Wyre Voice 2020
Wyre Council’s community newsletter. www.wyre.gov.uk
Knott End-on-Sea Cover photograph by Angela Carr
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Welcome A message from Councillor David Henderson, Leader of Wyre Council
“Welcome to the latest
edition of Wyre Voice. Here you can read about what’s happening across the borough and what we’re working on where you live. We’ve highlighted what we are doing for our planet, our community and our economy, three vital areas of work we need to focus on to ensure Wyre continues to be a great place to live, work and visit. Last year Wyre Council was one of the first councils in Lancashire to declare a climate emergency and we have been taking a lead since. We’ve already taken many steps to reduce Wyre’s contribution to climate change, which you can read about on page 8. Most recently we’ve employed a Climate Change and Environmental Projects Officer who is working
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with staff and elected members as we look to deliver climate change actions across all services and become carbon neutral by 2050.
Wyre Community Lottery, which we have launched to raise much needed funds for community groups and good causes in Wyre.
We’re making great steps towards regenerating Fleetwood and its high street through our Future Fleetwood initiative, which looks to utilise funding from the Coastal Communities Fund, Historic England and the Future High Street fund. We have set up a Town Centre Partnership Board to lead this area of work and ensure that all partners are working together.
Our commitment to improving sea defences continues with our new beach management scheme, which will help to protect more properties in Cleveleys and Fleetwood.
It was also good to meet Transport Minister Grant Shapps back in January to discuss the possible reopening of the Fleetwood to Poulton line. New for 2020 is the
I’d like to take the opportunity to thank our 200 strong team of volunteers who give up their time to make Wyre an even better place. This year a special mention also goes out to all the ‘In Bloom’ groups in our neighbourhoods who work tirelessly to make Wyre look so good, in particular Garstang and Catterall who in 2019 achieved RHS national awards – a huge well done to all involved.”
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Our budget For every £1 we collect in Council Tax, on average we keep 11p and the rest goes to Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, Lancashire Combined Fire Authority and parish and town councils. Of the money we collect, here is how each £1 was spent last year:
You can see a full breakdown of how much of your Council Tax comes to Wyre Council on your bill. You can also read more at www.wyre.gov.uk/budget
weddings
WEDDING VENUES WITH A DIFFERENCE... Marine Hall, Fleetwood Civic Centre, Poulton-le-Fylde Little Theatre, Thornton The Mount, Fleetwood
www.wyre.gov.uk/weddings | 01253 887693 3
Council Tax
Explanatory Notes
These notes form part of your Council Tax bill. This also relates to the County Council, Police and Crime Commissioner and the Fire Service. For information about how we spend Wyre’s portion of your Council Tax bill, go to www.wyre.gov.uk. Council Tax is charged on most dwellings whether rented or owned, empty or occupied. Each household gets one bill, although occupants may be jointly responsible for payment. Each home is placed in a valuation band. It is the Valuation Office Agency, not the council, who allocates this valuation band to every home. The council uses the band to work out your Council Tax bill. You may be able to appeal against the valuation band if you have moved in during the past six months, or there has been a change in the building or the physical state of the local area which could affect the value of your home. For more information visit www.voa.gov.uk or call 03000 501 501. You must continue to pay your Council Tax until a decision has been made about your appeal.
Reducing your Council Tax Not everyone has to pay the full amount. There are several ways your bill can be reduced depending on your personal circumstances or circumstances relating to the property itself, for example, if it’s unoccupied and unfurnished. If we already know about your circumstances, the reduction will be shown on your bill. You must tell us immediately if you have any change of circumstance that might affect the amount of reduction.
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Properties exempt from Council Tax We do not charge Council Tax for homes which are lived in only by: • people under the age of 18 or full time students (including halls of residence) and/or school leavers or people who are severely mentally impaired.
obtained, or have only been obtained within the past six months. • the responsibility of a trustee following bankruptcy, or a mortgage lender following repossession. • empty, but usually lived in by a student or a minister of religion or a prisoner or We do not charge Council Tax for empty someone who has moved to receive or properties which are: provide personal care. • owned by a charity (exempt for up to • not able to be leased separately or part six months). of forces accommodation, including • empty because the owner/tenant married quarters and temporary has died and the grant of probate or accommodation for members of letters of administration have not been visiting overseas forces.
