Wyre Voice 1Wyre Council’s Community Magazine

Wyre Voice is the official magazine of Wyre Council. When you have finished reading this magazine please recycle it in your blue bin or bag. Thank you.

voice

Spring 2013

2 Wyre Voice

contents

3 People Power

4 Shaping your neighbourhood

6 In the pipeline

8 Living with water

10 What’s On in Wyre

11 Garstang Walking Festival turns 10

13 Life in Wyre survey

14 Council Tax info

18 Affordable housing

20 Fleetwood focus

22 Poulton focus

24 Garstang and rural Wyre focus

26 Thornton Cleveleys focus

31 Competition

Dear Resident

Welcome to the latest edition of Wyre Voice where we bring you some good news – a freeze in our share of the Council Tax for the third year running, which means you continue to pay less than £3.50 per week for all the services we provide.

We are particularly proud of being able to do this with no cuts to our frontline services. Instead we have worked harder and smarter behind the scenes to make efficiency savings of more than £3.9m over the past three years to balance the books.

On top of that we have invested almost £500,000 in neighbourhood schemes, as you’ll read on pages four and five. These underline our commitment to tailor our services to meet the needs of individual communities and we look forward to continuing to work with you in 2013 to identify local issues and priorities.

Also on the agenda this year is a significant investment in leisure centres in Poulton, Thornton and Garstang following improvements that were previously made to Fleetwood.

As I said last year, I hope you agree a charge of 49 pence per day for all the services we provide really does represent value for money for our residents.

Peter GibsonLeader of Wyre Council

Some photography within this issue of Wyre Voice courtesy of Lynn Harter and Ken Etteridge.

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Sign up to save money with People Power

Wyre Council has signed up to a Lancashire-wide collective energy switching scheme that will help residents to save money on their energy bills. The scheme is open for registrations until 8 April 2013.

Residents are being encouraged to review their bills and combine their purchasing power in this innovative new scheme to ensure they get the very best energy deal possible. The more people that sign up, the bigger the potential discount will be.

How does it work?Register your interest, with no obligation, by entering your energy usage from your recent gas and electricity bills.

All the participants’ energy usage is then added together and we hold a reverse auction with the energy providers on 9 April 2013 to get the lowest bid possible.

The winning supplier with the cheapest tariff in the auction gets to offer this to

the people who have registered.

The registration is free and there is no obligation. The winning energy provider will be the one that offers the most competitive prices.

We will then let you know what savings you can make and you can choose whether to switch your supplier.

So what are you waiting for?

Join forces and register for People Power today, a collective energy buying scheme powered by your council.

PEOPLE POWER = BUYING POWER = CHEAPER POWER

How to registerVisit wyre.gov.uk/peoplepower - making sure you have your recent energy bills to hand.

Alternatively, if you can’t register online you can call in at the Civic Centre or telephone us on 01253 891000.

Don’t forget to have your energy bills with you.

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Shaping Your Neighbourhood

It’s all systems go for a number of community projects in Wyre thanks to the council’s Shaping Your Neighbourhood initiative.

Lead members in each of our areas have been working with ward councillors, parish and town councils, residents associations and similar groups to ensure services are more targeted and better meet individual needs.

The scheme has two elements:

• a locality plan for each area identifying key issues and detailing how the council will work with the community and partners to tackle them.

• a one-off pot of money for community projects that help to address any of these issues. Bids for this funding have now been considered and approved by Cabinet. 15 schemes (see right) will benefit from the cash.

New play equipment will be installed at Jean Stansfield Memorial Park in Poulton and in Inskip. A multi-use games area will be built at North Drive, Cleveleys, equipment for the under 6s will be added to Wyre Estuary Country Park in Thornton (pictured), while Hambleton teenagers will benefit from a new youth shelter and more challenging equipment.

In Fleetwood, money has gone to part fund a Cook and Eat Together project. This shows vulnerable families how to budget for meals, gives practical advice on cooking and nutrition and encourages them to eat together to improve interaction. Similar schemes have proved successful in dealing with such issues as obesity, deprivation and welfare.

In Poulton where traffic congestion and air quality is a concern, money will be made available for an education programme to encourage older children to walk or cycle to school.

Successful projects in Rural East, meanwhile, include an extension to Garstang School of Gymnastics to encourage more participants and expansion of the link path between Scorton Millennium Way and Garstang Millennium Green.

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Successful bids

Poulton£65,000 - Improved play facilities at Jean Stansfield Memorial Park£10,512 - Education workshops in schools to encourage walking to school

Cleveleys£42,550 - Multi-use games area for North Drive£36,000 - 30 new benches for town centre and sea front

Fleetwood£34,642 - Cook and Eat Together project£10,751 - Renovation to Warren Farm Community Association Hub£4,945 - Repairs to roof of Sea Cadet base

Want to find out more about these projects?

Full details are available online at wyre.gov.uk/shapingyourneighbourhood.

