Your District Council Matters issue 30

inside:

• Are you ready for winter?

• An alternative way to save money Your District Council • Viking silver to go on show • It’s time to ‘Light Up Lancaster’ issue 30

Autumn/Winter 2013

Matters

Win tickets to see Christmas productions at the Platform and the Dukes

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Support for local businesses LANCASTER City Council is supporting Small Business Saturday UK, a national campaign to celebrate and encourage people to shop at independent local shops.

Taking place on Saturday December 7, one of the busiest shopping days in the year, the aim of the

campaign is to encourage people to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.

If you’re a small local business and are interested in taking part in Small Business Saturday UK we want to hear from you.

Email us at communications@

lancaster.gov.uk for information on how we can support you.

For more information on Small Business Saturday UK visit www.lancaster. gov.uk/sbs. The page will be updated with the latest information on businesses taking part in the campaign.

Business improvement district gets underway THE Lancaster Business Improvement District (BID) has appointed a manager to deliver its plans over the next three years.

Suzi Bunting will be liaising with private sector businesses, levy payers, the city council and other stakeholders to achieve the BID goals across the city centre.

The aim of Lancaster BID is to support a vibrant series of events across the city, alongside major improvements and bringing visitors to the district.

It will support the development of a bigger and brighter Christmas campaign and other seasonal marketing campaigns for the future.

see litter bins provided within the designated Lancaster BID area of the City.

Expressions of interest are being requested from businesses who require support and funding for special projects they wish to be delivered which benefit Lancaster City Centre. You may for example have an idea for an event or a marketing campaign, or you may wish to

All projects chosen will support and add value to existing plans within the city such as Square Routes, the Castle and the Canal Corridor. For more information on how to apply contact Suzi Bunting on 01524 381331 or email suzibunting@ lancasterunlimited.org.uk

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Silverdale hoard to go on display VIKING treasure, buried for over 1,000 years, is the subject of a new exhibition at Lancaster City Museum.

'The Silverdale Hoard – The Story So Far ...' can be seen at Lancaster City Museum from October 25 until December 21 2013.

This temporary exhibition introduces the extraordinary collection of Viking silver in the state it was found, near to Silverdale, by a keen metal detectorist.

Silverdale Hoard provides a behalf of the city council). fascinating glimpse into the After closing at the City history of our district.

Museum the exhibition With generous support will be on view in the from the National Heritage Museum of Lancashire in Memorial Fund, The Art Preston from 15 February Fund and the V&A Purchase to 7 December 2014 Grant Fund as well as before detailed research support from Lancaster City and conservation work is Council, the hoard has been undertaken. purchased by Lancashire For more information County Council's Museum Service (which runs the City visit www.lancashire. gov.uk/museums or Museum and Maritime Museum in Lancaster on telephone 01524 64637.

Made up of 200 items, this is the third largest Viking silver hoard that has been found in the country. With coins, armrings, ingots (metal bars) and fragments of chopped-up pieces known as 'hacksilver' – the

Extended castle tours hailed a success MORE and more people are discovering for themselves the murky and sometimes horrific nature of Lancaster’s past.

guided tour of the Castle, compared with 12,391 during the same time period in 2011.

Guided tours of Lancaster Castle, run by Lancashire County Council's Museums Service, saw a 31% increase during the summer months.

With the closing of the Castle as a prison, the tours have been expanded and now include the courtyard and female penetentiary.

Between the start of June and the end of August 16,265 people paid for a

For more information visit www.lancastercastle.com

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A Square deal for Lancaster NEARLY £1million is to be invested to rejuvenate the important historic city centre of Lancaster.

Plans have been approved as part of the Lancaster Square Routes initiative to improve Market Square and some of the surrounding streets.

This will see an investment of £971,000 in Lancaster City Centre, including £485,579 in European funding which the city council successfully bid for from the Department for Communities and Local Government. Lancashire County Council is contributing £165,000 towards the scheme with the remainder coming from the city council.

Works are anticipated to start in March and will be finished by the end of July.

They will include: • A new centrepiece for the square which will provide informal seating and staging.

• New stone surfacing for the whole of Market Square and the adjoining stretch of Market Street, Cheapside, Horseshoe Corner and Penny Street.

• Return of the horseshoe to Horseshoe Corner.

Lancaster Square Routes is a Lancaster City Council initiative to help rejuvenate the city centre and strengthen the city’s position as a quality destination for both visitors and residents of the district. It is just one of a number of exciting projects currently underway in the city, including Lancaster Castle.

The work will build upon the first phase of the Square Routes initiative, which took place in 2011/12. It included the removal of the fountain and some resurfacing of Market Square, along with new lighting columns to the centre and perimeter, and new lights on the City Museum.

• New and better sited street furniture including benches and bins.

The next phase of the project is being co-funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme 2007-2013, Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council.

During the course of the works it is planned that the Charter Market will relocate to Church Street/ New St.