Discounts If only one adult lives in a property as their main home, Council Tax is reduced by 25%. When counting adults, we do not include: • full time students, student nurses, apprentices and youth training trainees. • people staying in hospitals, care homes, prisons or certain hostels or night shelters. • care workers working for low pay (usually charities). • people caring for someone with a disability who is not their spouse, partner or child under 18. • 18 and 19 year olds who are at school or have just left school. • people who are severely mentally impaired. • members of visiting forces. • members of religious communities (monks and nuns). If, after disregarding people in the above classes, there is only one adult living in the property, Council Tax is reduced by 25%.
Empty property discount If a property is unoccupied because it is in need of, or awaiting, major repair or structural alteration, a 25% discount applies for a maximum of 12 months. If a property is unoccupied and substantially unfurnished, a 100% discount is awarded for one month. Thereafter the full Council Tax charge becomes payable. A property that is no one’s main home, but remains furnished, will attract a 100% Council Tax charge.
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Council Tax
Explanatory Notes
Reductions for Annexes
Appeals
There is a 50% reduction for people living in annexes, provided they are related to the person liable for the Council Tax of the main building (or the person who would be liable were it not for an exemption, 100% discount or reduction) and for people living in dwellings with annexes which are unoccupied, provided they are using those annexes as part of their main residence.
If you have been refused a discount, exemption or relief, or don’t think you should be paying Council Tax, tell us why you think your bill is incorrect.
Disabled relief Your bill may be reduced if you, or someone who lives with you, has a permanent disability and there are certain features in the home which are essential, or of major importance, to the disabled person’s wellbeing. These features include: • a room other than a bathroom, kitchen or toilet, which is used mainly by the disabled person. • an additional bathroom or kitchen for use by the disabled person. • extra space inside your home for use of a wheelchair.
We will look at your case again and we might ask for more information. If we do not change our decision and you still don’t agree, you can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. See www.valuationtribunal.gov.uk or contact us for details. You must continue to pay your Council Tax until a decision has been made about your appeal. If your appeal is successful we will refund any overpaid Council Tax to you.
Council Tax Support This can be claimed by anyone who is responsible for payment of Council Tax and in receipt of a low income. The amount of Council Tax support you receive will depend on the income, savings and the circumstances of all those living in the household.
Second Adult Rebate You may be eligible to get help to pay your council tax if you are a pensioner and share your home with another adult, who is not your partner and is on a low income. It does not matter how much income and capital you have. The calculation of how much you are entitled to is based on the income and savings of the second adult, or adults, who share your home.
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For further information, visit our website at www.wyre.gov.uk
How we collect and use information Lawfulness of Processing Processing your data is necessary in the exercise of official authority vested in the council. Wyre Council (The data controller) will use and share your personal information where we have a legal obligation to do so. We will use your data in the main to administer Council Tax and for the general prevention and detection of fraud. In order to do this, we will share your data with the National Audit Office to participate in the National Fraud Initiative exercise, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Valuation Office Agency, the courts, and debt enforcement/collection/tracing agencies employed by the council. These agencies include Bristow Sutor, Jacobs and Rossendales. Data Retention We will retain any financial data we hold for you on your Council Tax account for a period of six years following the last date that there is any activity on that account. After six years the data will be deleted from our records. Your rights You have the right as the data subject to access your data. Please go to www.wyre.gov.uk for further information. If you feel the data we hold is inaccurate or incomplete, you are entitled to have your personal data rectified. You also have the right to contact the Information Commissioner if you are unhappy with how we are handling your personal data. You can contact them using the address; The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.