Thornton£62,000 – Play facilities for the under 6s at Wyre Estuary Country Park

Rural East£20,000 - Scorton Millennium to Garstang Millenium Green link path£15,000 - Refurbishment of Barnacre Memorial Hall£10,000 - Upgrading of Lancaster Canal tow path£10,000 - Extension to Garstang School of Gymnastics

Rural West£27,000 – Teenage shelter and equipment at Hambleton play area£25,490 – Playground improvements for young people in Inskip£12,500 – Refurbishment of Great Eccleston Village Hall

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Transforming Leisure Centres

Since announcing our intention to invest £5.4m in leisure centres across Wyre, we’ve been finding out what you think about our ambitious plans for Thornton and Poulton.

Thornton is set to benefit from the creation of an extreme sports zone, ten pin bowling facility and two artificial sports pitches, while the vision for Poulton includes a dance studio and state-of-the-art spa area.

We’re now working through your feedback before producing final designs and scheduling a programme of work.

Plans to upgrade Garstang Leisure Centre are progressing and residents will have the chance to share their thoughts on those proposals in the future.

For more information visit wyre.gov.uk/leisurereview.

Bringing art to communities

Blackpool and Wyre Creative People and Places is a new consortium of public, private and voluntary sector organisations tasked with involving communities in art.

Arts Council England has provided funding for the consortium to deliver a programme of creative activities using artists, performers, musicians and writers. The idea is to encourage local people, particularly those with little or no experience, to explore a variety of arts and discover their hidden talents.

There will also be support for community arts groups to help them develop their organisations and recruit more participants.

Through this work, we’re aiming to establish Blackpool and Wyre as an extraordinary Playground of Wonders for artists, visitors and residents alike.Watch this space as the initiative develops throughout the year.

Inspiring plans in the pipeline

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Memorial Park, Fleetwood

Wyre Council is currently awaiting the result of a substantial Heritage Lottery bid to carry out a comprehensive restoration of Fleetwood’s Grade II listed Memorial Park.

If successful, the bid will see essential conservation work carried out, improvements to sports and play facilities and a long term programme of events and activities put in place.

Leading the creative side of the project is design firm Landscape Projects and one member of the team has a vested interest; Charlie MacKeith was born and raised in Wyre and specialises in reminiscence work.

He jumped at the chance to be involved in a project so close to home and to follow in the footsteps of the park’s original designer, renowned town planner Sir Leslie Patrick Abercrombie.

Charlie explained: “What is so exciting about being involved in this project is that is has been led by the community from the start. With the help of the Friends of Memorial Park, local veterans and residents, we’ve done extensive research to piece together the park’s unique history on which the foundations of our restoration proposals lie. “

Memorial Park is of national importance in heritage terms - World War One memorial parks are rare and only two are currently registered as listed with English Heritage. Memorial Park pre-dates both of these and is the only Abercrombie designed park.

Charlie added: “This project brings together so many strands of living memories from Fleetwood’s past and present, plus stories about the fishing industry and both world wars that may not have been told otherwise.

“Our aim is to allow the park to tell Fleetwood’s story, reviving three generations of history and creating a lasting legacy for countless more.”

The result of the bid is due to be announced in summer. However, work to establish a permanent record of Memorial Park’s history continues in the meantime. If you have any stories or memorabilia that you would like to share, contact Mark Fenton on 01253 887612.

Visit wyre.gov.uk/memorialpark.

Inspiring plans in the pipeline

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Living with water

2012 was the wettest year on record for the UK and it played havoc with some of Wyre’s communities.

Flooding was a particular problem in parts of Over Wyre, Thornton and Cleveleys. Experts say our climate is changing and that incidents like this will become more frequent. Wyre’s geography (a coastline, four rivers and low-lying areas) increases the risk of flooding in heavy rainfall.

So it makes sense for residents to become flood aware and minimise the impact when it happens.

In emergency situations the council will provide assistance where it’s most needed, working alongside United Utilities, the Environment Agency, Lancashire County Council and the emergency services.

Our priority will always be to help our most vulnerable residents, ensuring they are safe and their health needs are met.

During a flood event our resources will be very stretched and it is unlikely that we will be able to assist individual households. We are therefore working with communities to reduce the risk of flooding and to minimise the effects on people and property should flooding occur.

During an incident we will keep people informed via our websites, social media sites and local radio and then provide whatever help we can to clean up after the waters have gone.

What you can do yourself

• Logontoenvironment-agency.gov.uk/flood to sign up for flood alerts and guides on what to do before, during and after flooding.

• UseFloodline08459881188tostay up to date.

• Considerforminganeighbourhood flood group. This could give you access to community grants to protect property.

• Thinkaboutwhatyouputdownyour sinks and toilets. Fats, cotton wool and even solid toilet fresheners are among the biggest culprits for blocking waste pipes and making flooding worse.

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Funding secured for new seawall

We’ve secured £80m from the Government to replace sea defences between Rossall Hospital and Rossall Point.

This is part of a total £108m awarded jointly to Blackpool and Wyre.

10,000 homes and businesses will benefit from vital improvements to reduce the risk of coastal flooding.

We’re currently working on final scheme plans for approval in summer and hope to start construction work in winter.

Visit wyre.gov.uk/seadefences for more information, including details of how to have your say on the design, coming soon.

What else we’re doing to help

• ThroughtheWyreFloodForumwe are working on resolving flood issues and improving the land drainage system. We are also working with Lancashire County Council, the Environment Agency and United Utilities on a surface water management plan to manage water better across the borough. The plan will look at how rainwater flows off the land and into the sea through piped systems and water courses. It will also look at ways of storing the water and identify where it is likely to cause flooding.

