Your District Council Matters issue 24 - Summer 2011

inside:

z What’s on guide z Win ‘park theatre’ tickets z Shaping your future z Have a sustainable summer

Your District Council

Matters issue 24

of the

summer 2011

Page 2

Welcome...

z EFFECTIVE: The council’s toprated website is one of the country’s top 20 best-developed.

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

In this issue we have exciting news of some of the festivals and events taking place in the district during the summer, including the return of the Red Arrows. You’ll find more details of what’s in store on pages 8 and 9.

We’ve also got details of the people who will represent you on Lancaster City Council over the next four years.

A new council was elected in May and the new make-up of the council is as follows: z Labour group: 24 z Conservative group: 16 z Independent group: 10 z Green group: 8 z Free Independent group: 2 On pages 14 and 15 you’ll find details of the new councillors, along with details of how to contact them with any issues in your ward.

On the front cover: z The Red Arrows, who will be flying into Morecambe in September as part of the Seaside Festival.

If you would like a large print or audio version of Your District Council Matters, please call 01524 582041.

Printed on recycled paper.

‘Benchmark’website success LANCASTER City Council's website has been identified as one of the most effective in the United Kingdom in a recent independent survey.

The survey covered all 433 UK councils and highlighted www.lancaster.gov.uk as one of the top 20 best-developed sites.

Sites were assessed according to their useful content, ease of use, online services, and visitor feedback.

Lancaster was also awarded a threestar rating, missing the maximum four-star rating by the narrowest of margins.

The council has previously been recognised for the high take-up and use of its website by the local

population, but this is the first time the website has made the top 20 and been identified as a benchmark for other local authorities.

One of the website’s most popular features is 'Find My Nearest' www.lancaster.gov.uk/nearest.

Simply by typing in their post code, visitors can find a wealth of information including their nearest bus stop, library, community centre, chemist and much more.

In addition to the website, the council has a number of other online services. These include an enewsletter, Facebook page and Twitter account.

For more information on the services available visit www.lancaster.gov.uk

City makes Lord Mayor bid A BID has been submitted for Lord Mayor status to cement the Lancaster district’s reputation as one of the country’s leading cities.

The bid has been submitted as part of a competition to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

The competition is only open to cities within the UK and, if Lancaster was to win, would be especially fitting as next year is also the 75th anniversary of the granting of city status.

Although Lord Mayor status does not confer any additional powers, it will mark the Lancaster district out as a leading city. Currently, only 30 UK cities hold the honour.

If the bid is successful it would substantially enhance the district’s profile and reputation, and help to boost the local economy through an increased profile.

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Ever wondered what happens to your recycling?

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Street Pride COULD your street benefit from a spring clean?

Would you like to get involved in making your area a better place to live?

Would you like to work with others to build ‘Street Pride’ in your area?

If so, we want to hear from you.

Lancaster City Council in conjunction with Lancaster District’s Community Safety Partnership is planning a number of Street Pride events across the district.

Street Pride events mean that you can get involved with the agencies such as the council, police and local volunteers and your neighbours to improve your areas.

Throughout the coming 12 months, 12 areas will be chosen for Street Pride events.

These events will include deep cleans and repairs and general work by agencies for your community. However, this is on the basis that communities really get involved in the planning and running of the events and continue to work to keep the pride in their streets after the event.

The aim of the project is to give communities that initial boost to smarten up areas and put that pride back into our streets.

The first part of the exercise is for people to nominate areas which they believe would benefit from agency help with cleaning and repairs, and where they, and others, would be prepared to help organise.

There may be different reasons why you might nominate for a ‘Street Pride’ event. It

may be that the area has fallen into disrepair, or it may be that it cannot usually be tidied because of parked cars.

Services provided include: street cleaning, gully emptying, minor highway repairs, weeding and tree pruning, and in some cases the planting of shrubs.

Community litter picks have been organised and volunteers have run play sessions with youngsters.

Just think – if you are prepared to work with agencies your community could benefit from this.

Street Pride events don’t replace the council’s normal programme of street cleansing, but complements it in areas that otherwise may not be able to be tackled.

Doing your bit...

