Your District Council Matters - Issue 27

inside:

• Spring clean your street • What’s on guide • Meet the new mayor • Fight the flab and get fit issue 27

summer 2012

Your District Council

Matters

Morecambe Festivals page 7 A £600,000 boost for nature page 13

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

There's no doubt we are lucky to live in such a wonderful place.

But do we celebrate it enough? Do we shout about the good things already taking place? Can we as individuals, groups or organisations do more for where we live?

That's what the Take Pride campaign is about - working together to celebrate our people and places, recognising the good work already taking place and encouraging more people to do the same.

But to make a real difference it needs all of us to get behind it.

Here are just a few examples of how: • Tweet about your favourite place in the district and use the hashtag #ldtakepride when promoting your own events • Spread the word about our district to friends, family and people living away encouraging them to visit • Pick up and enjoy your Visit Card, offering discounts at local attractions and rediscover our district • Consider volunteering • Enjoy local events • Organise a litter pick with neighbours • Report crime • Nominate your street for Street Pride - see page 3 Have you got an idea about how we can Take Pride? We'd love to hear from you contact suggestions@lancaster.gov.uk

Voter registration

Making plans for the future

VOTER registration forms are dropping through letterboxes across the Lancaster district – and if you haven’t done so already, it’s vital that you register your details.

LANCASTER City Council has published its Corporate Plan for the next three years.

Lancaster City Council has sent out forms to all households to compile the electoral register.

Effectively its work programme for 2012-13, the Corporate Plan sets out the council’s priorities and how it will deliver them.

This year it’s more important than ever to register early – in November voters will go to the polls to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire and the annual canvass has been brought forward as a result.

As well as allowing people to vote, the electoral register is used by credit rating agencies when people apply for mobile phones, loans and mortgages.

If people don’t respond to the canvass then they could find their credit ratings are affected.

Registering to vote is very simple. All you have to do is update the annual canvass form with the details of everyone in your household who is eligible to vote and return it to us as soon as possible.

The council has approved the following four priorities: • Economic Growth • Clean, Green and Safe Places • Health and Wellbeing • Community Leadership There are three key themes that underpin all of the corporate priorities: Working Together in Partnership; Managing the Council's Resources; and Environmental Sustainability.

More details are set out in the Corporate Plan, which can be found on the council’s website at www.lancaster.gov.uk/ corporateplan.

Contact us

If your details haven’t changed it’s even easier because you can just confirm the details by text, phone or email.

You can contact Lancaster City Council by:

For more information telephone the elections helpline on 01524 582905 or visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/elections.

Email: customerservices@ lancaster.gov.uk

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

Telephone: 01524 582000

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

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Could your street do with a spring clean?

TAKE Pride in your street!

Nominations are now being invited for the new Street Pride programme – Lancaster City Council’s series of deep cleans.

These may be known 'grotspots', places that cannot usually be tidied because of parked cars, and where the community is willing to get involved.

Services provided include street cleaning, gully emptying, minor highway repairs, weeding and tree pruning.

Face facts with your nomination. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday July 18.

Up to 22 streets will be chosen to take part in the 2012/13 programme.

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.

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

Help and advice can be provided on how you can organise your own community clean-ups, along with equipment for litter picks.

And once your clean-up is complete the council will arrange to come and take the rubbish away for you.

To nominate a street to take part in the scheme visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/streetpride or contact your ward councillor

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

Clean up after your dog – or pay the price was cleaning up after their dog.

IRRESPONSIBLE dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets have been warned – you could be in line for an £80 fine.

A recent enforcement exercise was launched at a dog fouling hotspot on Sandylands Promenade in Heysham.

During the first two days of the operation, 11 fixed penalty notices for £80 were issued to offenders. By day three, every dog walker spotted by officers

However, with so many hot spots to cover, the city council needs your help to catch and take action against those dog owners who continue to litter our streets, cycle paths and recreation areas.

Help us to Take Pride in our district and catch the offenders.

If you have any information as to the identity of any irresponsible dog owners on your patch, call the dog warden service on 01524 582935 or send an email to dogwardens@lancaster.gov.uk.

All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

HAVE you connected with Lancaster City Council’s Facebook accounts yet?

If not, you’re missing out.

The council’s Facebook account, www.facebook.com/lancastercc gives you the opportunity to connect with us direct and ask questions on the issues of the day.

By following Lancaster City Council on Facebook, you can get updates about what you care about in the district and share your own news and views about the things that matter to you.

It doesn’t replace our usual methods of getting in touch (post, email or face-to-face) and these should still be the first port of call for any service based enquiries. But by connecting with Facebook you can keep up to date and share your views with others.

