wyre voice spring 2015

Wyre Voice 1

Council Tax frozen for the fifth year runningWhen you have finished reading this magazine please recycle it in your blue bin or bag

voiceSpring 2015

Wyre Council’s Community Magazine

2 Wyre Voice

Delivering all your services for 49p per day

Contents

3 Sea Defences

4 Reinventing Leisure

8 Sports roundup

9 Be a Dementia Friend

10 A good year for Fleetwood

12 Business support

14 In life and death

15 Elections and CAB

16 Going digital

18 Shaping your Neighbourhood

20 Nifty 50

21 Empty homes

22 Volunteering

24 Streets ahead?

26 Jewels of Wyre

28 Council Tax info

Front cover: Cleveleys Promenade by Steve Wass

If you would like this publication in any other language or format please contact us on 01253 891000

ForewordWelcome to the latest edition of Wyre Voice, which is accompanying your Council Tax bill.

Wyre Council understands that this bill is one of the biggest commitments residents face.

I am therefore delighted to advise that Wyre Council will again be freezing our share of the Council Tax for the fifth year in a row.

While this is an impressive record, it is backed up by the fact that our frontline services have been protected.

All Wyre Council services are delivered for 49p per day for a Band D Council Tax payer – and that has got to be value for money.

Wyre’s Council Tax is the second lowest Council Tax in Lancashire and the lowest on the Fylde Coast.

While it is recognised that the Government grant has been massively reduced in recent years, Wyre has made £7 million worth of efficiency savings.

We also have a policy of investing to save and the investment in all our leisure centres will increase footfall, improve the leisure offer and reduce the subsidy from the Council Tax payer.

We are also constantly seeking to make best use of our assets and we will be letting out vacant space at the Civic Centre to medical practitioners which will improve health services while providing an income for the Council Tax payer.

Residents are used to hearing about council cuts, but income generation is the other side of the coin and it is something that Wyre is determined to deliver.

Councillor Peter GibsonLeader Wyre Council

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Council Tax frozen for the fifth year running

New sea defences take shapeWe’re replacing sea defences from Rossall Hospital to Rossall Point in a £64m scheme to protect 7,500 properties from the risk of coastal flooding.

The lower part of the defences are being created using rock to stand up to the harsh environment, with around 100,000 tonnes amassed to date.

18 new groynes are being built along the 2km stretch, each one 75m in length. Typically each groyne takes 3000 tonnes of rock (around 560 rocks). Many of these are buried under the beach and will never be seen, however such quantities are needed to give stability. The groynes help to retain sand and shingle along the foreshore and encourage the beach to build up, reducing the height of waves generated during a storm.

Work has recently started on a sloped lower revetment, between the beach and mean high water level, which forms the first line of defence. The rocks remove a great amount of energy from the incoming tide and deal with the abrasive nature of the sea below high tide.

Work is due for completion in 2017. Want to know more? The information cabin at West Way car park is open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.30pm (manned every Thursday morning 9am to noon) or visit

www.fyldecoastalprogramme.co.uk

Promenade closure

A reminder that the promenade is closed between West Way and Rossall Point for safety reasons - diversions are in place. Rossall Point observation tower remains open and can still be accessed via the promenade from the north. View opening times at www.wyre.gov.uk/rossallpoint

Environmental studyA study is under way into the impact on biodiversity when using different rock types, not naturally found in the area.

Students from Blackpool and the Fylde College were originally involved in an environmental impact assessment before work started and have returned to look at colonisation on the new rock groynes.

They are particularly interested in the rate at which different organisms colonise different rock types. For example, do barnacles grow more rapidly on limestone, granite or andesite boulders? This information could help to determine the best ways to restore the site after construction is over.

Further south along the coast at Cleveleys groyne boulders have developed important micro-habitats for barnacles, mussels, limpets and crabs.

Sign up for sea defences e-newsletters at www.wyre.gov.uk/register

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Reinventing Opening this spring…

your new look health and fitness centre in Thornton

The council has invested over £6m in Thornton and Poulton health and fitness centres, run by YMCA, to develop fresh new ways for everyone to enjoy being active whatever their fitness level.

First to be unveiled, the centre on Victoria Road East in Thornton will offer a 10 lane ten-pin bowling alley, indoor ramp park, huge state-of-the-art gym with dedicated spinning studio and functional training arena, purpose built fitness class studios and new outdoor 3G pitches.

YMCA Membership

With all these new developments, there couldn’t be a better time to take out a YMCA membership.

You’ll be able to take your pick of nine health and fitness centres across the Fylde Coast – including five swimming pools, eight fitness studios, modern training technology, more than 200 different classes and activities each week for adults, young people and children, racquet sports, sports halls, outdoor pitches, boxing rooms and much more.

Visit www.ymcayactive.org or call into any of the YMCA centres.

Leading the way in health

and fitness with YMCA

On the first floor the new gym, which is set to be one of the largest in the region, will offer the latest digital innovations in fitness technology so you have the opportunity to really connect with your health and enjoy your fitness experience.

With over 100 stations of Life Fitness cardio, resistance and free weights equipment, a dedicated spinning studio and cutting edge functional training arena, this new facility will provide more opportunities for adults and young people to enjoy leading a healthy lifestyle.

The new purpose built group exercise studios will be the home of an exciting new programme of fitness and relaxation classes.

On the ground floor we’ve also integrated important extras such as a crèche and café facilities along with comfortable and accessible changing rooms.

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Introducing brand new YMCA Bowl

Also on the ground floor of the transformed centre in Thornton, this exciting addition will offer visitors a fun time with some action-packed, healthy competition thrown in.

YMCA Bowl is an accessible, modern, 10 lane family entertainment facility.

Powered by AMF, global leader in bowling technology, the centre offers the latest bowling experience with UV lighting effects which will be available through special Glo-bowl evening sessions.

The programme will offer something for everybody including concessions, theme nights, regular competitions and mini-leagues. It will also be available to book for bowling parties.

