Wyre voice spring 2018

Wyre Council’s Community MagazineWyre Voice

What’s on and what’s new across the borough

g n i r Sp 8 1 0 2

1

voice

When you have finished reading we thismake magazine please recycle it in your blue bin Together a difference

2

Wyre Voice

Welcome

Welcome to the latest edition of Wyre Voice and my first as Leader of Wyre Council.

As a Wyre resident you will recently have received your council tax bill. Last year the Government announced that they would allow districts to increase council tax by up to 3% a year on a Band D equivalent property.

This year, we have decided to follow the government’s lead to maximise our spending power potential whilst keeping costs low for residents and continue providing Wyre’s vital front line services. This equates to a rise of £5.63 a year on a Band D property, or just under 11p a week, and means that the overall cost for all Wyre’s services will be 53p per day. Again this year we have not cut any services that Wyre provides, whilst still investing in our facilities.

I was delighted to read recently that according to the Office of National Statistics, Wyre is one of the happiest places in Lancashire. This comes as no surprise. Our residents can enjoy being outdoors with award winning parks, beautiful countryside and beaches on the doorstep. They can join our guided walks, singing groups, gardening clubs, visit our theatres and vibrant markets and many choose to volunteer with us to help out in our communities. There’s plenty to smile about.

Looking back on the past year we have a lot to be proud of. We have secured new business investment at the Hillhouse Enterprise Zone and are looking forward to the employment opportunities that will follow. We were delighted to welcome Prince Harry to the borough once again and to see Alfie Boe return to his home town to receive his Blue Plaque award situated at Fleetwood’s Marine Hall. We are continuing to work on the restoration of the Mount in Fleetwood and will soon begin work on improving King George’s playing field in Thornton.

North West in Bloom success was achieved across Wyre and four of our parks have received a Green Flag award. Plus, through our Healthier Wyre initiative we have successfully launched many activities and events to help improve the health and wellbeing of our residents.

For the future we have a lot to look forward to and I am committed to achieving our vision of working with the community and our partners to improve the lives of those who live in, work in or visit the borough. Together, we really do make a difference.

Councillor David Henderson Leader, Wyre Council Front cover image by Angela Kershaw Photography

Your council newsletter

Your council Wyre Council is made up of 50 councillors who are democratically elected by the residents of Wyre every four years to represent the views and opinions of their communities.

Wyre’s current Conservative majority council was elected in May 2015 and Councillor David Henderson was elected as Leader in December 2017.

In addition to being the Leader, Councillor Henderson has retained his role as Portfolio Holder for Street Scene, Parks and Open Spaces and the Deputy Leader Councillor Alan Vincent has returned to the role of Resources Portfolio Holder, which represents a saving in members’ allowances to the council.

Following the sad passing of Councillor Vivien Taylor, Councillor Michael Vincent has taken responsibility for Wyre’s Health and Community Engagement Portfolio.

All other cabinet positions remain unchanged. Councillor Lynne Bowen is the Leisure and Culture Portfolio Holder, Councillor Pete Murphy is Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development and Roger Berry is Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety.

Wyre Voice

3

Wyre Council’s business plan We have recently reviewed the council’s business plan which sets out our priorities up to 2019. Look out for this at wyre.gov.uk/businessplan Council tax An average household (Band D) pays £193.94 a year in Council Tax to Wyre Council, which is 11% of your overall council tax bill. Services include refuse collection, recycling, street cleaning, housing advice, planning and environmental health.

A WEEKLY SHOP • • • • • • •

TV licence £2.89 Water charges £8.68 Mobile phone £6.25 Local newspaper £5.05 Pet food £4.75 Internet subscription £4.50 Wyre Council Tax £3.73

To find out more about your local councillors and to access the agendas and minutes of full council meetings, visit wyre.gov.uk/yourcouncil Together we make a difference

4

Healthier

Wyre Voice

Keep calm and sing!

We want our residents to live the healthiest lives possible.

We have invested over £6m in our leisure centres in recent years to vastly improve the facilities and inspire residents to become more active.

We maintain 145 hectares of parks and open spaces for public enjoyment and offer a wide range of services that have a positive impact on health and wellbeing, from a boroughwide health walks programme to assistance with home repairs and adaptations which prevent accidents and support older people to remain independent.

Cllr Michael Vincent, Portfolio Holder for Health and Community Engagement explains, “We are proud to be working with a number of partners to deliver a variety of health and wellbeing activities in Wyre. They provide a great opportunity for people to come together, socialise and try something new, all of which are part of a healthy lifestyle. We’ve seen great results so far and these activities and projects are having a real and positive impact on the health of those taking part.”