In addition several of the council’s venues and services have their own Facebook accounts.

These include: • www.facebook.com/ williamsonpark • www.facebook.com/ morecambeplatform You can also follow us on Twitter @lancastercc and the council’s website www.lancaster.gov.uk is available 24/7. Our website received over two million page views last year, with people choosing to visit us online to pay bills, fill in application forms, download documents and guides and report issues.

And our monthly e-newsletter brings the latest news straight to your inbox - visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/newsletter to sign up.

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New rules set to improve city centre experience EFFORTS to make Lancaster City Centre a more pleasant place to shop and spend time are on the cards following a request for new rules to further limit the number of vehicles entering the pedestrian zone at any time.

As part of the Lancaster Square Routes project, the city council has asked Lancashire County Council – who are responsible for setting the rules and regulations for the zone – to look at how traffic is managed within the centre.

Current rules set a general presumption against vehicles entering the zone at any time.

There are specific exemptions to this for emergency vehicles and also permit holders for example.

There is also an exemption for delivery vehicles only to access the zone before 10.30am and after 4.30pm to service the shops.

The city council has asked for an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order to be set up to alter the general exemptions and permit arrangements to reduce the general level of traffic in the zone at any time and also to further restrict access for delivery vehicles to before 10am and after 5pm.

As part of this proposal, the disabled parking bays at the rear of the Old Town Hall (City Museum) and Market Square would be removed and the existing permit arrangement for some disabled drivers to enter the pedestrian zone withdrawn.

Extra disabled bays would, however, be provided for Blue Badge holders – who can already park for free in all city council pay and display car parks – on the periphery of the zone so no one should lose out.

Photo: ©Mark Keating (mdk.me) 2012

It is hoped that the effects of these changes will be to make the city centre a safer and more pleasant environment for all pedestrians.

The changes would initially be made for an 18 month period to provide the opportunity to closely scrutinise and monitor their effectiveness. Feedback on how the changes are working would also be sought from local people, businesses and organisations.

Before the end of the 18 months a decision on whether to adopt, amend or abandon the changes would be made by Lancashire County Council.

Development breathes new life into Luneside East PLANS to breathe new life back into a derelict area of Lancaster are moving forward.

for businesses that are just starting up or wanting to expand, which will help to boost the local economy.

The council has passed responsibility for the Luneside East site on St George’s Quay to its developer partner Luneside East Ltd (LEL) - a joint venture between CTP Ltd and Development Securities plc.

The wider site is to be developed with housing, possibly more offices and new high quality open spaces with walking and cycling routes.

For more than ten years the council has been working to redevelop the site as a mixed use new neighbourhood, but progress slowed following the downturn of the economy in 2008. The council and the developer have been working through the various challenges this poses.

LEL should start works this summer with building demolitions and works below ground to remove redundant structures and contamination. These may take some twelve months. The first building works will be for a commercial phase, focused on the part nearest Carlisle Bridge. Part of the St George’s Works mill building will be converted for a range of commercial uses. This should provide opportunities

To find out more about the project visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/lunesideeast.

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A ray of sunshine for Morecambe A MILLION pound scheme to revitalise Morecambe’s historic heart has been launched.

‘A View for Eric’ is a five year programme from the Townscape Heritage Initiative to improve the Victorian and art deco buildings in the heart of the town and some of the streets and spaces surrounding them.

Funding of £1.248 million has been made available for the project from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s ‘Townscape Heritage Initiative’ and Lancaster City Council.

backdrop and help everyone to Take Pride in the town.

Building improvement grants will be available to targeted properties within the western end of the Morecambe conservation area, specifically the commercial properties of Marine Road Central and Victoria Street and the interlinking routes between.

The grants will be accompanied

by training opportunities involving schools, colleges, property owners, local builders, craftsmen and architects. This will include heritage education and skills workshops, as well as sustainable business and retail training.

For more information, including details of how to apply for grants, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/viewforeric

The focus of the project is to create a view in front of the Eric Morecambe statue that will complement the stunning views of the bay which serve as his

A gateway to a new future IN January 2012, The Ministry of Justice officially handed Lancaster Castle back to The Duchy of Lancaster and they have since started to develop a plan that will help shape the future of this landmark building.

In February, the Duchy appointed a team of specialist heritage consultants to work with them and to carry out a study to help establish the most appropriate options for the Castle.

In the spring, three workshops were held with local stakeholders and have proved very informative and helpful.

As you would imagine, the city and county council have been working closely with the consultants.

The Duchy will draw up potential proposals to be displayed at an exhibition in the Autumn. This will provide the general public with the opportunity to review viable

Businesses urged to back the BID THE city council has provided funding to support business led plans for Lancaster to become a Business Improvement District (BID).

options for the Castle and provide their feedback, so that the Duchy can then finalise its proposals.