TO nominate a street to take part in the scheme either contact your local councillor – details are on pages 14 and 15 – or visit www.lancaster. gov.uk/streetpride If your street doesn’t meet the criteria, or isn’t chosen to take part in Street Pride you can still help to do your bit to keep our district clean. Lancaster City Council can provide help and advice on how you can organise your own community clean-ups, along with equipment for litter picks. And once your clean-up is complete we’ll come and take the rubbish away for you.

By working together, and each doing our part, we can help to make our district a cleaner and healthier place to live.

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

Free flood warnings that can buy you valuable time RESIDENTS living in the Hala, Scotforth and Bowerham areas of Lancaster can now register to receive Environment Agency free flood warnings.

Lucy Clarke, Environment Agency Officer, said: “We monitor rainfall, river levels and sea conditions 24 hours a day, then use this information to forecast the possibility of flooding.

“The free flood warnings give people valuable time to take steps to protect themselves, family and where possible property from flooding.”

There are areas of flood risk throughout Lancaster and the Environment Agency is working with Lancaster City Council to reduce the impacts of flooding, and to make sure people are prepared should a flood occur. z To find out if you live within a flood warning area, for advice on creating a flood plan, and to register for the Environment Agency’s Floodline Warnings Direct service please call 0845 988 1188 or visit the website www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ floodnorthwest.

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The Ideal Choice for affordable housing PEOPLE looking for affordable housing will soon have more choice thanks to a new scheme due to launch in the autumn.

Choice Based Lettings is the new way the council will be letting council accommodation in the Lancaster district.

The scheme will also include housing association properties, shared ownership properties and existing social housing tenants who are looking to swap to another property.

Currently, vacant council accommodation is offered to the next applicant on the housing waiting list, based on their housing need.

Under Choice Based Lettings vacant properties will be advertised, and

applicants are able to express an interest in any property for which they are eligible.

At the end of the advertising period, the person in the greatest housing need out of all those expressing an interest will be offered the property and invited to view it.

Applicants will be able to express an interest in a property by phone, text, or online. Touch screens will be available in Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls and customer services staff will be on-hand to guide

people through the process.

Library staff in Lancaster and Morecambe will also be able to help people use the online system.

During late summer the council will be contacting everyone currently on the housing register with full details of the changes and how it will affect them.

For more information about Choice Based Lettings and the Lancaster City Council allocation policy, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/ idealchoicehomes

Couple supported to live independently CASEWORKER Sylvia McAllister recently worked with an elderly couple living in their own home in Lancaster.

A handy service for home help THE council’s Home Improvement Agency provides a range of services to help residents who are over the age of 60 or registered disabled, to remain independent in their own homes.

The agency offers free, impartial advice on: • Property maintenance and repairs • Getting estimates and dealing with builders and contractors • Increasing benefits and raising finance to carry out property repairs • Independent advice on moving home • Energy efficiency and home safety

The agency’s technical staff have the expertise and knowledge to offer independent advice and identify any repair works which are necessary to your property.

And if you need some small repair jobs done around the home, such as fixing dripping taps and easing doors and windows, you can take advantage of the free Handyperson Service.

Free advice and assistance is also available on adapting your home to ensure it meets your future needs.

If you think the Home Improvement Agency could help you, or someone you know, then contact them to arrange a free visit, on 01524 582257 or email hiaenquiries@lancaster.gov.uk

They had been assessed by a social worker, as they were both struggling to get up the stairs to their first-floor living accommodation, due to crippling arthritis.

A stair lift was installed, as well as a walk-in shower, as the lady had been struggling to get out of the bath and her husband had fallen on numerous occasions whilst trying to help her out. They also had a grab rail fitted at their front door by the council’s handymen to make climbing the step easier.

Sylvia went through the benefits that the couple were claiming, and found they weren’t claiming everything they were entitled to.

Sylvia said: “This is a typical example of the type of clients the Agency deals with. This couple had worked hard all their lives and want to stay in their own home as long as they can. They are now getting the support they need so that they can still enjoy the independence and comfort of their own home.”

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Shaping your future Come and talk to us DO you have an opinion on which land should or shouldn’t be used for future development, or on what policies the council should use when it considers planning applications for new developments?

Let us know!

It’s your district and we want to hear your views about how it is shaped over the coming years. In particular, we’d like your views on two important documents: The Land Allocations Development Plan Document will set out how, where and when land should be allocated for new residential, employment, leisure and retail development. It will also identify and protect areas of environmental, cultural and historic importance and safeguard land needed for the construction of new infrastructure.