General non-member pricing will start from just £4.50 for adults and £3.50 for youngsters up to 16. Family bowl is priced at just £20 for a maximum of six family members per lane per hour.

Launching… the Fylde Coast’s newest indoor ramp park

For boards, BMX, blades and scooters, the unique, bespoke ramp park has been pro-engineered for seamless transitions and speed.

The timetable will offer open sessions for all wheels, specific sessions e.g. BMX only, along with coaching for beginners and improvers. Group sessions, parties and private hire will also be available to pre-book.

General entry for non-members starts from just £3 per hour with 2 hour, half day and full day sessions also available.

Visit www.ymcayactive.org for more details.

YMCA members will have access to all year round discounted entry prices and exclusive offers for both bowling and the ramp park.

Try before you buy

We’ve introduced a free one-day membership so you can try out the facilities at any of the YMCA centres.

To take advantage of this invite and register in advance for other special offers at the bowling, ramp park or spa, complete the online form at

www.ymcayactive.org/vouchers

Leisure in Wyre

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Get pampered in PoultonOver in Poulton we can’t wait to show you the plush spa experience and treatment rooms to complement the state-of-the-art gym and fitness studio that opened at the end of last year.

Imagine a journey of individual experiences which will relax, de-stress and leave you feeling completely refreshed.

The spa experience will also include a salt ‘halo’ therapy room, aroma steam room, sauna and plunge pool, plus individual treatment rooms offering a full range of massage, facials, wraps and beauty treatments for men and women.

YMCA members will benefit from exclusive offers, discounts and members only spa events.

Prices

Our new AppLifestyle change made easy… download the YMCA Y:Active Lifestyles App for quick access to timetables, prices, opening times and more at the tap of a button.

Available on Android and iPhone.

Visit www.ymcayactive.org for more details.

Teen treatments

from £15

Aqua Thermal

Journey - £15 for two hours includes unlimited access to salt inhalation,

aroma steam, sauna, foot spas, spa pool,

monsoon shower

Relaxation treatments from £25

Facial treatments from £30

Tailored pamper days

from £75 Spa for men -

treatments from £15

Maternity packages from £50

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“I went elsewhere but have come back again. The people are nicer here and programmes are really tailored to you. I’m impressed.” Deryn, Poulton

“I bring my son Courtney. Everybody’s helpful and friendly.

Exercises are tailored to his health needs. We can go for

a swim afterwards and leave happy bunnies. An amazing

gym.” Karen, Poulton

With everything now together under one roof you can easily add some of the adult fitness and relaxation classes into your active lifestyle including Spinning, Pilates, Body Combat, Zumba and more.

All of these new facilities can be accessed by simply paying as you go; or with a YMCA membership you can access these and more facilities across the Fylde Coast.

Total health and fitness under one roofWe revealed the first phase of the £2mre-development at the centre in Poulton last November, which brought the total health and fitness offer together under one roof for the first time.

A brand new gym and purpose built group fitness studio now complements the existing swimming pool which also received a complete makeover in the summer.

The new gym inside the centre off Breck Road was the first to showcase Life Fitness’ latest training technology and people have been raving about it – but don’t just take our word for it:

“You can do so much more on the new machines. They push you harder and really test your co-ordination, strength and concentration.” Mark, Thornton

“Instructors take on board what health

specialists note down for you. Much improved, more modern equipment, bigger gym. I love it.” Jim, Poulton

Customer Notice As the re-development works enter the final stage YMCA Poulton will close for two weeks from Monday 16 March until Monday 30 March to accommodate essential tasks.

We apologise for this inconvenience.

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We’re reinventing leisure all over Wyre, not just at the YMCA centres.

Pushy ParentsWhat: Outdoor exercise and socialising for new mums without the headache of child care.When: Every Tuesday from 14 April to 28 July, 1pm to 2pmWhere: Memorial Park, Fleetwood(Meet at the cenotaph)Cost: First six weeks are free, £1.50 per week thereafter

Shape UpWhat: Outdoor fitness camp for adults to kick start a healthier lifestyle. Motivational group exercise for all abilities.When: Wednesdays from 8 April, 7.30pm to 8.30pmWhere: Memorial Park, Fleetwood (Meet at the cenotaph)Cost: First session free, £1.50 per week thereafter

Run WyreWhat: A new over-18s running group for beginners where the emphasis is on fun.When: Wednesdays, 6.15pm - 7.15pmWhere: Memorial Park, Fleetwood(Meet at the cenotaph)Cost: Free

Cycle WyreWhat: Guided cycle rides for all ages and abilities across pre-planned routes.When: Mondays from 8 June to 27 July, 6pm to 7pmWhere: From the coffee shop at Wyre Estuary Country Park, ThorntonCost: Free

Still to come…

Details are currently being finalised on the following:

* Weekly rounders for women at Thornton Cleveleys Cricket Club* Ladies cricket at Garstang Cricket Club for 11 to 25 year olds* Smash-up badminton where 14 to 15-year-old participants shape the sessions themselves* Under-11s mini tennis coaching and sessions for other ages at Memorial Park, Fleetwood* Climbing at Fleetwood High School

Still continuing…

Our free TrySport community sessions invite young people to take part in a different sport each weekday across multiple locations. Activities include football, dodgeball, multi-sports, street dance and free running.

Our free summer scheme (noon to 4pm Monday to Friday for 8-16 year olds) runs from 3 to 28 August at Fleetwood High School. Sports include football, dodgeball, handball, cricket, basketball, rounders and multi skills games.

Wyre Wheels disability cycling is held every Friday from 1pm to 3pm at Fleetwood YMCA. Participants can try a wide selection of adapted bicycles in a relaxed environment. First session is free, then £3.50 per week.

Information on all these activities can be found at www.wyre.gov.uk/trysport

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Dementia AwarenessDid you know that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia? Or that this figure could rise to a million in less than 10 years?