In the meantime the Duchy have been working with Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council Museums Service to organise new tours at Lancaster Castle, enabling local people and visitors to see previously unseen areas of the building. More tours are planned for later in the year – visit www.citycoastcountryside.co.uk to find out more.

A steering group called ‘Lancaster Unlimited’ has been set up to manage the initiative representing all the business sectors.

In October businesses within the proposed BID zone will be asked to vote on whether they would be prepared to pay a levy on their rateable value of 1.5%.

Money raised would be used to fund projects businesses feel are important to the development of the city like additional promotion and festivals and helping to create a more pleasant, cleaner, and safer city centre.

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Meet the new mayor

THE next mayor of Lancaster has officially donned her robes.

Coun Sheila Denwood became the Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Lancaster at a special ceremony in May. Coun Denwood has represented the Scotforth West ward for 17 years.

As Mayor, she will be supported throughout her special year by her daughter, Tina, as mayoress and her husband, Maurice, as Consort.

The charities she has chosen to support as mayor are Help for Heroes, Lancaster and Morecambe Royal British Legions and Arthritis Research.

Deputy Mayor and Mayoress for the forthcoming year are Coun Robert Redfern and his wife Linda.

Flower beds reap rewards for budding businesses EACH year the city council plants and maintains public flower beds across the district.

And local businesses can now take advantage of the prominent positions of many of the flower beds, showing off their credentials at the same time.

A flower bed sponsorship scheme has been launched for local businesses who want to get noticed and Take Pride in the district at the same time.

Twenty two flower beds in Morecambe have been identified as ideal sites for sponsorship by local businesses. Locations include Happy Mount Park, West End Gardens and various beds along the promenade including those at the Eric Morecambe statue.

Companies will be able to raise their profile by having a sign displayed in a flower bed which will promote their business, whilst helping towards the

annual maintenance of the bed.

For more information on sponsoring a flower bed contact the council’s Public Realm Officer, Helen Ryan, on 01524 582822 or by emailing hryan@lancaster.gov.uk THE green fingers of the council’s gardeners will also once again be used to promote the district by entering the National Flower Bed Competition at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show, which runs from July 18 – 22.

Last year’s entry ‘Flutter By’ won a silver gilt and the team behind the displays are hoping for gold with this year’s entry, The Way of the Roses. The display will florally depict the cycle route from Morecambe to Bridlington which opened in 2010.

Top honour for charity campaigner A TIRELESS charity campaigner has been granted one of the district’s highest honours – the Honorary Freedom of the City of Lancaster.

Tony Kimpton received the special honour – the highest that Lancaster City Council can bestow – in recognition of his work for Lancashire Youth Clubs Association and Galloways Society for the Blind.

Tony was born in Lancaster and still lives in his home city. He has had a severe visual impairment since birth and has overcome a range of challenges and difficulties.

The inspirational way in which Tony is able to Take Pride in his community has inspired both blind and sighted people throughout the district and beyond.

His work at Galloway’s has resulted in the society being able to offer an unprecedented service to more than 1,400 blind and visually impaired people, which is considered by those at Galloway’s to be a direct result of Tony’s efforts.

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Seaside Festival

MORECAMBE’S festivals by the sea have been wowing the crowds all summer – and they’re not over yet. The Morecambe Seaside Festival returns to the resort in September, bringing with it a spectacular feast of live music, fireworks and aerial flyovers – an event in which we can all Take Pride.

Taking place over the weekend of September 1 and 2, the festival is a spectacular part of Morecambe’s summer programme of festivals and events.

On Saturday the arena stage will host a showcase of live music throughout the day performed by top local talent.

Headlining the Saturday evening is a tribute to one of the country’s biggest stars. Ami Barrett will take to the stage at 7pm to perform her Someone Like Adele show.

Saturday’s programme of entertainment ends with a magnificent firework display at 9pm, launched from the Stone Jetty against the stunning backdrop of Morecambe Bay.

Bjorn the Polar Bear on Saturday and Tiny the Dinosaur on Sunday.

There’s also more live music on the outdoor stage at the Arena with local soul group 24/7, Amy Singleton and the Reggiementals.

For more information visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/seaside or pick up a brochure from the Visitor Information Centres in Lancaster and Morecambe.

This event is sponsored by Morecambe Town Council.

And the weekend doesn’t end there - the Red Arrows are booked to perform an aerobatic display at noon on Sunday.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also be paying a visit to the festival at around 3pm. World War II fighters on display this year will be the Spitfire and Dakota.

