your district council matters (issue 26 - spring 2012)

Your District Council

Mattersinsid

e: • Countdown to London 2012

• Festival and events guide

• Give a red card to dog fouling

• Recycle even more

Lancashire Witches 400Competition and feature - page 3

issue 26 spring 2012

Surfing in LancasterIf you haven’t already surfed to www.lancaster.gov.uk, here are someuseful links for you to try:

• View and subscribe to onlinecalendars for fitness classes,swimming sessions and specialevents, and find out about ourfull range of activities:www.lancaster.gov.uk/saltayre

• Use our interactive map to zoomin to any location in the districtand view current planningapplications. Save your searchand get email updates whenevera new application is submitted:www.lancaster.gov.uk/localapps

• Use our interactive Find MyNearest service to find out what’snearby, such as who your localcouncillor is and when the bins are

collected: www.lancaster.gov.uk/nearest

• Our award-winning visitorinformation centres run a secureonline shop where you can buytickets to main Platform andWilliamson Park events, maps,books, souvenirs and more:www.lancaster.gov.uk/shop

• We’re on Twitter @lancastercc,and you can like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/lancastercc

• Our monthly e-newsletter bringsthe latest news direct to yourinbox: www.lancaster.gov.uk/newsletter

Contact usYou can contact Lancaster City Council by:

Telephone: 01524 582000

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.lancaster.gov.uk

Post: Lancaster City Council, Town Hall, Dalton Square,Lancaster, LA1 1PJ

In person: Customer Service Centres at Lancaster Town Hall (DaltonSquare), or Morecambe Town Hall (Marine Road East), 9am to 5pm,Monday to Friday

If you would like a large print or audio version ofYour District Council Matters please call 01524 582041 oremail [email protected]

Welcome......to the latest edition ofYour District Council Matters.

Each year tens of millions ofpounds of taxpayers’ money isspent in the Lancaster districton services used by the public.

Late last year representativesof many of these public sectorservice providers met with localpeople and organisations toconsider how, in these toughfinancial times, they can workbetter together. You can findout more on page 5.

One thing that was clear wasthe passion that we all share forour district.

There’s no doubt that we livein a place that we can be proudof and we can all contribute tomaking it even better in allsorts of ways, including:

• Promote our district andencourage others to visit, or trysomewhere you’ve never beenbefore.

• Volunteer some time – visitwww.lancaster.gov.uk/volunteering to find out more.

• Dispose of litter responsiblyand encourage others to dolikewise - check outwww.lancaster.gov.uk/binit.

• Use local businesses andshops wherever possible to helpour local economy.

This year also offers much tocelebrate. On June 22 we’llwelcome the Olympic Torch(page 15) and 2012 also marksthe 400th anniversary of theLancashire Witch Trials (page 3).Throw in the Queen’s DiamondJubilee and a summer offestivals and there are moreopportunities than ever for usto in where we live.

Throughout the year we’ll beworking with our partners inthe public sector to highlightways in which we can allcontribute and we’d love tohear your ideas and whatyou’re doing to inwhere we live.

Email:[email protected]

All year

Lancaster CastleAll guided tours ofLancaster Castleinclude the story ofthe Lancashire Witches.

June 7 - 16

The DukesExhibition of oilpaintings inspiredby the LancashireWitches.

July 13at 7.30pm

Lancaster PrioryService in Solidaritywith Victims ofPersecution and HateCrime.

July 14at 4pm

Lancaster PrioryThe Legal Significanceof the Lancashire WitchTrials, a lecture by HisHonour JudgeAnthony Russell QC.

July 21 -Sept 29

Lancaster CityMuseumA WonderfullDiscoverie: LancashireWitches 1612-2012 -Exhibition exploringthe people involvedin the trials.

October 28 -November 3

Lancaster CityCentreEvents culminatingwith the FireworksSpectacular, viewedfrom areas across thecity.

June 7 - 16

The DukesSabbat: The Trials ofthe Lancashire Witches.

Until Nov 11

Ashton MemorialWitch Hunts, then andnow: Multimediaexhibition exploringwitch hunts in 1612and modern day Africa.

April 1 - Oct 31

Judges' LodgingsMuseumSpellbound:Superstition, Storiesand the Silver Screen –an exhibition lookingat witches andwitchcraft in popularculture.

May - SeptVarious days

Lancaster Castle(departs Castle gates7.30pm)

Pendle Witch WalksThursday and Sundayevenings (check datesat www.catwalks-lancaster.co.uk).£4 adults £1 children.

THIS year marks the 400thanniversary of the LancashireWitch Trials (also known as thePendle Witches) – perhaps one ofthe most notorious events in thecounty’s history.

The Lancashire Witch trials tookplace in 1612. The story beganwhen pedlar John Law suffered astroke after meeting Alizon Deviceon a country road.

Convinced he had been cursed by

a witch, Alizon was arrested by thelocal magistrate. This sparked aspiral of events which led to 20people being accused ofwitchcraft. Of these 19 went ontrial at Lancaster Castle (onehaving died in prison), and 10 werefound guilty and sentenced todeath by hanging.

To commemorate the anniversarya range of events and activities willbe taking place.

Summary of events taking place in the Lancaster district

CompetitionWE have tickets to see Sabbat atThe Dukes, along with copies ofthree Lancashire Witches books togive away to two lucky readers inour competition.

