Lancashire Now 123

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Issue. 123 - Sept - 2020 0115 6972677 | www.wilcopmedia.co.uk | sales@wilcopmedia.co.uk

FREE

WASH HANDS

COVER FACE

Covid testing site on the move

The community testing site for coronavirus at Issa Medical Centre has move to a Preston City Council owned site adjacent to Moor Park.

The site will use the former Parks depot, accessible via Moor Park Avenue with parking available at Moor Park car park, Deepdale Road (opposite PNE).

Preston residents continue to be invited to be tested at

either community testing site, regardless of symptoms. In light of the evolving situation, increased demand on testing and significant rise in cases in Preston, non-residents may be turned away from either site as residents will be prioritised.

Our thanks go to Issa Medical Centre for their generosity in allowing us use of their car park over the past few weeks, along with the many

community and Councillor volunteer helpers who have played a vital role.

Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader at Preston City Council, said, "The number of cases and positivity rate continues to follow a worrying trend in Preston.

The advice from the Director of Public Health has been clear that increased testing has an essential role to play in

managing the spike and in gathering more evidence to collate a clearer picture of the situation.

"More than ever, it is essential that we all play a role in stopping the spread of the virus by following the guidelines. None of us want to be the one who passes it on to our loved ones.

"I'd also like to thank Issa Medical Centre for their patience and help in hosting this community testing site over the past number of weeks. Appreciation also goes to the many staff and volunteers who have assisted in a variety of roles through this difficult time."

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health for Lancashire, added, "The pandemic is still with us, which is why people must keep themselves safe by following the guidance such as good hand washing, wearing a face covering and keeping a distance from people who aren't in your household or bubble.

"Please get tested, so that you can avoid spreading it to people you care about.

"Thank you to people for all that you are doing to protect yourselves and each other.

"If we all do what we can individually, then we can keep the case numbers down and continue with more normal daily lives."

MAKE SPACE

Neighbours become friends thanks to arts project

see page 3..

Page 2.

Planning awards Sales E: sales@wilcopmedia.co.uk | T: 0115 6972677

success for Preston Preston City Council's planning department has been judged to provide "an exemplary approach to identifying, unlocking and kick-starting brownfield housing sites."

We're very proud that Preston's City Living Strategy has won the Planning for Increased Housing Delivery Award and the overall Editor's Choice Award at the national Planning Awards 2020, that took place 8 & 9 September.

The delivery of quality homes in inner Preston has started to take off in the last few years, but there is an opportunity to significantly increase these numbers by providing the right solutions to unlock the sites.

City Living Preston provides the overarching framework for housing growth in the city centre and surrounding inner suburbs. It's a proactive response to previous market challenges around the delivery of housing within inner Preston.

The strategy specifically seeks to attract interest from local, small and medium sized house builders, including both private developers and housing associations, linking to the council's approach on maximising local spend through the Preston Model.

Councillor Peter Moss, Cabinet member for planning and regulation, said, "I'm delighted that Preston has been recognised at a national level for this fantastic work on City Living Preston.

"I am particularly pleased with the judges' comments

about the criteria for selecting winners included "real social and environmental benefits", "real benefits for local people" and an "exemplar approach to kick starting brownfield sites."

"This award is testament to the terrific partnership work of both organisations and is the culmination of high quality work day in, day out to further our ambitions for

A rural road between Burscough and Mawdesley is due to be closed for three weeks for essential maintenance to a bridge.

Wanes Blades Road and Mains Lane will not be available as a through-route while work takes place to Wanes Blades Bridge where the two roads meet.

The closure is due to be in place from Monday 28 September to Sunday 18 October for all road users including pedestrians and

cyclists. The bridge which carries the road over the River Douglas was originally built in 1939, and work is needed to repair concrete supports at either end of the bridge, and paint metal parts to protect against corrosion.

The repair project will take place over nine weeks from 14 September to 13 November, however engineers are able to carry out most of the work without closing it to traffic.

While the closure is in place advanced signs will divert

the city." Chris Hayward, Director of Development and Housing at Preston City Council, said, "All of the actions taken by the council and Hive Land & Planning are having a major impact on increasing housing delivery within inner Preston, demonstrating a wide-ranging approach to development, supporting the housing market and delivering long-

term benefits to local communities."

Stuart Sage, Director Hive Land and Planning, added, "Supporting Preston City Council's drive to find innovative ways to unlock brownfield land enables Hive Land & Planning to use its wide range of experience in problem-solving and developing effective public-private partnerships. We are honoured that this work has been recognised as being exemplary at a national level and we look forward to continuing to help deliver the decent affordable homes that Preston needs."

Bridge in rural West Lancs due to be closed for repairs traffic before it reaches the bridge, with a route suitable for all vehicles including HGVs to be signed via Parbold, Newburgh, Ring O'Bells and Hoscar.

A shorter diversion for all vehicles is not possible as many of the roads around Wanes Blades Bridge have other bridges with weight or height restrictions on them.

County Councillor Keith Iddon, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Many of the historic

bridges in this area have weight limits on them, and this work is vital to ensure Wanes Blade Bridge can continue to be used by all vehicles including HGVs. "This is a narrow bridge, and some of the work cannot be carried out without closing it to all traffic including pedestrians and cyclists.

"We are aiming to keep the length of the closure as short as possible to minimise inconvenience to people in this area.

I'm grateful for people's patience while we carry out this work which should mean the bridge will not need any further maintenance on this scale for many years."

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Neighbours become friends thanks to arts project Rossendale GP surgery issues plea ‘Home in Your Heart’ is a programme delivered by Sync Projects in partnership with Wigan Council in a bid to connect local people with each other, improve confidence and encourage social inclusion through arts and culture.

Fourteen people previously disengaged from their communities, living with mobility issues or widowed came forward to transform their lives and now, some of the work developed as part of the project is on display at the Museum of Wigan Life – a big milestone for all of those involved.

Ivor Hagar is one of the residents involved. He said: “I was afraid beforehand. I didn’t tend to leave my flat or do anything outside of my usual routine. I’ve had negative experiences with friends in the past but I was pushed to get involved and I’m really grateful because it’s been a real heart-opener.

It’s a real community spirit.”

Since January 2019, the group has worked with acclaimed artist, Mark Storor, travelling the region visiting exhibitions and museums, sometimes for the first time.

In line with the council’s commitment to making the arts accessible to all, the collaboration with Mark has helped to forge connections between residents and has

to people refusing to wear face masks

provided them with the confidence they needed to share their back-stories.

With help from photographer, Stephen King, residents became subjects of their own expressive photographs and wrote accompanying poems capturing a memory important to each of them.

The series, called ‘Recipes for Life’, is now on display at the town centre’s museum.

Heather Shepherd took part in the project. She said: “It’s really daunting to have my work on display for everyone to see because it is so personal to me and my background but I think it’s an important step to take.

We have been to visit so many cultural venues over the last year learning about what they do, so I’m excited to share

what I’ve been working on with them.”

The residents involved in the exhibition have now become ‘Culture Champions’ and will now try to engage even more of their neighbours with new opportunities and apply for funding to help with ongoing projects.

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities, whose portfolio includes culture said: “When we launched our cultural manifesto, The Fire Within, in 2019, a key aim was to inspire local people who wouldn’t ordinarily engage with the arts.