Statistics like these, coupled with an ageing population in Wyre, have resulted in the council becoming a dementia friendly organisation – and we want to encourage others in the area to follow suit.

We’re getting involved in a national initiative called Dementia Friends, an Alzheimer’s Society campaign which invites people to learn a little bit about what it’s like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action.

This could be something as simple as helping someone find the right bus, or being patient in a till queue if someone with dementia is taking longer to pay.

People with dementia want to carry on their daily lives and feel included in their local community, it’s just sometimes they need a helping hand to do so. The council has started awareness training among staff and councillors and has a simple action plan to make Wyre Council as dementia friendly as possible and work towards making Wyre a dementia friendly community.

We have a number of champions who can deliver Dementia Friends awareness sessions to businesses and organisations in Wyre with 10 or more staff. If they want to take it a step further they can join the Fylde and Wyre Dementia Action Alliance and develop a three point action plan of their own - www.dementiaaction.org.uk.

Individuals can also sign up to become a Dementia Friend online at

www.dementiafriends.org.uk

It just involves watching a short video and then pledging to be more understanding.

More than 875,000 people in England have already done so.

To arrange a group awareness session, email [email protected] or call 01253 891000.

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A good year for FleetwoodIt’s all happening by the seaside – around £5m of investment to improve Fleetwood’s fabulous waterfront and Memorial Park. Plus a special birthday for one of our favourite iconic buildings.

There’s been a welcome boost for the town’s economy too, with the recent announcement of £2.5m government funding to create a fish park on land at the docks, creating new accommodation for existing fish processing businesses and expanding the industry. An energy plant will also be built alongside, collectively creating jobs and regenerating the area.

Here’s a taste of how else 2015 is shaping up.

The MountA new tea room is opening in the gate lodge and a permanent Fleetwood crest will be installed very shortly on the mound.Thanks to a very generous donation, the council can also embark on a facelift for the stunning pavilion and gardens.

(Historical photo above courtesy of LCC)

Work should start in the autumn on the seaward side. Current plans include reinstalling the historic railings, restoring the shelters, improving landscaping and a programme of events.

A bid will be made in August to the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the pavilion and gate lodge, rose garden and landscaping on the south side.

Five for Fleetwood

Skate parkThe only bowl shaped facility on the Fylde Coast, the park is expected to open in the spring in Marine Hall Gardens.

With varying heights of up to 6ft and a series of hips around the perimeter, the design will suit both beginners and the more experienced. It will also be multi-functional for skateboards, scooters, bikes and skates.

Splash play zoneComing this summer – high speed jets, fountains, water tunnels and a new paddling area, complemented by a decked café and grassed areas to encourage families to stay awhile.

Ideally placed next to the leisure centre and a new proposed children’s playground, this will become the centrepiece for the so-called leisure zone.

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Euston Park

Restoration is well under way to the paths, planting, landscaping, gates, Grade II listed fountain and the First World War shelters.

By the end of spring the park will once again be a vibrant gateway for those arriving by tram or ferry, just like it was all those years ago when trains from London pulled up alongside.

Marine Hall

Celebrating its 80th birthday on 27 November with a jam packed calendar of shows and events for 2015, including:

* Battle of the Bands on 28 March* Rock Gardens - free summer Sunday showcases for local bands to perform on the terrace* Photography competition to find the best images of this iconic building. The public can contribute photographs old or new to go alongside memorabilia in an exhibition later in the year* An entry in this year’s Fleetwood Scarecrow Festival with a design to reflect its 1930s heritage* Screening of historic films about the borough on 20 October* Top tribute act the Mersey Beatles, on 27 November in recognition of the fact the Beatles played at Marine Hall in 1962

For further details and to see what’s on visit www.marinehall.co.uk

or call 01253 887693

Bringing Memorial Park to life

The Grade II listed park, created to commemorate the First World War, is being completely restored to its 1920s design, thanks to a £2.4m grant from the Heritage Lottery and Big Lottery Funds.

The main Warrenhurst Road entrance incorporating the iconic arches, Remembrance Avenue and the war memorial itself, have all been painstakingly restored.

The pavilion has also been brought back into use. A welcoming colonnade to enhance the Wolsley Road entrance has been created and the diminishing course roof restored, using traditional Westmorland slate to replicate the original.

Modern renovations mean it’s also fully accessible and energy efficient and the building now has a meeting room available for community hire.

We’re now focussed on getting water running through the stream and rockery to the lily pond and creating a community demonstration garden, with the whole project due to finish in the summer.

www.wyre.gov.uk/memorialpark

Sign up for Fleetwood e-newsletters at www.wyre.gov.uk/register

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New Business Support ServiceThere is a great range of businesses across Wyre all playing an important part in the health of the local economy and providing employment opportunities.

Sectors include tourism and hospitality, retail and industry. Companies vary in size from independent traders to large multi-national organisations.

Wyre Council wants to encourage each and every one of them, which is why we are launching a new Business Support service. This will build on the success of recent years and further improve the help we can give to existing and start-up businesses, or those looking to relocate to Wyre.

Dedicated web pages at www.wyre.gov.uk/businesssupport detail the range of services on offer and links to other local agencies that can help.

But as a summary these include:

* Personal visits* Grant opportunities* Referral to funding sources* Inward investment assistance* Premises and land search * Access to local economic data

The story so far (2014)• 250+ businesses supported• 50+ unemployed helped with training• 464 reduction in JSA claimants• £750,000 grant monies and match funding investment

More than 60+ businesses had one-to-one Get Re-Wyred support from specialists for 12 months and access to a small grants scheme.

We also benefited from a Revive and Thrive award – £191,000 worth of specialist retail advice and training, an empty shop improvement project, a gum removal machine, a retail marketing strategy and much more.

Our plans for 2015Wyre Walk of Fame - special recognition awards event. There were 200+ attendees from 43 businesses in November. We have plans for an even bigger event this year.

Small Business Saturday - campaign to shop local and use independent local services. 60 businesses joined with us in 2014.