Further information and updates can be found at www.lancaster.gov.uk/ squareroutes

• New and improved directional signage and information.

• New LED street lighting to Cheapside and part of Penny Street.

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Chatsworth Gardens plans progress MORE than 90 new affordable homes are set to be created in the West End of Morecambe thanks to a partnership between Lancaster City Council and developer PlaceFirst.

Road and Chatsworth Road areas.

Proposals have come forward to complete the Chatsworth Gardens development which stalled due to the financial crisis and subsequent recession.

The proposals will see empty properties being converted into a mix of two, three and four bed family homes.

Work behind the scenes and negotiations with the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency secured an offer of £1.9million for the scheme and PlaceFirst is now on board as the developer.

The project targets properties in the Westminster Road, Albert Road, Balmoral

In addition to bringing empty properties back into use, a key aim of the project is to turn former houses in multiple occupation into family homes.

All the homes will benefit from a greatly improved environment, particularly at the rear, and have generous private external space in the form of gardens, terraces and balconies.

Subject to further detailed work on the proposals the project will be completed in phases, with a target completion date of 2016.

Morecambe Area Action Plan THE regeneration of Morecambe is one of Lancaster City Council’s key priorities.

Over the last few years the council has been working on the Morecambe Area Action Plan (MAAP), which will help create a framework for the development, conservation and change needed to secure lasting regeneration gains for the town.

It also sets out the preferred vision for areas such as the Central Promenade following the refusal of planning permission for the proposed redevelopment

by Urban Splash.

The final draft of the plan has now been agreed and it is now open for formal representations on the “soundness” and legality of the documents until November 21.

The MAAP can be viewed online at www.lancaster. gov.uk/MAAP at the Customer Service Centres in Lancaster and Morecambe, or main libraries.

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A Brand new way forward A NEW way forward has been presented for marketing the district and locality as a destination.

The work, which has been funded by Lancashire County Council, Marketing Lancashire and Lancaster City Council, has involved local councils, organisations and businesses and has been led by destination marketing experts Cairn Consultancy.

It is in response to earlier research that identifies Lancaster as being relatively unknown outside the Northwest, and Morecambe as being associated with the decline experienced by many seaside towns.

towns and villages, and Morecambe as its established capital. • Lancaster - a destination brand which is set around the history, heritage and culture of the city of Lancaster. The brand will also celebrate the Lune Valley, accessed from the River Lune Millennium Park in the city centre, as a key recreational asset.

Partner organisations are now looking forward to jointly delivering the next steps of the work, including the development of destination brand implementation plans, for both Morecambe Bay and Lancaster.

Aimed at updating the best way to market the area as a place to visit and invest, two different, but complementary, destination brands have been identified by the consultants: • Morecambe Bay - a brand which is set around the outstanding landscape of Morecambe Bay. The brand will celebrate the Bay’s natural, cultural, heritage, recreational and outdoor assets, its coastal

M6 link AS Your District Council Matters went to press news was being awaited on the outcome of a legal challenge on the Heysham to M6 link.

The challenge was launched by opponents to the link road and was heard

at the High Court in London in July.

The judge who heard the case reserved his judgement on the case and was expected to announce his decision in early October.

If the legal challenge is dismissed work on the link road is expected to start before the end of the year, with a target completion date of 2015.

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Make this Christmas one to remember THERE are a whole host of events, activities and special offers taking place in the run up to Christmas to make this festive season one to remember.

The start of the countdown to Christmas begins on Sunday November 24 when the annual switch on of Lancaster’s Christmas tree lights takes place in Market Square.

Get there early and you’ll be able to meet some real reindeer and watch hundreds of Santas take part in the charity Santa Dash around the city centre.

The fun starts at 2pm, with the lights officially being switched on at 4.30pm.

Every Thursday from November 28 the shops will be open late until 8pm, so don’t forget to pop down and pick up a bargain or two.

And as an added incentive, free parking in city council car parks will be on offer for those coming into Lancaster and Morecambe to do their Christmas shopping Thursday evenings and Sundays.

Every Sunday (all day) and Thursday evenings (after 6pm) between November 24 and December 22, all of Lancaster City Council's car parks will be free to use in Lancaster and Morecambe. There will also be an added date on Monday December 23 (after 6pm), when many shops will be opening late, for anyone wanting to pick up some last minute presents.

Don’t forget to pay a visit to the bustling Charter Market in Lancaster city centre (Wednesdays and Saturdays) and Morecambe’s Festival Market for a bargain or two on the way.

The Festival Market will be holding its annual Christmas Festival on Saturday November 30 and Sunday December 1.

Get your Christmas shopping off to a festive start, with carol singing around the Christmas tree, a brass band and mulled wine and mince pies.

Come along on the Saturday and see Santa arrive on his sleigh before warming yourself up with a delicious hog roast. TV personality and antiques expert, Paul Hayes and his band The Paul Hayes Collection will be entertaining shoppers on both days.