Find out what’s happening in Wyre to improve your health and wellbeing by visiting wyre.gov.uk/health

It’s said that singing can relieve stress and alleviate anxiety so why not have fun and let off some steam at the free Harmony and Health singing group at Marine Hall, Fleetwood? It takes place every Monday from 1.30pm to 3pm. It’s a friendly, welcoming group and no experience is necessary. A new session has also started at Thornton Little Theatre on Tuesdays from 10.30am until noon.

Come along and join us! To find out more call 01253 887693.

n sing “ We ca artedly t he le o h r abou w t bothe lly and no you can rea er wheth ot!” n sing or

“We leave here in a much better frame of mind.”

“I enjoy it, it’s a break and gets you out of your house.”

Health & Wellbeing Event In association with Healthier Fleetwood Sunday 8 April, 10am – 4pm at Marine Hall, Fleetwood Information, stalls and activities to help create a healthier you. FREE entry.

Get fit and have fun There are five Fylde Coast YMCA leisure centres in Wyre with fitness activities for all ages and abilities. Try one of their couch to 5k running clubs or take a look at their Your Move programme which provides support for local adults, children and families who want to become more active and lead a healthier lifestyle.

For more information visit ymcayactive.org or yourmoveprogramme.co.uk Your council newsletter

Wyre

Wyre Voice

5

Join our gardening club!

FYi Directory

We were delighted to receive this poem from one of the regulars who attends our free gardening club at Memorial Park in Fleetwood. If you’d like to come along it’s on Wednesday mornings (9.30am until noon) and Friday afternoons (12.30pm until 4pm).

No experience is necessary and everybody is welcome.

FYi is your one stop shop for health, social and community services information on the Fylde coast.

A Happy Place

By Jill Williams

My world can be so dark and gloomy, I feel blundered and cannot see.

I can cry so many tears of sadness, I’m like a big old Weeping Willow tree.

Gail took me to the gardening club.

She knows I fight with life each day.

I am very nervous and anxious.

I thought the gardening club? Will I stay?

This new directory for Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre brings together information about a wide range of local health and council services, community clubs, social groups, wellbeing activities and events into one comprehensive source. If you are the organiser of an event that isn’t yet listed on FYi then don’t forget to register details of your group, activity or event.

Check out fyidirectory.co.uk to find out more.

Kate is lovely and supportive, I like all of the other members too.

I feel like part of a family, belonging, happy, it’s something new!

We’ve also my friends the gardeners, Darren, Marcel and Dave.

I’m so lucky to have these people in my life, on the Memorial Park, where I feel safe.

I’ve started off as a weed but now I’m a flower, starting to bloom.

I’m so pleased with my new volunteer T-shirt Kate, I’m so proud, I’m over the moon!

If you like a friendly place and people, the gardening club could be for you.

I can definitely recommend it, there’s good company, a chat and a brew.

All the people who work and help on the park, are special in their own unique way.

There’s only illness that will keep me from the gardening club, as I love it and I’m here to stay.

Together we make a difference

6

Healthier

Wyre Voice

Healthier Fleetwood

We are proud to work in partnership with the Healthier Fleetwood initiative to help improve the health of our residents. Dr Mark Spencer, who played a key role in setting up Healthier Fleetwood explains what it aims to achieve: “It’s generally true that people who lead happy and active social lives enjoy better health than those who do not. From the start we’ve been encouraging residents to take up an activity or make new friends and therefore improve their wellbeing - this is in essence social prescribing.

“We’re now taking this further with local GPs referring their patients to Healthier Fleetwood as a signposting service to groups and events in the town, encouraging them to get involved. We think this will result in lots of really positive outcomes and the whole community will benefit and become stronger.”

To find out more visit healthierfleetwood.co.uk

Did you know that Disabled Facilities Grants are available to help make disabled people’s homes suitable for them to live in and to help them remain independant and safe in their homes?

Adaptations can include: • Access ramps • Widening doors • Ceiling track hoists • Bathroom and bedroom extensions • Improving bathing and sanitary facilities • Stair lifts and through floor lifts

You can apply if you are: • A tenant or owner of a property • A landlord on behalf of a disabled tenant Although grants are means tested, you may not have to make any contribution if you are on certain benefits, if the adaptation is for a child, or if the cost of works (including fees) is below £6,000.

For details of how to apply visit

wyre.gov.uk/dfg Your council newsletter

Wyre

Wyre Voice

7

Care and Repair The Care and Repair (Wyre and Fylde) team offers advice and support with repairs and adaptations to the home and also operate a handyperson scheme.

Michele Scott, Care and Repair Manager, talks about the service: “We help people in Wyre and Fylde who are aged over 65 or who have a disability and need repairs or adaptations to their home, or who may need guidance on obtaining funds for works.

“For example a resident contacted us recently to ask for assistance with repairs to rotten floorboards in her kitchen. She asked Care and Repair to oversee the work as she was housebound and was apprehensive about dealing with contractors on her own.