• Aspartofourplanningpolicyweare insisting that all new developments retain water on site and do not put extra pressure on the existing drainage system.

• Weareencouragingcommunitiesin high risk areas to form flood groups. Sunnyside Terrace in Preesall, for example, has suffered flooding for more than 10 years, due to problems with culverts and the fact that the water has nowhere to go during intense rainfall.

They have just set up a flood group with help from the council, UU, LCC and the EA and have already started making proactive plans. A nearby barn will store sandbags, all residents are signed up to receive flood alerts and they have been given advice on products to protect their properties.

A representative also attends the Wyre Flood Forum to take back updates to the other residents and feedback suggestions to the council.

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What’s on in Wyre

April28 Fleetwood 10-mile road race fyldecoastrunning.orgMay6 Classic Vehicle Show at Marsh Mill, Thornton10-19 Garstang Walking Festival (see Page 11)27 Garstang Children’s FestivalJune1 Poulton Gala1 Catterall Gala8 Thornton Gala9 Cleveleys Classic Vehicle Show thecleveleysclassicvehicleshow.com15 Fleetwood Carnival15-16 Scorton Steam Fair scortonsteam.co.uk22 Fleetwood Lifeboat Lighthouse Walk fleetwood-lifeboat.org29 Stalmine Festival

July13 -14 Great Eccleston Show greatecclestonshow.co.uk21 Fleetwood Tram Sunday fleetwoodfestivaloftransport.co.uk22-26 Fleetwood Bowls Festival fleetwoodbowlsfestival.co.ukAugust3 Garstang Show garstangshow.co.uk10 Fleetwood Lifeboat Day fleetwood-lifeboat.org17-26 Model Yacht Championships fleetwoodmypbc.org.uk18 Wyre Estuary Country Park Open Day24-25 Great Eccleston Tractor Pulling Championships25 Fleetwood Half Marathon fyldecoastrunning.org30-1 Sept Fylde Folk Festival fylde-folk-festival.comSeptember12-15 Heritage Open Days heritageopendays.org.uk

TrySportGive football, multi sports, free running, street dance and a host of other activities a go in our TrySport scheme, completely free. Sessions are open to young people aged 7-19 years at a variety of locations, Monday to Friday. Visit wyre.gov.uk/trysport or facebook.com/wyretrysport

Paralympic sports Wyre Council and Fylde Coast YMCA are offering a new multi-sport programme for people aged over 14 with disabilities. Take part in a range of Paralympic and alternative sports, including sitting volleyball, goalball, boccia, dodgeball and ultimate frisbee. Every Wednesday, 10.15am – 11.15am at Fleetwood YMCA Leisure Centre, £3 per person. Contact Ronan McMahon, 01253 887369 or ronan.mcmahon@wyre.gov.uk.

For more details of these and other events, click on to visitwyre.co.uk or pick up a copy of the 2013 What’s On in Wyre guide from local outlets.

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Garstang Walking Festival turns 10

This May we’ll be wishing a happy 10th birthday to Garstang Walking Festival.

The 10-day event from 10 to 19 May is an ideal way to get out into the spring air and discover some stunning Wyre countryside, courtesy of more than 50 different activities.

As always expert guides will lead walks for all abilities, from a gentle stroll to steep climbs off the beaten track, with rivers being the theme for 2013.

A number of events are suitable for use by the Tramper, an all-terrain electric buggy that’s free to use and helps people with mobility problems get around the countryside.

A full list of all the festival events and how to book are available online at wyre.gov.uk/garstangwalkingfestival. A printed guide is also available from visitor information centres and council buildings around Wyre.

In the meantime, here’s a few highlights.

New for this year is a 16-mile stretch of the Fairtrade Way between Preston and Garstang on 19 May and a guided tour of Wyresdale Hall and gardens in Scorton on 15 May, which is not normally open to the public.

Family activities include a mini beast dip in the River Brock on 11 May searching for aquatic insects, or a three-hour walk around Dolphinholme on 12 May on the hunt for wildlife.

Older children (7-17), meanwhile, will love the chance to try out archery and a climbing wall at Winmarleigh Hall on 18 May under the expert tuition of PGL Travel.

Or why not test yourself on the Wyre Way? Walk 41 miles over four days from the sea at Knott End to the sources of the River Wyre at Abbeystead. A grouse biologist and the coastguard are just two of the special guest guides, while new routes not normally open to the public include the cliffs at Rawcliffe.

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Improving life in Wyre

We asked residents for their thoughts about the areas they live in and the services provided by the council, in our biennial Life in Wyre survey. Over 1,200 people took part to tell us what we’re doing well and where we could make improvements.

• 84%saidtheyaresatisfiedwith the area they live in

• 99%feelsafeintheirlocalarea duringthedayand81%feel safe at night

• Streetcleaning,rubbishand recycling collections and parks and open spaces are the services residents are most satisfied with

• Satisfactionlevelswithall council services have increased (where comparable)

Residents are most satisfied with services that relate to keeping communities clean and tidy.

Last year we employed a new contractor to collect rubbish and recycling and changed how street cleaning works with the introduction of area based teams, who get to know their communities and are able to respond to problems quickly and find solutions to long term issues.

