can be provided in the future • There is expertise and services out there that can undoubtedly fill some of the gaps and provide new ways of delivering services that would reduce the overall public sector budget To find out more about the outcomes of those events visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/consultation. Now we want to hear your views on the future of our area.

• Voluntary and community groups have a huge role to play in our district.

useful contact numbers Lancaster City Council

Main contact details for key local services in the district

Emergency services

Customer Services: 01524 582000

Lancashire Police

Domestic Waste and Street Cleaning: 01524 582491

Telephone: 0845 1 25 35 45.

In an emergency always dial 999.

Contact information for your local neighbourhood police team can be found at www.lancashire.police.uk Follow us on Twitter @LancsPolice

Homelessness and Housing Standards: 01524 582257 Elections: 01524 582905 Out-of-hours Emergencies: 01524 67099 Website: www.lancaster.gov.uk Email: customerservices@lancaster.gov.uk

Lancashire County Council LCC General Enquiries/Switchboard: 0845 053 0000 Social Care: 0845 053 0009

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service We can provide a free home fire safety check, fit smoke alarms if needed and give you advice on what to do in the event of fire.

Call Freephone 0800 169 1125.

Highways: 0845 053 0011 Registrars: 0845 053 0021

Health

Welfare Rights: 0845 053 0013 Website: www.lancashire.gov.uk Email: enquiries@lancashire.gov.uk

NHS Direct: 0845 46 47 or www.nhs.uk Stop smoking service: 01524 845145 Drug and alcohol service: 01524 834210

Education

To access a dentist: 01253 306378

White Cross Education Centre

To find your nearest pharmacy: text ‘pharmacy’ to 64746

Telephone: 01524 60141 Email: adcollege.info@lancashire.gov.uk

Voluntary sector

Website: www.lancashire.gov.uk

Help Direct

Lancaster and Morecambe College

Telephone: 0303 333 1111

Telephone: 01524 66215

Email: askus@loc.helpdirectlancs.org.uk

Website: www.lmc.ac.uk

Website: www.helpdirect.org.uk

Lancaster District CVS

Lancaster University

Telephone: 01524 555900

Telephone: 01524 65201

Email: mail@lancastercvs.org.uk

Website: www.lancs.ac.uk

Website: www.lancastercvs.org.uk

University of Cumbria (Lancaster campus) Telephone: 01524 384384 Website: www.cumbria.ac.uk

Published by Lancaster City Council.