Published by Carnegie Publishingthe books are:

• 1612: The Lancashire WitchTrials, a new guide by ChristineGoodier

• The Lure of the LancashireWitches by Jennie Lee Cobban

• The Wonderful Discovery ofWitches in the County ofLancaster (a moderninterpretation) by Robert Poole

The books are available forpurchase from Lancaster VisitorInformation Centre (The StoreyCreative Industries, Meeting HouseLane, Lancaster) or online atwww.lancaster.gov.uk/shop

To enter the competition simplycomplete and return thiswordsearch to: Lancashire Witchescompetition, Communications,Lancaster City Council, LancasterTown Hall, Dalton Square,Lancaster, LA1 1PJ. Please don’tforget to include your name,address and a daytime telephonenumber.

The deadline for entries is FridayApril 27.

Words to find: Pendle, Sabbat,Anniversary, Castle, Dungeon, Trial,Superstition, Lancashire.

Photo. John Mills

For more information on events visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/witches

A Q H S O F E S E A I E

N C I F D E D L N R W R

N A Z E F T Y T C S P I

I S H D R K K U L E A H

V T W U N K O S A N S S

E L D N E P G U S H W A

R E X G E O N P A N V C

S U P E R S T I T I O N

A T E O S A B B A T L A

R M R N T E H T R I A L

Y E E S A K P Z U R Y O

X R I D B J E G S M S K

THANKS to you carefully separating your paper, cardboard, glass, cans,plastic bottles, textiles, food and garden waste from your non-recyclablewaste, an impressive 43% recycling rate has been achieved.

With your continued help we can do even better and this year we havea target of recycling at least 50%. We can easily reach this target ifeveryone recycles one more thing and continues to recycle their foodwaste. There are many day to day household items that you may notrealise can now be recycled.

Here’s a list to get you started.

Box 1: Paper and Cardboard Box 2: Glass, Cans and Plastic Bottles

Catalogues Aerosols

Shredded Paper Sweet/Biscuit Metal Tins

Greetings Cards Perfume/Aftershave Bottles

Telephone Directories Cleaning/Detergent Product Bottles(including Yellow Pages)

Envelopes Shampoo/Hair care Bottles(including window envelopes)

Cardboard Tubes Clean Foil

Gift Wrap

Could you recycle just onemore item?

Don’t forget that by squashing your cans, plastic bottles and cardboardyou will create more space for these additional items in your recyclingboxes.

Did you know?Lancaster City Council also collects textiles for recycling, such as clothes,curtains, towels, cushion covers, bed sheets and table cloths. Just putthem into a clearly labelled carrier bag and place at the side of yourrecycling boxes for collection. Textiles are graded into categories. Any re-useable clothing is sent to a network of charities and any unusabletextiles are shredded to be used as industrial rags.

What happens to your recycling?Our recycling wagons are split into two compartments. Onecompartment for paper and cardboard and one compartment for glass,cans and plastic bottles – just the same as your recycling boxes. Why notwatch the collection process online in our new video atwww.lancaster.gov.uk/bins

DID you know that last year it costthe council £110,000 replacingwheelie bins and recycling boxeswhich had been lost, stolen ordamaged?

We need your help to reducethese costs so we can continue toprovide a quality refuse collectionservice across the district.

To reduce the risk of your binsand boxes being lost or stolenmark them clearly with your streetname and house number, usingeither durable paint or stickers.

Lost recycling box lids can bereplaced with tie-on lids that donot blow away in windy weather.

If you currently have more bins orboxes than you need, callCustomer Services on 01524582491 who will arrange for anyspares to be collected.

If your wheelie bin is broken, callCustomer Services and we will sendspare parts or someone will comeand fix it.

Many other councils in Lancashirecharge for replacing bins andboxes and the city council recentlydebated whether it should do thesame.

While it was decided not tocharge for the time being, if thecosts continue to increase, it mayhave to be looked at again in thefuture.

Boxclever

Changes to refuse andrecycling collection daysTHERE may be changes to theusual day on which your wasteand recycling are collectedfollowing the bank holidays atEaster and in June.

Please check your collectioncalendar for details, or visitwww.lancaster.gov.uk/bins todownload a copy if yours hasbeen misplaced.

A YOUTH football club has givenits dog poo problem a red card.

Members of Storey’s Youth FC,who train and compete on YorkRoad field in Lancaster, were fedup of having to clean up the dogdirt from their pitch every week.

So they called in the council’s dogwardens, who set up regularpatrols to monitor the problemand tackle the people ruining theirgame.

Unfortunately the dog pooproblem experienced by the teamis a growing one on our parks,pavements and public areas. Whileit may only be a minority of dogowners who fail to clear up aftertheir pets, even one incident is onetoo many.

Not only is it unsightly, it is aserious health hazard and therehave been cases reported ofchildren going blind aftercontracting Toxocariasis, aninfection caused by worms in dogand cat faeces.

Keeping our district clean iseveryone’s responsibility and theminority of irresponsible dogowners refusing to clean upafter their dogs costs thecouncil thousands of poundseach year.

Dog owners should always beprepared to clean up after theirpets and dog waste bags areeasily carried and readily

available from the visitor

information centres,most pet stores andvets. Plastic carrier bagscan be re-used for thesame purpose.

Dog waste wrapped in thisway can be disposed of in anyordinary litter bin or dog waste bin.If no bins are available the wasteshould be taken home and placedwith normal household waste.