Over at The Platform children can enjoy (admission fee payable)

Start your engines THE Bradford to Morecambe Vintage Vehicle run will make a welcome return to Morecambe in September as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days event.

Hundreds of vintage vehicles will once again line the prom from the Midland Hotel to

The Battery on Sunday 9 September.

The rally is part of this year’s Heritage Open Days, the country’s annual celebration of its rich architectural and cultural heritage, which takes place over the four days of 6 to 9 September.

New sensations at the Festival Market

MORECAMBE'S Festival Market will Market on 28 July. be holding its annual family The market will host some weekend on 7 and 8 July. exciting live music acts every Over the weekend there will be weekend, culminating in an music, entertainment, Punch and ‘open mic’ session on 2 Judy, competitions and much September. more.

Anyone can register for the You can also get into the summer festival spirit when Summer Sensations begins at the Festival

open mic session by contacting tbruce@lancaster.gov.uk or by phoning 01524 414251.

There are events planned

through the year so you can be guaranteed of a great atmosphere all year round.

For more information about the Festival Market visit the website at www.lancaster.gov.uk/festival market or call 01524 414251.

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What’s on July - October JULY 6 - 8: Morecambe Jazz – Various venues in Morecambe.

Visit www.morecambelive.com for details.

7: Morecambe Band Summer Concert with the Houghton Weavers - The Platform, 7.30pm, £12/£10.

7 - 8: Family Fun Weekend Morecambe Festival Market.

Visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/ festivalmarket for more details.

21 July – 29 September: A Wonderful Discoverie: Lancashire Witches 1612-2012 Lancaster City Museum.

July 21-29: Love Parks Week. Visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/loveparks 22: Brass Band Concert (Morecambe Band) Happy Mount Park, 2.30pm.

Free Admission.

27 - 28: Tutti Frutti Festival The Platform, 7.30pm, £15 single night, £24 weekend.

10 – 12: Motown Magic Various venues in Morecambe.

Visit www.morecambelive.com for more details.

12: Brass Band Concert (Morecambe Brass Band Association) - Happy Mount Park, 2.30pm.

14: West End Festival – Regent Park Morecambe.

14: Comic Caper Day Happy Mount Park, 12pm.

17 – 21: Sabbat – Dukes Theatre, 7.30pm, £5 - £18.50.

7 - 8: ‘The Twits’ - Outdoor theatre at Williamson Park, 3.30pm, £13.50/£8.50/£39.

12: HMS Pinafore - Outdoor theatre at Williamson Park, 7.30pm, £15/£10/£45.

13: Voulez Vous -The Platform, 7.30pm, £16/£15/.

15: Brass Band Concert (Kirkby Lonsdale Band) Happy Mount Park, 2.30pm.

5: Brass Band Concert (Pilling Jubilee Silver Brass Band) Happy Mount Park, 2.30pm.

11: All the Fun of the Fair Happy Mount Park, 12pm.

8: Brass Band Concert (Morecambe Bay Brass) Happy Mount Park, 2.30pm.

14: Poulton Heritage Festival.

5: Morecambe Bay open water swim. For more information visit www.epicevents.org

26: Outdoor cinema at Williamson Park (Singin' in the Rain) 8.30pm, £11/£10.

Visit www.dukes-lancaster.org for details.

27: Outdoor cinema at Williamson Park (Dirty Dancing 15) 8.30pm, £11/£10.

Visit www.dukes-lancaster.org for details.

28: Outdoor cinema at Williamson Park (The Woman in Black 12A) 8.30pm, £11/£10.

Visit www.dukes-lancaster.org for details.

28 July – 2 September (weekends): Summer Sensations at the Festival Market in Morecambe.

15 - 16: ‘The Railway Children’ Outdoor theatre at Williamson Park, 7.30pm, £13/£9/£39.

19: Brass Band Concert (Preston Concert Band) Happy Mount Park, 2.30pm.

21 - 22: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ - Outdoor theatre at Williamson Park, 7.30pm, £13.50/£8.50.

25 - 27: BeachBash - The Platform.

Visit www.morecambelive.com for details.

26: Brass Band Concert (Morecambe Brass Band Association) - Happy Mount Park, 2.30pm.

SEPTEMBER

AUGUST

1 - 2: Morecambe Seaside Festival.

Join in the annual celebration of the sea. Great entertainment includes breathtaking air displays, day time music and fireworks. www.lancaster.gov.uk/seaside

1 - 2: ‘Henry V’ – Outdoor theatre at Williamson Park Lancaster, 7.30pm, £13.50/£8.50/£39.

2: Brass Band Concert (Kendal Concert Band) - Happy Mount Park, 2.30pm.