“Home in Your Heart is a perfect example of how culture is a key driver in social inclusion. Hearing how these fourteen residents

have changed their perspective on different issues and their peers is really refreshing.

“They originally showcased their work at a closed exhibition last year as a way to build their confidence and feel comfortable showcasing on a public scale. I’m really proud of them and happy to hear they’re now in a position to share their amazing progress with the rest of the borough.”

To view the work, visit the Museum of Wigan Life Thursday – Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

Recycling in Ribble Valley

‘Top Of The Pots’ Say New Figures When it comes to recycling, Ribble Valley is ‘top of the pots’, according to new figures.

The borough has seen the biggest increase in recycling in Lancashire in the last two years – a 24 per cent boost in the collection of green waste and 22 per cent in recyclables.

Ribble Valley is also the only borough to see a reduction in the amount of waste sent to landfill.

The figures also place the borough fourth in Lancashire

for the collection of target material and third for low contamination rates, meaning Ribble Valley residents are placing the right items in the right bins.

Ribble Valley Borough Council made it easier for people to recycle more plastic last year, by allowing them to put pots, tubs and trays in their blue bins.

And the move has clearly struck a note with the borough’s green-keen households.

Ribble Va l l e y Borough Council leader Stephen Atkinson said: “ T o have the

highest increase in recycling of any borough in Lancashire, along with a reduction in the amount of waste sent to landfill, is a fantastic achievement.

“These rates have been achieved by a tremendous workforce, who collect refuse from one of the largest geographical boroughs in the North, and residents, who have engaged enthusiastically with our recycling schemes.”

John Heap, the council’s director of community services, added: “Collecting refuse is hard work, but the job has to be done and our lads just get on with it.

“They walk mile upon mile ensuring the borough’s refuse is collected or recycled and their dedication is typical of the care and effort that our workers put into making

Ribble Valley a great place to live and visit.”

You can do your bit to boost the borough’s recycling rates by placing the following items in your blue bin: glass bottles and jars, food tins, drink cans, foil trays, empty aerosol cans; metal tins, bottle caps and jar lids; plastic bottles, lids, pots, tubs, trays and punnets (film lids and absorbent pads should be placed with general rubbish); plant pots, tubs and trays.

Please rinse items before putting them in the bin to protect the recycling stream from contamination.

Doctors in Rossendale have made a direct plea to people who are refusing to wear face masks.

Dr Abdul Mannan, Chair of Rossendale West Primary Care Network and a GP at The Surgery (Dr Moujaes and Mannan) in Haslingden, has issued the plea on behalf of the nine GP practices in Rossendale.

It comes as additional lockdown rules were relaxed across the valley for approximately 70,000 residents, many of whom have been shielding for several months and would potentially be the worst affected if Lancashire is hit by a second wave of COVID-19.

It is already compulsory to wear a face covering on public transport and in shops and other venues in England. Dr Mannan said: “We appreciate not everyone will find it easy to wear a mask, but we would encourage everyone to show their support for these measures, as they are designed to keep us safe from this devastating disease. “For those who don’t want to wear a face mask, you need to understand that there is a large proportion of the local population who are extremely clinically vulnerable to COVID-19

and who have been shielded from the first wave of this disease. “The face masks may be a burden to you, but you’re saving someone vulnerable from catching COVID-19. Please think about everyone else around you. If there’s a second wave the shielding patients will be the ones at serious risk of death. Please help prevent this.”

Cllr Jackie Oakes, Portfolio Holder for Health at Rossendale Borough Council added: “We fully endorse Dr Mannan’s message. “It is crucially important that everyone stick to the current government guidelines if we are to halt the spread of the virus and protect those most vulnerable. “Wearing a mask in shops, on public transport and other public venues, maintaining social distancing and regularly washing your hands are a small price to pay to help halt the spread of this virus and avoid a second wave.”

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NEW covid mEasuREs bEiNg iNtRoducEd iN laNcashiRE

scaRE kiNgdom ‘scREams’iNtoactioN FoR its 12thsEasoN!

Scare Kingdom Scream Park’s multi award-winning Halloween event is returning in 2020for its 12thyear of fear, promising to deliver more spine-tingling terror than ever before...Voted ‘The UK’s Best Halloween Attraction’ -Holiday Lettings

by Trip Advisor, and ‘Best Multi part Halloween Event’ -horror industry SCAR awards, Scare Kingdom Scream Park,in Lancashire, UK, is the UK’s top-rated scream park. Scare Kingdom offersguests the ultimate Halloween experience combining live scareactors, special effects and heartpumping thrills, across seven all-new scare attractions and experiencesfor daring families, thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies and courageous kids.Jason Karl, Creative Director of Scare Kingdom Scream Park said “for our twelfthyear of fear, we are re-developing our attractions with all-new storylines, characters and scares, plus we have the allnew Zozo’s Grind Housescare maze and Psychomanteum –Scared STIFF –a brand newversion of the

ultimatescare experience for over 18’sonly.Across the park we have crazed doctors, killer clownsand sinister spiritswho are ready and waiting to give guests something really scary to scream about!”Enter the Terrible Tea Tent where our creepy Butler and rancid Cook bid you welcome to Scare Kingdom in Horrid High Tea with Scrapfaggot & Mrs Filtch.Transform into the ‘very best version of you’ at The Paradise Foundation– Bliss TV, but remember, paradisecomes at a price, and no-one can evade the persuasive shopping television broadcast on Channel 666.

Experience the world’s most famousghost storiesinside Manormortis –Ghost Story, where a portmanteau of the macabre comes to life in the old Victorian mansion.

Grab a searchlight and enter the blackout of Blitz–The Hungerinside the old deserted chapel of All Hallows Haven.

Meet the eminent eccentric Madame Tussaud in her cabinet of curiosities in Body Snatchers –Chamber of Horrorsand creep into a gruesome gala as you worm your way through the hallways

of Zozo’s Grind House.Plus ‘The UK’s Sickest Attraction’ is presented in a brand-new way asPsychomanteum – Scared STIFF*offersbrave guests aged over 18 an insidious double-dare.*18+ only, proof of age required, entry in pairs, extra charge of £6 per body applies.

Alongside the scare mazes, Streetmosphere characters roam the park providing interactive encounters with guests... Meeta host ofhideous characters who bring your Scare Kingdom Scream Parkexperience to life as you journey between each attraction.

Recover in our licensed barwhich serves food and beverages.Scare Kingdom Scream Parkis located at Mrs Dowson’s Farm Park, the home of Mrs. Dowson's Ice Cream, minutes from the M6 junction 31 on the A59 near Preston and Blackburn in Lancashire, UK.Open on selected nights between Friday October 2ndand Saturday November 7th2020inclusive.Tickets are available from just £18.00 per body, plus booking fee, at www.scarekingdom.com

Issued on behalf of the Lancashire Resilience Forum New measures are to be introduced in Lancashire as part of a combined effort across the county to help fight Covid-19. Following a significant rise in the number of cases, and initial signs that hospital admissions are starting to increase, more stringent measures are to be introduced. The measures are designed to protect residents in the county from the spread of Covid-19, especially our more vulnerable residents.