Lancaster’s Williamson Park promises to warm you up for Christmas this year when mulled wine, mince pies and its popular Christmas Carol Concert Series will be back featuring some of the area’s finest choirs.

The concerts take place in the Ashton Hall and start on Monday December 16.

More details can be found on page 13.

For more information visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/williamsonpark

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Dukes Christmas production – competition A CHRISTMAS Carol with a Lancaster twist is the festive treat in store at The Dukes from November 29January 4.

Following the success of her adaptation of Treasure Island for The Dukes last year, Coronation Street scriptwriter Debbie Oates

turns her talents to Dickens famous Christmas story which she sets in Victorian Lancaster.

see A Christmas Carol, just answer the following question: What is Scrooge’s first name?

Catchy songs, Northern humour and plenty of Bah Humbug combine for the perfect Christmas treat staged in The Round.

Email your answer to: communications@lancaster .gov.uk

To win a family ticket to

Deadline for entries is Friday November 22 2013.

Platform Christmas panto – competition GET your three wishes ready, dig out your magic carpet and prepare for some fabulous festive fun at the Platform in Morecambe this Christmas.

One of the most treasured family pantomimes of all time, Aladdin is the story with more than enough magic, sparkle and festive fun to keep all the family happy!

Will Aladdin spoil the evil Abanazer’s plan to rule the world? Will he get the girl?

Will Widow Twankey find a pair of knickers that fit?

There is only one way to find out this Christmas.

The show runs from Boxing Day until December 30.

Tickets are £8 per adult, £7 per child and £26 per family (2+2) and are available from the box office at Morecambe Visitor Information Centre, by telephoning 01524 582803 or the online shop at www.lancaster.gov. uk/platform-tickets To be in with a chance of

winning a family ticket to one of the shows simply answer the following question: How many wishes does Aladdin receive from the genie?

Email your answer to: communications@lancaster. gov.uk Deadline for entries is Friday November 22 2013.

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Register today to have your say tomorrow EVERY household in the district should by now have received their annual electoral registration form.

Each year the council is required by law to canvass every household in the district and produce a Register of Electors.

However, please note that the opt-out ‘ticks’ are not being pre-printed this year, so if you do want to opt out you will need to do so again.

If a form has not been delivered to your property, or you have any other questions, help is available

from the council telephone the helpline 01524 582905.

Anyone who does not return their forms will receive a visit from one of the council’s team of canvassers, so save yourself time and confirm your details now.

The forms for this year’s canvass have been distributed and it should only take five minutes to register your details.

If there have been no changes in your household you can re-register using the freephone telephone service, by internet, or by SMS. This means that all of your household’s details can be confirmed in minutes.

Those using the telephone, internet or SMS registration service do not need to return their form.

Both the telephone and internet systems also accommodate the ‘optout’ rules allowing users to add or remove their names from the edited version of the register used by mailing companies, and to request postal vote applications.

Why it’s important to register to vote BEING on the electoral register is a legal requirement, but it’s also important for a number of other reasons.

First and foremost, if you’re not on the electoral register you won’t be able to vote. If you want to be able to influence local, national and European elections you need to be on the electoral register.

Secondly, many credit reference agencies check the electoral register to determine credit ratings so people who are not on it could therefore find that they cannot apply for a loan, credit card or mobile phone.

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IGNITION ONE (Market Square – 7.20pm, 7.50pm, 8.20pm).

A dynamic new dance SEE Lancaster in a whole LIGHT UP THE STREETS performance new light this autumn as Friday 1 November incorporating physical Lancaster Arts Partners and Take a stroll through the Lancaster City Council bring city for a unique night-time movement, narrative and a sound and light you a week of events art experience animating installation. celebrating Lancaster’s our beautiful buildings and stunning heritage buildings squares with music, dance, WANDERING OF SOULS and open spaces. theatre and film events: (Sun Square – 6.20pm to 8.20pm).

Light Up Lancaster is a SHOPPED OUT? free event for all the family, (City Centre - 6pm to 9pm) Explore the tales of taking place in outdoor Lancaster’s history and the Artists create surprising spaces across the city mystery of why we return. and inspiring installations centre. in Lancaster’s shop READING LIGHTS The series of events windows.

(Library, Market Square – culminates on November 2 6pm to 8.30pm).

BELLTOWER with Lancaster’s annual Ten poets have created 40 (Dalton Square – 6.30pm fireworks display (more new poems. In a darkened to 8.20pm). details on page 11).

Lancaster Library, they are Join in and make some presented as modern day LIGHT UP THE WATERWAYS noise or dodge the fiery illuminated manuscripts.

Tuesday 29 October & dancers.