29: Brass Band Concert (Blackpool Brass Band) Happy Mount Park, 2.30pm.

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6 – 9: Heritage Open Days.

7: Last Night of the Proms Platform £8.50/£4.

8: Beating Berlusconi 8pm Platform £12/£10.

9: Brass Band Concert (Morecambe Band) in Happy Mount Park, 2.30pm.

9: Bradford To Morecambe Vintage Vehicle Rally.

10 – 14: Morecambe Bay Golf Festival. www.morecambebaygolffestival. co.uk 15: The Kylie M Show Platform 8pm £15 £12.50.

7: The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular, Platform, 7.30pm, £19.

12 – 14: Lancaster Music Festival www.lancastermusicfestival.com 14: Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers Platform, 7.30pm, £17/14.

17 – 21: Lancaster LitFest. Contact 01524 62166 or email all@litfest.org for details.

21: Stephen K Amos - Platform, 8pm, £17. 16+.

24: Blame Sally (American folk band) - Platform, 8pm, £12.

28 October – 3 November: Lancaster Fireworks Festival Descend into Lancaster for a series of guided walks, events and workshops that leads from Halloween up to the famous and finest fireworks display of the north.

31: Spooky Halloween Night Happy Mount Park, Morecambe 5pm.

For more details of any of the events taking place visit www.citycoastcountryside.co.uk

20: The Blues Band Platform 8pm £17.

28: A tribute to Michael Jackson Platform 8pm, £17.50 14+.

29: James Taylor Quartet – Platform, 8pm, £16.

OCTOBER 5: King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys – Platform, 8pm, £14/13.

6: Ralph McTell, Platform, £19.

6: Dog Show at the Festival Market.

Lancaster Witches AUGUST 18/19 marks the 400th anniversary of the Lancashire Witch Trials – one of the most infamous events to take place in the dark history of Lancaster Castle.

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

For more details visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/witches

Photo. John Mills

Platform brochure due out in August THE new Platform brochure is due out in August. Shows confirmed for the autumn season include Wilko Johnson (23/11), Acker Bilk (27/11) and Sean Hughes (11/12).

Pick up your copy of the brochure from the visitor information centres in Morecambe or Lancaster, or Customer Service Centres at Lancaster and Morecambe town halls.

You can also sign up to get it delivered to your inbox as soon as it’s published by visiting www.lancaster.gov.uk/platform and entering your email address.

Take Pride in our district with the all new Visit Card TAKE pride in our district’s tourism attractions and save money at the same time – by picking up a Visit Card.

The all new Visit Card is available free of charge exclusively from Lancaster and Morecambe Visitor Information Centres and offers constantly updated special offers on entrance fees, food and drink and discounts at some of our top local attractions and venues.

Any businesses interested in being included should contact Allison Thomas on 01524 582394.

For full details of special offers visit: www.citycoastcountryside.co.uk and click on Visit Card.

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Outdoor theatre season comes to Williamson Park LANCASTER'S Williamson Park is providing the backdrop this summer for a packed programme of outdoor theatre productions.

The show goes on for The Dukes

Throughout August there will be adaptations of Shakespeare’s Henry V and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Roald Dahl’s The Twits, Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore and E. Nesbitt’s The Railway Children.

THE Dukes has announced that it will be bringing its outdoor walkabout theatre back to Williamson Park in 2013.

Henry V

The Railway Children

August 1 and 2 at 7.30pm

August 15 and 16 at 7.30pm

Shakespeare’s classic tale of King Henry V of England, focusing on events immediately before and after the Battle of Agincourt.

Watch the story unfold as the gentle Edwardian lifestyle is about to be turned upside down for Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis.

Tickets cost £13.50 for adults £8.50 for children/concessions and £39 for a family (2+2).

Tickets cost £13 for adults, £9 for children/concessions or £39 for a family (2+2).

The Twits

A Midsummer Night's Dream

August 7 and 8 at 3.30pm Entertain the family at a matinee performance of Roald Dahl’s The Twits.

Tickets cost £13.50 for adults £8.50 for children/concessions and £39 for a family (2+2).

HMS Pinafore August 12 at 7.30pm HMS Pinafore by Gilbert and Sullivan is faithfully performed by a reduced cast on a beautiful nautical set. Performed for one night only, the opera cheerfully mocks such Great British institutions as class, patriotism and the Royal Navy.

The performance starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15 for adults, £10 for children /concessions and £45 for a family (2+2).

August 21 and 22 at 7.30pm Be whisked away on a thrilling journey to the most magical of forests. Star-crossed lovers, playful fairies and raucous travelling players come together to create one of the most fun and frolicsome evenings of the summer.