They are also aiming to preventing a much tighter lockdown. The new measures will affect all of Lancashire, including Blackburn with Darwen, apart from the Blackpool area, and come into effect Tuesday 22 September.

They will: • Prohibit households from mixing in homes and gardens • Limit bars and restaurants to table service only • Prevent leisure and entertainment venues, including restaurants, pubs, and cinemas, opening between 10pm and 5am A number of areas of guidance have also been introduced which residents are strongly urged to comply with. These are: • Only use public transport for essential purposes, such

as travelling to school or work • Not to attend amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.

Residents are urged to only visit indoor locations such as pubs and restaurants with other members of their household or support bubble.

Lancashire County Council's Director of Public Health Dr Sakthi Karunanithi: "The past six months have been really tough for everyone and so many people have made personal sacrifices for the good of their loved ones and the communities where they live and work. Although still in small numbers, we are also seeing that hospital admissions rise two weeks after the cases increased. "We are particularly seeing a high rate of positive cases in the 15 to 44 age group, and our concern is that this will spill into the older and vulnerable groups. Please do not mix between households indoors and keep outdoor mixing as low as possible. Use public transport only for essential journeys like school, work and health appointment. Try to stay and shop locally.

"I would also say that we should be setting as good an example as possible for our children to encourage them

to also be better at following the guidance now that pupils have returned to school."

Angie Ridgwell, chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum, which is leading the response to coronavirus in the county, said: The rates of the virus across Lancashire continue to increase and for the safety of all our residents we need to take more wide reaching action to get this under control. While hospital admissions are low at the moment, they are rising and deaths will follow unless we all step up. We have to do this so our children can go to school which is so important for their future, key workers can go to work and provide vital services and wherever possible we can keep our local businesses up and running.

I want to thank everyone who has already played a big part by adhering to these asks and now everyone needs to help. Please do this to protect yourself, your family and those you love.

Don’t mix outside of your household and ensure these new restrictions are lifted as soon as possible." For further information please visit the Government's website www. gov.uk/coronavirus

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Cabinet to consider St Helens Borough Local Plan submission to Secretary of State St Helens Borough’s Local Plan could soon progress as the Cabinet prepares to discuss its submission to the Secretary of State at a meeting on Wednesday 23 September.

Senior officers will recommend to Cabinet that the Local Plan Submission Draft be submitted as per the resolution of Council on the 19 December 2018.

In March this year, the Cabinet asked council officers to consider the land use planning implications of the Council’s new strategic partnership with English Cities Fund (ECF) in the context of the Local Plan.

A report on this review has now been published and will go before Cabinet for a decision to be made on the next steps for the Local Plan.

The report highlights ECF’s developing plans for St Helens town centre. Officers resolved that the ECF partnership will help the Council to accelerate delivery on the sites that have been identified in the Local Plan and will put St Helens Borough in a strong

position to secure high quality development, supporting the borough’s economic recovery.

The ECF’s contribution will be within the tolerances already identified in the plan and so officers concluded that there is no need to delay submission of the Local Plan to take further account of the proposal. Also included is an updated Community Impact Assessment, originally produced in December 2018, which specifies how the council will use its planning powers within the context of the Local Plan to improve quality of life and reduce health inequalities for residents in St Helens Borough. If a decision is made by Cabinet to submit the Local Plan it will be submitted to the Secretary of State in October. The Secretary of State appoints an independent planning inspector to examine the plan and documentation.

The planning inspector will decide when the public examination will be conducted. Once known,

details of the timescales will be shared online at www. sthelens.gov.uk/localplan.

St Helens Borough Council Leader, Councillor David Baines said: “Earlier this year we decided to pause the process for submitting the Local Plan draft, giving our new Chief Executive Kath O’Dwyer and new Executive Director of Place Services Lisa Harris the opportunity to look closely at it and for us to benefit from their experience and advice, and making sure we took full account of our ground-breaking deal with English Cities Fund.

“Officers have spent recent months assessing the plan and their strong and clear recommendation is that we proceed with the Submission Draft, so this will now be considered by Cabinet.

“The Local Plan draft protects the majority of our borough as greenbelt, plus our outstanding parks and open spaces, while also being ambitious for employment and housing growth. And we

will continue to explore all opportunities for bringing brownfield sites back into use, as we have done recently in securing funding from Liverpool City Region to help regenerate the Moss Nook and Cowley Hill sites.

“We want St Helens Borough to be a vibrant, attractive and prosperous place. We want local people to benefit from a good choice of affordable homes, skilled local jobs, efficient infrastructure, beautiful open green spaces, good transport links and better health and wellbeing. This is an even more vital mission after Covid-19. Everything we do is in pursuit of these goals.” Councillor Richard McCauley, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Housing, said: “We must develop a plan that allows us to meet the required Government targets on housing, and that can accommodate the growth we want to achieve in St Helens Borough. “This plan

sets out our ambitions to create jobs, build a mix of high quality, affordable homes and shape infrastructure investments utilising brownfield first and foremost. “It gives residents some certainty about our development plans and future use of land in the borough. It shows where development is planned, and therefore where resources and possible additional infrastructure, such as roads or new schools, are needed to support it. “It will protect the vast majority of our open green spaces, develop our town and district centres, and help to prevent decisions being made on developments that may not be in the best interests of our local community, as without it we are at the mercy of developers who would be able to cherry-pick development sites without our input.

“Our Local Plan will help us to achieve all the things that matter to you as

residents, and to us too.”

The Submission Draft of the Local Plan was subject to a public consultation in 2019, with the council receiving approximately 2,000 responses. These responses have been collated and will be submitted to the inspector together with the Local Plan and supporting documents, should councillors decide to submit the plan.

Anyone who submitted a response during the Local Plan Submission Draft consultation will receive an email or letter from the council notifying them when the plan has been submitted to the planning inspectorate for examination, unless a request was made to not be notified.

a NEW daWN FoR bacup as Page 6.

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couNcil bids FoR £11 millioN boost An ambitious plan to secure a vibrant sustainable future for Bacup town centre is being submitted for millions of pounds of government regeneration funding.

Already businesses, residents and visitors have witnessed a rebirth in the town thanks to works carried out with Townscape Heritage Initiative money which was secured by Rossendale Borough Council (RBC).

Now the council is submitting a detailed Bacup 2040 Vision proposal to the Future High Streets Fund to future-proof the town centre for years to come. The fund is worth £11.7 million.

Rossendale Council Leader Councillor Alyson Barnes said: The success of the THI is evident for all to see especially when looking at the amazing array of unique and independent businesses that now fill St James Street.

Success encourages ambition

and we have also seen many other new premises opening across the town demonstrating a renewed confidence in Bacup and its future.

The THI was always intended to be a starting point for Bacup, now our community led 2040 Vision will focus on building on the town’s strengths and creating a sustainable future for decades to come.

Despite the tough times we have faced because of coronavirus, we are proud of the bid we have put together.

COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the town centres but it won’t stop us being ambitious for the future.”

The masterplan sets out how the town could be developed over the next 20 years.

One of the major changes proposed is the formation of a Market Square by the removal of the imposing three-story former Barclays Bank building.

The building’s footprint

and the current market will then be remodelled with two new buildings added to accommodate an indoor market and food hall and a separate cyclists’ café, accommodation, repair shop and five retail units.