“We approached three contractors for quotations on the client’s behalf and it was identified that the rotten floorboards were caused by a leak from the toilet in the next room. A pre-commencement meeting was held and it was arranged that the work would be carried out immediately to resolve the problem.

“Our client was very pleased with the job which was done as cheaply as possible for her. The floor was repaired and the kitchen area made safe. She told us she was grateful for us overseeing the work which she would not have been able to do on her own”. wyre.gov.uk/careandrepair

Together we make a difference

8

Together we

Wyre Voice

Volunteering

Become a community car driver

Do you have spare time on your hands?

Would you like to put something back into your community? Why not register to become a volunteer with us?

Preston Community Transport has launched a scheme to help those that don’t have access to a car or struggle on public transport, to get out and about.

From exploring the drama of the theatre at Marine Hall and Thornton Little Theatre, to unearthing your green fingers at our many parks and open spaces, there’s sure to be something for you.

Passengers contribute £0.40 per mile to the driver for the miles they are in the vehicle, additional insurance is provided and you can specify what times you are available to help.

Derek became a volunteer monitoring CCTV in 2004: “I initially volunteered with the police, working on the CCTV van. Then we moved over to Wyre Council and I’ve been volunteering with them ever since! I love the role because I make everyone feel safe and protected. Not only am I looking after everyone, but I am giving something back to the community.”

They are looking for volunteers who can make themselves and their private vehicles available to assist the local community in getting to shops, social activities, services and appointments.

To find out more and get involved, email communitycars@prestonct.org.uk, call 01772 516208 or visit prestonct.org.uk/services/community-cars

If you’d like to find out more and volunteer with Wyre, visit wyre.gov.uk/volunteer

Do you love Cleveleys?

Cleveleys Coastal Community Team has been busy cleaning up around the area and is looking for more volunteers to help them.

If you love Cleveleys, and want it to be even better, come and join the Town Centre Team and help with weeding, painting, planting and generally making things look tidy. One of the next areas to be worked on is the bus station with the help of students from Blackpool and the Fylde College.

The team was set up with the help of Coastal Communities funding from the former Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and meets monthly on a Tuesday at 10am.

For meeting dates and more information follow the Care for Cleveleys Facebook group.

Your council newsletter

make a difference

9

Wyre Voice

New community hall for Poulton-le-Fylde

The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that the large thermometer sign outside the Community Hall on Vicarage Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, has recently been updated following two substantial donations from local benefactors.

This means that the charity can now complete phase one of its extensive repair and restoration programme. Trustees and volunteers have made some amazing progress in converting the old church hall into a modern fit-for-purpose community hub. They expect to complete phase one of the Vicarage Park Community Centre soon and open to the public in late spring/early summer 2018.

Check out their Facebook page, ‘Vicarage Park Community Centre’ or if you wish to get involved please contact them via email at info@vpcc.org.uk

Wyre’s just blooming beautiful – and here’s the proof!

On Friday 3 November 2017 at the Southport Convention Centre, teams of volunteers from across the North West came together to celebrate their achievements at the North West in Bloom Awards. Wyre managed to win a spectacular haul of awards in both the regional and neighbourhood entries.

Plus, Wyre’s parks celebrated an unprecedented coup in collecting four Gold Awards in the RHS Parks section for Kepple Lane and the Millennium Green in Garstang, Jean Stansfield Park in Poulton and for Memorial Park, Fleetwood the added accolade of RHS Merit of Distinction. Kepple Lane also won the Biodiversity Award for a small entry, and the Mount Gardens at Fleetwood picked up the 2017 Heritage Award.

Support Garstang in Bloom

in bloom

Please help to keep Garstang looking gorgeous this year.

To help with any aspect of keeping your neighbourhood Call now on clean and green in 07850 699 492 2018, look out for posters in your area with contact details of your local ‘In Bloom Representative’.

We are always happy to welcome new helpers to the team.

Your local representative is Alan Pearson.

Together we make a difference

10

Youth

Wyre Voice

How are you feeling?

We all need a bit of help sometimes, but it can be difficult to know how, or who, to ask. Whether you’re struggling to sleep, experiencing problems at school or you’ve suffered a loss, there are people ready to listen and help.

Last year local mum Joanne set up Doherty’s Destiny, a charity which was launched after the tragic passing of her son.

Promoting positive mental health in young people is at the core of the charity’s ethos as is encouraging young people to talk about their mental health.

Joanne also wanted to create a support group for parents of suicide victims to help those that have suffered a loss: “After James passed away, the nearest place for me to join a support group was in Kendal. I wanted to create a group that local people could join. Help and advice should be easily accessible for anyone, whether they want to talk about their mental health or seek support for their loss.”