Tickets cost £13.50 for adults, £8.50 for children/concessions or £39 for a family (2 + 2).

Tickets for all of these performances are available from the Williamson Park gift shop or by calling 01524 33318 or online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/parktickets You can also purchase tickets from Visitor Information Centres at Lancaster and Morecambe.

The Lancaster theatre is taking a break from its park productions this summer owing to its commitment to stage and tour its homegrown Lancashire witches drama – Sabbat – to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the witch trials in the city.

Financial challenges also played their part in the decision not to present a park show this summer as it is The Dukes most expensive event to produce.

However, such has been the demand from the public and the encouragement from its funders for outdoor theatre to be reinstated that The Dukes has reviewed its options and the show will return in 2013. The title will be announced later this summer.

The Dukes will be bringing outdoor cinema to the park this July. For more details see our what’s on section (Page 8) or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org

Williamson Park survey VISITORS to Williamson Park in Lancaster are being asked for their opinions of the park and its facilities to develop a better service for the future.

Throughout the summer, staff will be out and about in the park with a short questionnaire for customers to complete. The questionnaire will also be available online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/ williamsonpark.

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

They all Take Pride in their work - 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 their jobs and the difference they make to the lives of the community.

“It’s very important to us that we can improve the experience for the customer by helping people with as much as possible in the one visit or phone call.”

The Customer Services team also branches out to support other public agencies, welcoming staff from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, HMRC, Help Direct and Lancashire County Council.

“I think the Town Hall really lends itself to weddings and civil partnerships as the rooms are so special and unique and really provide a sense of occasion.”

More information on hiring the town hall is available from www.lancaster.gov.uk/weddings or call Michelle on 01524 582583.

Name: Michelle Shorrock Occupation: Wedding coordinator

Name: Andrew Whittaker Occupation: Planned Maintenance Manager

With the wedding season now in full swing, one member of council staff is finding herself very busy.

Although perhaps not the best known wedding venue in Lancaster, the Town Hall must surely be the grandest, most historic and unique place to tie the knot.

As a responsible landlord Lancaster City Council has a duty to ensure its properties are maintained to a high standard.

Name: Michael Hodgson Occupation: Customer Services Team Leader

A number of the town hall’s richly decorated rooms can be used for civil ceremonies and wedding receptions, ranging in size from the intimate Council Chamber to the grander Banqueting Suite.

Every week more than 4,000 people contact the council’s Customer Services team via telephone, email or face-to-face at Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls.

The Ashton Hall can be used for larger receptions and holds up to 800 people, making it particularly popular for larger Asian weddings.

The advisors on the team can help you with anything from recycling to parking, housing to voting and most things in between.

Michelle Shorrock is the wedding coordinator for Lancaster Town Hall: “One of the highlights of my job is seeing a happy couple having their photos taken on the grand marble staircase or in the memorial gardens.

Michael Hodgson has worked in his current role for almost four years: "Working in Customer Services is never boring; every day is full of new people, new challenges and chances to help people with problems big and small.

Every year improvements are made to hundreds of council homes to keep them in top condition and ensure that tenants have decent homes.

Ensuring all this work is completed is no mean feat.

As part of a team, providing a comprehensive repairs and maintenance service to council housing tenants, Andrew's role is to manage the programme of inhouse planned maintenance works.

Last year the council installed 130 new kitchens and bathrooms for tenants living on estates at Hala and Mainway and also managed the installation of new doors and windows to rural estates in the south of the district. New fencing was also completed to 80 properties on the Ryelands Estate.

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Voice your views on Local Development A MAJOR new consultation will be launched later this year about a new Local Plan for the district.

This will identify land for future development needs, land which will be protected for its economic, environmental or social importance, and will also include a set of policies which will manage proposals for future development.

The new Local Plan will replace existing planning policies in the district which determine the framework through which planning applications are determined and the location for major development proposals.

Three key parts of the new Local Plan are currently under preparation. These relate to Land Allocations and Development Management as well as a detailed planning policy framework for the council’s number one regeneration priority area of central Morecambe via an Area Action Plan.

household in the district will receive an information leaflet which provides background information on why the council is preparing a Local Plan and what the implications are for the district.

There will also be a series of consultation events across the district giving people the opportunity to express their views and speak to council officers on the content of the documents. More information is available on www.lancaster.gov.uk/ldf You can also be kept up to date by registering on the above website or on our Facebook page by searching for 'shaping a better future for Lancaster District'.

These documents will be published for public consultation later in the year. The consultation will provide people with the chance to have their say on the proposals put forward by the council, and help shape the future of their district.