A poster reminding dog owners oftheir responsibilities - and the£1,000 they could face if they don't- is available for you to put up inyour window, or elsewhere on yourproperty. It is available fromwww.lancaster.gov.uk/dogpoo,the Customer Service Centres atLancaster and Morecambe TownHalls, Council Housing offices onCable Street in Lancaster or bytelephoning 01524 582935.

THANKS to everyone who’ssupporting Bin It!, our district widelitter campaign.

We all want to see our districtkept clean and tidy, and it’sencouraging that many of you dotoo. Please keep using the litterbins provided – there are morethan 1,200 across the district – todispose of your rubbish.

And remember, just becausethere isn’t a bin right next to you,there’s no excuse for droppingrubbish – hang on to it until youfind a bin or take your rubbishhome with you and dispose of it inthe appropriate bin or box.

If you’d like to go further thenyou might think about organisinga litter pick in your area. You canfind more details atwww.lancaster.gov.uk/binit

It's your district - be proud of it!

One of the most littered itemsare cigarette butts and the councilspends thousands of pounds everyyear cleaning them up.

Anyone caught throwing theirbutts on the street can be handedan £80 fine and you can avoid thisby disposing of your butts properlyin the nearest litter bin (havingstubbed them out first).

As an encouragement to do the

Giving the red card to dog fouling

Litter campaign update

Anyone who witnesses anyirresponsible dog owners failingto pick up after their dog, orknows of a problem area for dogfouling, should contact the dogwardens on 01524 582935 orreport it online atwww.lancaster.gov.uk/dogpoo.

• Your dog won’t clean up afteritself – it’s up to you

right thing,LancasterCity Councilis givingaway freecigarettebutt holders.

The pocketashtrays are available free fromthe Customer Service Centres atMorecambe and Lancaster TownHall receptions while stocks last.

Made of fire resistant plastic,their airtight design means thatsmoke odours are locked insideand they can be emptied andreused again and again.

To collect yours, pop into one onof the Customer Service Centresand ask for one.

IN only a few short months the Olympic Games andParalympic Games will be on their way to London.

While much of the action will be taking place at theOlympic Park in London, there are still plenty ofopportunities to share the excitement and be part ofthe occasion locally.

From April 23 to 29 many local clubs andorganisations will be throwing open their doors for anopen week of sport. This is your opportunity to get ataster of some sports which you may have never triedbefore. For more information visitwww.lancaster.gov.uk/openweek

Then, on Friday June 22, the Olympic Torch Relay willbe passing through the district - your once in a lifetimeopportunity to be part of the biggest show on earth.

Exact details of the route have not yet been revealedbut what we do know is that the torch will be passingthrough Carnforth, Bolton-le-Sands, Hest Bank,Morecambe and Lancaster on its way to Blackpool.

We’re in the process of contacting local schools andorganisations to get them involved in the celebrationsand make it a day to remember.

Check out www.lancaster.gov.uk/london2012 nearerthe time for more details of the Torch Relay, includingmaps of the route and good vantage points.

As an added bonus we’ll be holding a celebration ofsport over the following weekend (June 23 and 24)and there will be plenty of opportunities to get

involved with the Olympic spirit. More details will beavailable on our website.

There are plenty of free tools to make yourcelebration one to remember, whether it’s a night inwith friends to watch the Opening Ceremony or acommunity party with neighbours. Visit the LocalLeaders page on www.london2012.com for details.

IF you’re looking to get fit andhealthy then Salt Ayre SportsCentre has a wide range of eventsand activities to help you get backin shape.

In particular, the Active HealthProgramme has been created tohelp people who have existinghealth concerns and who have notparticipated in any exerciseprogrammes before.

It starts with gentle exercise andyou can then add differentelements to create the idealexercise environment. This couldinclude a Tai Chi class, Pilates oreven a gentle swim followed by asession in the sauna.

Michelle, from Galgate, Lancaster,took part in the Active HealthProgramme last year and wentfrom a size 16 to a size 12.

As someone who had sufferedfrom weight and health issues foryears, Michelle embarked on a 12week programme of gentleaerobics, stretching and minimumweight lifting.

Her determination, along withsupport from her family and theknowledgeable staff at Salt Ayre,has helped her to achieve her goalof becoming healthier andstronger.

“It’s a lovely place to be and I’vemet some lovely people on theActive Health Programme. Wehave swapped tips and stories. It’shelped me deal with my conditionand encouraged me,” saidMichelle.

Michelle has even signed up tocontinue her fitness with theReflexions gym at Salt Ayre.

Reflexions can design aprogramme that will help hermaintain and even extend her newhealthy status. Talk to your GPtoday if you think this may be theprogramme for you.

For more information, contactSalt Ayre Sports Centre on01524 847540 or visitwww.lancaster.gov.uk/saltayre.

Get healthy and fit at Salt Ayre Sports Centre

Share the excitement

During the Torch Relay on June 22 there is likely tobe some major disruption to traffic and some roadsmay need to be closed. If you normally drive towork, it is recommended that you make alternativearrangements such as using public transport, cyclingor walking. If you need to use your car, plan aheadand make a note of any road closures or diversions.More information will be available nearer the timeat www.lancaster.gov.uk/london2012

• The mayor and mayoress of Lancaster, Coun Paul and DeeWoodruff, celebrate the Olympic Torch relay coming to theLancaster district.