Wednesday 30 October THE RULE OF LAW (7.30pm, 8.15pm, 8.45pm). BAYBEAT STREETBAND (Judges’ Lodgings (City Centre – from 6pm) Be dazzled as this 6.45 pm, 7.15 pm, 7.40pm, magnificent heritage Grade THE BREAKING LIGHT 8.15pm).

1 Listed Lune aqueduct is (Lancaster Castle Courtyard Voices ring out, reflecting illuminated in all its glory.

– 6.30pm, 7pm, 7.30pm, historic Lancaster rulings, 8pm). as animated illuminations light up the windows.

Large-scale moving

Light up Lancaster

projections mixed with performance, bringing to life a fascinating chapter of Lancaster Castle’s history.

GRAIN OF TRUTH (Marketgate Shopping Centre – 6.30pm – 8.20pm) A continuous performance

by The Long Walk Chinese Orchestra.

IGNITION TWO (Market Square - 8.45pm to 9.15pm).

Stories and memories from young people across the city.

For more information and a full programme of events visit www.lancaster. gov.uk/lightuplancaster

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Fireworks ready for launch LANCASTER’s annual Fireworks Spectacular will be launched on Saturday November 2 at 8pm and is the culmination of the Light Up Lancaster week of events.

Following the success of 2012, the Lancaster Fireworks Spectacular will once again see the display being launched from the roof of Lancaster Castle.

Thanks to the Duchy of Lancaster allowing firing to take place from the castle, you’ll be able to view the display from hundreds of locations across the district.

Due to the continued popularity of the event a wristband system will be in place for entry at the Quay Meadow and Giant Axe viewing areas to ensure everyone can enjoy an unspoiled view of the fireworks. Both sites will include entertainment and Giant Axe will include fundraising actitives in aid of St John's Hospice.

The deadline to apply for free wristbands has now closed, but you can still view the display from other official viewing areas at: • Salt Ayre Sport Centre – enjoy the spectacular view across the river with free parking • Millennium Bridge and cycle path alongside the River Lune (opposite St George’s Quay) • Williamson Park For a full programme of events, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/fireworks or pick up a copy from Visitor Information Centres at Lancaster and Morecambe.

Please remember that alcohol and fireworks (including sparklers) cannot be brought to the official viewing areas. As in previous years, the castle and priory precinct will be closed during the display.

Light Up Lancaster is a partnership between Lancaster City Council and Lancaster Arts Partners and has been made possible with support from Arts Council England, Lancashire County Council, The Canal & River Trust, Lancaster Unlimited, Market Gate Shopping Centre, societies from Lancaster University and AXA Insurance.

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Event highlights November - February November 1 and 2: Lantern making – Lancaster City Museum, 10.30am and 1pm, £1.

1: Brian Kennedy – The Platform, 8pm, £17.50.

2: Beatlemania (50th anniversary tour) – The Platform, 7.30pm, £17.50.

2: Design your own firework poster – Lancaster Maritime Museum, 12pm, free.

8: Dominic Kirwan – The Platform, 8pm, £18.50.

9: Remembrance Concert featuring Morecambe Band – The Platform, 7.30pm, £8/£5.

11: Maritime museum talk (Abram in the Arctic) – Lancaster Maritime Museum, 1pm, free.

13: Dark History Tour (15+) – Lancaster Castle, 7.30pm, £6.

16: Times Past 3 presented by Chris Abram – The Platform, 7.30pm, £10.

16: Mamma Mia Fundraiser (Sing-a-long) – The Dukes, 6.30pm, £15/£12/£4.

23: Hal Cruttenden (16+) – The Platform, 8pm, £14/12.

23: My Heart is Hitchhiking Down Peachtree Street (12+) – The Dukes, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, £8.

24: Lancaster Christmas lights switch on – Market Square, Lancaster, 4.30pm.

25: City museum talk (History of Ashton Park Hall) – Lancaster City Museum, 1pm, free.

28: Old time and modern sequence dancing – The Platform, 2pm, £2.80.

29: Ceilidh with Striding Edge – The Platform, 8pm, £15 (including hot pot supper).

29 Nov to 4 Jan: A Christmas Carol – The Dukes, various times (check website for details), £5 - £16.

30: Paul Daniels – The Platform, 7.30pm, £16.

30 Nov and 1 Dec: Christmas Festival – Morecambe’s Festival Market, 10am-4pm

December

17: Promenade Concert Orchestra (Music for You) – The Platform, 3pm, £14/£12/£6.

4: Morecambe Bay Flower Club Golden Anniversary Event - The Platform, 2pm, £2.

21: Old time and modern sequence dancing – The Platform, 2pm, £2.80.

4: Dark History Tour (15+) – Lancaster Castle, 7.30pm, £6.

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17: Carol Concert by the Lancaster Singers – Williamson Park, 7.30pm, £8.50.

17 and 18: Jools Netherland’s Big Night Out (18+) – The Platform, 8pm, £25 (including supper).