You’ll find details of all the area teams on the localised pages of the magazine (from pages 20-29).

We’re really pleased that the changes we are making are clearly having an impact. However we’re not resting on our laurels and will continue to tackle the difficult issues that blight neighbourhoods including dog fouling and fly tipping.

All the results are now being analysed in greater detail, so that we can better understand the needs of our differing communities and tailor services accordingly.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey. Your views will help us to shape council services in the future.

We are continually seeking the views of residents on a variety of topics. Visit wyre.gov.uk/consultation to have your say.

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Your Council Tax bill for 2013/14

This issue of Wyre Voice replaces the leaflet you usually find enclosed with your Council Tax bill. We thought that some supplementary information about your bill might be useful.

Additional information showing where your money is spent and any changes from the previous year can be found on our website wyre.gov.uk/counciltax. A hard copy can be provided on request. Information about the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner and Lancashire Combined Fire Authority portion of the Council Tax can be found at lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/Budget2013-2014 and lancsfirerescue.org.uk/combined-fire-authority.

Your Council Tax is currently collected in 10 monthly instalments. Following changes in legislation, your Council Tax bill can now be paid over 12 months. To request such a change, contact us on 01253 891000 or email revenues@wyre.gov.uk.

Council Tax is charged on most dwellings, whether rented or owned, empty or occupied. Each household gets one bill although occupiers 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 (VOA), not the council, allocates a valuation band to every home. The council uses the valuation 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 last 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.

If you want to appeal against your banding you can get more information online at voa.gov.uk, by writing to The Valuation Office Agency, King William House, Market Place, Hull, HU1 1RT, or by telephoning 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 Council Tax and there are a number of ways in which your bill can be reduced depending on the personal circumstances of those living in the property or circumstances relating to the property itself (eg if it is empty).

Below are details of how your bill may be reduced. If the council already knows about your circumstances, the reduction will be shown on your bill. You must tell the council immediately if you have any change in circumstance that may affect the amount of your reduction.

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If you think you may be entitled to an exemption, discount or disabled relief please email revenues@wyre.gov.uk, telephone 01253 891000 or write to Wyre Council, Civic Centre, Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire, FY6 7PU.

Properties exempt from Council Tax

No Council Tax is payable if a property has been classified as exempt.

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

• peopleundertheageof18• students(includinghallsof residence)• peoplewhoareseverely mentally impaired

We do not charge Council Tax for empty properties which are:• ownedbyacharity(exemptfor up to six months)• emptybecausesomeone has died and the grant of probate or letters of administration have not been completed or have only been completed within the last six months• theresponsibilityofatrustee following bankruptcy or a mortgage lender following repossession• emptybutusuallylivedinby:

* a student* a minister of religion* someone who has gone to prison* someone who has moved to receive or to provide personal care

• emptybecausethelaw prevents anyone from living there• notabletobeleasedseparately (for example, a granny flat)• partofforcesaccommodation, including married quarters and temporary accommodation for members of visiting overseas forces

We do not charge Council Tax for certain unusual properties, for example a granny flat lived in by a dependent relative or empty caravan pitches or houseboat moorings.

Discounts

Unless you tell us differently, your Council Tax bill will assume that there are two or more adults aged 18 or over living in your home.

If only one adult lives in a property as their main home the Council Tax isreducedby25%.However,whencounting the number of adults living in a property, we do not include:

• full-timestudents,student nurses, apprentices and youth training trainees• peoplestayinginhospitals, care homes, prison or certain hostels or night shelters• careworkersworkingforlow pay (usually for charities)• peoplecaringforsomeone with a disability who is not their husband, wife, partner or child under 18 years

continued over

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• 18and19-yearoldswhoareat school or have just left school• peoplewhoareseverely mentally impaired• membersofvisitingforces• membersofreligious communities (monks and nuns)

If after disregarding people in the above classes there is only one adult living in the property the Council Tax isreducedby25%.

Empty Property Discount

There are changes effective from 1 April 2013:

• Ifapropertyisunoccupiedbecause it is in need of, or awaiting major repair or structural alteration, a 50%discountcanbeawardeduptoamaximum period of 12 months.

• Ifapropertyisunoccupiedand substantially unfurnished, a 100%discountisawardedforonemonth. If the property remains empty and substantially unfurnished after one month, a maximum period of a further five months discount will be allowedat50%.Ifthepropertyremainsunoccupied after six months, then the discountwillfallto25%.

• Apropertythatisnoone’smain home but remains furnished, will attractadiscountof10%.

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. Thesefeatures include:

• aroomotherthanabathroom, kitchen or toilet which is used mainly by the disabled person• anadditionalbathroomor kitchen for use of the disabled person• extraspaceinsideyourhome for the 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.

Appeals

If you have been refused a discount, exemption or relief or don’t think you should be paying Council Tax, you should tell us why you think 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 valuationtribunal.gov.uk or contact us for details.

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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.

The amount of support that a person is entitled to depends on their income and savings and also the circumstances of anyone else living in their household.

If you are on a low income, then you should make a claim for Council Tax Support as soon as possible.

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 adult or adults that share your home.

Data Protection – fair processing of data

In the interests of fairness, as required by the Data Protection Act 1998, the council is obliged to make it clear to you how we use your personal data and who we might share it with.