The Development Management Development Policies will help the council manage new development and consider applications for planning permission, making sure that development is carried out in line with the appropriate planning policies. These policies will ensure that new development is welldesigned, neighbourly and sustainable.

THE documents will be available for public consultation over the summer.

You can come and talk to us about them, ask questions, and share your views at the following consultation events: z Wednesday July 13 10am-3pm Market Square, Lancaster z Tuesday July 19 2pm-7pm Gaskell Memorial Hall, Silverdale z Thursday July 21 2pm-7pm Lancaster Library z Monday July 25 2pm-7pm Carnforth Library z Thursday July 28 2pm-7pm The Institute, Hornby z Saturday July 30 10am-3pm Market Square, Lancaster z Wednesday August 3 10am-3pm Carnforth Market (in front of Fire Station) z Saturday August 6 10am-3pm The Promenade, Morecambe z Thursday August 11 10am-3pm Arndale Centre, Morecambe You can also comment online at www.lancaster.gov. uk/ldf, via email to ldf@lancaster.gov.uk or in writing to: Local Development Framework, Lancaster City Council, Regeneration and Policy Service, PO Box 4, Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster.

You can register on our Local Development Framework (LDF) database to be kept up to date with progress of the LDF at www.lancaster.gov.uk/ldf

Improving our town centres THE city council is currently working with Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce to develop proposals for a Business Improvement District (BID) for both Lancaster and Morecambe town centres.

A BID is a not-for-profit partnership between a local authority and the business community to develop projects and services that will benefit the trading environment within a specified commercial area.

BIDs give local businesses the power to effect changes that will benefit them in their local community, by allowing them to agree on projects and services they want to invest in.

These could range from additional street cleaning, extra security, festivals and events, initiatives to reduce the number of empty shops, and promotion and marketing activity.

If a majority of businesses vote in favour of the BID they will pay a levy on their business rates, typically 1%2%. This will fund the additional services they want to invest in.

There are currently around 100 BIDs in England. In town centres where they are well established they have resulted in a more profitable trading environment by encouraging a more inviting and thriving shopping and leisure destination.

The Chamber of Commerce is currently working together with the Northwest Chamber of Commerce,

the Federation of Small Business, Morecambe Chamber and the Bay Tourism Association to prepare the BID proposals for both Lancaster and Morecambe town centres.

Work will begin on the detailed proposals and business planning during 2012.

For more information contact Ann Morris, chief executive of Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, on 01524 381331, or by emailing info@lancaster-chamber.org.uk

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In the market for family fun THIS year’s Family Fun weekend at the Festival Market in Morecambe takes place on July 2 and 3 and promises to be an entertaining weekend.

The event will include balloon bending, dance routines, Punch and Judy, live bands, a bouncy castle, face painting, science fiction fancy dress and much more.

Also in July you can give your tastebuds a treat when the Festival Market hosts a fabulous Mediterranean Market.

Taking place over the weekend of July 16 and 17, on offer from the additional 50 metres of stalls will be Italian olives, Greek fudge, nuts and dried fruits, olive oils, Turkish delight and cakes, biscuits, French breads, cheeses and salami.

So come along, tuck into some fine foreign produce and also enjoy 'bargains by the sea' as this little piece of Morecambe promises to be more like a continental town for a weekend.

For further details contact Tracey Bruce on 01524 414251 or tbruce@lancaster.gov. uk or www.lancaster. gov.uk/markets

z Staff from Morecambe VIC celebrate with the winner's trophy

Morecambe VIC strikes gold MORECAMBE Visitor Information Centre (VIC) has picked up gold in a prestigious national awards ceremony.

Already ranked as the top VIC in the north west, the centre went one better and claimed top spot at the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence on Friday evening.

This means that out of the 490 Tourist Information Centres in England, Morecambe can now boast to be at the top of the tree.

The award recognises the quality of service provided by the centre, acknowledged in a mystery shopping exercise in which the centre was given full marks.

It achieved a score of 100% in all areas

of customer care and out of 68 centres assessed in the northwest, ranked number one.

Marks were scored for outstanding customer service and the exceptional way in which staff responded to email, face-toface and telephone enquiries.

Morecambe VIC is run by Lancaster City Council, in partnership with Lancashire County Council, and is based in the Platform buildings in the resort.