Contact the Business Support team: [email protected]

01253 887282 / 887641www.wyre.gov.uk/businesssupport

Business Matters

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Business Opportunities* Discounts for new traders at Fleetwood Market. £10 per day between 13 and 27 May, then 50% off rent during June, July and August and 25% off during September, October and November. Call 01253 887650 for details.

* Half price rent for six months on industrial units at Croft Court, Thornton (pictured below). For people who have been trading for less than 12 months. Prices and details at

www.wyre.gov.uk/properties

* All council contracts for goods and services over £10,000 are advertised on The Chest procurement portal. Register for free to bid for business from Wyre and 45 other local authorities –

www.wyre.gov.uk/procurement

* Wyred Up, the successful business network, has had a revamp with a new website and branding. See www.wyredup.co.uk for details of events and membership.

Here’s an example of how we can helpHeaven Sent Baby Gifts was started in 2009 as an online business by Rachel and Charlie Bond (Rachel pictured above).

They needed another avenue to expand further when Rachel became aware of the Pop-Up Poulton initiative being introduced by the council and she booked space for a week.

That first week was a great success so they signed up to stay in the shop for the rest of the project.

When the Pop-Up closed they had gained enough experience to set up a retail outlet at Freeport. They have been there a year and are already looking to expand again.

Charlie said: “Wyre Council’s Business Support Service was on hand to help Heaven Sent through our transition from online to retail outlet and with our further business development. We have accessed new business support through Regenerate East Lancashire and received training through LEAP. We have also had support from Access 2 Finance for start-up loans and grants.”

Business Matters

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In loving memoryIt’s been a busy few months for our cemeteries.

Fleetwood has joined a national conservation scheme, B Line, to encourage bees and butterflies to make their home in the grounds. This follows an influx last summer of various species who took a liking to the new planting.

Burial records dating back to 1841 will start to be digitised shortly in order to preserve the information and to make it easier for the public to access them via deceasedonline.com.

For the first time ever, the team that looks after Wyre cemeteries was awarded gold standard by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management. Each year members are assessed under a charter of bereavement for the level of service they provide.

The service was also shortlisted for a national award by APSE, an organisation that analyses the performance of local councils, from quality and cost right through to customer satisfaction.

Looking for a wedding venue?The mock Tudor Civic Centre in Poulton is licensed for weddings and makes a lovely venue with pretty gardens making a fantastic backdrop for photos.

Marine Hall is also licenced for weddings and together with Thornton Little Theatre offers a great venue for a party.

www.wyre.gov.uk/weddings

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ElectionsJust like the rest of the country, Wyre goes to the polls on Thursday 7 May.

Those on the electoral register will vote for their next MP at the same time as choosing ward councillors to serve on Wyre Council for the next four years.

Elections are also due in parish and town council areas, although some of these may be uncontested if fewer than or the right number of candidates are nominated.

Polling stations open from 7am to 10pm and postal votes are sent out around 21 April.

All votes are verified after the polls close on 7 May at Garstang Leisure Centre. This is followed immediately by counting for the Wyre and Preston North constituency.

Blackpool Council will count and declare the result of the Blackpool North & Cleveleys constituency, while the Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency votes will be handled by Lancaster City Council.

Then on Friday 8 May the counting of borough, parish and town council votes gets under way at 1pm.

This year the number of borough seats available is being cut from 55 to 50 following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England. The number of wards has been reduced from 26 to 24 and some of the ward boundaries have altered, which means residents may now live in a different ward and vote at a different polling place.

Look out for your poll card in early April for details of how and where to vote.

But remember – if you’re not on the register, you won’t have a voice. Register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or call 01253 887257 by 20 April.

Citizens Advice Bureau update

Wyre Council has agreed to continue funding for the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) for a further two years.

Currently an annual sum of £30,000 is given to the Lancashire West arm of the charity to provide an invaluable welfare advice and information service for Wyre residents.

The service is accessed by calling 0344 245 1294 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Face to face appointments can be requested at any of the following locations:• Fleetwood Town Council offices, Poulton Road• Sure Start, Kemp Street, Fleetwood• West View Community Centre, Eden Avenue, Fleetwood• Garstang Medical Centre

A council task group looked at the service provided by the CAB in detail earlier this year. They concluded there was a significant and increasing need for this to continue and that the CAB had met the terms of the agreement from 2011.

As a result, funding will continue until May 2017.

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Save time – do it online

Report itLots of people have been using our online forms to report incidents – fly tipping, dog fouling, a noise complaint and more. There has been a 55% increase in the use of online forms in the past 18 months. Please continue to report issues in this way as it helps us to provide a more efficient service.

www.wyre.gov.uk/reportit

E-benefits formsAll applications for Council Tax support and Housing Benefit now need to be completed online. www.wyre.gov.uk/claim

If you are unable to do this yourself at home, contact us for an advisor appointment on our mobile advice centre or at the Civic Centre.

Award-winning forms We are constantly updating our website and adding new features, which is one of the key reasons that we have won an international Technology Innovator award from Kana – our system supplier.

These are the latest in a long list of tasks that can now be done quickly and easily online at www.wyre.gov.uk/forms

* Book a visit from a pest control officer* Report any change in circumstances that affect Housing Benefit and Council Tax support* Set up or amend a Council Tax Direct Debit

Digital CharterWyre Council has signed up to the Digital Charter.

The Digital Charter shows an organisation’s commitment to all things digital by agreeing to a commitment for

* Colleagues – everyone should have basic online skills* Customers – everyone deserves online services to meet their needs* Community – people without the basic online skills to become confident online should not be left behind

Need help to get online?We will be offering online drop-in sessions with UR Potential on the i-bus. Look out for dates www.wyre.gov.uk/volunteer

All the local libraries in Poulton, Fleetwood, Garstang, Knott End, Thornton and Cleveleys offer assistance and short courses.