Improving vacant, underused and derelict town centre buildings will also be a priority and initially the funding will be used to kickstart stalled developments.

Town centre public realm will be enhanced by creating a safe walking and cycling route across the town and other developments, linking car parking with the main shopping area.

Describing the plans as a unique chance to make Bacup East Lancashire’s leading heritage independent market town, Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry said: I think this latest bid put forward by Bacup is a really exciting opportunity to bring together all the work that has

been done over many years.

I want to pay tribute to the local authority for securing heritage funding in 2014 as it was a catalyst for the regeneration of Bacup.

I think what we have to grasp is that this is not just a bid,

it is an opportunity to take the town to the next stage of where we want Bacup to be in the next five, 10 and 15 years.”

He said he would be speaking to the Minister in support of Bacup’s bid. The aim is to

provide a town that supports start-ups and growing businesses as well as providing tourism opportunities, quality food and drink and a place accessible and attractive for all with opportunities to live, work and spend leisure time.

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Page 7.

Award-winning artist showcases work in fiery new exhibition

A transformer robot created from a Ford Fiesta by Jarman Award winner, Hetain Patel, will feature in a showstopping exhibition exploring Covid culture.

This weekend, Wigan Council will open the second year of the borough’s fiveyear plan, The Fire Within, which celebrates local, regional and international artists and sees part of the town’s shopping centre, The Galleries, transformed into a performance and cultural

venue. The exhibition will embrace technology, creating a digital world for visitors to experience.

Called ‘We Will Always Be Together’, the show will be unveiled on 19 September and Hetain Patel will display his impressive transformer robot, which he created with his Dad using his first car.

This will be the first time the robot will be showcased in the north of England.

Hetain said: “Right at the heart of my work is accessibility, especially to those who are intimidated by galleries and museums. When I think about where I grew up in Westhougton and nearby places like Wigan, I wouldn’t ordinarily think of them as hubs for contemporary art, which is why I felt so inspired when I heard about The Fire Within and how supportive the council has been of the work.

“The robot was a project I thought of initially to spend more time with my Dad – it was about connecting, which

is a key theme of The Fire Within show.

“I like to explore fairness, freedom, equality and marginalised identity in my art, and that’s what the transformer embodies.

“Using my first car was symbolic freedom – it was the first time I was truly independent. And, although I’ve always been a fan of transformers, robots are outside of race and ethnicity, so it was another way to exercise freedom.

“Creativity is a really human trait. We display creativity every day, even if art isn’t involved. The Fire Within encourages this and it’s amazing to be involved in such an inspirational energy for Wigan.”

The exhibition will cover six formerly vacant shopping units and will explore social media and the computer age.

Historic influencers from the region will also be celebrated in an ICONS room, including LGBTQ rights activist and founder of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality, Allan Horsfall.

The installation has been curated by international

artists and Wigan Borough residents Al Holmes and Al Taylor, who have been key in making the borough’s cultural manifesto a reality.

This will be the third installation they have delivered on behalf of the council since May 2019.

They said: “The digital age has created spectacular Hollywood superhero visions which have inspired superfans around the world.

“Hetain’s work explores superhero fantasies in extraordinary waysIn his Jarman Award winning film, The Jump - which will play at the show - he becomes Spiderman in his Grandma’s living room, applying the awe-inspiring slow-motion techniques of a Marvel movie to capture our imaginations about his own family heritage.

“This show is going to be a wonderful homecoming for Hetain who is now a celebrated international art star and we are really excited to welcome him and families to come and see an amazing collection of his work in Wigan.”

The exhibition will be officially open to the

public from Thursday 24th September but closed tours will take place at a low-key launch event on Saturday 19th September due Covid-19 restrictions. Members of the public can preview the exhibition early for two hours between 1pm and 3pm on Saturday 19th September.

Following the opening, visitors will be expected to wear face masks and to social distance when in the space.

Hand sanitising stations and one-way systems will be in place.

Speaking about the decision to open up the gallery to the public again, Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for culture and communities said: “For the last couple of years, our teams have been working really closely with the borough’s cultural organisa t i o n s , freelance artists and other creative professionals in order to create a 5-year plan that will

bring arts and culture to the forefront of people’s minds.

“Our focus last year was on bringing people together and transforming the previously vacant shopping units into a ground-breaking social space.

“Due to the pandemic, our approach has had to change this year.

Our second theme was always going to be Digital Wigan and with the current climate, this focus is actually more important and relatable than we ever would have thought.

“This new exhibition will explore how technology has the power to bring people together in many ways. And, we have a lot of exciting art works and artists being featured.

You don’t want to miss it!”

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Plans to transform historic Egyptian Rooms into food hall

Oldham Council has submitted plans to transform a historic town hall space into an independent-style food market.

Situated in the Egyptian Rooms of the landmark Old Town Hall, the casual dining market would deliver a brandnew offer to Oldham town centre. Featuring six food and drink concessions, it would cater for around 200 people with both inside and outside seating including a large covered al-fresco dining area on Parliament Square.

The venue proposes a similar concept and layout to existing independent food markets across Greater Manchester with food and drink traders located on the perimeter and a central dining and socialising space. Potential stalls could include coffee, pizza and a bar. Oldham Council has now applied for permission to redevelop the room which was once home to the Borough Treasurer’s Rates Hall - and is in discussions with potential operators.

Cllr Sean Fielding, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “This would be an exciting new food and drink experience for Oldham and

a great addition to the Old Town Hall and the fantastic businesses already based there and across the town centre.

“We’re committed to ensuring Oldham has a vibrant leisure and night-time economy and we are confident a market like this will be welcomed by residents and visitors.”

Following a £37 million redevelopment, the Grade II-listed Old Town Hall was transformed from a derelict building. It is now home to a seven-screen Odeon cinema, Nandos and Molino Lounge.

The council has submitted a bid to the Government’s Future High Street Fund to support the delivery of the food market. If successful, the funding will also support other regeneration projects across the town centre including public realm improvements and the creation of a digital start-up hub. Cllr Fielding added: “Coronavirus has had a huge impact on Oldham - which is why it’s more important than ever to do everything we can to create investment, jobs and opportunities for people.

“We look forward to hearing the outcome of the Future High Street Fund which will enable us to deliver key

regeneration projects to help our town build back better.”

Sacha Lord, Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, said: “Many residents and operators in Oldham have spoken to me about how thriving the night time economy used to be. “I have now had many visits and very positive conversations with Cllr Sean Fielding, the Leader of Oldham Council.

Sean completely understands and supports the idea of reinvigorating the sector and last year assembled a Night Time Economy Taskforce.

“Last year, during one of my visits, I was shown a very ambitious project, the Egyptian Rooms and was told about the plans to bring it to life and expand footfall into the Old Town Hall. “Now, even during these challenging times, I’m delighted the Egyptian Rooms are progressing. "Not only will it create many jobs but could also become a nucleus to make other independents flourish, as we have seen with food halls in other areas of Greater Manchester.” If approved, work will begin on the Egyptian Rooms later this year with a planned opening of summer 2021.

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Outbreak Management Board brings in new measures to tackle Covid-19 surge Parents wearing face coverings at the school gates are part of new advice being issued for St Helens Borough in addition to the national guidance for Covid-19.