To satisfy this requirement, we need to tell you that your Council Tax records may be used for purposes other than administering Council Tax, such as for the general prevention and detection of fraud.

For example, your data could be passed on to the Audit Commission or Experian, a credit referenceagency, as part of the National Fraud Initiative, for detecting fraudulent claims for Council Tax single person’s discounts or undeclared cohabiters for Housing Benefit.

In particular, the Audit Commission has legal powers to match Council Tax data to the electoral roll for that purpose.

Other organisations who 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 personal 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 where we believe that by sharing it with other council departments we can provide you with a better standard of service.

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Focus on affordable housing

What is affordable housing?

A steady increase in the cost of housing over recent years has resulted in many people being unable to buy their own home.

Affordable housing is the Government’s response to this problem and offers a range of choices to help people in different circumstances and with varying incomes; from someone seeking work who needs to rent a home at a low price to a young couple earning an average wage who need help to buy their first home.

Affordable housing can be rented at less than market rate or a share in a property can be purchased which can increase over time, sometimes up to the point where the entire property is owned.

Where is affordable housing located?

Wyre Council assesses the housing needs of residents across the borough and seeks to meet them through its planning policies.

Most affordable housing in Wyre is owned and managed by registered providers including Regenda, Great Places and Places for People. These providers receive funding from the

Government to build small affordable housing developments or buy homes from larger developers, who are required to make a certain amount of their properties on any development available for affordable housing.

In rural areas, registered providers are able to build small scale affordable housing developments (usually no more than 20 properties) on land within or on the edge of villages. The build quality of these developments is high and their green (energy saving) credentials are often better than new houses built for the open market.

Who is eligible?

Only those living in the local area of a development or with a strong connection to the parish are eligible for affordable housing. Homes are allocated to those in greatest need.

Case study

Beech Close, a recent affordable housing development of 13 two and three bedroom family homes in the parish of Claughton-on-Brock, near Garstang (pictured right), demonstrated the pressing need for affordable housing in rural Wyre.

Over 70 applications were received from people living in or connected to the parish. Similar developments in Stalmine and Preesall have also been heavily over subscribed.

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Beech Close was designed in keeping with the local area and received a Green Apple Award for its high environmental standards including solar panels, rain water harvesting systems and ultra-efficient gas boilers.

The development is subject to a local lettings policy to ensure that all the homes are available first and foremost to local people while remaining affordable in perpetuity.

How do I find out more?

Wyre, Blackpool and Fylde Councils have joined forces with registered providers to form MyHomeChoiceFyldeCoast, a single place for residents to find accommodation on the Fylde Coast.

You must register with MyHomeChoiceFyldeCoast to be eligible for affordable housing in Wyre.

Visit myhomechoicefyldecoast.co.uk.

In brief....

Elections take place on 2 May to choose Wyre’s eight County Councillors.

If you haven’t yet registered to vote, or if you want to set up a postal vote, contact us (see page 31) for a form or download one from wyre.gov.uk/elections.

This must be returned before Wednesday 17 April.

Do you know a hotel or guest house in Wyre that goes above and beyond the usual bed and full English?

Maybe there’s an attraction that you return to time and again because it’s welcoming, good fun and offers something different each time you visit. These are the kind of businesses we want to honour as a Wyre Star.

Nominations are now invited for the annual Wyre Tourism Association ‘Oscars’, a chance to thank the best of the best for their efforts in making the area such a great place to visit.

Nominating is easy online at wyre.gov.uk/tourismstars.

Entry forms are also available from council buildings, visitor centres and tourist attractions throughout Wyre.

Closing date is 12 April 2013.

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Introducing Fleetwood’s area team

Area officers Gary Russell, Bob Swales and Paul Reilly, led by manager Graham Clarkson and assisted by a steadfast street cleaning team and fleet of specialist vehicles, are responsible for keeping the town’s roads, footpaths, grass verges, parks, promenade and beaches clean and well maintained.

They are based at the council’s new operational depot on Copse Road, where supervisor John Haggerty oversees the day to day street cleaning service.

Being dedicated to Fleetwood allows the team to gain a better understanding of the communities they’re working in, respond quickly to problems and find solutions to long term issues.

This includes targetting those intent on blighting neighbourhoods with graffiti, fly tipping and dog fouling.

Most recently more than 20 bags of furniture, toys and general waste dumped in an alley off Wyre Street was quickly spotted by officers and cleared. We have since identified the owner of the rubbish, who was fined £300 and an investigation is also under way to bring the people responsible for dumping it to justice.

Householders are required by law to check that anyone who removes waste from their property is registered with the Environment Agency as a waste carrier. Failing to do so can result in a hefty fine if the rubbish is then illegally dumped.

Report problems online at wyre.gov.uk/reportit or by calling 01253 891000.

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Enjoy the view

The new observation tower at Rossall Point (pictured below) is now open Thursday to Sunday in winter and also Wednesday to Sunday in summer.

The striking tower features public viewing platforms, coastal interpretation, artworks and a bird watching deck.

The building has been designed to look as if it is leaning into the wind nestled among the sand dunes between the golf course and the sea.