Doherty’s

Destiny

Raising awareness of teenage suicide + Mental Health issues in young people

James @dohertysdestiny

@dohertysdestiny To follow their journey, visit their Facebook page @dohertysdestiny, find out more about the events coming up dohertysdestiny this year and information on how you can get involved. @hotmail.com Councillor Andrea Kay, lead member for children and young people commented: “We are talking more and more about mental health but we still have a long way to go. I’m in support of what Joanne and many other groups and organisations are doing and working with them; we are arranging events and awareness groups in Wyre so we can bring people together and help their mental health.”

If you are concerned about your own mental health or that of someone you know, the Lancashire Care Foundation Trust helpline service is available to help, call 0800 915 4640.

Try Sport

Knott End Golf Club

We work with Fleetwood Town Community Trust and Fylde Coast YMCA to offer sports for all children to try. From street dance to skateboarding there’s plenty to have a go at.

Knott End Golf Club is offering juniors up to the age of 16 the chance to join the club and play for free. Free tuition is also available for juniors on Saturday afternoons.

To find out what’s on visit wyre.gov.uk/trysport or follow @WyreTrySport on Facebook

To find out more and to register your interest call 01253 810576 or visit knottendgolfclub.com

Your council newsletter

zone

Wyre Voice

11

Wyre Youth Mayor

Jessica Basquill is Wyre’s Youth Mayor. Here she tells us what she’s been up to: “Since my last update I have been here, there and everywhere meeting lovely people in the community at various events and I couldn’t be happier.

“I’ve been on the judging panel at the Fylde Rotary club’s talent competition, attending the Remembrance Day services and switch on extravaganzas, not to mention my more recent involvement with the elderly visiting care homes and joining in their afternoon of games and Christmas thanks.

“With juggling college and work, it can sometimes be hard to find motivation and time, but when you’re so passionate about something like me, you know not to give up!

2018 has plans for me that I never even thought I could achieve. Before my venture as Youth Mayor I was always passionate about helping others, yet never had any direction in my career. This opportunity has opened my eyes and made me realise that you can do what you love.

“If you are active on social media, visit my Facebook page, ‘Wyre Youth Mayor‘ or Twitter page @WyreYouthMayor, for lots of updates and information on how to get involved in my upcoming projects.”

YMCA Bowl YMCA Bowl at Thornton YMCA is offering £5 off a family bowl – get the family together for an hour of bowling for up to six people for £15 (usually £20).

This offer is valid until 30 June 2018 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Make your booking enquiry online at ymcabowl.co.uk or contact 01253 824108. Quote ‘Wyre Voice’ Air Skate

FREE skate hire Expiry date

30th June 2018

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer Get in touch online at

air-skate.co.uk Contact 01253 824108

Together we make a difference

r e v o c s Di 12

Wyre Voice

discoverwyre.co.uk

Discover Wyre should be the first place you look for ideas and inspiration on where to go and what to do in our amazing borough.

A dog’s life

STAY • PLAY • EAT • MEET

Garstang • Poulton-Le-Fylde Thornton Cleveleys • Fleetwood Forest of Bowland & Rural Wyre

Lancashire’s Great Escape

Out and

Wyre hosts beautiful places that welcome dogs, including Wyre Estuary Country Park, Fleetwood Promenade, Cleveleys Promenade and the Forest of Bowland.

Join our new Facebook group, ‘Dog Friendly Wyre’ to learn all about the amazing places to take your dog and chat with other dog owners too.

www.discoverwyre.co.uk

The website is bursting with information on activities and attractions including a guide on the Cleveleys to Fleetwood coastal trail. Walk, cycle and explore this route discovering attractions and natural wonders along the way, whilst taking in some fantastic coastal views.

Take a look at the new 2018 Discover Wyre visitor guide - it’s jam-packed with information about where to stay, play, eat and meet in Wyre.

All this and much more can be found at discoverwyre.co.uk

Marine Splash Not sure how you’re going to keep the kids entertained this summer? Take them to Fleetwood’s Marine Splash!

Youngsters can enjoy splashing through fountains, water jets, water tunnels and a paddling area located next to Fleetwood YMCA. More information can be found at wyre.gov.uk/marinesplash

Please check signs and only walk your dog in designated dog-friendly areas when visiting our beaches.

We monitor the bathing water quality between 1 May and 30 September each year. Dog faeces can affect our quality rating, as such we do not allow dogs on our bathing water beaches during this time.

When you’re out walking your dog, please ensure you pick up your dog’s poo and put it in any street litter bin. Make sure you’re not caught out and have extra dog poo bags, as you could be fined if you don’t.

For more information on Wyre’s Public Space Protection Orders, visit wyre.gov.uk/PSPOdogs To find out more about where you can visit with your dog, visit discoverwyre.co.uk/dogs

Your council newsletter

about

Wyre Voice

13

Stay safe on the beach this summer

Best foot forward

Do you know what the seaside code is?

Find out by visiting wyre.gov.uk/seasidecode Learning the seaside code can help you and your family stay safe.

Walking is a great way to stay healthy and gives you the opportunity to discover Wyre’s stunning countryside and coastline.