With an alarming rise in figures across St Helens Borough the Outbreak Management Board, drawn up of councillors, senior officers and the town’s M​ Ps, has agreed a number of additional measures to try and stop the rate of the community transmission that is currently causing the significant rise in infections.

These measures include: • Parents should wear face coverings when they arrive at the school gates to pick up or drop off their children and not gather in groups of more than six at the school gates.

• Temporarily suspend care home visits.

• Reinforcing the need for staggered drop off/pick up times for schools.

• A halt to any temporary event licences being approved to reduce the possibility of groups of people gathering.

• Reviewing the council’s powers to be able to take action against non-compliance with the current legislation.

Sue Forster, Director of Public Health at St Helens Borough Council, said: “Our infection rate has spiralled dramatically in a very short space of time and we need to start changing the way we all live. We know it is very difficult to add further restrictions here in the borough that will have an impact on many people but we have to do something because our figures are continuing to climb at an alarming rate. It is absolutely vital that everyone follows the rule of six and reduces meeting others socially as these are the most common ways that we are seeing people catching this virus. “If we do not cut off this spike we

will start to see the impacts in the coming weeks in rising hospital admissions and we know other places like Bolton are now seeing their hospital coming under pressure from Covid-19 cases. No one wants to see us back in the situation we were in earlier this year but if we don’t follow the key guidance we will see people, maybe someone close to you, very seriously ill.”

The public are urged to continue to keep following these four key ways of protecting each other.

• Reduce your social contact with people from outside your household and reduce the number of groups you meet.

• Keep at least 2m apart from anyone from outside your household • Wear a face mask in enclosed spaces or when maintaining 2m distances isn’t possible • Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds Councillor David Baines,

Leader of St Helens Council and chairman of the Outbreak Management Board, added: “These measures are easy to follow and if everyone does their bit to help bring our rates down then we can ease up on them more quickly.

We have to pull together as a borough and each play our part. We know the spread is now across all age ranges and areas, and every one of us has a responsibility to stop the spread of this virus. We don’t want another lockdown, so

please follow the guidelines and the latest advice to help keep you and your loved ones safe.” The symptoms to look out for are a fever, a new, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell. You must try to book a test only if you have any of these symptoms and you must isolate for 10 days.

You can find out more about both at https://www.gov. uk/guidance/coronaviruscovid-19-getting-tested or on 119 and although there is capacity issues we would

encourage people if they are unsuccessful first time to leave it a few hours and try to rebook later in the day.

Please do not visit your GP, St Helens Urgent Treatment Centre or A&E if you have symptoms that are manageable and cannot get a test. For more advice, particularly if you need support with food and medicine or if you need to isolate, visit: www.sthelens. gov.uk/coronavirus or call St Helens Contact Cares on 01744 676767.

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Record numbers of people enjoying

National Park 'multi-user' trails following lockdown

Since the government's coronavirus lockdown was lifted in May, traffic-free trails in the Peak District National Park have seen a significant increase on previous years in the numbers of people

using them. The National Park Authority reports that, this summer, the Monsal, Tissington and High Peak Trails have experienced an uplift of almost a third more visitors on some of their

busiest days compared to 2019.

On the Monsal Trail, the busiest July day this year attracted almost 4,000 visits, compared just over 3,000 during July in 2019. Overall,

visits to the Monsal Trail across July doubled from 1,100 each day on average last year, to over 2,000 per day this summer.

The National Park’s most well-known traffic-free

trails are mainly former railway lines.

They offer accessible, family-friendly recreational routes for walking, cycling and horse riding and vary in length, up to 10 miles.

The trails are popular with wheelchair-users because of the flat surfaces and gentle gradients and there is the added benefit of an accessible range of bikes to hire from the National Park bike hire centre at Parsley Hay, for use on the High Peak and Tissington trails.

Disability users also contacted the National Park during the lockdown to request use of the trails with their own equipment when facilities such as gyms and physiot h e r a p y c e n t r e s r e m a i n closed.

A n d r e w McCloy, chair of the Peak District National Park A u t h o r i t y, said: “As green arteries twisting and turning through some of the most stunning Peak District

landscapes, it is no surprise that our multi-user trails have also helped to breathe life into our recovery from the effects of Covid-19.

“Alongside the obvious health and wellbeing benefits of these routes, their appeal to visitors of all ages also helps to support our local tourism businesses as they get back on their feet after an unprecedented summer.

“As many of us continue to embrace the outdoors and places like our trails as we step through our lives alongside the coronavirus, I would ask that everyone continues to ‘share with care’ along these valued routes and respect the hard work of National Park rangers and others taking care of them.”

Post-lockdown, the UK has seen a surge in people taking to two wheels.

The popularity of getting out on a bike has seen the National Park Authority’s sale stock of ex-hire bikes virtually sold out, with less than one in 20 bikes from original supplies now left, and sales thought to be higher than the previous two years combined.

Teams from the Authority’s four hire centres across the Peak District also reported over 1,200 bike hires taking place each week during early August.

Traffic-free trails are ideal for cycling. Government survey data before lockdown revealed that three in five people thought cycling on the road was too dangerous.

Meanwhile, a Cycling UK report found that 91% of people surveyed rated offroad cycling as fairly or very important for their mental health and 90% for their physical health.

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Plan ahead before visiting Snowdonia Gwynedd Council is urging motorists to plan their visits in advance. This follows numerous examples of irresponsible parking in the Pen y Pass area of Snowdonia over the weekend.

Councillor Gareth Griffith, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Environment said: “Over the weekend, Gwynedd Council staff worked with colleagues from North Wales Police and Snowdonia National Park to deal with a significant number of parking offences in the Penypass area.

“Motorists who ignore parking restrictions on these narrow mountain roads are endangering other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and cause serious access issues for emergency service vehicles.

“The Council’s parking enforcement team issued over 180 fixed penalty notices to motorists at Penypass on Sunday.

“We would urge motorists to plan their visit in advance before they set-off, to check the Snowdonia National Park website which offers regular updates of when their carparks are full and to make use of the numerous car parks at Llanberis and Nant Peris.

“We would also strongly recommend that visitors use the regular Sherpa bus service which links all the main Snowdon car parks with the various summit paths.

By doing so, they will be reducing the volume of traffic for the benefit of local residents and visitors to the area as well as avoiding an unnecessary fixed penalty.

“As a Council, we are discussing the weekend incidents with partners from North Wales Police and Snowdonia National Park and considering if any further steps can be taken to prevent dangerous and illegal parking in this area.”

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New Pooley Bridge set to

open for pedestrians this weekend

Cumbria County to announce people should be Council is pleased able to walk across the new bridge at Pooley Bridge for the first time this weekend, as works continue apace to complete the iconic structure.

The new multi-million pound bridge is scheduled to open to pedestrians only from Saturday 12 September, giving people their first opportunity to set foot on the new structure.

Cumbria County Council is delivering the stainless steel road bridge, the first of its kind in the country, which is on schedule to open to traffic in late October 2020.

A temporary footbridge, which has provided pedestrian access across the river during the bridge construction, was successfully lifted out on Thursday 10 September.

A timelapse video showing

the lift can be watched here: https://youtu.be/ MniUkjxq40g and images of the lift can be downloaded from links below.