There are fabulous views across Morecambe Bay over to the Lakeland fells and out to sea from the top observation deck and great opportunities for bird watching in the dunes, on the beach and at sea.

The building was funded by our £2.1m Sea Change regeneration programme. It will also be home to the National Coastwatch Institution who keep watch over shipping and visitors to the Morecambe Bay area.

For information on opening times and events go to wyre.gov.uk/rossallpoint.

Plans afoot for Fleetwood’s Visitor Information Centre to move to Marine Hall

Relocation could allow the centre to be manned at least six days a week all year round, in a place where footfall is increasing thanks to the new look gardens.

A Tourist Information Point for picking up literature about what’s on and where to stay could also be installed inside Fleetwood Market.

Wyre Voice 21Focus on Fleetwood

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Air Quality

Work on the monitoring of Poulton’s air quality is being stepped up shortly with the installation of hi-tech measuring equipment.

This will allow readings to be taken on an hourly basis along Chapel Street, providing clear evidence of the times of day when air quality is at its worst. It will also identify any spikes outside peak traffic times.

Poulton’s area team

A dedicated team of officers is in place to keep Poulton and Carleton clean and tidy.

Officers Tina Hinchliffe and Mark Walsh, led by area manager Phil Gooden, are responsible for ensuring that parks, roads, pathways, car parks and all open spaces are kept in good condition.

They are assisted by the council’s street cleaning workforce and a fleet of specialist vehicles, including new multi-purpose vans that can transport stray dogs.

Area teams provide a more tailored approach to street cleaning; they have greater flexibility to target areas of greatest need. And area officers, who are multi-skilled in handling all aspects of the service, are in direct contact with their communities, meaning they are alerted to problems quickly and can take swift action.

They also carry out educational and enforcement work in relation to dog fouling, littering and fly tipping. This involves conducting targeted patrols in problematic areas, identifying repeat offenders, issuing fixed penalty notices and in some cases prosecution.

You can report problems in your neighbourhood online at wyre.gov.uk/reportit or by calling 01253 891000.

22 Wyre Voice Focus on Poulton-le-Fylde

The testing will run from April 2013 to March 2014 and will lead to a more informed action plan for reducing the levels of pollutants in the air.

In the meantime we will be introducing an education programme into Poulton schools and improving pathways to encourage more pupils to walk or cycle to school.

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Teanlowe Centre set for transformation

Booths has been given the go ahead to create a landmark new food store that will transform the Teanlowe Centre and spark further regeneration of the town centre.

Plans for the area include a new entrance to the shopping centre on Market Street, redevelopment of the car park and a new link road and footway between Hardhorn Road and Blackpool Old Road through the existing Hardhorn car park.

Booths is planning to begin work on the centre this year with a view to the new store opening in 2015.

To help the development, the council has leased the Teanlowe Centre car park to Booths, who have promised to offer three hours free parking for all visitors to Poulton.

Family homes replace Fylde Farm

Work to transform the former Fylde Farm at Normoss into a family housing estate has begun.

Derelict for a number of years, the buildings had fallen into disrepair and the site was repeatedly targeted for vandalism, fly tipping, anti social behaviour and arson.

The council did what it could by working with the landowners and issuing demolition orders but became frustrated by the amount of time it was taking.

House builder Wainhomes North West has demolished the old buildings to make way for Highcross Park, a development of 115 properties, with the first phase of building due to be completed in 2014.

Wyre Voice 23Focus on Poulton-le-Fylde

24 Wyre Voice

Garstang and rural Wyre area team

Meet the two Johns – area officers John Bettle and John Houghton. Along with manager Graham Clarkson, they make sure that Over Wyre, Garstang and surrounding villages are kept clean and tidy.

They keep the roads, footpaths, grass verges and car parks clean and rubbish free, ensure parks and open spaces are well maintained and safe environments to visit, empty bins and remove graffiti, fly tipping and dog foul.

Officers are able to respond quickly to issues and target areas of greatest need. Being area-based allows them to build up a picture of trouble hotspots and persistent problems, and take effective measures to deal with them. They are multi-skilled in handling all aspects of street cleaning from issuing fixed penalty notices for dog fouling to investigating fly tipping cases.

Area teams are working hard to tackle these issues but they need your help. If you see anyone failing to pick up after their dog or dumping rubbish in a public place, please tell us. You can do so online at wyre.gov.uk/reportit or call 01253 891000.

24 Wyre Voice Focus on Garstang and Rural Wyre

Sing for fun

Led by music and education charity More Music and part funded by Wyre Council, Bowland Community Choir offers the chance to learn a variety of popular and locally themed songs. You don’t need to be able to read music and all ages and abilities are welcome.

Practise takes place on alternate Wednesday evenings, 6.30pm – 8.30pm at Garstang Library and it costs just £4 to participate.

For more information contact Anni Tracy on 01524 831997 or email info@moremusic.org.uk.

Ferry good news

A vital transport link between Over Wyre and Fleetwood is not under threat despite rumours to the contrary.

The Knott End to Fleetwood ferry is due to be reviewed by a task group of councillors, but this is to determine how we can improve the service and provide better value for money.

We know how important this link is to some of our communities and we are not considering scrapping it.

Wyre Voice 25 Wyre Voice 25Focus on Garstang and Rural WyreHandball comes to Garstang

Inspired by the legacy of the Olympic Games, we’ve brought handball to Garstang and it’s proving very popular.