19: Carol Concert by the Rushley Singers – Williamson Park, 7.30pm, £7.50.

20: Carol Concert by the Lancaster Singers – Williamson Park, 7.30pm, £8.50.

21: Morecambe Brass Band Christmas Concert – The Platform, 7.30pm, £10/£8/£6.

26 – 30: Aladdin – The Platform, various times (check website for details), £8/£7/£26 family.

January

6-8: Vintage Fair – The Storey (Gallery), 10am to 5pm.

7: Christmas crafts – Lancaster City Museum, 1.30pm, free.

7: Cerys Matthews – Platform, 8pm, £21.50.

11: Morecambe Lantern Festival – Morecambe’s West End, 6pm. Visit www.moremusic.org.uk for more details.

12 – 14: Deck the halls with boughs of holly – Lancaster Castle (Shire Hall), 7.30pm, £15-£13.

13: The Houghton Weavers – The Platform, 7.30pm, £14/£13.

14: Steeleye Span – The Platform, 7.30pm, £19.50.

14: Lancaster and District Choral Society (50th anniversary Christmas carol concert) – Ashton Hall, Lancaster Town Hall, 7.30pm.

16: Carol Concert by the Royal School of Church Music – Williamson Park, 7.30pm, £8.50.

TBC: Recalibrate (exhibition by Wu ChiTsung) - The Storey and Peter Scott Gallery. Visit www.thestorey.co.uk for details.

26: Promenade Concert Orchestra New Year Viennese Concert – The Platform, 3pm, £14/£12/£6.

February 2: Limehouse Lizzy – The Platform, 8pm, £13 advance, £15 on the door.

22: LDN Wrestling – The Platform, 7pm, £15/£12/£45 two adults, two children.

New Platform brochure THE Autumn/Winter Platform brochure is out now. To view it online visit www.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.

The spring/summer 2014 brochure will be out in January. Sign up online to receive it in your inbox.

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Safety checks reveal sunbed flaws SUNBED users could be setting themselves up for more than a tan after recent safety checks found that many sunbeds are overpowered.

A recent joint exercise between Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council saw a high number of sunbeds fail safety checks The UV radiation levels of 37 sunbeds, which were available to the public in 14 local businesses in Lancaster and Morecambe, were checked.

Just seven sunbeds (19%) were found to comply with product safety standards that impose a maximum UV emission of 0.3W/m2, which is equivalent to the summer midday sun in the Mediterranean.

Eighteen sunbeds (48%) were found to be at least two times over the limit whilst five (13%) were found to be at least three times over the limit.

Businesses which failed the safety test have been warned and instructed to lower UV emissions to acceptable levels.

The World Health Organisation warns against the use of cosmetic sunbeds due to the adverse effects on health including

skin cancer, eye damage and premature skin ageing.

Cancer Research UK studies have found that the main cause of skin cancer is overexposure to UV radiation.

Parents and salons are also being reminded that under legislation which came into force in 2011 it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to use a commercial sunbed.

Don’t let food poisoning ruin festive celebrations IF there is one thing guaranteed to ruin your Christmas meal out with friends, family or colleagues, it’s a nasty bout of food poisoning.

But if you’re eating out, how do you know if the restaurant owner takes food hygiene seriously?

The food hygiene rating scheme rates eateries and other places that sell food on their hygiene standards, based on inspections carried out by Lancaster City

Council. What’s more, these ratings are available for everyone to see.

This national scheme rates outlets on a scale ranging from zero at the bottom (which means that urgent improvement is necessary) to a top rating of five (very good). You can check the rating online at www.food.gov. uk/ratings or via a free phone app, or look for the distinctive green and black rating stickers that businesses are encouraged to display.

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Keep Santa smiling this Christmas and recycle DON’T forget that there will be changes to the days on which your refuse and recycling will be collected over the festive period. Details can be found on your collections calendar, or from the table below.

Normal Collection Day

Actual Collection Day

Monday 23 December

Saturday 21 December

Tuesday 24 December

Monday 23 December

Wednesday 25 December

Tuesday 24 December

Thursday 26 December

Friday 27 December

Friday 27 December

Saturday 28 December

Monday 30 December

Monday 30 December

Tuesday 31 December

Tuesday 31 December

Wednesday 1 January

Thursday 2 January

Thursday 2 January

Friday 3 January

Friday 3 January

Saturday 4 January

Christmas trees can be recycled at the Salt Ayre or Keer Bridge Household Waste Recycling Centres or they can be cut down to fit into your green garden bin.

Are you ready for winter?

IT might only be October, but winter is just around the corner. The earlier you’re prepared the less likely you are to fall foul of the conditions so make sure by taking a few simple precautions.

We’ve set up a page on our website – www.lancaster.gov.uk/seve re-weather - with some handy information on clearing your own property of snow and ice, links and tips on how best to prepare for winter.