If you see something of environmental concern on one of Wyre’s beaches please report it by calling 01253 891000. Let us know where you found it, when and what it looks like. In an emergency call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

Look out for storm boards in extreme weather. They are there to prevent flooding and for your own safety.

Please do not interfere with them or go beyond them when the tide is in.

Find out everything you need to know about walking in Wyre by visiting wyre.gov.uk/walking where you can download the What’s On guide for the 2018 program of activities.

Walking events are all also posted on our Facebook page facebook.com/wyrecouncil

Don’t miss the annual Garstang W alking Festiv al, taking p lace from 5 – 13 May wyre.gov.uk /garstangw alkingfestiv al Rossall Point Observation Tower Located on the promenade between Cleveleys and Fleetwood the observation tower is open to the public so that people can learn about the coastal environment, bird life and plant life or just enjoy the view.

Activities take place at the tower all year round including birdwatching, beach cleans and craft activities. Come and join Lancashire Wildlife Trust as we look for seals, porpoises and dolphins at our new monthly sea watch.

For opening times and more information visit wyre.gov.uk/rossallpoint Together we make a difference

14

Wyre Voice

May 2018

July 2018

BILLY FURY YEARS Music/Entertainment Friday 4 May, 7.30 pm £19.50

MUSIC CONFERENCE WITH GRAEME PARK AND FRIENDS Music/ Dance Saturday 21 July, 2pm - 10pm £25 £30 VIP passes with access to Beachfront VIP bar Over 18s only

BRIAN CONLEY STILL THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER In His Price Range Comedy/Entertainment Saturday 5 May, 7.30pm £21/£19 concessions ED BYRNE SPOILER ALERT Comedy Thursday 10 May, 8pm £24, over 16s only Latecomers not admitted

AN AUDIENCE WITH IAN WAITE & OTI MABUSE RHYTHM OF THE NIGHT Dance/Entertainment Wednesday 16 May, 7.30pm £27/£25.50 concessions Pre-show meet & greet £20 extra LIONESS THE AMY WINEHOUSE EXPERIENCE Music/ Entertainment Saturday 26 May 6.30pm doors and bar, 7.30pm support, 8.30pm main act Reserved seating at cabaret tables £16

September 2018 CANNON AND BALL – THE DRESSING ROOM Comedy/Theatre Wednesday 19 September, 7.30pm £17 PATSY CLINE AND FRIENDS Music/Entertainment Sunday 30 September, 7.30pm £18.50/£17.50 concessions £10 U16s

October 2018 ONE NIGHT OF ELVIS starring LEE MEMPHIS KING Music/entertainment Friday 5 October, 7.30pm £22

November 2018 KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING Music Friday 9 November, 7.30pm £18 £10 concessions /group discounts

wyretheatres.co.uk 887693

Your council newsletter01253

What’s on

Here’s a flavour of our events. To see what else we have coming up, follow us on Facebook – just search for Wyre Council.

Garstang Walking Festival

Saturday 5 – Sunday 13 May An annual celebration of beautiful walks, with over 40 to choose from across nine days. For more information or to book an activity call the Visit Garstang Centre on 01253 602125 wyre.gov.uk/garstangwalkingfestival

Wyre Estuary Bioblitz

Noon Friday 22 to noon Saturday 23 June This will take place between Wyre Estuary Country Park and Rossall Point.

Join us in a race to find as much wildlife as we can in 24 hours! bnhc.org.uk/bioblitz

Memorial Park Fun Day, Fleetwood

Saturday 7 July, 11am – 3pm Bring the whole family down to the park for a fun day out. Free entry.

Some activities may incur a small charge.

Wyre Voice

15

Fylde Coast Food and Drink Festival Marine Hall, Fleetwood Sunday 12 August, 10am – 4pm Free entry The most delicious day out of the year!

Family Craft Day with the Rangers Wyre Estuary Country Park, Stanah Sunday 30 September, 11am – 3pm Discover your creative side with a variety of activities in the wood using natural materials. Free entry.

Some activities may incur a small charge.

Heritage Open Days

Various dates from 6 to 16 September 2018 see discoverwyre.co.uk to find out more Free entry We’ll be opening the doors to our historic buildings including Marine Hall and Marsh Mill to celebrate Heritage Open Days.

The Final Homecoming

Fleetwood Monday 12 November, start time at 11am from The Esplanade, in front of The Mount (subject to change)

The BFG - Outdoor Theatre by Gamble Theatre productions

Memorial Park, Fleetwood Saturday 14 July 11.30am and 2pm Free event Come and enjoy Roald Dahl’s classic tale of the BFG. Bring a comfortable chair, blanket and don’t forget your picnic!

Wyre Estuary Country Park Open Day, Stanah

Sunday 22 July, 11am – 4pm A fun day with displays and activities for all the family to enjoy. Free entry.