Your new website This year we’re launching a brand new website and residents in Wyre will be able to create an online account, accessible 24 hours a day. You will be able to receive electronic council tax bills, check records online and make online payments. There’ll also be lots of information about our services and our latest news. You will still find us at www.wyre.gov.uk
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Our planet Acting on climate change
We live in a world of quick and easy solutions. But the reality is, these solutions have long term, devastating impacts on our environment. That’s why we have established a Climate Change Policy Group to develop and review progress on the delivery of an action plan to alleviate the impact of climate change; the overall aim to make the council’s activities net-zero carbon by 2050. The group has already worked at pace to develop policies to ensure action is quickly taken.
Think globally, act locally
As part of our mission to help tackle climate change, we have established a single-use plastics policy which sets out our promise to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics. Single-use plastics, also known as disposable plastics, are commonly used for plastic packaging and include items intended to be used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. These include grocery bags, food packaging, bottles, straws, containers, cups and cutlery. The strategy also outlines measures to encourage businesses in Wyre to make similar pledges and make event organisers using council land, reduce or
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eliminate single-use plastic. You can read our single-use plastics policy in full, visit www.wyre.gov.uk/SUP
New woodlands for Wyre
We have committed to planting 25,000 trees in Wyre over the next five years. We are working with the Woodland Trust to create 10 hectares of new native woodland and hedgerows across Wyre by 2025. This outlines the first steps of our climate focused tree planting, which will play a vital role in mitigating climate change and protecting wildlife. Planting so many trees will help to filter out air pollution and will create a space for wildlife to thrive, as well as improving flood resilience. We will also be working with local schools, communities and land owners to encourage further action. For more information about the Woodland Trust and how they can help you to plant more trees go to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
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You asked, we delivered! Soon, a brand new wheelie bin will be delivered to your property to replace the green recycling box. This change should make it easier for you to recycle more. You can now recycle your pots, tubs and trays. It is easy to see whether an item is recyclable by checking the number stamped onto it. Anything with a number 1, 2 or 5 within the recycling triangle should go into your recycling bin. Keep using your green box until the new wheelie bin arrives.
THE
PRODUC
ERS THE GREEN WAST E SUBSCRIPTION SHOWING E A R L Y 2 0 2 0 | IN ASS
OF AND
OCIATION
THE GREY BIN VEOLIA
WITH
YOUR NEW BIN COMING SOON T O A GALAXY NEA R YOU FEATURING
GLASS
BOTTLES PLUS
SPECIAL
APPEARANCES
Crews will still come to your property to collect recycling every fortnight, alternating between your blue bin and the new bin each time. We are not making changes to your general grey waste collections, unlike many other local authorities. We will continue to collect your grey waste bin every two weeks.
METAL
CANS FROM
PLASTIC
BOTTLES
POTS, TUBS
AND
TRAYS
Please ensure your bins are out by 7am
For more information on bins and recycling in Wyre, visit www.wyre.gov.uk/binsandrecycling New electric charging points We are working with providers to install electric vehicle charging facilities across the borough to support the use of greener technology and to improve air quality. Installations are currently planned for car parks in Fleetwood, Cleveleys, Poulton and Garstang. Users of the charging points will be exempt from paying the pay and display fees (where applicable) for the duration of their stay. Spaces can only be used by electric vehicles whilst on charge. We envisage that the installation of the charging points will encourage the use of electric vehicles by both residents and businesses in the borough and ultimately they form part of our commitment to the climate change agenda.