As part of the consultation process every

Together we can make a difference THERE are lots of ways that you can get involved, Take Pride, and have your say with Lancaster City Council. You can: • Join our 'Voice your views' panel and receive email alerts when consultations that interest you go live.

• Find out what consultations are going on including current consultations and our 2012/13 consultation plan.

• Register with our Local Development Framework Consultation Portal if you are interested in local planning issues.

• Contact the tenant’s participation officer if you are a council housing tenant or leaseholder and would like to get involved.

• Email us directly with suggestions and ideas on how we can improve our services.

If you want to raise specific issues about your local area you can: • Talk to your ward councillors • Report issues to customer services or by the online reporting form • Take part in a council or committee meeting • Submit a petition Information on all of the above can be found on our new 'have your say' web pages www.lancaster.gov.uk/ haveyoursay or by contacting our consultation and engagement officer by email haveyoursay@ lancaster.gov.uk or by telephone 01524 582000.

Top award for Happy Mount Park volunteers A VOLUNTEER group at Happy Mount Park in Morecambe is to receive a prestigious award for their work.

The Happy Mount Park Volunteers, who help to maintain and improve the ponds and Japanese Gardens in the park, have been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The award recognises their work in making the park more attractive for both local people and visitors to Morecambe.

If you’re interested in joining the group and helping to make a difference to the park, the volunteer group meets in the park at 5.30pm every Friday.

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Waste not, want not A BID to tackle the causes of climate change is already showing spectacular results - reducing energy costs by almost £200,000 at the same time.

In 2008, Lancaster City Council started a programme to reduce its energy consumption to reduce both costs and the amount of carbon dioxide from its activities.

Latest figures show that the council's energy consumption in 2011/12 fell by more than 31% in comparison with 2008/09. At Salt

Ayre Sports Centre alone, energy consumption has reduced by more than 40% over the same period.

This has been achieved through energy-saving measures such as improved building insulation.

At Salt Ayre Sports Centre, pumps and meters have been upgraded and covers have been installed for the swimming pool to maintain the heat whilst the pool is closed.

To reduce energy consumption even further, Lancaster City Council recently completed the

installation of solar panels to generate electricity on a number of council buildings. This includes Salt Ayre Sports Centre and White Lund Depot, as well as four sheltered housing schemes in Lancaster.

If you’re looking to reduce your own energy costs and reduce your impact on climate change visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for top tips and advice.

Recycling plastic’s fantastic MOST households should by now have received their new refuse and recycling collection calendar, which runs from June 2012 to June 2013. You can also find your collection days online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/ findmynearest Visit our web page www.lancaster.gov.uk/bins to find out what can and can’t be recycled, and what to do with any items that the council can’t collect.

Don’t forget that all plastic bottles can be recycled, including soft drinks, shampoo, household cleaners, plastic sauce bottles, and much more.

The council still cannot accept any other plastic for recycling, such as tubs, trays, yoghurt pots or carrier

bags. The processing plant where recycled waste is taken is continuing to work towards solutions which will allow residents to recycle more plastics in the future.

A £600,000 boost for nature MORECAMBE Bay is one of 12 areas across England to receive funding as part of efforts to boost wildlife, help rare species and restore habitats.

The funding will also help to inspire community action and support sustainable farming, woodfuel and wildlife tourism businesses.

Already one of the most ecologically diverse areas of the country, the area surrounding Morecambe Bay has become a Nature Improvement Area.

Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership is leading on the project on behalf of the Morecambe Bay Wildlife Network and will be working with and on behalf of a broad partnership, including support from farmers, landowners and the wider community.

With the status comes over £600,000 of investment to improve and reconnect the area’s special wetland, limestone, grassland and woodland habitats.

Photo courtesy of Arnside and Silverdale AONB.

This project is supported by Defra, DCLG, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission and Natural England.

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Assembling a unique offer HAVE you visited the Assembly Rooms in Lancaster recently? If not, then you’re missing out on one of the city’s hidden gems.

Located on King Street next to Crow’s Restaurant, this 18th century building used to be one of the city’s main meeting halls, but fell out of fashion over the years.

In the 1980s it reinvented itself and is now home to a curious mix of small stalls selling everything from vintage fashion, books, comics, art and miniatures.

There’s even a café serving fine food, drinks, homemade cakes and treats.

Mark Braithwaite first came to the Assembly Rooms in 2006.

Originally from Blackburn, he moved to Lancaster after looking for somewhere to set up his business.

The Assembly Rooms fitted the bill perfectly. He started with one stall but has gradually expanded and now occupies a large section with his large range of American comic books.

Mark also organises regular events, the next of which is the annual Halloween Spooktacular on October 27. Pop along dressed in character and there could be a few treats on offer!