THE Lancaster district is set to hostits second Sainsbury’s Sport ReliefMile on Sunday March 25, andneeds local people to cometogether and show their support.

As one of the UK’s biggestfundraising events, Sport Reliefbrings the entire nation togetherto get active, raise cash andchange lives – so it’s time to dustoff those trainers and register totake part.

Setting off from Salt Ayre SportsCentre, the Lancaster andMorecambe Mile will take placealong a beautiful stretch of theRiver Lune with views overLancaster Castle and the PrioryChurch.

With a smooth surface providinggreat access for pushchairs,wheelchairs and family pets,everyone is welcome!

Entrants don’t have to be sportyto take part, but can choose tocomplete either one, three or sixmiles.

As a warm up to the Sport ReliefMile, young people are also beingencouraged to take part in ShuffleMania - a mass dance event – atSalt Ayre at 10am.

For more information on SportRelief or Shuffle Mania visitwww.lancaster.gov.uk/sportrelief.

Sport ReliefWe are hard at work for youLANCASTER City Council’s employees are hard at work every day of theweek to make our district a better place.

But how much do you know about the services they provide?

Your District Council Matters asked staff from across the council to tellus a little about about their jobs and the difference they make to thelives of the community.

Name: Will Griffith

Occupation: Operations Manager,Williamson Park

Williamson Park in Lancasterattracts more than 120,000 visitorsevery year.

Maintaining a 54 acre park with acafé, shop, Butterfly House and zooand one of Lancaster’s mosttreasured historic buildings is nomean feat.

Will Griffith is the OperationsManager at Williamson Park and isresponsible for one of the mainattractions for visitors in Lancasterand the North West.

Over the last year a number ofchanges have been made to makeimprovements and increase visitornumbers.

Will said: “I consider it to be a veryprivileged job and I have a greatresponsibility to local residents andvisitors to ensure they have a safeand enjoyable visit every time theycome to Williamson Park. No twodays are ever the same and thereare challenges every season, all yearround.

“Running a large scale visitorattraction needs a great team ofworkers. There are over 30contracted and casual staff who allcontribute to maintaining the park,from café and shop staff to zookeepers and grounds maintenance,as well as other colleagues withinthe city council.“

Name: Donna Swarbrick

Occupation: Active Health Manager

Donna is responsible for theoverall management and day today running of the Active Healthscheme, for people who wish tobecome more physically active,fitter and healthier.

The scheme has a wide variety ofcustomers who are seeking help fora number of reasons. This canrange from people recovering fromillnesses to people who areconcerned about their weight orjust want to improve their fitnesslevels.

“Working with such a variety ofpeople means that no two days arethe same,” said Donna.

“Finding out what’s best for anindividual’s needs and motivatingand helping our clients is reallyexciting and challenging.”

As part of the scheme ActiveHealth officers assess the health oftheir clients and set them off on a12 week programme of exercise.

The programme of exercises issuited to each person but cancontain fitness classes, trips to theReflexions health and fitness suiteat Salt Ayre Sports Centre or evenoutdoor-led walking sessions alongMorecambe Promenade.

To find out if you could benefit,ask your GP – access to the ActiveHealth programme is by referralonly.

IF you’re looking for something todo between now and the end ofthe year then there’s no need tostray too far – our district has morethan enough on offer to keep youand your family busy withoutdipping too far into your pockets.

As well as rolling countryside,golden sands and history galore,there’s a full range of festivals andevents taking place to whet theappetite.

In addition to many establishedevents, 2012 will see several eventsto celebrate the Olympics, Queen’sDiamond Jubilee and the 400thanniversary of the LancashireWitch trials.

And as well as having a greattime you’ll be helping to supportthe local economy.

Festivals and events have a directimpact on our economy, attractingmore visitors to a destination,raising the profile of a place,creating investment and benefitinglocal businesses.

Last year the Seaside andSandcastle festivals alone are

estimated to have had a combinedestimated benefit for the localeconomy of nearly £1.4million, soby supporting local events you’ll behelping to create and maintainjobs locally.

For a full events guide please visitwww.citycoastcountryside.co.uk,from where you can also downloada copy of the Morecambe Festivalsby the Sea events guide.

A big thank you to all the people,businesses and organisations – toonumerous to mention here - whowork so tirelessly to put on suchgreat events in our district.

Details of events taking placebetween now and the end of Juneare listed in the events guide onpage 9, but don’t forget some ofthe other great events coming upthis year:

July 7 and 8: Free family funweekend at Morecambe’s FestivalMarket

July 6-8:Morecambe Jazz Festival

July 21-29: Love Parks Week

July 27 and 28: Tutti Frutti

July 28-September 2: Summersensations at the Festival Market,Morecambe - live music everyweekend

August 5:Morecambe Bay openwater swim

August 10-12:Motown Magic,Morecambe.

September 1-2:MorecambeSeaside Festival.

September 6-9: HeritageOpen Days

October 28-November 3: CityCentre Events culminating with theFireworks Spectacular

Festivals

THE Storey Centre for the Creative Industriesopened in February 2009, following a £4millionmakeover, facilitated and supported by LancasterCity Council.

It has quickly established itself as a hub forsuccessful businesses from across the creative sector.From high-tech digital arts and ICT businesses, tographic design and marketing companies, theStorey provides a home.