Most importantly, remember to take care when out and about. Dress appropriately for the

Alternatively, on the weekend of January 11 and 12, St John’s Hospice are offering to collect your Christmas tree from your home and take it away for recycling.

For this service there is a minimum donation to the hospice of £5.

You can register for your tree to be collected or download a booking form at www.sjhospice.org.uk/ recycletrees. Alternatively, you can call the hospice directly and speak to a member of their fundraising team on 01524 382538.

Due to high demand with last year’s tree collection, trees can only be collected from the following postcodes LA1, LA2, LA3, LA4 and LA5. conditions with sensible footwear and, if you’re driving, allow extra time for your journey.

Once winter hits we’ll be keeping our website up to date with information on any service disruptions such as delays to waste and recycling collections, so keep an eye on our website for the latest information.

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Could you make a dierence and volunteer?

VOLUNTEERING can be very rewarding.

It is a great way to not only help your community, but also to meet new people.

Volunteering is valued by employers and could provide you with an opportunity to gain some experience to help start or further your career.

If you are interested in volunteering, The Lancaster District Volunteer Centre can match your skills and interests.

You can arrange an appointment at the Volunteer Centre, which is located at The Cornerstone, between 10am-3pm, Monday to Thursday, or by calling 01524 555900 to arrange an appointment.

The centre can also be contacted by emailing jane@volunteerlancaster.org To find out more about local opportunities in the district, visit the website www.volunteerlancaster.org

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 Green Partnership Awards (GPA) provide professional advice and grants of around ÂŁ500 for environmental projects

including conservation, waste reduction and arts development. These grants are available to schools, community organisations and other similar groups.

If you think you can develop an innovative environmental project which will benefit from a GPA grant, please visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/gran ts/gpa or, email: gpa@lancashire. gov.uk or telephone: 01772 530650 If you would like to discuss a project in Lancaster district prior to applying, please contact 01524 582061 or email sustainability@lancaster.gov.uk for advice and guidance.

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Tell us Once and we’ll do the rest WHEN someone dies, it can be a stressful and upsetting time. As well as coping with the emotional distress, you will need to notify a number of different government departments and organisations.

These could include council housing departments, adult services, income support, libraries, driver and vehicle licensing agencies.

The Tell Us Once service aims to reduce the amount of time you need to spend contacting government departments and organisations.

When you make your appointment to register

the death at the local Register Office, the Tell Us Once service will be explained to you.

If you choose to take part, the Registrar will set up the deceased’s details on a national database.

Once the details have been entered, a full Tell Us Once interview can be arranged either face-toface at the customer service centres at Lancaster and Morecambe town halls, via the telephone, or online, to determine which agencies need to be notified.

The information you give will be treated securely and confidentially. The organisations who are

Have you mobilised?

ARE you one of the growing number of people who choose to contact and do business with the council online?

Whether it’s to find bin collection days, view or submit a planning application, book a fitness class at Salt Ayre, pay a council bill or report fly-tipping, visitors to our website clock up over 200,000 page hits every month.

Those page hits are increasingly coming from mobile devices and in February we launched a dedicated mobile website to

contacted will use the information to update records, end services, benefits and credits as appropriate. They may use this information in other ways, but only as the law allows.

For more information visit www.lancaster.gov. uk/tell-us-once or pick up a leaflet from customer service centres and local libraries.

cater specifically for smartphone and tablet users.

Visit us at www.lancaster.gov.uk and if you’re using a mobile device you’ll automatically be served up our mobile-optimised site, giving you quick and easy access to council information and services.

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Keep Warm, Keep Safe, Stay Well DO you, or someone you know, struggle to cope with the cold weather?

Whether young or old, we are all more likely to catch a cold or flu in winter. Cold weather can also cause serious health problems. This means it is essential to keep you and your home warm. Your health may be in danger if the temperature in your home falls below 14 degrees for a prolonged period.

Hypothermia is caused by getting too cold. Older people, babies and those with certain health conditions are among those more at risk.

Shivering can be used as a guide to how severe

hypothermia is. If a person can stop shivering on their own, the hypothermia is mild. If they can’t stop shivering, it’s moderate to severe. Severe hypothermia needs urgent hospital treatment.

A cold home can cause: • Breathing problems • Heart attacks • Strokes • Hypothermia • Accidents in the home

Available assistance LANCASTER City Council is working with a number of partners to help vulnerable people manage during periods of cold weather.

To find out what assistance is available to you and others this winter call Help Direct on: 0303 333 1111 (quote Warm Homes) or email

info@loc.helpdirectlancs. org.uk Available services include the city council’s Home Improvement Agency, which is currently running a Warm Homes service to help vulnerable people keep warm this winter. If you are aged over 60 or you have a disability or a

long term health condition you could benefit from a range of practical assistance.