In addition to providing top quality advice and information on what to see and do in the district, the centre stocks a wide of gifts and merchandise.

For more information about tourism in the Lancaster district visit www.citycoastcountryside.co.uk

A new heart for the town?

IN early Spring we asked people for their views on the future of central Morecambe as part of the preparation of the Morecambe Area Action Plan.

With your help we have worked hard trying to identify the issues of concern in central Morecambe and what the plan needs to address.

What’s emerging is that the town has huge potential, but to realise

this the plan must make the centre of town work better and define a stronger heart that draws people in and encourages more activity.

We asked people to consider this and invited suggestions and options for the plan. Over the coming months we’ll be considering and testing the responses and hope to have an Options Report outlining the council’s preferred options and others,

available for comment

by Autumn 2011.

To find out more about the Morecambe Area Action Plan, including how you can get involved, visit www.lancaster.gov. uk/morecambeaap, email us at morecambe aap@lancaster.gov.uk or call us on 01524 582375/582362.

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Here comes summer...

Morecambe’s Top 20 THIS summer promises to be a feast of fun for all the family.

In Morecambe there will be something happening every weekend throughout the summer with the ‘Top 20’ programme of festivals. Local organisations have come together to present some firm favourite festivals alongside some new exciting ones.

Top 20 Highlights include: June 24-26 Blueswater Festival The Section, Cold Shot and the Hustle are just some of the artists playing at various venues across the resort.

July 8-10 Morecambe Jazz includes a Frank Sinatra tribute at the Winter Gardens as well as top performances lined up to play at the Platform and Trimpell Club.

July 24 Catch the Wind Kite Festival Spectacular kites, live music, workshops and arts activities.

July 29-30 Tutti Fruitti is back with another high-octane rock’n’roll weekender to keep Morecambe’s Platform rocking day and night. z For more information visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/top20

z Competitors dig in at a previous year’s sandcastlebuilding contest during the Sandcastle Festival

The seaside, sun – and all things sand August 6-7 Morecambe Sandcastle Festival FORMING part of the Top 20 is the city council’s Sandcastle Festival, now in its fifth year.

On the Saturday watch professional artists ‘Sand in your eye’ (www.visitsandsculpture. co.uk) create amazing sand sculptures. Children can take part in sandcastle building sessions and take donkey rides along the beaches - two of which have received Quality Coast Awards.

Outside the Platform will be Morecambe Brass Band whilst inside local artist Chas Jacobs will be hosting an exhibition. There will also

be a chance to join Chas for a fun art workshop in the Arena Marquee.

Combining with the festival is the Key Loco festival giving you a chance to get a taste for the Caribbean with Ricky Martin and Shakira tributes.

Sunday gets serious with the ‘Super Sandcastle Competition’ from 11am2pm (registration 9.30-10.45am) giving families and open age groups the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

Fun and antics will be provided by the lifeguards from the ‘Fairly Famous Family’. This is original comic street theatre at its best.

And finally don’t forget to join in the beach games and sports including sand darts, volleyball, football and water bucket races.

Return of the Red Arrows

September 10-11 Morecambe Seaside Festival LANCASTER City Council has joined forces with Morecambe Town Council to present a spectacular finale to the resort’s ‘Top 20’ programme.

On the Saturday the arena stage will a host a showcase of live music performing throughout the day and in the evening headliners ‘Re: Take That’ (pictured left) (www.retakethat.com) take to the stage playing a professional tribute to the boy band pioneers.

Saturday night will finish with a fantastic fireworks display, launched from the Stone Jetty.

On the Sunday the Red Arrows will make a welcome return to Morecambe with their jaw-dropping display.

The world-famous aeroplane stunt team are due to perform at 12pm and are joined in the skies with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The festival promises a weekend not to be missed!