It’s also a place of learning and culture and isopen to the public daily, with a wide programme ofevents including literature, comedy, music, theatreand debate.

It’s also home to The Storey Gallery, whichpromotes a programme of contemporary visual art,and Lancaster’s Visitor Information Centre.

As the centre is still in the early years of itsdevelopment, Lancaster City Council recentlyprovided further support to help further itsambitions by providing a loan so it can continue tobuild on its success.

Why not find out for yourself what it has to offer– visit www.thestorey.co.uk.

The Storey continues…

LANCASTER CityCouncil has launchedits visitor guide for2012.

Designed toencourage visitors totake a holiday or shortbreak in the district in2012, the guidefeatures many of thehistoric riches ofLancaster, thepleasures of the seasidein Morecambe and thedistrict's beautifulcountryside escapes as well as highlighting thecontrasting range of places to stay.

To request a copy to pass on to friends and family,visit www.citycoastcountryside.co.uk, pop into one ofthe visitor information centres, or telephone 01524582394/582808.

Visitor guide

MARCHUntil March 24: Much Ado aboutNothing – Lancaster Castle.24: Limehouse Lizzie - ThePlatform, 8pm, £14/£12. Age 14+.25: Magical Day - Happy MountPark, Morecambe.31: The Searchers - The Platform,7.30pm, £17.

APRIL3 – 7: Alfie – The Dukes, 8pm.Tickets £5/£18.50.3 – 5: Dust - Lancaster-LancasterGrand Theatre, 7.30pm, £14/£12.7: Cavern Beatles - Lancaster GrandTheatre, 7.30pm, £17/£16.7: Easter Extravaganza in HappyMount Park.8: Easter Fun Day – Morecambe’sFestival Market. Featuring Easterbonnet parade, brass band andvisit by French ‘giants’.10: Wheels on the bus – Platform,11am, £6 child, £7.50 adult, family£22.13: Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown - LancasterGrand Theatre, 7.30pm, £20.14: Bootleg 60s - The Platform,7.30pm, £16.14: Freddie Starr - Lancaster GrandTheatre, 7.30pm, £15.17 – 21: The Hound of TheBaskervilles – The Dukes Theatre,7.30pm, £5 - £18.50.20: Later with Jools Netherland –Platform, 8pm, £10 (18+).21: ‘From Here to Absurdity’Touring Show - Furness andMidland Hall, Carnforth VisitorCentre.23 – 29: Open week of sport – seepage 6.24 – 28: Blood Brothers - LancasterGrand Theatre, 7.30pm, £9/£8 and£7.25: Adam Kay’s Smutty Songs - ThePlatform, 8pm, £16 (over 18s only).25 – 27: North Lancashire SoulFestival - Smokey O`ConnorsNightclub and The Platform.27: The Two Martins (Martin Taylorand Martin Simpson) - ThePlatform, 8pm, £17.28 – May 7: Wray ScarecrowFestival. www.wrayvillage.co.uk/scarecrows.htm

29: Paul Rigby - Lancaster GrandTheatre, 7.30pm, £16/£15.30: An Evening with Katya andPasha from Strictly Come Dancing -Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm,£30.

MAY4: Talon 15th Anniversary Tour - ThePlatform, 8pm, £17.4: An evening with Stuart Maconie –The Dukes, 8pm, £12/£10.4: Magic: Queen Tribute - LancasterGrand Theatre, 7.30pm, £16/£15.5: Olde England Day in HappyMount Park.5 – 7: Morecambe Live Weekender –The Platform.6, 13, 20, 27: Brass Band concerts -Happy Mount Park, 2.30pm.9: Fairport Convention – Platform,£17/£16, 8pm.11: Real Diamond – Platform,7.30pm, £17.50/£16.12: Moonlight Serenade Orchestra –Platform, 7.30pm, £13.13: Catch the Wind Kite Festival -Morecambe.18: We’ll meet again – Platform,2pm, £10.19: The Magnets (Acapella Group) -Platform, 7.30pm, £15.20: The Carpenters’ Story – Platform,8pm, £17.22: Gervase Phinn – Lancaster GrandTheatre, 7.30pm, £16.50.24: Rich Hall – Lancaster GrandTheatre, 8pm, £15.25: Showaddywaddy - The Platform,7.30pm, £17.25 – 27: North Lancashire SoulFestival.26: Joe Longthorne - LancasterGrand Theatre, 7.30pm, £20.26: Teddy Bears Picnic - HappyMount Park.27: Promenade Concert Orchestrapresents ‘The Queen’s DiamondJubilee Concert’ - The Platform,3pm, £13/£11/£6.

JUNE1 – 3: Nice N Sleazy Punk Festival –The Trimpell Club, Morecambe.1-5: Lancaster Unlocked.2: Bob Mills and John Moloney -Lancaster Grand Theatre, 7.30pm.