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “Removing the temporary footbridge, which has provided a vital link across the river for the local community and visitors, marks another big milestone in this exciting project.

The county council expects that people will be able to walk across the bridge for the first time from this Saturday and see for themselves what this fantastic new structure looks like.

Our main contractor Eric Wright Civil Engineering is working hard to complete this important project which will restore connectivity in the Ullswater area.

We’re aiming to open the new bridge to traffic later next month ahead of the school half term holiday.”

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LAKE DISTRICT WALKS

The Lake District is one huge adventure playground, providing gentle countryside ambles and more serious high level challenges. Whichever path you take, you’ll have much more fun if you plan properly beforehand. pLaY IT SaFe Decide your route carefully and make sure you have enough time to get back in daylight.

Darkness can quickly descend, so it’s also a good idea to pack a torch, just in case. Before you leave, tell someone where you’re going

and when you expect to return.

THInk oF oTHerS When planning your day, bear in mind your own capabilities and those of all the others in your group. During your work, be prepared to cut it short if conditions become too difficult or a member of your party begins to struggle.

Wear THe rIGHT Gear Take appropriate clothing, equipment, food and drink and a first aid kit. Boots, warm, windproof, waterproof clothing, a hat and gloves and some spare warm clothes plus

a rucksac are all essential.

Regardless of the season. beWare THe WaTer If you’re thinking of going for a paddle, be careful, many tarns and lakes shelve deeply, and the water’s chilly even in high summer.

FoLLoW THe counTrYSIDe coDe • Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs • Leave gates and property as you find them • Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home.

• Keep dogs under close control

route details Difficulty : easy Time (approx): 1 hour Distance: 2 miles (3.2km) Dog issues: none oS explorer map oL7 The english Lakes South eastern area

open fell giving access to views of the whole tarn.

You will be lucky to have this walk to yourself as it is very much loved by many.

1. Start: Tarn Hows car park From the car park, cross the road and take the left hand fork following the track down to the lake side. Pass through the gate and continue on the track in a clockwise direction around the Tarn.

2. Follow the track as it continues around the Tarn to a point where a path crosses the main route. Continue straight ahead around the tarn and back to the car park if a level surfaced path is required.

Otherwise to extend the walk

and take in good views, pass through the gate to the left of the track and proceed uphill to an upper track. Continue on this track in the direction signposted to Consiton, Hawkshead and Old Car Park until reaching the Viewing Car Park. Note this extension is unsuitable for mobility scooters and pushchairs.

3. From the car park cross the road and pass through the gate following a footpath across the field, keeping the Tarn to the right hand side.

This path can be muddy in bad weather. An alternative is to follow the road back towards the main car park.

4. Continue on the track as it passes downhill and up

• Consider other people cHeck THe WeaTHer! The Lake District weather can change rapidly and conditions on the tops can be very different from those in the valleys.

So check out the forecast in advance by calling the Lake District National Park Authority’s Weatherline service on 0844 846 2444 In an eMerGencY Ring the police and give a description of the incident and it’s location. Keep injured or exhausted people safe and warm until help reaches you.

sticklE

taRN tRail

The steep path from the Sticklebarn pub follows Stickle Ghyll all the way up the valley side giving plenty of excuses to take a breather and wonder at the dramatic waterfalls and rock pools cut into mountainside and the striking views across the valley towards Lingmoor.

1. Leave from the top end of the car park and head through a wooden gate behind Sticklebarn. You'll then pass between some stone walls again before descending back on the left and a bird feeding through a gate into to the station to the right. The stone walls are part of the remains main car park. of a fulling mill which was built here in 1453 to clean and felt wool. The mill would have been powered by water wheel using water diverted from Stickle Ghyll (you can still see a channel further up the path on the left which would have provided water).

2. The trail very quickly heads uphill along a well defined path. An enormous amount of work has been done over the years repairing this much used path. The majority of the route is constructed using a technique called stone pitching.

3. The trail continues onwards and inevitably upwards. The scenery is dramatic so take

taRN hoWs ciRculaR Walk This walk is very popular all year round.

It begins with a walk through lovely oak woodland where there is a series of small and pretty waterfalls before reaching Tarn Hows, the family favourite water feature in the Lake District.

The walk then weaves on paths close to the tarn on a full circular with more woodland sections interspersed with

Route Details Difficulty : challenging Time : 2 hours Distance : 1.9 miles (3km) Terrain : Steep, well defined, stone pitched path with some short easy scrambling sections Starting point : Stickle Ghyll car park oS explorer Map oL6

every opportunity to pause, catch your breath and take in the views.

4. After a while you'll approach a wooden footbridge over the stream. This is the location of the Stickle Ghyll hydro-electric scheme that is helping the National Trust in its aim to become a greener organisation.

5. Once you're over the footbridge you'll start to gain height fairly rapidly as the path becomes steeper and, in places, turns into short scrambles over rocky outcrops. Eventually, as the top ridge comes into view you'll cross back over the stream on to its left side.

6. A few minutes later as you come over the final rise, you'll see the rewarding sight of Stickle Tarn below the stunning backdrop of Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark. These summits together with Pike O' Stickle once formed part of the outer rim of a massive volcano.

7. Stick around for a while and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Stickle Tarn.

It's a great spot to dangle your bare feet in the water before retracing your steps back down the same path to your start point.

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Is back open for business

Burnley Market is now back open and ready for business after the Covid-19 outbreak.

Traders have missed all their customers and want to welcome them back with open arms. Burnley Market along with the rest of the town centre is Covid-19 compliant and measures are in place to make your experience as safe as possible.

Have you ever thought of becoming your own boss?

Have you ever thought of trading in Burnley market? Well, it's one of the most cost-effective ways to start your own business with incentive levels of rent available, business advice, no rates to pay and grants of up to ÂŁ750.00 available.

Why not give Marie a call on 01282 477300 for a chat?

Shop Local, Shop Fresh, Shop Safe

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Meet your photographer Jon Harrison

My name is Jon Harrison, I am a photographer, Image retoucher and designer based within Leigh, Lancashire.

My background has predominantly been within the Art and design sectors as I have always had a creative flare from a young age in primary school all the way through

to University. For my higher education, I attended The University of Salford between 2005-2008, which I did a degree within Visual Arts. After my graduation, I worked within retail until I did extra work within the image retouching sectors and finally obtained a job within a reprographics company in 2012. After 3 years within the reprographics company I soon realized I needed to spread my wings and do what I enjoyed which was photography.

Inspired by Guernsey

Photographer Karl Taylor, Essex Photographer Alex Wightman and Glyn Davis I took the risk and left my job to pursue a career within Photography within the fitness and fashion sectors.

This was a huge risk as I was working self employed for over 12 months, however with risk comes success and I was able to get recognition from social media and online clients. 2016 I was asked to do my first wedding as I never advertised to do weddings as the market is so saturated with wedding photographers I felt there wasn't a need for

another. However with my experience and dedication I did my first wedding within Wales and it was a huge success and I absolutely loved weddings since then onwards.

I look forward to hearing from anyone who contacts myself and please feel free to get connected.

Relaxed, Unobtrusive, Fun & Fantastic I am really happy to have ​ in my life photography as a job, capturing those special moments, memories and being apart of couple's wedding.