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Our community
Wyre Community Lottery We have launched a new weekly online community lottery to provide good causes and community groups with a simple way to raise funds. 60p from every £1 lottery ticket sold will go to charities, voluntary organisations and other good causes. Players of the lottery can win a £25,000 jackpot, plus other prizes. When a player buys a ticket they can choose a specific good cause to receive 50p of their ticket money. A further 10p in every pound will go into a general Wyre Community Lottery good causes fund. Alternatively all 60p can be donated to the Wyre Community Lottery good causes fund. The remaining 40p will fund prizes, operating costs and VAT. The council will not receive any profit. Tickets can be bought online at www.wyrelottery.co.uk. If you would like to register your good cause call 01253 578579 or email support@wyrelottery.co.uk Get active with FREE health walks and rides Did you know we run free guided health walks and cycle rides? They are around an hour long and are perfect for those looking to improve their health and wellbeing. There’s something on every week and there’s no need to book. Bikes are available to borrow for the rides (subject to availability). To find out dates and times go to www.wyre.gov.uk/healthwalks or www.wyre.gov.uk/healthrides
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TrySport We are proud to sponsor the TrySport scheme that is delivered here in Wyre by Fleetwood Town Football Club Community Trust and Fylde Coast YMCA. It’s a great way of making new friends, trying something new, gaining some sporting skills - and of course having fun! Connor, aged 16 told us: “There is a feel good factor about coming to Dodgeball. As I don’t like football, it’s a sport I can enjoy and I can improve my fitness whilst making new friends.” You can try street dance, aqua aerobics, boxercise, football and lots more. Find out what’s on this term at www.wyre.gov.uk/trysport
Wyre in Bloom Wyre had over 50 winning entries at North West in Bloom 2019 – congratulations to everyone involved! We work with communities all over the borough whose volunteers do a brilliant job of making our towns, villages and neighbourhoods look blooming beautiful. If you’d like to get involved your area representative would love to hear from you. To find out who to contact go to www.wyre.gov.uk/inbloom
Self care for Wyre’s young people We have been working with students at The Blackpool Sixth Form College to get a better understanding of what self care means to them. Together we discovered it’s not always easy to find information about health and wellbeing specifically for young people and it’s written more for older age groups. As a result we have put together a guide including top self care tips, using feedback from the students and input from Dr Felicity Guest of Thornton Medical Centre. This has been shared across social media and is available online at bit.ly/boobsballs This self care toolkit has been brought to you by Sophie, Lucy, Ben and Abby of The Blackpool Sixth Form College and was coproduc ed with Wyre Council. Thanks to Dr Guest of Thornton Practice for your professional advice and support.
Self care for young people (in our own words)
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What’s on in Wyre In Wyre we are lucky to play host to so many events all year round. Here’s our guide to the best places to find out what’s happening: Follow @WyreCouncil on Facebook We organise all sorts of events and there’s something on every week. Events range from wildlife walks to craft activities, festivals, environmental activities, family and outdoor events and much more.
PLORE WYRE EX ’S
Great Outdoors WHAT’S ON AT OUR COAST,
COUNTRYSIDE AND PARKS
2020
Pick up or download a Great Outdoors brochure Our annual Great Outdoors brochure is packed full of walks, cycle rides, family events and conservation activities, all designed to help you explore our coast and countryside. You can download a copy at www.wyre.gov.uk/greatoutdoors or pick up a copy at Wyre Estuary Country Park, Rossall Point Tower, the Visit Garstang or Visit Fleetwood centres, or the Civic Centre in Poulton.
www.wyre.gov.uk/greatoutdoors
Go to www.wyretheatres.co.uk Marine Hall and Thornton Little Theatre both host a huge range of spectacular shows and events. Visit the website to see what’s on. Visit www.discoverwyre.co.uk Here you’ll find Wyre’s major events plus lots of smaller goings on which take place all year round. Go to www.visitgarstang.co.uk Run by Garstang Independent Traders, this website is where to find out about events in Garstang and it’s full of ideas about where to shop, eat and stay.
Changes to residents’ car parking permits Residents’ car parking permit fees are changing on 1 April 2020. Permits will cost £30 and will be valid for two years. The new permit will allow residents to park for up to three hours on long stay car parks, an increase on the current two hour limit.
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Existing permits purchased between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2020 will be valid for the first two years of the new scheme. Permits bought before 1 April 2018 will need to be renewed before 1 April 2020. Please bring proof of address.