2-3: Country Kickback Festival –Morecambe.2-6: Lancaster Unlocked.3: Richard Digance - LancasterGrand Theatre, 7.30pm, £15/£13.3, 10, 17, 24: Brass Band - HappyMount Park, 2.30pm.7, 9, 11 – 16: Sabbat – DukesTheatre, 7.30pm, £5 - £18.50.8: Gerry Cross the Mersey –Platform, 7.30pm, £16.50.9 – 10: Sandcastle Festival,Morecambe.9 – 10: Armed Forces Weekend.10: Craig Campbell- LancasterGrand Theatre, 8pm, £12.14, 24, 28: Catwalks ‘Pendle WitchTrail’ - Meet at the castle gates at7.30pm, £4/£1.16: Cool Britannia – Platform, 8pm,£19/£17.22: Olympic Torch Relay –Carnforth, Bolton-le-Sands, HestBank, Morecambe and Lancaster.Followed by a weekend of sportingactivities.23: Haffner Orchestra Concert –Ashton Hall, Dalton Square,Lancaster, 7.30pm, £12/£11 (under18s – Free).22-24: Blueswater Festival –Morecambe.25: Jethro - Lancaster GrandTheatre, 7.30pm, £18.50.30: Pirate Day - Happy Mount Park,Morecambe.

*Every effort has been made toensure that the details in thisguide are correct, but pleasecontact the venue before making aspecial trip as details may change.

For a full list of events andactivities visitwww.citycoastcountryside.co.uk

Event highlights March - June

New Platform brochure

The Spring/Summer Platformbrochure is out now. To view itonlinevisitwww.lancaster.gov.uk/platform or pick up a copy fromthe visitor information centres inMorecambe or Lancaster, orCustomer Service Centres atLancaster and Morecambe townhalls

TALKS are currently taking placewith Allied, owner of the LancasterMarket building, to negotiate asurrender of the lease the councilholds on the building.

This follows a resolution bymembers that negotiations shouldtake place to try and achieve earlysurrender of all interests in themarket, by the end of 2012.

The difficult decision was takendue to spiralling costs and a

reduction in rental income fromtraders.

The current market opened to thepublic in 1995, having been rebuiltafter the old market burnt down inthe 1980s.

At the time of its opening themarket was a thriving concern.

Over the years, the change inshopping habits, and shift in retailprovision, has resulted in areduction in demand of retailers

wanting to take space within theindoor market in Lancaster and thishas resulted in the costs of runningthe market increasing to the stagewhere it now requires an annualsubsidy of more than £600,000 tokeep open. This is in contrast to anincrease in demand for the outdoormarket.

While the council has taken actionto request negotiations take placewith the owners of the indoormarket, and the retail traders, itcontinues to consider that marketsare an essential element of avibrant town centre, and willcontinue to run a series of otherthriving markets in the district.

Talks to continue on future ofLancaster Indoor Market

LANCASTER’S Charter Market cantrace its origins to 1193 when thecity (then a town) received its firstRoyal Charter. This confirmed theright to hold a weekly market andan annual fair.

Today this bustling marketoperates in the city centre everyWednesday and Saturday with

stalls selling fruit and veg, bread,hot food, cupcakes, books, andmuch more.

Located in the heart of the citythe market is perfect for all yourneeds. And it’s set to get evenbetter - the Square Routes project(see page 11) has helped totransform Market Square and

provide more space for themarket stalls.

Lancaster Charter Market

A VISIT to the Festival Market isone of the highlights that thetown has to offer for shopperslooking for a unique experience.

With more than 100 stalls andshops selling an enormousselection of products, you’re sureto find what you’re looking for.

There are also two welcomingcafes serving homemade mealsand cakes and onsite public toilets.

Shoppers can be certain to find awarm welcome from theestablished stall holders at thistraditional market and if youhappen to be visiting one of thespecial events hosted by themarket throughout the year, theatmosphere will be even better.

Next up on the events front is afun day on Easter Sunday (April 8),which will feature an EasterBonnet Parade, brass band and avisit from some French ‘giants’.

There are also some great freecompetitions to enter. From March18 to April 8 children can enter acolouring competition, and Easteregg hunt.

More details on the event andhow to enter the competitions isavailable from the market office orby visiting www.lancaster.gov.uk/festivalmarket.

Festival Market,Morecambe

Assembly RoomsLOCATED on King Street theAssembly Rooms are openTuesday to Saturday from 10amto 4.30pm. Here you’ll find avast array of militarymemorabilia, vintage clothing,rare comic books andcollectables.

Don’t forget to visit TheAssembly Rooms cafe for finefood at exceptional prices.

MAJOR changes are in the pipelinethat will affect everyone who livesor works in the Lancaster district.

Last summer we were out andabout asking where you would likefuture development to be directedand which areas you want to seeprotected.

More than 1,200 comments werereceived and these, along withresponses, are available to viewonline.

The consultation also identifiedadditional sites and these are alsoavailable to view in the report.

Using your feedback, we arecurrently undertaking a detailedassessment of potential sites andthe constraints and opportunitiesthat exist.

This information will identifypreferred options and those siteswhich the council believes, basedon the comments and evidenceprovided, should be allocated fordevelopment and those whichshould be safeguarded andprotected.

The next stage will also describethe detailed policies that thecouncil believes should be used todetermine planning applications.

We will be consulting on thepreferred options in the summerand we want to know what youthink about the options we will beputting forward.

To find out more, including howand where you can have your say,visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/ldf

Shaping the district’s future

AS Your District Council Matterswent to press the first phase of theLancaster Square Routes projectwas due to be completed.

This has included the removal ofthe fountain and resurfacing ofMarket Square, along with newlighting columns to the centre, andnew lights on the Old Town Hall(City Museum).

Ffrances Passage, an importantpedestrian access route into thecity centre, has also seenimprovements with new surfacingand drainage.