Some activities may incur a small charge.

A community parade to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War. The parade will be a culmination of a series of events taking place throughout September to November across Wyre.

Marine Hall Christmas Market Fleetwood Sunday 18 November, 10am – 4pm Free entry Kick start your celebrations with a visit to the Christmas Market at Marine Hall.

There’s also lots more going in Wyre such as galas, country fairs, festivals and sporting events. To see what’s on visit discoverwyre.co.uk

Together we make a difference

16

Wyre Voice

Paint means poo!

Sign up for the 2018 Green Waste service The 2018 Green Waste service starts from 1 May.

GREEN WASTE COLLECTION CHARGES - 2019 en 2018 roz es f pric

The cost has been frozen at £30 per bin for the third year sign up now running. for Wyre Any additional bins can be purchased at a reduced rate of £25 if paid for at the same time.

The collection service operates all year round with a short shutdown period over Christmas and New Year. to tosubscribe subscribevisit visitWYRE.GOV.UK/GREENWASTE WYRE.GOV.UK/GREENWASTE

All residents that require the green waste collection service during 2018/2019, who haven’t already signed up, need to register and pay. Anyone who used the service last year still needs to register again for this year’s collections. Residents can join the scheme at any time during the year but the costs remain the same.

Green waste can also be home composted or taken to one of Lancashire County Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres if you don’t wish to join the service, for details see lancashire.gov.uk/waste To register and pay, view the full terms and conditions, or for more information, go to wyre.gov.uk/greenwaste

Your

You may have spotted some oddly coloured dog poo at Wyre Estuary Country Park back in February.

We recently ran a campaign to help highlight the problem of dog fouling in specific parts of the park, in particular during the dark mornings and nights and make dog owners think twice about leaving their dog’s poo in our park.

A team of rangers and volunteers spray painted, counted, cleared away and recorded incidents of dog fouling (and bags of dog foul) left behind on a stretch of the coastal path, using a temporary biodegradable paint which won’t harm the environment, people or dogs. Over the two weeks we noticed a significant reduction in dog fouling incidents and we are now looking at further ways in which we can tackle the problem.

If you’d like to read more about the campaign, visit wyre.gov.uk/paintmeanspoo A

dog poo

spraying campaign is taking place in this area!

•

Highlight the amount of dog poo

•

Shock those irresponsible owners into picking it up

•

Make the poo clearly visible to pedestrians

•

Raise awareness of the health and safety issues

Pick up your dog's poo. Any bin will do.

Help us keep Wyre cleaner and greener To find out more, visit

wyre.gov.uk/paintmeanspoo

Your council newsletter

environment

Wyre Voice

17

Do your bit for the beach

A new beach clean group has been set up in Fleetwood to add to the great work already being done by volunteers along the coast.

The group, Fleetwood LOVEmyBEACH, meets once a month at the Lower Lighthouse on Saturday mornings at 10.30am.

All equipment is provided and any volunteers wanting to join in should just turn up wearing suitable clothing and footwear.

Wyre’s other beach cleans are at Harbour Village Estuary, Cleveleys, Rossall Beach, Rossall Point Tower and Knott End – so there are plenty of opportunities to join in.

For details and dates of all beach cleans visit LOVEmyBEACH.org

Pests causing problems?

Food safety

• Arrange a visit from our Pest Control team if you have problems with: Ants, wasps, cockroaches, fleas, flies, beetles, rats or mice.

Summer is on the horizon and perhaps you’ll be treating the family to a delicious ice-cream or dinner out.

• Our friendly, skilled and experienced pest technicians provide a discrete, professional and competitively priced service.

• Annual commercial contracts for businesses looking for long term protection against pests are available.

• A free insect identification service is available for domestic customers.

For more information on prices, services and to book a visit,

go to wyre.gov.uk/pestcontrol or call 01253 891000

But be sure you check the food hygiene ratings before you eat out or shop for food.

All businesses in Wyre that sell food directly to the public are inspected by our dedicated food safety team and are awarded a food hygiene rating.

Look for the green and black rating sticker on the window or door of establishments or ask a member of staff. You can also search for restaurants, takeaway and other food shop ratings at food.gov.uk

Together we make a difference

18

Wyre means

Wyre Voice

Wyre’s winners

Tourism winners

Plans are already underway to celebrate business success again at the 2018 Wyre Business Awards. This year’s black tie dinner and awards ceremony will be held at Marine Hall, Fleetwood on Thursday 29 November.

Congratulations also go to the Wyre businesses that made it through to the finals of the Lancashire Tourism Awards – Freeport, Breck Apartments, Twelve Restaurant, Sunset Park and Dewlay Cheese of Garstang who won their category.

Our business network

Last year the event was attended by over 250 business professionals from across Wyre.

There were over 180 nominations for the awards across 15 different categories.