My passion for photography is so rewarding as I get to shoot amazing weddings with some fantastic couples at some of the best venues around. What's even better is making new friends for life after the wedding.

Relaxed & Creative Wedding Photographer During your wedding day my goal is to ​ capture all those special moments you will miss through your big day. These moments can be fun, traditional, compositional, natural & relaxed moments. ​As an artist I like to be creative and take amazing images that will not only look amazing but make you say WOW. The idea behind every wedding is to make yours unique, something special and a standout from the crowd. I am extremely experimental and look for locations to get the best shots for you.

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QEGS GCSE results: Congratulations to all!

Following a very challenging end to the academic year, QEGS Blackburn are delighted to share that following today’s GCSE results, 94% of our Year 11 pupils have been awarded 9-4 grades.

We are also thrilled to announce that 79% of results were awarded 9-5 grades, with an impressive 43% of results awarded 9-7 grades.

94% of our Year 11s gained at least five grades 9-4 and 42% secured at least five grades 9-7.

In particular, it is pleasing to see our English and Mathematics results from this cohort, with 90.1% pupils passing both English and Mathematics at grade 4 and above.

Within these subjects, 97% of our pupils passed English at a grade 4 and above, whist 91% of pupils passed Mathematics at a grade 4 and above. 79% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English, with 77% achieving this measure in Mathematics.

Art, Biology, Ethics and

Philosophy, Chemistry, Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Geography, Italian, Latin, Music, Physical Education, Physics and Spanish achieved 85% and above in the grade 9-5 measure, with all subjects gaining 85% and above in the grade 9-4 measure.

Art, Computer Science and Geography all achieved above 50% 9-7 grades, with Biology achieving 89%, Chemistry achieving 85%, Further Mathematics achieving 100%, Italian achieving 100%

and Physics achieving about the Sixth Form, please telephone www.qegsblackburn.com/ 77% in this measure. 01254 686300 or visit sixth to apply online.

Mrs CY Gammon, Head at QEGS Blackburn, explained: “We are delighted that the hard work and commitment of our pupils has been rewarded with such excellent results, in what has been a very difficult year.”

“Many of our pupils are returning to QEGS for their Sixth Form education, as it is a familiar and safe environment for them.

We also look forward to enrolling external students over the next two days and welcome those who meet the entry requirements to apply.

For those pupils in Year 11 who move on to pastures new, we wish them the very best for the next stage of education.”

For more information

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4 Healthy Weight Loss Tips Let’s face it: there is a huge amount of information online about how to shed the pounds and get in shape. Wading into this endless stream of advice can be both confusing and overwhelming. And, when you take into account the new fads that seemingly pop up every day, the situation only becomes more dire.

After all, who can keep up with all the raw food plans, prepackaged menus, and liquid cleanses that are constantly promoted in our social feeds? The main problem with these very restrictive diets is that they

only lead to short-term weight loss at best. That’s because most people cannot maintain them consistently and end up giving up after a couple of weeks. Losing 10 pounds a week on a fad diet may seem tempting, but it often results in unhealthy and unsustainable weight loss. The real secret to healthy and successful weight loss is to adopt a lifestyle that you can maintain for the long run. This involves changing your diet, following a regular workout schedule, and taking the right supplements for your body’s needs. With that in mind, here are 5 other tips to

help you achieve your weight and fitness goals: Eat Better at Breakfast While all meals are important, breakfast is the most crucial one of all. That’s because it helps you start your days on the right track. A hearty, healthy breakfast will fill you up and give you optimal satisfaction for longer periods of time. Your goal should be to eat between 400 to 500 calories at breakfast. Build a meal that includes lean proteins (nuts or eggs), fibers (fruits or vegetables), and whole grains.

Say Goodbye to Added Sugar.

The main reason for most lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease is added sugars – especially from sugary beverages and soft drinks.

Processed foods in general contain a lot of added sugars and do not provide any of the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Instead, jump on

Nutribullet bandwagon and replace sugary drinks with healthier, green smoothie options. For most people, the fastest way to lose excess weight is simply by cutting out foods that are high in added sugars from their diet. Keep in mind that many “organic” or “healthy” foods can also have very high sugar content, so reading labels should be a regular part of your shopping process.

Start Lifting Weights While changing your diet can help you lose a lot of weight fast, nothing beats keeping your body fit with regular exercise. Your best option is to visit the gym at least three or four times a week, doing some warm up, and lifting some weights.

This form of exercise is ideal because it helps you burn off a lot of calories. It also keeps your metabolism from slowing down – a typical side effect of weight loss. You can also speed this process up

with a fat burning supplement such as the range available at www.myelitehealth.co.uk. If lifting weights isn’t your cup of tea, then look for workout plans such as the massively p o p u l a r Joe Wicks workout to get you moving in the comfort of your own home.

Cook More Did you know that research shows that cooking more meals at home can promote h e a l t h y eating and weight loss?

Eating out is fun, but it should not be your daily goto. Instead, save the

restaurants for special occasions and start eating more home-cooked meals.

This is a great way of sticking to your healthy diet plan and keeping your weight in check.

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Rochdale couple call for more people to join them as foster carers

Local foster carers Tammi and Peter Lumb are sharing details of their lockdown lives in the hope that others will come forward to be foster carers.

The Lumbs have fostered with Rochdale Borough Council for four years. Tammi said: “We got into fostering because we wanted to help make a difference, we thought it would be wonderful to give children a chance and help them make a better future and great memories. It’s been the best thing we have done knowing we can help children and families.” The family are passionate about celebrating the rewarding role of fostering as there’s lots they enjoy about it, Peter said: “Our greatest part is watching children flourish, meet their milestones and

achieving their goals. Another is knowing we've helped with their forever families.”

The council is supporting the annual Foster Care Fortnight campaign from the Fostering Network and has been sharing experiences of fostering during the lockdown. Peter said: “Lockdown has been mostly lots of fun for us, we’ve found it important keeping everyone busy. The children have learnt lots of life skills in the kitchen and garden, it’s been nice having time to be able to do that.

Every Thursday we clap really loud for the NHS and other key workers. We’ve had a garden party for our wedding anniversary and recreated our festival holiday, which got cancelled due to the virus, camping out in back garden.” Tammi continued: “Like everyone else, we’ve been keeping in with family and the children have been doing their dance classes with their teacher and friends on video calls. We’ve done our own lockdown capsule so that will be great for someone to dig up in a number of years’ time.” To recognise the

demands the recent lockdown has placed on foster families the council is giving an extra payment to its foster carers, as well as offering access to its employee assistance programme alongside the wider programme of support carers have access to. Fostering with Rochdale Borough Council means you are supporting local children and keeping them near their familiar surroundings. The council offers generous allowances, locally-based training and help, advice and support from dedicated social workers. You will be helped at every step of the way by the council’s fostering service.

Councillor Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Our foster carers are truly tremendous in the support, stability and love they give to our cared for children. The stories our carers have been sharing throughout lockdown have been so heart-warming and touching; they have really showcased what a fantastic job they do of creating a lovely, family life for children who really need it. We really

need more foster carers.