For more information about what you can do to help yourself and others during periods of cold weather, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/ affordable-warmth

Page 19

An alternative way to save and obtain a loan IT’S fair to say that financial It aims to make affordable finance institutions haven’t had available to those much good press in recent members of society who years. are often excluded from And that’s left many tradition sources of funds. people looking for an Some loans are charged alternative way to invest 1% per month interest their money, access banking and credit unions are facilities and obtain loans. legally restricted to charge But what options are there a maximum of 2% per other than building month on an outstanding societies and pay day loan balance of a loan. This is companies? equivalent of borrowing There is one alternative – on a credit card. and it’s sitting right here on The credit union enables our doorstep. members to deposit Morecambe Bay Credit Union is a savings and loan cooperative owned and run by its members who are local people who invest in and borrow from it.

money. That money is lent to other members who require a loan and interest is charged on the outstanding loan. Its legal structure is an industrial

and provident society; that is the same as the original building societies.

Interest is not paid on the deposits; a dividend is paid instead depending on the surplus that the credit union has accrued.

Although a dividend has been paid in the past, one was not declared for 2012.

Any money deposited is protected by the Financial Services Authority compensation scheme.

Deposits can be made at the office, collection points (there are two in Lancaster), by standing order, using internet banking and wages or benefits can be paid into an account. Withdrawals can be made at the office (75, Queen Street, Morecambe, LA4 5EN), a collection point by previous arrangement, by transfer into a current account or to a third party, e.g. landlord or HM Revenue and Customs for income tax.

Details about the credit union are at www.mbcu.co.uk telephone 01524 411 240.

Application forms to join the credit union are available at the office, collection points, by telephone or by email morecambebaycu@aol. co.uk

Page 20

‘Talking Rubbish’ Waste and Recycling Survey EARLIER this year we asked residents for their views on the council’s kerbside waste and recycling collection scheme.

questionnaire, 57.8% said they didn’t have any problems with our scheme, but where problems do occur told us it was:

You told us:

• Litter left by the collection crews

• 92.8% always recycle

• Bins and boxes not put back neatly after collection

• 88.2% use their collection calendar • 51.9% want more information on recycling • 54.7% think that incentives would encourage you to recycle more Many residents also mentioned that they would like to be able to recycle more items such as more plastics, cartons and electrical items. For more information on these items visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/bins.

When asked to score the scheme between 1 and 10, 70% scored the scheme at 8, 9 or 10.

Where respondents found the scheme difficult to use, the main reasons were that the lids don’t fit properly, the recycling is too heavy and the boxes are difficult to move.

Of those who completed the

Below are details of how we are going to try and improve our recycling scheme as well as a few tips on how you can recycle more.

What we are going to do to improve

How you can help

Redesign our ‘what goes where’ recycling leaflet to provide more information on what can be recycled and where your recycling goes. This will be delivered to residents

Remember to recycle everything you can.

Don’t forget aerosols, foil and large metal sweet/biscuit tins along with your cans. Recycle your food waste in your green wheeled bin or kerbside caddy.

The new ‘shower cap’ style recycling box lids are now available to pick up at Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls as well as the Lancaster and Morecambe Visitor Information Centres.

Collect the new style lids and tie them onto your recycling boxes by tying the ribbon on the lid through the punch hole on the recycling box handle.

Work with our collection crews to reduce the amount of litter left after collection.

On windy days ensure your box lids are securely attached

Work with our collection crews to ensure boxes and bins are replaced in the correct place.

Number your bins and boxes clearly and also your gate if your bins are collected from a back alleyway.

For the full results of the survey, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/bins

Page 21

Disposing of asbestos HAZARDOUS waste such as asbestos has occasionally been found amongst household waste collected in this district.

Asbestos cannot be accepted in household waste due to the hazards it brings at the treatment plant that deals with our waste.

Asbestos should NEVER be disposed of in your grey bin or orange bags as it poses a serious risk to the health of those that handle your rubbish.

Asbestos can either be disposed of through properly licensed contractors or by taking it to the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) at Salt Ayre.

All asbestos should be wrapped in heavy duty polythene sheets.

Wrapping materials are available to householders free of charge (in limited quantities) from any of the district’s HWRCs. Smaller pieces of asbestos should be double-bagged and securely sealed.

If you are working with asbestos make sure you wear protective clothing such as overalls with

elasticated wrists, ankles and hoods, a facemask,

goggles, gloves and protective footwear.

What is asbestos?

ASBESTOS is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral product which is strong, durable and noncombustible.

beams and girders

The fibres are very fine and mostly invisible to the naked eye and when disturbed can be released into the atmosphere easily breathed in.

• Ceiling tiles, door panels, lift shafts, fire breaks, soffits etc.

Because of its usefulness as a building material, asbestos is found in a wide variety of locations and uses in domestic and commercial premises: • Lagging of pipes and boilers • Sprayed insulation on

• Loose insulation often between floors, in ceilings and within partitions

• In the form of asbestos cement in gutters, rainwater pipes, flue pipes, roofs and walls in garages and outbuildings etc.