You can apply for a new permit at the Civic Centre in Poulton, FY6 7PU
Our economy Wyred Up
Wyred Up is a free networking group for businesses and organisations located in Wyre or who contribute to Wyre’s economy. Each year we run a number of free events allowing businesses to share best practice and gain advice and support. We work with industry experts to share regional and national policy and initiatives across four key themes: · Education and skills · Economy · Housing · Community health and wellbeing For more information about upcoming events and how to join the network, visit www.wyre.gov.uk/wyredup
Hillhouse
Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone is a 138 hectare site occupied by over 40 companies, including the world headquarters of Victrex PLC, AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd and Addison Engineering. There are areas of land within the Enterprise Zone available for development, including areas within the secure part of the site, and opportunities for both land sales and design-and-build. The site is managed by NPL Estates, who offer full facilities management. Hillhouse also has the capacity to accommodate companies with high power requirements. The Enterprise Zone offers areas for
both Business Rates Relief (of up to £275,000 over five years) and Enhanced Capital Allowances. Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses to locate on an existing, internationally-recognised business park, alongside world-leading chemical and polymer production companies. For more information, visit www.hillhouseez.com
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The Future Fleetwood Initiative We have submitted bids for funding to enable us to support economic growth and prosperity in Fleetwood. These have formed the ‘Future Fleetwood’ project in which we will outline options to transform Fleetwood over the next 20 years. Last year the government launched the Future High Street Fund. As part of this, we have secured £150,000 to develop a masterplan and business case, and we will be bidding for funding of up to £25 million to implement our plans to make Fleetwood’s high street and town centre fit for the future. Our goal is to bring regeneration through innovative proposals around transport, public realm improvements, housing delivery and other services.
Heritage Action Zone
Fleetwood has also been selected to receive a share of a £95 million heritage regeneration fund. In 2019, Historic England launched a multi-million pound fund to create new ways to champion and revive the country’s historic high streets through the High Streets Heritage Action Zones scheme.
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The council is working with Historic England to develop a proposed scheme which focuses on the high street area near Albert Square, Victoria Street, Adelaide Street and St Peter’s Church. Funding could be made available to property owners and the work which would be eligible includes: · Repairs to the structure and external fabric of historic buildings. · Work to the public realm. · Bringing vacant buildings or portions of buildings back into use. · Conversion of buildings into alternative uses that better meet the demands of the area. Support will also be available for the development of local research projects, Conservation Area Appraisals and events by local organisations that support the investment. To register your interest in the funding, to nominate a building or area for funding or to find out more about the support for events please contact us futurefleetwood@wyre.gov.uk
Coastal Community Fund
We have secured £772,085 from the Coastal Community Fund, which will go towards a £1.22m project called ‘Joining Up the Wyre Coastline’. The vision is to link the coastal economies of Cleveleys and Fleetwood by strengthening ties between key visitor attractions using digital signage and an interactive app. The project includes the refurbishment and modernisation of Fleetwood Market including new units and pop up stalls which will be installed to create space for start-up businesses in the outdoor area of the market. Although at almost full capacity on the trading floor we are developing 220sq metres
into studios to offer spaces where artists and creative people can work from, develop products and even sell their pieces on the trading floor at the market. We have also secured just under £50,000 as part of the Coastal Revival Fund. This has helped to outline feasibility studies to look at the streetscape of Victoria Street, Fleetwood and assess the current entrances to Fleetwood Market and Fleetwood Museum. If you are interested in taking up an outdoor stall at the market or a creative studio space please contact fleetwoodmkt@wyre.gov.uk
To find out more information on the Future Fleetwood project and the various funding bids which make it up, visit www.wyre.gov.uk/futurefleetwood
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Fleetwood fleetwood market
Over 200 indoor and outdoor stalls! Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday PLUS Tram Sunday. 9am - 4.30pm all year round.