Following an initial short programme of handball sessions at Garstang Academy, with the help of England Handball, we’re establishing a community handball club.

Garstang is home to the first club of this kind in Wyre and is one of only a handful across Lancashire.

Sport students from Myerscough College are supporting the club by helping to deliver sessions and in return they’ll have the opportunity to train as coaches and develop their skills for the future.

Handball club starts in April at Garstang Academy and is open to people aged 11 and above.

For more information contact Ronan McMahon on 01253 887369.

Gardening for glory

Garstang is representing Wyre for the 11th time this year in the small town category of the National Britain in Bloom competition.

Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), competitors are invited to participate and each year there is a specific theme that participants are engaging in – for the 2013 campaign, the RHS is encouraging community groups across the UK to plant edible gardens in public spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Garstang has always achieved a Gold standard when competing in the national finals, but has never won their group category outright, so that is the target for this year.

Wyre Council will be doing everything possible to support Garstang in their efforts, and officers are ready to help with clearing any grot spots, improving street cleansing and caring for open spaces.

Garstang’s small army of volunteers (just a few here, pictured right) is already busy preparing for the judges’ visit in July or early August and if you would like to help in any way – planting, litter picking, cleaning street furniture – please contact Norah Hoyles on 01995 602841.

26 Wyre Voice

Thornton Cleveleys area team

Officers Radford Amos and Dave Armytage along with area manager Phil Gooden are dedicated to keeping Thornton Cleveleys clean and tidy.

With the help of an in-house street cleaning team, they ensure that the seafront, footpaths, parks and all public spaces are free from litter, dog fouling, graffiti and other detritus that spoil neighbourhoods.

The biggest challenge facing area teams is dog fouling, which is a persistent priority for residents across Wyre. In response, our officers have joined forces with local Police Community Support Officers to carry out regular patrol plans based on problematic areas, to tackle patterns of offending and issue fixed penalty notices to anyone who doesn’t pick up after their dog.

Since this approach was implemented, there has been a significant reduction in the number of dog fouling reports we’ve received from members of the public. In addition to targeted patrols, more scheduled street cleaning is taking place and officers continue to work within communities to educate and raise awareness of this issue.

You can report dog fouling and other problems in your neighbourhood online at wyre.gov.uk/reportit or by calling 01253 891000.

Helping hands - how volunteers are getting involved in their communities

The Towers

With the help of Wyre Council, a group of residents is making improvements to conserve The Towers, a treasured little woodland located just off Holmfield Avenue.

Environmental management work, including removal of a section of invasive white poplars, has been carried out to enhance conditions for native tree species and allow local fauna and flora to flourish.

Now a series of history boards are due to be installed charting the site’s varied history. Dating back to the late 1800s, it was once in the midst of Thornton Estate and home to a hunting lodge before later becoming Highfield Girls’ College.

Improvements to the pathways, which are currently prone to flooding, and refurbishment of benches are also planned.

However there’s still a lot to do, from keeping it clean and tidy to planting, so we’re always looking for volunteers even if you can only give an hour of your time here and there.

26 Wyre Voice Focus on Thornton Cleveleys

Wyre Voice 27

Branksome Avenue

Branksome Avenue pond is to get a new lease of life after two residents started working closely with the council.

Peter Goodlad and Peter Gore, keen fishermen who live nearby have volunteered to help improve the pond, surrounding fields and woodland.

Although they have only just started, they have already carried out a number of litter picks and are getting neighbours on board. Future plans include addressing a drainage issue that leaves some neighbouring properties with flooded gardens during intense rainfall.

By becoming official volunteers, they have a greater voice in future plans and can be better supported by the council to ensure the long-term maintenance of the site.

Peter Goodlad said: “Over the years the size of the pond has dwindled so badly that now only one person can fish it at a time. I have witnessed many a sad young face arrive excitedly only to be

dismayed when they were unable to find a place to fish.

“The site was becoming a dumping ground and litter was becoming a nuisance. The birth of my grandson

inspired me to try to resolve the problems so I will be able to take him on the field to teach him to fish, play football and learn about the environment and wildlife.

“There is further planning and a lot of hard work to do over the coming few years and I hope that anyone interested in sharing our passion and community spirit will come forward, so that we can work together to provide a

facility for everyone to enjoy.

“We hope to promote the thinking that if you are involved, you will want to encourage all around to help look after it and keep it clean.”

Volunteers are welcomed on similar projects all over Wyre. To get involved, speak to the

council’s Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01253 887504.

Wyre Voice 27Focus on Thornton Cleveleys

28 Wyre Voice

Mythic Coast Artwork Trail

There are lots of new developments along the Wyre coastline including additions to the Mythic Coast Artwork trail.

Tales from the Mythic Coast are included in a specially commissioned book, The Sea Swallow, which is based on local coastal history, legends and folklore.

The artwork trail features elements from this book – a Sea Ogre, golden seashell, sea swallows, petrified forest, the Lune Deep and the Fleetwood fishing fleet.

The first phase is already installed on Cleveleys promenade and phase two is due from Easter onwards.

An adventure still to come....

Go down on to the beach and stand inside the seashell when the tide is out. Made from stainless steel and painted gold inside, this piece will represent the golden shell in the book.