One of Wyre’s winners Kate Pollard (pictured above) of Garstang Independent Traders comments, “It was amazing to win our Wyre Business Award which recognises all of the hard work that our small team of volunteers put into the Independent Garstang Traders over the last year. We are thrilled that our work to help our local business community has been valued with the award.”

For a full list of the award winners and to see photos of the 2017 event go to wyre.gov.uk/wyreawards Any businesses interested in getting involved with the 2018 Business Awards can get in touch at regeneration@wyre.gov.uk

Wyred Up is one of the most successful business networking groups on the Fylde coast. It provides businesses the opportunity to meet other local businesses, learn new skills, network and gain access to business advice organisations.

The next meeting is a breakfast event at the Hillhouse Enterprise Zone on Tuesday 26 June.

For more information visit wyredup.co.uk or email regeneration@wyre.gov.uk

New MOT service at our Fleetwood Garage Did you know that our garage at Copse Road in Fleetwood now offers an MOT service for the public?

• • • • •

£40 for MOT Free re-test Book a specific time Wait or collect your vehicle later MOT specialist mechanics

For bookings call 01253 891000 and for more information visit wyre.gov.uk/MOT

Your council newsletter

business

Wyre Voice

Hillhouse Enterprise Zone

Building control

Hillhouse International Enterprise Zone in Thornton is attracting considerable interest from businesses looking to invest following on from the site being showcased at the MiPiM property exhibitions in London and Cannes with Marketing Lancashire.

Wyre Council provides a friendly and efficient building control service from pre-application advice through to a comprehensive on-site service.

A masterplan for the Enterprise Zone has been developed and the expansion plans could see employment at the site rise from the current 1,600 jobs to over 3,000 in the coming years.

Industries targeted for investment at the Hillhouse site include advanced manufacturing, waste technology, polymers, chemicals and energy generating sectors.

A significant step forward has been the signing of a Collaboration Agreement between Wyre Power Limited and China Machinery Engineering Corporation at an event supported by Wyre Council, the UK Department for International Trade and the UK Chinese Embassy.

Peter Murphy, Wyre Council’s Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder comments, “This agreement is the first step on the way to £500 million of investment if the project gets the green light. It is great news for the area and a real boost for the Enterprise Zone.”

For more information visit wyre.gov.uk/HHEZ

19

This year we are proud to have six shortlisted finalists in the LABC North West Building Excellence Awards, who were carefully selected from the many schemes we have been involved with during the year. We are also hoping to introduce a new category in the 2018 Wyre Business Awards for building projects in Wyre that have used local authority building control.

Lee Barclay, site manager for Partner Construction has recently worked with Wyre’s building control department and comments, “We chose to use Wyre Council’s building control team as we have worked with them twice before. I have a great working relationship with our Building Control Officer and the rest of the team at Wyre.

“The officers have the right attitude, always have the paperwork ready and correct and are prompt and on time for all their visits.

Whenever I need a site visit from them, I am able to call or if I’m busy send an email and the officers do their best to get out to me as soon as possible, and at a time that suits me. I would definitely recommend using local authority building control - I honestly can’t fault the service.”

To find out more visit wyre.gov.uk/buildingcontrol

Together we make a difference

20

Wyre Voice

Wyre’s local plan

In other news....

On January 23 the council submitted the Wyre local plan to the Planning Inspectorate for examination and to determine whether the plan is sound.

All local plan documents, including submission documents and the evidence base, are available online at wyre.gov.uk/localplan

Rossall sea defence scheme nearing completion Two kilometres of sea defences are currently being replaced from Rossall Hospital to Rossall Point, in a £63m coastal defence scheme that will protect 7,500 properties from the risk of flooding. Work is now nearing completion.

An important milestone was reached earlier this year when all the beach works were completed. Work now continues on the concrete promenade and the creation of Larkholme Grasslands - an ecology park on the landward side of the defences.

£30,000 grant awarded for King George’s playing field We are delighted to announce that our application for a grant of £30,000 for improvements to King George’s playing field in Thornton has been approved.

The grant comes from the Lancashire Environmental Fund and will be used to carry out a first phase of work to the site to encourage greater use by the local community and visitors alike.

Owl Wood, Out Rawcliffe The area known locally as Owl Wood is a small wooded area at the junction of Crook Gate Lane and Sandy Lane, Out Rawcliffe.

It is public land and historically has been administered by the Parish Council on behalf of the community. More recently, it was also used as an outdoor teaching area

by Out Rawcliffe Primary School. Following the closure of the school, the Parish Council is going through the process of registering the land in order to ensure its future as a valuable community asset.

Unfortunately this will mean a small temporary increase in the Parish Precept (which forms part of the Council Tax) to cover the legal costs but the council believes that safeguarding the future of the site for future generations is essential.