New building mounted lightshave also been installed aroundMarket Square, along Market

Street, up Penny Street to FfrancesPassage and Gage Street. Thisprovides a softer, more diffusedlight and is much more efficientthan the previous lighting.

The long term vision is for moreimprovements to help makeMarket Square the civic heart ofthe city and a better place foractivities such as the outdoormarket, performances and events.

The next phase of the project issubject to funding but would focuson continuing works in MarketSquare.

To find out more about SquareRoutes visitwww.lancaster.gov.uk/squareroutes

A new look for Market Square

MORE than2,200 ruralhomes andbusinesses canlook forward to superfastbroadband having been chosen topilot a new project.

Those living and working in theparishes of Arkholme, Melling,Wennington, Wray, Quernmore,Wyresdale and Caton are set tobenefit from a broader projectbeing led by Lancashire CountyCouncil. This aims to bringsuperfast broadband to 97% of thecounty by 2014 at speeds in excessof 30mbps.

The roll-out will see significantpublic sector investment in theproject, to ensure that superfastbroadband reaches those areas –approximately one third ofLancashire - that would be unlikelyto receive the service in the nearfuture if it was left to the privatesector alone.

The scheme will work with localcommunities on innovativeapproaches, including setting up a£500,000 community fund aimedat working with communities toget superfast broadband to thosefew remote properties – about 3%of the total - not reached underthe main scheme.

In the fastlane

WOULD you be interested inpreserving the environment,encouraging safer and cleanertransport options and supportinglocal enterprise? Would you like totake part in projects to raiseawareness of climate change andreduce resource use?

Then why not join theSustainability Partnership ofLancaster District.

The Sustainability Partnership,formed in 2003, is a group of localresidents and organisationspromoting sustainable activity inthe Lancaster district. Recentprojects include:

• The Incredible Edibles Awards –Developed with partnerorganisation LESS (Local and

Effective Sustainable Solutions),the awards champion local foodgrowing by showcasing the bestfood growing projects in thearea.

• The Little Book of SustainableLiving, a free guide toenvironmentally-friendly living,available online atwww.lancaster.gov.uk/littlebookor you can request a printedcopy by telephoning01524 582061.

• Pass on Plastics – A campaign toreduce plastic pollution locally byadvising residents on how toeasily reduce their use of plasticsand help to clean local beaches.

• The Rainwater Harvest Project,which converted waste plastic

food barrels into water storagecontainers saving over 7,000kgof plastic from landfill andproviding free water to localallotments.

• A series of public eventsincluding: the Great WindDebate – An informative look atwind energy; and the WonderfulWoodlands – an exploration ofour local woodland environment.

If you want to get involved andhelp shape positive and sustainableactivity in Lancaster district, you canjoin the Sustainability Partnership bydownloading a membership form atwww.lancaster.gov.uk/sustainabilityor you can request a copy bytelephoning 01524 582061.

THE amount of energyrequired to heat our homescan have an ever increasingimpact upon both theenvironment and ourfinances. Unfortunately, insome homes, as much as athird of the heat is lost throughthe walls or the roofs as a result of poor insulation.

It’s likely that many houses built within the last 20years will have adequate insulation, but older housescould benefit from improved measures such as cavitywall or roof insulation.

The Lancaster District Local Strategic Partnership iscurrently working with Tadea, the sustainable energyand carbon reduction organisation, to manage ascheme which will see homes in the Lancaster Districtfitted with cavity wall and loft insulation.

The scheme is available to residents of the districtand, depending on the circumstances of eachindividual household, the government-approvedinstaller Cosyseal will fit insulation either free ofcharge or at a discounted rate.

For further information about free insulation, orguidance about reducing your energy bill, pleasecontact Tadea on 0800 1244320 or the Energy SavingTrust on 0800 512 012.

ARE you planning a project to improve your localenvironment and make a lasting contribution to yourcommunity? Will it result in practical environmentalimprovements, raise awareness of environmentalissues or promote environmental events?

If so, you could be eligible for funding through theGreen Partnership Awards; a community partnershipbetween Lancaster City Council, Lancashire CountyCouncil and other key agencies.

The Green Partnership Awards (GPA) gives grants ofaround £500 for environmental projects includingconservation, waste reduction and arts development.These grants are available to communityorganisations and groups. Schools are alsoencouraged to apply.

For more information please visitwww.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/grants andfollow the link to the Green Partnership Awards orcall 01772 531257.

Funding for yourEnvironmentalProjects

For further information please contact Lancaster City Council’s Community Engagement Team on

01524 582061 or [email protected]

Do something positive for the Lancaster district

Home Insulation

LANCASTER City Council’s HomeImprovement Agency offers a highquality care and repair service,offering vulnerable residentsindependent advice and assistanceto help them remain comfortablein their own homes.

The service is free to all residentsover the age of 60, or who aredisabled.

The team was recently contactedby the concerned neighbour of anelderly lady who had suffered anumber of falls.

The agency arranged for grab railsto be fitted, trip hazards fixed andthe installation of a level accessshower.

Another resident recently calledthe agency regarding problems witha leaky roof. The team arranged fora visit and an estimate from a SafeTrader contractor, and worked withthe contractor to ensure the work

was carried out to the client’ssatisfaction.

The agency can also help clientsexplore ways to raise finance toimprove their home, includingadvice on benefits, ways to reduceenergy costs, and investigatingmoving to alternative forms ofaccommodation if appropriate.