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z Dennis Locorriere

June 5, 12, 19 and 26: Brass band concerts – Happy Mount Park 7-12: Moscow State Circus – Ryelands Park 9-12: As You Like It (Shakespeare’s Globe Outdoor Theatre) – Williamson Park 11: Teddy Bears Picnic – Happy Mount Park, 11am 17: Blazin’ Fiddles – Platform, 8pm, £15/£14 18: Lancaster Castle – The Sealed Knot comes to the castle. Free admission to the camp and displays 18: Voulez Vous perform ABBA (The Mamma Mia Concert) – Platform, 7.30pm £16/£15/£50 family ticket 24: Twelfth Night (Illyria Outdoor Theatre) – Williamson Park 25: Dennis Locorriere – Alone Again 2011 – Platform, 8pm, £19 24-26: Blueswater Festival Morecambe

July 2: Morecambe Brass Band: ‘Midsummer Memories’ – Platform, 7.30pm, £8 adults/£5 children 2: Pirate Day – Happy Mount Park, 12pm 2 and 3: Family Fun Weekend – Morecambe Festival Market 3: Co-operative Family Fun Day – Platform 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31: Brass band concerts – Happy Mount Park 7: Hidden history talk on King Arthur – Lancaster Castle £2.50 adults, £1.50 concessions 8-10: Morecambe Jazz Festival – Platform 8 July-13 August: Merlin and the Legend of King Arthur – Williamson Park Lancaster z Omid 16 and 17: Djalili

What’s On: June to September Italian Market – Morecambe Festival Market 23: West End Festival – For further details contact More Music Tel: 01524 831997 www.moremusic.org.uk 24: Catch the Wind Kite Festival – Morecambe promenade, 11am to 4pm.

29 and 30: Tutti Frutti Festival – Platform

August 6 and 7: Sandcastle Festival – Morecambe promenade and beach 7, 14, 21 and 28: Brass band concerts – Happy Mount Park 13 and 14: Motown Magic Festival 22: Hidden history talk on The Wars of the Roses – Lancaster Castle £2.50 adults, £1.50 concessions 27: All the Fun of the Fair – Happy Mount Park, 12pm

27: Fantastic Mr Fox (Illyria Outdoor Theatre) – Williamson Park 27-29: Beachbash Festival – Platform 27 and 28: The Redcoats are coming to town! – Lancaster Castle grounds.

September 4 and 11: Brass band concerts – Happy Mount Park 9: Last Night of The Proms – Platform, 8pm, £8.50 adults £4 children 10 and 11: Seaside Festival – Morecambe promenade and Platform 17: Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee (with special guest Martin Daniels) – Platform, 7.30pm, £17.50 19: Omid Djalili ‘Tour Warm-Up’ – Platform, 8pm, 14. Over 16s only 22: Manfreds – Platform, 8pm, £16.50 24: Dog show – Morecambe Festival Market

competition MERLIN and The Legend of King Arthur will cast a magical spell over Williamson Park this summer.

For the 25th year, The Dukes in Lancaster will be presenting walkabout theatre in the park from July 8-August 13.

A new version of the epic story of medieval magic and myth has been written by Kevin Dyer, winner of the 2010 Writers Guild of Great Britain Award for Best Play for Children and Young People, and associate artist of The Dukes.

Follow Arthur, Merlin and a cast of colourful characters as they encounter swashbuckling knights, a fiery dragon and dramatic Lady of the Lake along the way.

To book tickets ring The Dukes box office on 01524 598500 or visit www.dukeslancaster.org

TO be in with a chance of winning a family ticket for four to see Merlin, simply answer this question: What is the name of King Arthur’s sword? ........................................................

Send your answers to: Communications, Lancaster City Council, Town Hall, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ Deadline for entries is July 1.

Name:………………................................

Address:………………............................ ................................................................

Daytime phone number: ………...........

www.lancaster.gov.uk

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Already regarded as one of the north west’s best parks, Williamson Park in Lancaster is set for a new lease of life...

People’s Park PREVIOUSLY run by a limited company, management control of the park was last year returned to Lancaster City Council.

As part of its programme of improvement, the council has concentrated on maximising value for money and improving the park’s many and varied facilities, which in turn generate increased visitor numbers. Examples of some recent changes include : • Refurbishment of café • Renovation of the Butterfly House, including improving access for all, energy efficiency measures, planting of nectar rich plants (for the butterflies!) and redecoration. z Photo by Steve Pendrill

• Overhaul of the park’s formal and informal gardens And that’s not all...

visits, children’s parties, zoo courses, ‘meet the keeper’ sessions and offers holiday activities where children can learn about animal welfare and their habitats.

Biodiversity The park has improved how it disposes of its green waste and has recently installed three large compost bays.

These bays recyle food waste from the park’s café and cuttings (including grass) from around the park.