Contact the libraries direct or check out the events section at

www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries

Amazing response from the

refuse team. Emailed them on Sunday night, had an email

back Monday morning. Problem sorted by 10.30am. Thanks guys.

Claire, Wyre resident

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Wyre Voice community e-newsletterSign up to receive e-newsletters about everything from theatres and events to business and volunteering by registering on our website.

www.wyre.gov.uk/register

Superfast broadband has come to Wyre

Superfast Lancashire is a pioneering, multi-million pound programme that will deliver high speed fibre broadband to more than 97% of Lancashire before the end of 2015.

In Wyre the next areas to go ‘Superfast’ will be Hambleton and St Michaels. With superfast broadband, everyone at home can be online at the same time and enjoy faster upload and download speeds.

Online games will run quicker, there’s none of that frustrating buffering and you won’t lose the connection. With superfast broadband you can send photos instantaneously, enjoy TV services in high definition (HD) and download films and programmes in no time at all and without interruption.

But you have to contact your internet service provider to upgrade – it’s not an automatic conversion and costs may vary.

Getting upgraded is easy:

Step 1: Go to www.superfastlancashire.com and click on check availability.

Step 2:You can enter your phone number or post code to confirm you can order fibre broadband.

Step 3: On the website you can click on the Broadband Providers link to see the various companies you can buy fibrebroadband from. The list is split into providers for business and providers for home users.

Step 4: Simply click on one of the logos for any of the broadband providers to go to their website so you can see their deals. If you already have broadband, contact your service provider to ask for an upgrade service. It’s often good to shop around and you may find that your service provider may be able to offer you a good package to retain your custom.

More info at www.superfastlancashire.com

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Last year our Shaping Your Neighbourhood initiative awarded grants totalling £57,370 to community projects across Wyre. Launched in 2012 to allow people to get involved in improving their neighbourhoods, the initiative has been so successful we’ve extended it for a third year. We’ll soon be inviting applications for a share of a further £60,000 -there’ll be £10,000 for each neighbourhood area. Keep your eye on our website for more details

Starting this year

Under way

Complete

Cleveleys

Poulton Rural East www.wyre.gov.uk/syn

Farnham Way

playground improvements

- £4,500

Sheltered seating at

Poulton Bowling

Club - £1,500

Edible flower

garden in Poulton

town centre - £500

Vicarage Park

Community Centre building improvements

- £3,500

New play equipment at

Forton recreation ground

- £4,000

Commemorating our Heroes - Celebrating our Blooms sculpture in

Garstang- £2,000

Support programme for people

affected by cancer

- £4,000

Restoration of seaside

clock shelter - £5,000

Improvements to

Pheasant Wood - £5,000

Shaping Your Neighbourhood

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Fleetwood

Shaping Your Neighbourhood Wyre Voice 19

Rural West Thornton

Permanent crest display at the Mount

- £2,800

Activityand

capacity building for Brownies, Larkholme

- £500

Sensory hide at Willow Garden Project

- £3,000

Portable keyboard for Joyful

Chorus service for dementia

sufferers- £250

Support for Young

People Hearing Voices service

- £500

Equipment for Fleetwood

Community TV

- £2,950

Community garden at Longview

RSPCA centre, Stalmine - £4,000

Picnic benches at

Bob Williamson Park, Hambleton

- £500

LS Lowry statue

at Knott Endferry slip - £2,000

Cycle racks at

Wyre Estuary Country Park

- £800

Landscaping and planting

along Thornton Community

Corridor- £3,750

BMX track at

Preesall Park - £3,500

Equipment for CHAT carer and

bereavement support group- £600

Cycle racks at

Church Road play area

- £200

Community noticeboard

at Kenyon Garden - £539

Equipment for

Thornton Gala - £1,481

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Recycling – let’s go for a

Did you know we’ve got just five years to reach the magic 50% EU recycling target and it’s up to all of us to do our bit.

Last year, over 47% of your waste was recycled so we need just a bit of extra effort from everyone to achieve the nifty 50.

Let’s make 2015 the year we all recycle more glass bottles and jars, more cans, more plastic bottles, more paper, more cardboard, more foil, more textiles, more food waste, more garden waste and more aerosols. Make it a rule to never put anything that can be recycled into your rubbish bin.

Even if you think you recycle a lot, there are probably extra things you can do.

* Have you started to use your green bin to recycle your food waste? * Are you recycling plastic bottles from every room in the house, like shampoo bottles?* Are you putting your unwanted clothes and shoes for collection at the kerbside (in a carrier bag next to green box)?* Do you recycle your empty aerosols and clean foil (in green box)?* Could you start composting your garden waste in a compost heap or bin in your garden?

Extra green boxes for glass, cans and plastic bottles can be ordered free of charge atwww.wyre.gov.uk/box or call 01253 891000

What goes whereCheck out

www.wyre.gov.uk/waste to see what you can put in each bin. Kerbside collection

of batteries and small electrical items.

Details through your door shortly...

Having a spring clean?

Here’s a special offer to help you dispose of your bulky items

sensibly and legally.

For April and May, four items will be collected for the price of three (£18). Collected from

inside your home with evening and weekend appointments available.

Call 01253 891000 to book.

Nifty 50You can save up to £50 a month by throwing away less food.

The average UK home throws away the equivalent of six meals every week. Everyday essentials bread, potatoes and milk are the top three foods wasted, with 24 million slices of bread thrown away every day.

Whatever food you love, you can waste less and save money at the same time. Find out how and download a money saving app at

www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Wyre Voice 21


Making money from your empty homeDid you know that an empty house can lose its owner an average of £7,000 a year?This could include maintenance, Council Tax, utility bills if still connected and potential rental income.

Here’s some advice on how to get an empty property back into use for everyone’s benefit.

Refurbish itEither do so yourself if you have the skills, or use a reliable contractor.

You could recoup costs you’ve incurred by selling or letting after refurbishment and still have cash in the bank.