The Mount Work is well underway on the latest phase of improvements to the Mount pavilion and gardens. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Big Lottery and a generous donation from Mrs Doreen Lofthouse OBE we are working hard to restore the grounds and the buildings to their former glory. The brand new playground is complete and work is underway on the Mary Hope garden. We are looking forward to finishing the scheme later this year and reopening the lodge and the pavilion, bringing them back into regular use. For updates on the restoration work follow @WyreCouncil on Facebook or go to www.wyre.gov.uk/themount What a view! Have you ever been to the top of Rossall Point Tower? Next time you’re passing pop inside to learn all about our coastal wildlife or just enjoy the
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view. There are viewing decks at the top and binoculars for you to use. There’s even a roof top camera which you can control from the ground floor without having to climb the stairs, meaning everyone can enjoy the view. We’re always on the lookout for volunteers to help us welcome visitors to the tower. If you would like to get involved email volunteering@wyre.gov.uk or call 01253 887504. For opening times and more information go to www.wyre.gov.uk/rossallpoint Love Exploring Memorial Park Memorial Park has its very own app that you can download for free and use to enjoy interactive trails and quizzes next time you visit. From a fairy quiz, to a dinosaur safari, heritage trail and even a 1k running route, the app will keep the whole family entertained. Simply search ‘Love Exploring’ in your app store and download the family exploring app, then select Memorial Park.
Wyre Wheels Wyre wheels takes place every Friday from 1pm to 3pm at Fleetwood YMCA. It’s a cycling programme offering participants the opportunity to ride adapted bicycles including trikes, side-by-sides, hand bikes, quad and wheelchair bikes. We welcome anyone to attend the sessions, whether you are disabled, have limited mobility, are recovering from illness or injury, if you are elderly
or if just want to get back on a bike. Each session is £3.50 and your first one is free. There’s no need to book, just turn up. For more information please contact Wyre Council’s Sports Development Officer on 01253 887482 or email sportdevelopment@wyre.gov.uk.
Fleetwood & Cleveleys Coastline Wyre’s beach management plan We have submitted a business case to the Environment Agency to secure over £40 million in government funding for our next major coastal defence project. The Wyre Beach Management Scheme will follow on from the success of the recent Rossall Coastal Defence Scheme, which was completed £6 million under budget, demonstrating the council’s commitment to securing value for money and our success in delivering large scale projects. This project will help to significantly reduce the risk of coastal erosion and flooding to over 11,000 properties and critical infrastructure. This will be achieved by constructing rock armour groynes to help build a high, stable beach which will in turn reduce wave height and energy and the risk of overtopping and
damage to the sea defences. Consultation with local residents, visitors and key stakeholders has contributed to the final design which will start on site in autumn and will be completed over a four year period.
Good news for Wyre’s beaches Wyre’s two bathing waters have been classified as good for the fourth year in a row.
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Thornton Cleveleys King George’s A fresh look for Jubilee Gardens Work begins this spring at Jubilee Gardens in Cleveleys thanks to a £10,000 investment from Wyre Council, alongside a £30,000 grant from the Lancashire Environmental Fund and £5,300 of central government parks improvement funding. Following public consultation by the friends group for the park, new play equipment for older children will be installed, as well as a seaside themed play area complete with sensory planting, seating and a play equipment trail where adults and young children can play together. Entrances to the park will also be improved and there will be new planting areas, building on the work of Cleveleys in Bloom and the park’s Friends group. The planting will be maintained in an environmentally sensitive way avoiding the need for intensive chemical weed or pest control methods. The scheme will also recycle plants and soil where possible to minimize any materials being taken to landfill.
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King George’s in Thornton We are looking forward to the second phase of improvements at King George’s playing field in Thornton, due to commence this spring. An application by Thornton Action Group for a grant of £16,220 to extend the trail has been approved. The grant comes from the Walney Extension Community Fund and will be used for path works to encourage greater use by the local community and visitors alike.
Free Bump and Buggy walks Meet new parents and improve your fitness. Join us at 10.30am on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month from March to September (inclusive), outside the Wyreside Café at Wyre Estuary Country Park, Stanah.