Between December and January, fallen leaves from around the district, which are collected by the council’s street sweepers, will be taken to the park on a daily basis. This will help to both recycle a valuable resource and save the vehicles from travelling back to their depot in Morecambe – reducing the council’s carbon emissions.

In keeping with the park’s sustainable management policy, great time and effort has also been invested in the eradication of non-native invasive species such as the rhododendron bushes that have been cleared from around the base of the Ashton Memorial.

Volunteers The park works closely with the university of Cumbria, MBW Training and Help Direct amongst other organisations to enable volunteer workers to actively help with the operation of the park.

Various projects take place throughout the year such as woodland management and improvement of floral areas. We are always keen for volunteers to help – see below for how to get in touch.

Events – see page 9

Weddings

Make a splash!

The Ashton Memorial is currently one of Lancashire’s most popular wedding venues and the council is working to maximise the potential for wedding couples to enjoy the wonderful facilities available.

OVER in Morecambe you can make a splash in Happy Mount Park.

Take advantage of the Splash Park, adventure play area, cafe and concessions. don't forget the brass band concerts every Sunday from June to September.

Education The Butterfly House attracts school

For more information on any of the above please contact Williamson Park on 01524 33318 or email williamsonpark@lancaster.gov.uk

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Get involved!

THERE are a variety of environmental events developed by the Sustainability Partnership and supported by Lancaster City Council taking place this summer – come along and get involved: • Saturday, June 11 at 10am-12noon – PASS on

Plastics beach clean, Silverdale Shore • Saturday, June 18 – PASS on Plastics Event, Storey Creative Industries Centre (including stalls, films and art) PASS on Plastics is a campaign aimed at reducing plastic pollution in Lancaster district • Sunday, July 10 at 2-5pm – Incredible Edibles Awards Ceremony, Off the Ground Allotments, Ridge, Lancaster The Incredible Edibles Awards will showcase the best food-growing projects in Lancaster district over nine competitive categories, including two you can enter on the day – Miniature Garden or Wobbly Veg. The afternoon includes; a prize-giving ceremony; produce, edible plants and preserves swaps; stalls promoting local groups; gardening advice; fruit trees for sale; and refreshments. z For more details, please visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/ sustainability-partnership or call 01524 66100.

Six steps to a sustainable summer FANCY a picnic this summer?

Here are some environmental top tips to help you on your way:

2. Use reuseables – Avoid disposable items and invest in some reusable plates, cups and containers. You brought it with you; why not take it home again?

1. Picnic locally – Drive less and explore your local community; why not try walking, cycling or taking public transport to your picnic?

3. Remember to recycle – Take your rubbish home and recycle any items you can

z Your picnic can be fun AND environmentally-friendly...

4. Choose local, sustainable food – Try Fairtrade, organic or welfare assured foods (such as free range) and buy local where possible to support local producers 5. Protect our wildlife – Choose safe and suitable places for kids and pets to play so they avoid trampling habitats and picking growing plants

z Dispose of your rubbish – it could prove lethal to wildlife 6. Try natural insect repellent and sun lotion – Less toxic products are best for you and the environment When you go out this summer, always wear sun lotion, cover up and drink lots of water if it is sunny…and for those British summer picnics, remember that umbrella!

For more information on the items above, please contact Lancaster City Council’s Sustainability Team on 01524 582061 or sustainability@lancaster.gov.uk

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Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to meet new people? Do you want to improve your health?

Then why not try volunteering and make a real difference to your community...

A unique approach to volunteering NO matter what the motivation, there are many reasons to volunteer.

As well as being fun, interesting, inspiring and challenging, it’s also very rewarding.

There are many reasons people already choose to volunteer in the Lancaster district.

Some volunteer for social reasons, some for personal reasons and others may be motivated by giving something back to their community.

Help Direct’s Volunteer Bureau, which is run from the offices on Chapel Street in Lancaster, provides a wide range of help and support in finding the right volunteering opportunity.

The service is unique because it provides a tailored approach by placing people in roles that most suit their needs.

Whether looking to get involved as a hobby, as a way back into employment, or to thank a service you have previously used, the Volunteer

Bureau can help.

Michelle Collingwood, Volunteer Development Officer, encourages people to get involved: “We have found a wide range of volunteering placements, some more unique than others, and are constantly building our database of opportunities available. Feedback from clients tells us that the time we spend researching volunteering opportunities that fit their lifestyle is well worth it.”