• As a component in other products such as decorative ceilings, floor tiles, asbestos rope in connection with fireplaces, fire blankets, brake linings etc.

Page 22

Remembering our fallen heroes THIS year Remembrance Sunday falls on November 10 and a number of services have been arranged in the Lancaster district.

Remembrance Day Services will take place as follows:

Lancaster Garden of Remembrance, Town Hall Lancaster commencing at 10.20 am, to be followed by a service in the Priory Church at 11.30am. There will be a parade and March Past leaving the Priory Church, ending at Lancaster Town Hall at approximately 12.20pm.

To help people to pay their respects, Lancaster City Council has suspended parking charges on the car parks at the Bay Arena (next to the former Dome site) in Morecambe and Nelson Street in Lancaster on Sunday November 10.

For further information about the services or to express an interest in laying a wreath please contact the Mayor’s Office, Town Hall, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ, telephone (01524) 582070 or email mayor@lancaster.gov.uk

Morecambe Cenotaph, Marine Road – Procession will form up at The Platform at approximately 10.20am, ending with a two minutes silence and Service at the Cenotaph.

Carnforth Parade will leave the Carnforth Town Council offices at 10.35am for a service and wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph.

Gardens of remembrance to be restored NEXT year will be 100 years since the start of the First World War and work is underway to develop plans to mark the centenary.

In the lead up to the anniversary work is taking place on Lancaster’s

Gardens of Remembrance, located next to Lancaster Town Hall.

The extensive works will include the pruning of trees and removal and clearing back of shrubs, as well as the removal of all the railings surrounding

the garden.

The railings will be repaired and restored before being returned to their original location, rejuvenating the Gardens of Remembrance and ready to play a full part in the commemorations.

Page 23

Youth Games

Sports included athletics, badminton, rowing, table tennis, tennis, golf, karate, and swimming.

For the first time, echoing the success of the London 2012 Paralympics, disability sports also featured in the International Youth Games.

The home team topped the medal table with an impressive 70 gold, 100 silver and 95 bronze.

A WEEK long festival of sport in July saw more than 400 young people from the Lancaster district and across Europe competing in 10 sports.

It was the ninth time that Lancaster has held the International Youth Games and competition took place at venues across the district including Salt Ayre Sports Centre, Lancaster University, Morecambe High School and the John O’Gaunt Rowing Club.

As well as the sporting activities there were cultural, music and dance activities.

The Lancaster International Youth Games were organised by Lancaster City Council with valuable support from local sports clubs and community organisations including the volunteer leaders, without whom the opportunity to take part would not exist. * Photos and videos from the week are still available to view at www.facebook. com/lancasteriyg2013

Get up and active this half term YOUNGSTERS in the district are invited to get up, get active and join in the fun with Lancaster City Council this October half term.

as archery and racket sports as well as week-long intensive swimming courses Salt Ayre Sports Centre.

With more than 40 exciting sports, arts, nature and museum events on offer for young people aged 5 to 16, there's something for everyone.

There’s a spooky theme running throughout many of the activities on the run up to Halloween with spooky pool parties, scary critter wildlife events and Halloween parties.

Regular favourites are back on the menu and include sport sessions such

For the more creative types, activities such as jewellery designing and

lantern making should keep them busy.

To find more visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/holi dayprogramme or telephone 01524 842493.

Copies of the holiday programme are also available from Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls, Salt Ayre Sports Centre and the council's community pools at Heysham, Carnforth and Hornby.

how to contact us DID you know that information on all the services provided by the council can be found online at www.lancaster.gov.uk?

• In person at Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).

You can make payments, report issues and make applications for a number of council services using our website too.

• By telephone: 8am to 5pm weekdays (10am to 5pm on Wednesdays).

You can also email us with your comments and queries at customerservices@lancaster.gov.uk.

Please note that our customer service centres are closed on all bank holidays.

On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve they close at 3pm.

However, if you don’t have access to the internet or need to speak to one of our advisers you can contact us:

Below is an at-a-glance guide to our most frequently used telephone numbers.

Customer Services

01524 582000

Domestic Waste and Street Cleaning

01524 582491

Council Tax

01524 582900

Elections

01524 582905

Residents Parking

01524 582972

Housing Standards and Homelessness

01524 582257

Ideal Choice Homes

01524 582005

Council Housing

01524 582929

Tell Us Once

01524 582000

Out-of-hours Emergencies

01524 67099

Markets

01524 414251

Location, Location, Location.

AT the touch of a button, and at any time of day or night, you can find out when your bins are collected, when your street is cleaned, where you can recycle things, where the nearest public toilet is, and much more.

Just visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/ mylocation and enter your address.

Our My Location service covers every address in the district and gives you 24/7 access to a wide range of location-based information.

Published by Lancaster City Council.