A natural way to wellbeing Myplace is an exciting ecotherapy project delivered by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust in partnership with the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust. It empowers people to connect with local environments in order to make social connections, learn new skills, build resilience and improve physical health and mental wellbeing. Myplace activities are being introduced in Cleveleys in 2020 thanks to funding from The National Lottery’s Reaching Communities Fund. Activities will relate to key themes - practical conservation, growing projects, mindfulness, wildlife walks and bushcraft. As well as learning new skills you’ll get the opportunity to complete green space challenges, and improve your local environment. If you are over 18 and want to get involved, get in touch with the Wyre Project Officer: 07927 551380 mmcdonnell@lancswt.org.uk
Every Wednesday on Cleveleys Plaza, located at the top of Victoria Road West, between April and September, 9am to 4pm
White Carr Lane Slow the flow Over the last six months, the council, Wyre Rivers Trust, NPL and United Utilities have been working together to improve the water habitat, create flood storage areas and improve water quality throughout Thornton. Three projects have been initiated thanks to funding from United Utilities and the Environment Agency. The projects include the creation of a wetland at White Carr Lane, one at Stanah and designs to increase capacity of Royles Brook at King George’s Playing Fields. Our aim is to slow the flow of water during heavy rain and high tides. As well as holding water back the schemes will create habitats that are good for biodiversity and that will also improve water quality. Wyre Council also continues to work closely with Thornton Flood Action Group to ensure the community is as resilient as possible against future severe weather. To find out more about flood action groups in Wyre and what you can do to reduce your flood risk go to www.wyre.gov.uk/flooding
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Poulton
Every Monday 9am to 4.30pm (excluding Bank Holidays)
New lease of life for Poulton community garden We have been working with The Blackpool Sixth Form College’s Business, IT and Art and Design students at Cottam Hall playing fields in Poulton to rejuvenate the community garden at Cottam Hall. Council staff and college students have cleared and restored the space and the students will maintain the garden over the next year. The garden is now home to raised beds and spaces to sit and the Art and Design students have painted the wall creating a focal point next to the garden. We are now looking at creating an area where local residents and community groups can come along and get involved in gardening projects. If you have gardening skills to share and would be interested in giving some of your time to help us get this off the ground please call our volunteering service on 01253 887504 or email volunteering@wyre.gov.uk Myplace ecotherapy activities are also being launched at Cottam Hall - see page 18 for details.
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Air quality management We have completed an analysis of the air quality in Wyre. The good news is that all the sites monitored in Wyre are below the national objective figure of 40Ug/M3 and that includes the air quality management area in Poulton which previously had exceeded the national objective level. The air quality management area is still in place and we will continue to monitor this. To read the full report go to www.wyre.gov.uk/airquality
A brew and a chat The Over 60s Teanlowe Centre opens its doors from 10am to 1pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 12 noon on Saturdays. Feel free to drop in for a tea or coffee and some company. The centre organises regular social events, fundraisers and day trips. Newcomers are more than welcome. First birthday celebrations for community hall The former church hall on Vicarage Road has grown from strength to strength as a centre for community life a year after re-opening. It’s now home to regular daytime classes and activities and is a popular venue for party bookings. As part of its community mission, the hall hosts meetings for local community groups like the Gala Committee and has been brought back into service as a polling station for elections. The sorely missed Farmers’ Market has now returned to its regular slot on the last Saturday of each calendar month. To find out what’s on at the hall visit www.vpcc-hall.org.uk or follow @vicarageparkcc on Facebook.