The council can give advice on achieving decent standards and there is useful guidance on finding a builder at www.fmb.org.uk/fab

Let itYou could become a private landlord and manage the tenancy yourself or employ a letting agent to do this for you. If you are thinking of employing a letting agent, there is some good advice on www.arla.co.uk or the National Approved Lettings Scheme on www.nals.co.uk

You could also ask the council for advice.

If you are letting the property yourself, becoming a member of a landlords association provides a wealth of support.

Sell itEven if the property requires a lot of work doing to it, estate agents often have lists of developers keen to take on dilapidated houses for redevelopment.

Occasionally local housing associations may be interested in buying your property – contact the council for further details.

More informationWe have three useful publications that can be downloaded from the council website at www.wyre.gov.uk/empties

* Becoming a Landlord* Property Refurbishment* Seven Steps to Selling your Property

22 Wyre Voice


It’s not too late to volunteer…….Did you make a New Year’s resolution to volunteer in 2015? Well it’s not too late to make a start.

At Wyre Council we have lots of different opportunities for people to get involved in volunteering.

The benefits of volunteering can be social, practical (by learning a new skill) and also help to widen job opportunities for young people or those seeking a career change.

Our new Memorial Park Development Officer, for example, had previously volunteered and worked with both the sports and countryside teams.

Dewi Howell (pictured above) said: ”Volunteering gave me the opportunity to gain valuable workplace skills, experience and confidence which helped me stand out when it came to applying for jobs. Considering the competition for job vacancies at the moment, volunteering is

something that employers look out for as it shows drive and determination.”

We are looking for volunteers to help out with the Garstang Walking Festival in May.

And if you love Wyre you could help with Discover Wyre, promoting all the great things to see and do in the area.

There are also opportunities with the countryside rangers and at Marine Hall and Thornton Little Theatre.

To find out more, hop on board the i-bus, contact the volunteer co-ordinator on 01253 887504 or go to

www.wyre.gov.uk/volunteer

Grand designs provide a colourful roostSeven bird and three bat boxes designed by members of the public have been installed in Fleetwood’s Memorial Park.

Over 200 people took part in LeftCoast and Wyre Council’s competition and ten winning designs were chosen to take up permanent pride of place in the park.

Look out for them on your next visit!

Photo above courtesy of Jill Reidy

Wyre Voice 23


Keeping our communities safeOne of the most invaluable roles our volunteers carry out is manning the CCTV control room.

There are 28 cameras in all covering key spots in Cleveleys, Fleetwood, Garstang and Poulton. These are monitored by 14 men and women at all different times of the day and night.

And we will shortly be looking after the cameras in Kirkham, St Annes and Lytham on behalf of Fylde Council.

That’s 11 extra ‘eyes’ that can swivel 360° and zoom right up close to keep communities safer than ever.

Emphasis is as much on preventing crime as providing evidence of it. Our volunteers are trained to spot potential flash points

or large groups and quickly alert police to prevent things getting out of hand.They routinely provide intelligence as an incident unfolds, but equally of value is the ability to advise police and avoid the deploying of too many officers if a disturbance has been exaggerated or dispersed since the initial reporting.

There are other elements of the community safety side, too. Remember the storms at high tide last year when water flooded on to the promenade and beyond? Having received weather warnings, our volunteers were scrutinising the area throughout. They were able to notify officers on the ground of flash points so actions such as closing roads and access routes could be speeded up.

Volunteers for the CCTV control room are always needed. Anyone interested should email [email protected] or call 01253 887504.

24 Wyre Voice


Dog Fouling – Bag and bin it, ANY BIN WILL DO.Dog fouling and the actions of irresponsible dog owners are of grave concern to many, but it is the minority that spoil our beautiful area for the majority of people.

“We see it all too regularly when

we are out walking our dogs. There is no need for it, it’s just sheer laziness. There are

bags, there are bins, so why not use them? The minority are giving us all a bad name.”

Fleetwood dog walker

Help us to help youOver the past 12 months, we have actively encouraged residents to report problems. Once we are aware of hot spot areas, officers then patrol these streets at different times and on different days of the week.

We have had some enforcement success but unfortunately when people see council officers they usually behave.

Please don’t let that put you off reporting, especially as you can do it quickly online at

www.wyre.gov.uk/dogfouling

If you know of a persistent offender you can also book a patrol at any time with one of the area officers.

What are we doing?We have placed signage in problem areas and notified nearby residents with postcards about how to be responsible and report issues.

We have run poster competitions with schools, displaying the winning designs in the local vicinity, with the hope the children’s hard hitting messages would shame people into picking it up.

The council’s activities have had a positive effect on the number of reports – a 28% reduction in reports comparing the first nine months of 2013/14 with that of 2014/15. During this same period we have increased our patrols in notified areas by 107%.

Can we get streets ahead?

Want to report dog

fouling?

Reporting dog fouling just got easier at wyre.gov.uk/dogfouling

Report itonline

51% of residents have concerns about dog fouling –

Life In Wyre survey, 2014

Wyre Voice 25


What you can doWe patrol, we clean, there are plenty of litter bins (any litter bin will do) and if there isn’t a bin, take your bag home and pop it in your grey wheeled bin.

We ask all dog owners to remember that they are not the only people walking on the streets and in public areas of Wyre.

BAG IT, BIN IT OR TAKE IT HOME

We all have to pay more because you can’t be bothered to clean up after your dog.

Fly tipping Fly tipping rubbish is a crime – help put a stop to it.

Do you often have to put up with residents in your area leaving their rubbish on the street, in a park, or even in front of your house, or rogue traders dumping rubbish? This is illegal and not acceptable and it’s costing you money as a Council Tax payer because we have to clean it up.

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of any rubbish. You have a legal duty of care to ensure that any waste you produce from your home or your business is disposed of correctly. Just because you paid someone to take it away is not enough, you need to undertake checks.