Your council newsletter

Wyre Voice

TREAT YOURSELF AT

21

Wonderful Wyre Weddings

SPA ON THE BRECK IN POULTON THERE ARE TWO GREAT OFFERS AT SPA ON THE BRECK COMING UP TO HELP YOU RELAX YOUR WAY INTO SUMMER.

Civic Centre, Poulton-le-Fylde

Set in beautiful grounds, Wyre’s Civic Centre offers an attractive mock Tudor building and beautiful lawned gardens, available to hire for weddings and civil partnerships.

01253 891000

wyre.gov.uk/weddings

Marine Hall, Fleetwood

Marine Hall’s 1930s art deco styling and beachfront setting make for a wonderfully unique wedding venue,with beautifully landscaped gardens and a stunning coastal backdrop.

2 FOR 1 ON THE SPA JOURNEY EXPIRY DATE 30 JUNE 2018

NOT TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.

TASTE OF GERMAINE FACIAL JUST £20 EXPIRY DATE 30 JUNE 2018

The Mount Pavilion, Fleetwood Perfect for intimate ceremonies with great views.

NOT TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.

MAKE YOUR BOOKING ENQUIRY ONLINE AT

SPAONTHEBRECK.CO.UK OR CONTACT 01253 887157 QUOTE ‘WYRE VOICE’.

Thornton Little Theatre

This beautiful little theatre provides the perfect stage to add some drama to your special day.

01253 887693

wyretheatres.co.uk/weddings

Together we make a difference

22

Be prepared for flooding Wyre Voice

We want everyone in the borough to check their flood risk and if you are at risk, to take some simple steps that could make all the difference: • Know your flood risk – check your postcode at flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk • Sign up for flood warning messages from the Environment Agency at gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 • Make a flood plan setting out what you will do in a flood including emergency contact numbers and essential documents • Put together a flood kit containing essential items to help you survive the worst • Buy flood insurance to protect your home and belongings • Buy sandbags in advance from DIY stores or builders merchants • Keep your drains and gutters clear of leaves to help prevent flooding in heavy rainfall • Know how to quickly turn off your water, gas and electricity mains • Join a community flood action group and work with the authorities to put a community resilience plan in place.

Protecting your home

Making your property resilient to floodwater will limit the distress and damage caused by flooding, which means less costly repairs and less time out of your home or business premises. There are some simple measures that can be taken such as buying sandbags, or their modern alternative, and airbrick covers.

A variety of products are available to buy and a comprehensive list of these can be found in ‘The Blue Pages’ directory on the National Flood Forum’s website - nationalfloodforum.org.uk

Roger Berry, Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety Portfolio Holder at Wyre Council comments, “I would urge all residents who spot any issues such as highway flooding or blocked gullies to report them to Lancashire County Council so that they can be investigated further. To do this you should go to the Lancashire County Council website and follow the link to roads, parking and travel to report it.

“Please do consider purchasing your own flood protection devices. Bearing in mind the cost and trauma of having your home flooded, they are a very worthwhile and affordable investment and by joining our flood action groups you can better protect yourself and your neighbourhood.”

To find out more about what you can do to prepare for flooding visit wyre.gov.uk/flooding Your council newsletter

Get in touch

Wyre Voice

23

Call: 01253 891000 Text: 01253891000 Email:mailroom@wyre.gov.uk

wyre.gov.uk Visit our website for a quick and easy way to find information, pay your council tax, report an issue and much more.

You can also register to create your own account, giving you access to: • Sign up to our enewsletters • A profile of your neighbourhood including bin collection days, details of your local councillors, restaurant ratings and more • Records of all online forms you have submitted

Keep in touch

Following us on social media is a great way to find out what’s happening in Wyre and to see what events are on in your area.

/wyrecouncil @wyrecouncil

@wyrecouncil

/wyrecouncil

#WyresFridayFavourite

Every Friday we post a photo that depicts what a beautiful place Wyre is to live, work and visit. We’d love to see your pictures of Wyre so that we can share them too. Message them to us on our social media pages or you can email them to communications@wyre.gov.uk

Advertising in Wyre Voice

If you are interested in advertising in future issues of Wyre Voice, please contact the editor via communications@wyre.gov.uk

Opt out of receiving Wyre Voice

If you would like to opt out of receiving future editions please email communications@wyre.gov.uk or call 01253 891000 Civic Centre, Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire, FY6 7PU

Together we make a difference

ience r e p x e g n i shopp A seaside 24

Wyre Voice

Cash machine on site A traditional market with over 200 stalls.

A shopper’s paradise for gifts, clothing and household goods. Bag a bargain today.

Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday all year round, 9am - 4.30pm Also open all Bank Holidays and Tram Sunday

/FleetwoodMarket

Sat Nav

FY7 6AB

New Digital Help Centre now open. Come along for help to get online - open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Fleetwoodmarket.co.uk Victoria Street / Adelaide Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6AB

Tel: 01253 887651

Your council newsletter