Tackling crime together A new integrated team hub has been created at Wyre’s Civic Centre in Poulton including two policing teams who are now based at the offices. During the festive season the police and Wyre Council worked together to ensure that Poulton remains a safe place to visit. Licensing checks and high visibility police patrolling was conducted at local nightspots. Officers used a knife arch and handheld metal detectors to check people for weapons. Over 100 people were checked and no weapons were found. This community initiative is both reassuring and works as a deterrent. It is something we hope to repeat in other areas across the borough. We are also working closely with the police to tackle youth anti-social behaviour across the borough. You can report anti-social behaviour online at www.wyre.gov.uk
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Your local markets
Garstang & Rural Wyre Fun Arts Come along and join our Fun Arts sessions at Garstang library. This is a dementia friendly activity led by an experienced instructor and is suitable for those living with dementia and their carers. Make new friends and have a go – it’s fun! The sessions are free and take place every Thursday from 9.30am to 11.30am. Please bring something to protect your clothes from any paint splashes. Garstang Scarecrow Festival 3-5 July 2020 We’re pleased to be working with the organisers of this hugely popular annual event once again, to bring arts activities to the festival. To find out what’s happening this year go to www. garstangscarecrowfestival.btck.co.uk Investment pays off at Garstang We’ve spent £65,000 improving facilities at Garstang YMCA. Julie Dawson, a member of the gym told us, “I have been spinning at YMCA Garstang for three years now. I love how inclusive it is, a great mix of ages and abilities. It’s a fantastic cardio workout where everyone cycles as one. The spinning classes at Garstang have got even better thanks to the new spin
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Garstang Market Every Thursday from 9am – 4pm Great Eccleston Market Every Wednesday 8:30am - 3pm bikes and a fantastic new lighting and sound system. This is all made even better with the instructor’s fantastic choice of music and enthusiasm!” Progress for Pilling community centre The Pilling 20 20 project continues at pace and work has now begun to build a new community hall. Garry Payne, Chief Executive of Wyre Council marked the start of the works at the turf cutting ceremony earlier this year. Fundraising is now underway through the ‘buy a brick’ campaign. You can help by donating £20 to buy a brick. There will be a fundraising wall of thanks inside the entrance of the building, proudly displaying the names of all donors, big and small. If you would like to donate please email katrinambell@hotmail.com
Harriet’s Glitter Pick When walking in Preesall with her family, local resident Harriet would often stop to pick up pieces of litter. At just five years old, Harriet created her very own ‘Harriet’s Glitter Group’ to clean up Preesall and make it sparkle again. She now holds regular ‘Glitter Picks’ and everyone is invited to join her. Harriet has made such a difference that we decided to nominate her for a ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ award for showing what determination, kindness and enthusiasm can do for a community.
Follow Harriet’s journey on Facebook and find details of future litter picks, www.facebook.com/harrietsglittergroup
Britain in Bloom A huge congratulations to Garstang and Catterall who have both achieved success in the national Britain in Bloom awards. Garstang in Bloom were awarded gold in the ‘Small Town’ category as well as the RHS discretionary award for ‘Wise Ways to Water’. Catterall in Bloom were awarded silver gilt in the ‘Large Village’ category. Well done to both groups for their amazing achievements. Safer spaces Councillors from Lancashire County Council, Wyre Council, Barnacre with Bonds Parish Council, Garstang Town Council and Catterall Town Council together with the Principal of Garstang Academy have been working together for the past two years to improve the footpaths on Garstang Road, Bowgreave. Together the group has liaised with the Highways team at Lancashire County Council and as a result the footpath opposite the old police station has been widened, making it much safer for pedestrians including wheelchair users and those with prams and children who attend the Academy.
Barnacre community meeting Saturday 4 April 10am – 12 noon Calder Vale Village Hall Come and chat to your Parish, Ward and County Councillors as well as other local services and charities. All welcome. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits available.
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01253 887693 www.wyretheatres.co.uk
PRESENT
AN EVENING OF CLASSIC PINK FLOYD
Sunday 26th April
THORNTON LITTLE THEATRE
Saturday 28 March 2020
7.30pm | Marine Hall tickets £28 www.havananightstour.co.uk
Doors open 7pm Show starts 7.30pm Tickets Adults £19 / Children £17 Box Office
AT
MARINE HALL 9 MAY 2020 | 7.15PM
TICKETS | £17 “ONE OF THE FINEST AND MOST AUTHENTIC PINK FLOYD TRIBUTES IN THE UK”
01253 887693
Contact us Wyre Council, Civic Centre, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire, FY6 7PU mailroom@wyre.gov.uk | www.wyre.gov.uk Sign up to our enewsletter at www.wyre.gov.uk/enews Follow us on social media to find out what’s happening in Wyre! @WyreCouncil
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