Failure to do the right thing could lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000. Some households and businesses have been caught out by rogue traders, paying them to take away their waste which has subsequently been found dumped. These customers are then having to pay again for us to come and remove the waste. Save money and time – do the checks first.

* Beware of rogue carriers. If in doubt do not let them take your waste* Check if they have a waste carriers licence with the Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk), note down their vehicle registration details, get a proper invoice and receipt* Refuse unsolicited offers* Ask questions – a legitimate waste carrier should not object* Use our bulky collection service for large furniture and white goods or take items to a Household Waste Recycling Centre

If you are offered a really cheap price to take some rubbish away, remember the old saying -

Don’t be caught out.

Fine for serial rubbish dumper

A Fleetwood resident who repeatedly dumped household rubbish in a back alley has been fined £200 plus costs. Wyre Council took legal action after the man failed to heed warnings and continued to blight his neighbourhood.Report dumped rubbish in your neighbourhood at

wyre.gov.uk/flytipping

“if it seems

too good to be true, it probably

is.”

Can we get streets ahead?

The Government has introduced new legislation that requires the microchipping of all dogs in England by 6 April 2016. Log on to www.nawt.org.uk/advice for more details.

26 Wyre Voice


The jewels in our crownWhether you’re a coastal dweller, call the countryside home or live in the centre of Wyre, when was the last time you looked at your surroundings through the eyes of a visitor?

So much of the setting that is the everyday of Wyre, will seem diverse and unique to tourists visiting the borough. And the attractions are there for locals to enjoy as well.

Here are a few suggestions on how to rediscover Wyre.

Marsh MillMarsh Mill is currently undergoing a facelift but will re-open again in the spring.

The 213-year-old restored tower mill in the heart of Thornton is one of the best in the UK.

With working machinery it

offers a unique introduction to milling of a bygone age.

There will be a programme of exhibitions, workshops and events throughout the year, plus children’s activities during school holidays.

Rossall PointThe views from Rossall Point are breathtaking. There are two observation decks for bird watching and taking in the views across Morecambe Bay to the Lakeland fells and the Forest of Bowland.

On a clear day you might just get a glimpse of Walney Island. The ground floor gallery has information about the local area and seasonal displays. Anyone who cannot make it to the top deck will be able to enjoy the view through a screen at ground floor level.

The tower has been designed to look as though it is leaning into the wind and rises 42 feet above the sand dunes.

Wyre Estuary Country ParkIf you fancy delving into nature, a walk in Wyre Estuary Country Park is a great day out.

Wyre Voice 27


Situated on the banks of the River Wyre, the park is an award-winning Green Flag Country Park with many of the facilities accessible to disabled people, complemented by the hire of the Tramper all terrain electric buggy.

The network of paths lead visitors through a variety of estuary and riverside views, where you will find a wide range of habitats and wildlife, including excellent birdwatching opportunities. There are picnic sites and natural playgrounds for both tots and older children.

A wide range of events are held at the park all year round.

Kepple Lane Park, Garstang

Following a great deal of work from the park’s trust group and a significant amount of investment, this popular area has been transformed during the past few years.

There are lots of surprising features that set this apart from other open spaces, not least of all a collection of outdoor gym equipment to put the fun back into fitness.

New play equipment and sports facilities have been added, while a butterfly meadow, vegetable beds and a sensory garden make for a very visual walk.

Wildlife From coast to countryside, Wyre has an abundance of wildlife – and plenty of natural beauty spots to view it.

Did you know, for example, that 44,000 birds flock here every winter? Great places to watch our feathered friends include the Grizedale Valley, Knott End and Lane Ends in Pilling.

We have nature reserves in Winmarleigh, Fleetwood and Stanah with some rare species including the large heath butterfly, bog bush cricket and lizards.

The stunning bluebell woods at Calder Vale are a must-see in springtime, while the rare upland hay meadows in Bowland are a riot of colour in summer.

Female Skipper butterfly photo by Albert Dewhirst

Looking for more ideas on what to do in Wyre? Get inspired at www.visitwyre.co.uk

or call in for advice at ourVisitor Information Centres.

Visit Cleveleys opens again on the promenade from Good Friday (Thursday to Saturday) and Visit Fleetwood is open seven days a week inside Marine Hall.

The award-winning Visit Garstang in Cherestanc Square, meanwhile, has several themed events during English Tourism Week 14 - 22 March.

28 Wyre Voice


Your Council Tax bill for 2015/16

Visit www.wyre.gov.uk/counciltax for info on where your money is spent

Bills are usually paid in 10 monthly instalments, but you can ask to pay over 12 months.

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, A-H, based on the amount it would have sold for on 1 April 1991. The Valuation Office Agency, not the council, allocates a 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, write to The Valuation Office Agency, Earle House, Colonial Street, Hull, HU2 8JN, email [email protected] or call 03000 501 501. You must continue to pay your Council Tax at the same level until a decision has been made about your appeal.

Reducing your Council Tax bill

Not everyone has to pay the full amount. There are several ways to reduce your bill depending on personal circumstances or circumstances relating to the property itself (eg if empty). Read on for more details.

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.

Properties exempt from Council Tax

We do not charge Council Tax for homes which are lived in only by:

* people under the age of 16* students (including halls of residence)* people who are severely mentally impaired

We do not charge Council Tax for empty properties which are:

* owned by charity (exempt for up to six months)* empty because someone has died and the grant of probate or letters of administration have not been completed, or have only been completed 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 * a minister of religion * a prisoner * someone who has moved to receive or provide personal care

* empty because the law prevents anyone from living there* not able to be leased separately* part of forces accommodation, including married quarters and temporary accommodation for members of visiting overseas forces

We do not charge Council Tax for certain unusual properties, such as an empty caravan pitch or household moorings.

Wyre Voice 29


Your Council Tax bill for 2015/16Discounts

If only one adult lives in a property as their main home, the Council Tax is reduced by 25%. However, 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, the 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 50% discount applies for a maximum of 12 months.