By far the longest serving stallholder at the Assembly Rooms, having celebrated 25 years, is Lynne Austin. Her stall Bebe Babette - sells (and hires out) vintage costume. Her

stunning stall is an Aladdin’s cave of forgotten fashion – much of which is starting to make a comeback.

“I’ve always had a passion for everything vintage and collected my own pieces,” she explained.

“The Assembly Rooms gives me an outlet to indulge that passion and share it with others. A stall like mine probably wouldn’t survive on the High Street and I think that’s what makes us special – you can find things here that you just wouldn’t be able to anywhere else, certainly not in Lancaster.”

Way forward agreed for Lancaster Indoor Market Hall COUNCILLORS have agreed the next steps to be taken on the future of the Lancaster Indoor Market Hall, which is due to be vacated this autumn.

This follows a decision last year that talks should take place to negotiate with the council’s landlord for the surrender of its lease, and with the traders for vacant possession of the market building by the end of 2012.

Since this decision was taken, negotiations have continued with both Allied, owner of the market building and the council’s landlord, and market traders.

While further negotiations need to take place with Allied to

secure the best possible terms in respect of the market building, the council recognises that the continued uncertainty on the future of the market has caused great difficulties for traders.

Councillors therefore agreed that as a next step, traders should be compensated, with a view to them leaving the building over the next few months. It provides traders with certainty over their futures and provides for them to find alternative premises and keep their businesses running.

Negotiations with Allied – owner of the market building and the council’s landlord – will continue.

This decision was taken following valuation, legal and accountancy advice that it was the best way forward to put the

The outcome of these negotiations will be brought back to councillors for further consideration.

council in the best possible position to safeguard the interests of taxpayers in the long term.

Page 15

Fight the flab and get fit IF you're getting ready for your summer holidays and the thought of photos of you on the beach are making you think that you need to lose a few pounds then help is at hand.

Salt Ayre Sport Centre is offering a special rate to get you fit and healthy by the end of summer. Join ‘Shape up in summer’ and you can enjoy 30 days of fitness for only £25. This great promotion offers access to the state of the art gym, the swimming pool, running track and your choice of over 40 free fitness classes.

This comes along with the usual benefits of free parking, on site café and full use of the relaxation and sauna areas.

The offer is only available until August 31 so call Salt Ayre Sports Centre now to make your first appointment on 01524 847540 and start on your way to shape up by the end of summer.

For more information email saltayre@lancaster.gov.uk or visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/saltayre

Get the kids active this summer WITH the school holidays just around the corner, Lancaster City Council is once again ensuring there’s plenty of fun activities for the district’s youngsters to enjoy.

This year’s activities programme will take place at various venues throughout the district when children can enjoy the wide variety of sports and arts activities.

To find out what’s on offer visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/ holidayprogramme

Show your support for the Olympics AS Your District Council Matters went to print the Olympic Torch was due to pass through the Lancaster district.

Thousands of people – including more than 13,000 school children – were expected to line the route and cheer on the inspirational Torchbearers entrusted with carrying the Olympic Flame.

It was followed by the Velocity Festival – a Celebration of Sport in the Lancaster District. This fun filled weekend included watersports in Morecambe Bay and a feast of entertainment.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic flags are also flying high from the roofs of Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls,

showing the district’s support for the Games.

If you didn’t manage to see the Torch or get involved with the weekend festival there are plenty of other ways you can get involved with the Olympic spirit.

information on how your son or daughter can get involved visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/ playschemes Then, on 29 August, Salt Ayre is hosting a day of celebration to mark the beginning of the Paralympic Games. On offer will be a range of sports including archery, football, athletics, cycling and swimming.

Sign up to be a ‘Local Leader’ programme and celebrate the Olympics. On offer are free tools to make your celebrations extra special. More information is available at www.london2012.com/ localleaders

Adults will be able to access a free swim in the morning and sign up for two activities in the afternoon.

In August thousands of children taking part in the annual summer playschemes will meet up at Salt Ayre Sports Centre for a day of Olympic sports. For more

Children can sign up for two activities in the morning and access a free swim in the afternoon. Each participant will receive a Lancaster City Council Gold Medal!

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useful contact numbers

Main contact details for key local services in the district

Lancaster City Council

Emergency services

Customer Services: 01524 582000

Lancashire Police

Domestic Waste and Street Cleaning: 01524 582491 Homelessness and Housing Standards: 01524 582257 Elections: 01524 582905 Out-of-hours Emergencies: 01524 67099

Telephone: 101 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

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 Website: www.helpdirect.org.uk

Telephone: 01524 66215

Email: askus@loc.helpdirectlancs.org.uk

Website: www.lmc.ac.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.