Volunteering doesn’t have to be limited to roles that are advertised, or those that are listed by companies looking for volunteers.

You can also offer to volunteer in a befriending role to help a friend, neighbour or community group in your area. z If you want to know more, or would like to give as little as one hour a week to make a difference, outside of your existing commitments, contact Help Direct on 0303 333 1111.

Getting the most out of life HELP Direct provides people in Lancashire with free and practical support, guidance and information to help get the most out of life.

Based on Chapel Street in Lancaster and Ashtrees Way in Carnforth, the free service helps all adults over the age of 18 with any question or query.

Services on offer include: Small Sparks, Social Prescribing, GP Advisors, and the increasingly popular Safe Trader scheme (run in conjunction with Trading Standards).

I had a serious lack of confidence and so never thought volunteering would be an option for me. Help Direct found me a role volunteering for a local walking group. The groups are small and friendly and volunteering for them has increased my confidence and improved my fitness too!

Nicky, 38

I first started volunteering three years ago. I enjoyed the sense of satisfaction it gave me but I didn’t particularly enjoy going. I met someone from Help Direct at a local event, who suggested new places to volunteer. I now volunteer with a specialist drug treatment charity. I have a greater sense of satisfaction and thoroughly enjoy the role.

Ian, 41 I was driving home from work when the weather was bad this winter, I wanted to help elderly residents within my local community and offer to get groceries but I didn’t want to frighten them by knocking on the door. I contacted Help Direct who linked me with a befriending service. I now visit one or two elderly residents a week, even now the weather has improved they still need help with other tasks and I still enjoy a good chat.

Anne, 44

Funded by Lancashire County Council, Help Direct has proved to be an invaluable resource for enquiries such as benefit claims advice, finances, blue badge applications, health issues and many others.

The service can be accessed face to face, over the phone, by email and now online. You can visit the new website www.helpdirect.org.uk, visit the dropin shops, by calling 0303 333 1111, or by emailing your query to askus@loc.helpdirectlancs.org.uk.

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Money to play with

Festival celebrates our city of music

PLANS to develop a family play and recreation area in the heart of Heysham Village have recently taken a huge step forward with the securing of a further £48,000.

THE third Lancaster Music Festival takes place from October 14 to October 16 and will see more than 200 performances from local, national and international acts ranging from classical to punk, electronica to blue grass, and everything else.

Heysham Neighbourhood Council has been working with Lancaster City Council to develop designs and raise funds for a new exciting community play facility to be located on the open space at the centre of the village.

Careful design will ensure the new facility is in keeping with the character of the village and equipment has been carefully selected based on the results of a detailed consultation undertaken with local residents and school children in June last year.

This project has already secured £30,000 from Lancaster City Council to provide a small area for toddlers and play equipment including a spinney cup, springy seesaw and a basket swing.

The latest grant from BIG Lottery Community Spaces, Groundwork UK will drive phase 2 of the project by funding landscaping, safety surfacing, play

z Exciting times lie ahead in Heysham

equipment for older children including a jungle climber, whirlwind spinner, embankment slide, picnic tables and benches.

Work on phase 2 of the project will be completed in time for the summer holidays.

This festival reflects our city’s abundance of music and the excellence and diversity of that music. It is a grassroots initiative driven by more than 30 music locations, promoters, organisations (public and private) and dozens of musicians.

We have a music city to be proud of and the festival aims to celebrate this for one weekend of the year, putting Lancaster on the map and drawing attention to the music that takes place here throughout the year and the venues and organisations that support it.

Along with music there will be beer festivals, treasure trails and a food festival.

There will also be industry workshops for those who want to develop their music further.

Salt Ayre Sports Centre dances to a different beat THE UK’s fastest growing exercise craze now has an extra three classes in Salt Ayre Sports Centre to keep up with popular demand.

Lancaster and Morecambe residents can’t seem to get enough of the fitness class that combines music with calorie-burning dance steps to form a ‘fitness-party’ workout.

Zumba can be found being practised in over 35 countries around the world and fuses African beats and Latin rhythms that are combined with Salsa to get the feet moving.

Classes take place in Salt Ayre on Mondays from 6.30pm-7.20pm, Wednesdays from

12.30pm-1.20pm and Fridays from 6pm-6.50pm.