If a property is unoccupied and substantially unfurnished, a 100% discount is awarded for one month. If it remains that way, a 50% discount is then allowed for a maximum of five months. After six months 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.

Reductions for Annexes

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.

Disabled Relief

Your bill may be reduced if you, or someone who lives with you, has a permanent disability and must have 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 may reduce your Council Tax by the equivalent of one valuation band. This applies even if your home is already in band A.

Visit www.wyre.gov.uk/counciltax for info on where your money is spent

30 Wyre Voice

Delivering all your services for 49p per dayReport a change in circumstance online – www.wyre.gov.uk/reportit

All enquiries about Council Tax can be made via email to [email protected]

or by calling 01253 891000

Appeals

If you have been refused a discount, exemption or relief, or don’t think you should be paying Council Tax, tell us why your bill is incorrect.

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 at the same level until a decision has been made about your appeal.

Council Tax Support

This can be claimed by anyone who is responsible for payment of Council Tax and in receipt of a low income and a claim should be made as soon as possible. The amount depends on income, savings and the circumstances of anyone else in the household.

Second Adult Rebate

You may also be able to get help if you are liable to pay Council Tax and you share your home with another adult (who is not your partner) who 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 that share your home.

Data Protection – Fair Processing Notice

For full details of the council’s Fair Processing Notice which explains how we use your personal data and who we share it with, please see

www.wyre.gov.uk/fairprocessing

For example, your Council Tax records may be used for purposes other than administering Council Tax, such as for the general prevention and detection of fraud.

Your data may also be used as part of the National Fraud Initiative for detecting fraudulent claims for Council Tax single person’s discount or undeclared cohabiters for Housing Benefit.

Other organisations which may be supplied with your Council Tax data from time to time are the Department for Work and Pensions, the Valuation Office Agency (to calculate rateable values), landlords, the courts, tribunals and debt collection/tracing agencies employed by the council.

Sharing your data in this way will only be carried out when absolutely necessary.

We will also share your information where we have any other legal obligation to do so, or whether we believe by sharing it with other council departments we can provide you with a better standard of service.

Visit www.lancashire.gov.uk, www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/Budget2015-2016, andwww.lancasfirerescue.org.uk/council-tax for information on the Lancashire County Council,

police and fire portions of your bill

Wyre Voice 31


How to contact us

There are so many ways to get in touch with the council or get the information you need.

Get online: wyre.gov.ukvisitwyre.co.ukwyretheatres.co.ukwyremarkets.co.uk

Tweet us: @WyreCouncil @VisitWyre @MarineHallWyre@Theatrethornton@WyredUpB2B@WyreTrySport

Like one of our Facebook pages: Wyre CouncilMarine HallThornton Little TheatreTrySportWyremarketsGarstang Voice Group

Wyred Up

Email:[email protected]

Phone:01253 891000

Text on: 01253891000 (no space between digits)Call in at any of our offices or venues.Civic Centre, Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde FY6 7PU

We hope you enjoy Wyre Voice and would love to hear your ideas for future editions. Please contact the Corporate Communications Team on 01253 887527

or email [email protected] with your suggestions.

DiaryAs usual there are lots of key festivals and events in Wyre throughout spring and summer. Here’s a taster:

3 April Easter Egg Hunt, Memorial Park, Fleetwood6 April Easter Eggstravaganza Hawthorne Park, Thornton9-17 May Garstang Walking Festival23 May Churchtown Children’s Festival25 May Garstang Children’s Festival30 May Catterall Gala6 June Poulton Gala7 June Cleveleys Classic Car Show13 June Thornton Gala13 June Calder Vale Children’s Festival20 June St Michaels-on-Wyre Gala20 June Fleetwood Carnival20-21 June Scorton Steam Fair11 July Preesall & Knott End Gala18-19 July Great Eccleston Show19 July Fleetwood Tram Sunday25 July Memorial Park Fun Day1 August Garstang Show9 August Wyre Estuary Country Park Open Day29-30 August North West Tractor Pull

For a full list of activities pick up a copy of our new What’s On in Wyre guide at visitor information centres or download from

www.visitwyre.co.uk

32 Wyre Voice


MARINE HALL, FLEETWOOD we love to entertain....

Friday 20 March, 8pmFive Star Swing: The Big Band£15

Thursday 26 March, 6.30pmPop Factor – The ConcertA great night out for kids! Adults £12, children/OAP £10, family of four £40

Wednesday 1 April, 2.30pmRed Riding Hood£8

Saturday 11 April, 7.30pmReturn of the Grumpy Old WomenStarring Jenny Eclair, Susie Blake and Kate Robbins (Over 16s only)£18

Thursday 16 April, 7.30pmThe Searchers£17.50

Saturday 25 April, 7.30pmA Celebration of John Denver Country RoadsAdults £16.50,children/OAP £15

Friday 29 May, 2pmThe Chuckle Brothers – Chuckles of Oz!£14, family of 4 ticket £52

Friday 19 June, 7.30pmRay Quinn in Concert£17

Friday 26 June, 8pm &Friday 16 October, 8pmJongleurs – On the Road£12 (Over 18s only)

wyretheatres.co.uk01253 887693

Friday 7 August, 11am and 2.30pmThe Basil Brush ShowThe Full on Fox TourAdults £13, children £11, family of four ticket £38

Sunday 16 August, 10am – 4pmThe Fylde Coast Food and Drink Festival Free entry

Friday 4 - Sunday 6 SeptemberThe New Fylde Folk ‘n’ Roots Festival Tickets available from www.eventbrite.com

Friday 28 August, 2pmMarty Macdonald’s Farm – Pongo’s Party£9

Saturday 28 March, noon - 10.30pm

Fleetwood Riffs:Battle of the Bands Come along and watch local musicians and bands battle it out on stage. The ticket price of £5 gets you access to the event all day and night. And there’ll be plenty for the children to enjoy too.

marinehall @marinehallwyre

Tickets£5

Bar open all day

At

wyre voice spring 2015

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