Continue along the beach and see if you can find a four metre stone Sea Ogre hiding somewhere on the sands.

Back on the promenade look for the huge wooden paddle washed ashore from Mary’s boat in the book, count the number of smaller sea swallows and find the boat’s name plate.

The Sea Swallow book is available from Wyre’s Visitor Information Centres price £10.

28 Wyre Voice

Wyre Voice 29

Champions of the Mill

Marsh Mill in Thornton has long been supported by dedicated volunteers who help keep it open to the public.

They staff the building, lead guided tours and carry out all the functions that allow local people, school groups and visitors to experience and enjoy this historic building.

A Friends of Marsh Mill group has recently formed with the specific aim of raising the profile of the mill and the value of its heritage. Members act as mill champions and organise activities to engage people in learning about this wonderful attraction.

To get involved in volunteering visit wyre.gov.uk/volunteer or contact Simon Swindells on 01253 887504.

To join the Friends group contact Jane Knapman on 01253 826601 or email jane.knapman@hotmail.co.uk.

Wyre Voice 29

Report it online

Wyre Council is making it quicker and easier for residents and businesses to contact them saving both time and money.

By going to the following web addresses you can report problems, pass on information and make payments.

wyre.gov.uk/reportit report problems such as grafitti or flytipping

wyre.gov.uk/circumstances a change of address

wyre.gov.uk/dogfouling report incidents

wyre.gov.uk/missedbin if your bin was missed on your waste collection day

wyre.gov.uk/pay to pay your council tax and other bills

You can report problems from your home computer or on your smart phone when you are out and about.

A series of posters will be appearing in various locations around the borough to act as a reminder to contact the council online to report problems. Smart phone users can use the QR codes printed on the posters making it even easier to get in touch.

30 Wyre Voice 30 Wyre Voice

Wyre Voice 31

Register online and win

Register on our website and you could win tickets to an evening with stars from Strictly Come Dancing.

You’ll get instant access to a range of benefits when you register online including useful information about your neighbourhood, restaurant ratings, records of your online forms and a planning applications tracking service. Plus you can sign up to our community e-newsletter and text messaging service.

Not only that, Marine Hall in Fleetwood is staging Strictly Come Dancing stars’ Pasha Kovalev and Katya Virshilas sensational new live show on Sunday 21 April and everyone who registers this month can enter a draw to win two free tickets.

Register now at wyre.gov.uk/register.Prize draw closes on 31 March.wyretheatres.co.uk 01253 887693

How to contact us

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

Tweet us: @WyreCouncil

@VisitWyre @MarineHall

Like one of our Facebook pages: Wyre CouncilMarine HallTrySport

Phone:

01253 891000

Email:

mailroom@wyre.gov.uk

Get online:

wyre.gov.ukvisitwyre.gov.ukmarinehall.co.uk

Text for free on:

01253891000 (no space between digits)

Call in at any of our offices or venues.

If you would like this publication in any other language or format please contact us.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 communications@wyre.gov.uk with your suggestions.

~ we love to entertain

32 Wyre Voice What’s On @ Marine Hall & Thornton Little Theatre 2013Thornton Little Theatre

Gang Show - At the MoviesThe Live Wyre’s hit the stage for their 47th annual gang show called At The MoviesDate: 21 - 23 Mar Cost: £6/£8

Springtime SerenadeWith Marton Operatic SocietyDate: 7 Apr Cost: £6

Songs from the StageWith Thornton Cleveleys Operatic SocietyDate: 16 - 20 Apr Cost: £7.50/£8

Noel Coward’s Private LivesConsensus Touring Theatre proudly presents Noel Coward’s Private LivesDate: 26 - 27 Apr Cost: £8

Spiritual Awakenings - Andrew DeeSpirit Medium, Andrew connects you with your family and friends to bring you messages of love and upliftmentDate: 10 May Cost: £10/£12

Time and the ConwaysWith the Windmill PlayersDate: 13 - 18 May Cost: £7

Marine Hall

Afternoon Tea DanceDate: Every Monday Cost: £3.50

Six-In-A-Bar Classic Jazz BandLicenced bar and refreshments availableDate: 28 Mar Cost: £6

Jongleurs Comedy ClubComedy evenings back for 2013Dates: 12 Apr, 19 Jul, 4 Oct £12

Stars of Strictly Come DancingEvening with Stars from Strictly Come DancingDate: 21 Apr Cost: £19/£23

Memphis Belle Swing OrchestraAuthentic sounds of big bands of the ‘40s Date: 17 May Cost: £15

The SearchersSpanning five decades with hits galoreDate: 2 Aug Cost: £17.50/£19

Sid’s Show!Join Sid from Cbeebies live on stageDate: 9 Aug Cost: £11

The Houghton Weavers40 years of entertaining with music and funDate: 16 Aug Cost: £12/£14

Fylde Folk FestivalDates: 30 Aug - 1 September £65/£32.50

Paul Daniels - The First Farewell TourEntertainment from the famous magician Date: 5 Oct Cost: £14.50/£16.50

Snow White and the Seven DwarfsPanto at its bestDate: 12 - 15 Dec Cost: £8 marinehall.co.uk

Box Office 01253 887693