All evening fitness classes cost £4.50 and the Wednesday class costs £4. There’s no need to book – just turn up and join the party! z For more information contact Salt Ayre Sports Centre on 01524 847540 or visit www.lancaster. gov.uk/saltayre

Page 14

At your service: Lancaster City Councillors 2011/2015

Tony Anderson Morecambe Bay Independent

Duke’s

Dave Brookes Green

June Ashworth Morecambe Bay Independent

Susie Charles Conservative

Emma Smith Conservative

Halton

Helen Helme Conservative

Paul Woodruff Independent

Tim Hamilton Cox Green

Eileen Blamire Labour

Billy Hill Conservative

Joshua Bancroft Labour

Janice Hanson Labour

Roger Dennison Morecambe Bay Independent

Ian Pattison Labour

Kellet

Elizabeth Scott Labour

Richard Newman Thompson Labour

Roger Mace Conservative

Silverdale

Chris Coates Green

Sheila Denwood Labour

Torrisholme

Malcolm Thomas Conservative

Andrew Kay Green

Harbour

Scotforth W.

Slyne-with-Hest

Sylvia Rogerson Conservative

Val Histed Conservative

John O’Gaunt

Scotforth E.

Pam Pickles Labour

Keith Budden Independent

Ellel

Heysham S.

Richard Rollins Conservative

Bulk

Bolton-le-Sands

Bare

Kathleen Graham Conservative

University

Geoff Marsland Morecambe Bay Independent

Susan Sykes Conservative

Paul Aitchison Labour

Page 15

To contact your local councillor visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/councillors or call Members Services on 01524 582170 Bulk

Ceri Mumford Green

Harbour

David Whitaker Labour

Carnforth

Paul Gardner Labour

Tony Johnson Conservative

Heysham Central

Geoff Knight Morecambe Bay Independent

Lower Lune Valley

Jane Parkinson Conservative

Castle

Joyce Taylor Independent

Keith Sowden Independent

Skerton E.

Abbott Bryning Labour

University

Jonathan Dixon Labour

Melanie Forrest Green

Heysham N.

Overton

Joan Jackson Conservative

Jon Barry Green

Margaret Pattison Labour

Tracey Kennedy Green

Heysham S.

Ron Sands Labour

Mike Greenall Morecambe Bay Independent

Shirley Burns Morecambe Bay Independent

Terrie Metcalfe Labour

Karen Leytham Labour

Roger Sherlock Labour

Vikki Price Labour

David Smith Labour

Poulton

Mark Bevan Labour

Skerton W.

Janet Hall Labour

U.Lune Valley

Peter Williamson Conservative

Robert Redfern Labour

Warton

Alycia James Conservative

John Harrison Labour

Westgate

David Kerr Morecambe Bay Independent

useful contact numbers

Main contact details for key local services in the district

Lancaster City Council

Emergency services

Customer Services: 01524 582000 Domestic Waste and Street Cleaning: 01524 582491 Environmental Health 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 Police

Lancashire County Council LCC General Enquiries/Switchboard: 0845 053 0000 Social Care: 0845 053 0009 Highways: 0845 053 0011 Registrars: 0845 053 0021 Welfare Rights: 0845 053 0013 Website: www.lancashire.gov.uk Email: enquiries@lancashire.gov.uk

Education White Cross Education Centre

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

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.

Health NHS Direct: 0845 46 47 or www.nhs.uk Stop smoking service: 01524 845145 Drug and alcohol service: 01524 834210 To access a dentist: 01253 306378 To find your nearest pharmacy: text ‘pharmacy’ to 64746

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

Voluntary sector

Lancaster and Morecambe College

Telephone: 0303 333 1111 Website: www.helpdirect.org.uk Email: askus@loc.helpdirectlancs.org.uk

Telephone: 01524 66215 Website: www.lmc.ac.uk

Lancaster University Telephone: 01524 65201 Website: www.lancs.ac.uk

Help Direct

Lancaster District CVS Telephone: 01524 555900 Email: mail@lancastercvs.org.uk Website: www.lancastercvs.org.uk

University of Cumbria (Lancaster campus) Telephone: 01524 384384 Website: www.cumbria.ac.uk Published by Lancaster City Council. Printed by Harmsworth Printing Ltd. Tel: 01332 595607