We understand that it is a huge decision but we hope people across our caring borough recognise the role they can play and enquire with us. Our friendly team will chat through any questions you have.” Applications are welcome from those who are single, in a relationship, married or divorced, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. You can contact the council’s fostering team on 0300 303 1000 or foster@ rochdale.gov.uk You can also find out more about fostering with us, and hear from many of our other foster carers here rochdale. gov.uk/fostering

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Free digital webinar to get St Helens Borough businesses online Businesses in St Helens Borough are invited to sign up to a free digital webinar next month to help get their business online.

Run by Google’s not-forprofit online marketing training initiative, Google Garage, and supported by MP for St Helens North, Conor McGinn, as well as the St Helens Ambassador Network - established to attract growth to the borough - the programme will provide free digital skills training to individuals and businesses to help them adapt to the current coronavirus pandemic and grow their offer online.

Ronan Harris, Google’s UK & Ireland Managing Director, said: “Local businesses, like those in St Helens, are the lifeblood of our communities.

Like millions up and down the country, we want to help small businesses both survive and thrive. Through this free Google Digital Garage training course, we hope to provide the tools and digital skills to help St Helens businesses adapt to operating in the current context. Despite the ongoing uncertainty, we want to show that having an

online presence can have a transformative impact on all businesses.”

Conor McGinn, who instigated the event and will be among those in attendance on the day, said: “The importance of being confident and capable online in this digital age is integral to anyone wanting to develop their business, especially as we all learn to adapt to know ways of working due to Covid-19. I am pleased to have worked in partnership with Google Garage to create this opportunity for local businesses, community companies and individuals to attend this webinar.

“Digital skills are key to delivering the ambitious agenda for jobs and growth in St Helens North and across the borough and I encourage local firms to take up this training offer.”

Commenting on the importance of having a strong online presence, local businessman, Chis O’Dea – managing director of awardwinning retail empire, OD’s, and member of the St Helens Ambassadors scheme – said: “Having a website and social

media has proved to be a huge lifeline for us this past six-months or so, allowing us to continue trading during national lockdown when some shops were forced to close to stop the spread the coronavirus.

“The way the world is going at the moment, we know that a high proportion of shoppers prefer to do their shopping online if it’s more convenient for them. Online trading has been a huge success for us and I hope it paves the way for more businesses to extend their offer to help their business grow.”

Showing her support to the programme, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Business, Councillor Kate Groucutt, said: “Given the challenges we currently face and the change in customer habits in certain sectors, particularly retail, it’s important more than ever that businesses have an online presence. “Businesses – no matter how big or small in size or turnover – are all of equal importance in our borough and we as a council want to see them flourish. That’s why

I’d encourage any business that may benefit from this free webinar to sign up to pick up new skills and discover new ways of working.”

For businesses unable to attend, Google Digital Garage is also running a series of free live webinars, Monday to Friday, covering a selection of courses aimed at helping individuals and small businesses, including:

• Digital Marketing Strategy • Build your Personal Brand Online • Get Started with Digital Advertising • Get your Business Visible on Google • Writing for Social Media • Safety First: Protect Yourself Online Google Digital Garage will take place between 10:00am11:30am on Friday 2 October.

Want to advertise here? call: 0115 6972677

To receive a registration link, email cathrynwhite@ sthelens.gov.uk For more Google Digital Garage webinars, visit https://events.withgoogle. com/digitalgaragewebinars/ weekly-webinars/#content For more information on the St Helens Ambassador Network visit www. investsthelens.co.uk or follow @investsthelens on Twitter.

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Return of spectators to stadia pilot programme

Accrington Stanley has applied to be in the second batch of the return of spectators to stadia pilot programme for Saturday's EFL L1 game against Oxford United at the Wham Stadium (26th September).

The club has applied to the English Football League (EFL) and the Department

for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

If the application is successful, we will be able to allow up to 1000 supporters into the Wham Stadium.

We are currently at circa 950 season ticket holders, so everyone who has purchased a 2020/21 season ticket would be allowed to attend the game.

As soon as we have information as to whether we are successful, we will circulate via all the usual channels to let supporters know and make the necessary arrangements for the collection of season tickets leading up to the game.

Teenager who racially abused steward given three-year football banning order A teenager has been given a three-year football banning order after racially abusing a steward.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had been approaching Blackburn Rovers Ewood Park Stadium ahead of the Boxing Day 2019 fixture against Birmingham City when he was stopped because of concerns about his possible intoxication.

The boy, who had been staggering and bumping into other supporters, became aggressive towards the steward and used a racial slur towards him.

He initially left the area but then returned and

came aggressive towards the steward again. The boy was arrested and charged with Section 4a Racially Aggravated Public Order.

He pleaded guilty to the offence and was given the three-year banning order, as well as a four-month youth referral order.

He must also pay £85 prosecution costs, a £21 victim surcharge and £50 compensation to the victim.

PC Dan Fish, of Lancashire Police, said: “The behaviour of this individual was completely unacceptable and does not reflect the behaviour of the overwhelming majority of football supporters, who are law-abiding members of society.

Lancashire Police will always pro-actively seek to prosecute people who behave in this completely unacceptable way.”

Steve Waggott, CEO of Blackburn Rovers, said: "Under our #OneRovers banner, we have a zero tolerance of all acts of discrimination and this incident goes to show that we will continue to work closely with the Lancashire Police to ensure that any such behaviour is dealt with robustly in order that players, match officials, spectators and staff can watch football in a safe environment. We welcome the decision by the court to impose a banning order."

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Feeling the benefits

Whilst Adam Armstrong's been stealing all the headlines for his goals and performances so far this season, there are plenty of others that have also displayed their quality in the early stages of this term.

One of those is a new look Lewis Holtby, who is loving life in a slightly changed role as he begins his second year as a Rovers player.

After joining late in the summer window back in 2019, the experienced

German was playing catch up having not experienced a full pre-season schedule in East Lancashire.

An injury-hit first campaign back in England saw the 30-year-old total 27 appearances in all competitions, with the playmaker openly admitting that it was a frustrating 201920 season on a personal level.

But now fully fit, firing and with a pre-season under his belt, Holtby says his current

condition is the best he's felt in a long time.

“I’m very much looking forward to the future at this club," he explained to iFollow Rovers. “I didn’t have a pre-season last year but I’m really feeling the benefits of having one this time around.

“Physically I feel really good.

My legs are up-to-date, I know I’m really fit and once that’s all sorted I know my football quality can rise up to really help the team.

“I put everything into every training session and it was very demanding having to play catch up without the preseason.

“My body seemed to constantly be on the brink and the big knee injury didn’t help things. “We’ve worked really hard in pre-season and I know I can push myself every day to be ready for three games in a week. That’s the Lewis Holtby I know.

“The one before I didn’t

know. I think it’s the fittest I’ve been since my early 20s."

With three caps for his country, Holtby has undoubted technical ability, as shown with a superb free kick in Rovers' Carabao Cup first round victory over Doncaster Rovers.

And in a changed position from last term which now sees him playing deeper, he's enjoying his football again.

“I still have the love for football and have that

sharpness," he added.

"Putting your body into the right position always allows you to be free, to play free.

“I feel different this year and hopefully the club and I can benefit from it.

“I’m really enjoying it this season, in a slightly deeper position that I have played in my career.

“I have the freedom still to get forward into the box and it’s happened twice now where I’ve come close to scoring."

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