Assistance can also be providedto both homeowners and privatetenants to complete disabledadaptations.

If you would like to know more,contact the team on 01524 582257or visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/homeimprovement to find out more.

Stayingindependent inyour own home

SOLAR panels are set to beinstalled on the roofs of councilowned buildings as part of ascheme to cut fuel bills andgenerate income by harnessing thepower of the sun.

Lancaster City Council is lookingto take advantage of theGovernment backed FIT (Feed InTariffs) scheme and otheropportunities to make its ownenergy and become more energyefficient.

A key benefit of this schemewould see the council reducing itsown energy costs while at thesame time generating an incomeby selling the electricity itgenerates to the National Grid.

Additional benefits over thelonger term will include thepotential to develop and diversifythe local economy by employinglocal labour and potentiallycreating apprenticeships, as well asmeeting the council’s objective ofcutting carbon emissions.

Planning applications have beenapproved for the installation ofpanels on the roofs of White LundDepot, Salt Ayre Sports Centre,Lancaster Bus Station and CityLab.

Other council owned propertiesincluding communal blocks ofCouncil Housing flats will also formpart of this scheme.

These additional buildings wouldsee the council making evengreater savings and providing aguaranteed income, benefitingother services by reducing theneed to make savings elsewhere.

Council goes Solar

RESIDENTS struggling to keep upwith fuel payments and keep theirhomes warm, could benefit from anew campaign aimed to improveinsulation, reduce isolation andhelp people keep warm andhealthy.

The Department of Health hasprovided funding for the WarmHomes, Healthy People Campaign.

The money will be used to helppeople to improve the insulation intheir homes and attend free UtilityBills Clinics. It also offers FREE‘safe and warm’ packs whichinclude flasks, blankets, socks, hotwater bottles, gloves andinformation on local supportavailable.

As a result of the extra funding,community organisations andcharities will be supported todeliver services to help Lancasterresidents stay warm andhealthy during cold weatherconditions, preventing slips, tripsand falls and reducing socialisolation.

For more information contactHelp Direct by:

Telephone: 0303 333 1111


Website: www.helpdirect.org.uk

Visit: pop into the Help Directoffice at 7-11 Chapel Street,Lancaster.

Funding to help stay warmand healthy

Ryelands ParkRYELANDS Park is a great facilityfor the whole community. With 40acres of green space the park hasthe potential to offer morefacilities and opportunities forcommunity events and activities.

A project is currently looking atthe future possibilities for thepark, with a view to developing amasterplan.

Funding has already been securedfrom United Utilities to improvethe play area, and work is due tostart in September.

To find out more and to getinvolved visitwww.lancaster.gov.uk/ryelandspark

Claypitts FieldMAJOR improvements are beingmade to the Claypitts Field on OutMoss Lane in Morecambe. Workwill include a new play area, newmulti-use games area andlandscaping. It is due to becompleted in May.

Regent ParkRESIDENTS of Morecambe’s WestEnd are being asked to getinvolved with the future of RegentPark.

Lancaster City Council has beenworking closely with the Friends ofRegent Park to prepare amasterplan for the park.

Flowerbed SponsorshipSchemeTHE city council is looking to pilota new flower bed sponsorshipscheme and is looking for localbusinesses or individuals to sponsorflower beds in key locations onMorecambe’s promenade andHappy Mount Park.

News in brief

For more information or to getinvolved with any of theseprojects, please contactHelen Ryan on 01524 582822 oremail [email protected]

HAPPY Mount Park will be hostingits popular brass band concertsevery Sunday from April 29. Bringyour picnics and have an afternoonsitting on the grass and listening totraditional music in Morecambe’smost popular park.

Concerts start at 2.30pm and takeplace every Sunday untilSeptember 9.

The much anticipated opening ofthe Splash Park will officially takeplace in May.

Don’t forget, entry is free andwhat better way for the childrento cool off when the weatherwarms up. The Splash Park is oneof the biggest in the region andattracts visitors from far and wide.

The Splash Park may open(depending on the weather)

during the Easter weekend (April6-9) and will then open everyweekend until May 21 when it’sopen daily until September 2.

For more information aboutwhat’s happening in Happy MountPark visitwww.lancaster.gov.uk/happymountpark

Spring is in the air in ourbeautiful parks

EVEN on the coldest and wettestdays you can feel like you are in atropical rainforest when you visitthe Butterfly House in WilliamsonPark. Entry tickets include a visit tothe mini beast cave and yourchance to see snakes, tarantulasand deadly bugs before visitingfurry friends in the woodlandgarden.

Try and explore some of the 54acres of parkland by completingthe orienteering trail - maps areavailable at the gift shop – andfind some of the park’s uniquefeatures including the sundial,Temple Shelter, the Dell and theold site of the Greg Observatory.

Afterwards rest and replenish inthe Pavilion café, which serves awide range of locally sourced,freshly prepared food.

And no visit to the park iscomplete without taking in thesplendid views (inside and out) ofthe Ashton Memorial.

The park is open daily from 10amuntil 5pm and is free to enter withsmall admission charges to theButterfly House and mini beastcave.

Celebrating a child’s birthdaysoon? Let us be the host and createa wonderful experience for yourspecial day. Contact us to discussyour individual requirements.

For more information callWilliamson Park on 01524 33318or visitwww.lancaster.gov.uk/williamsonpark

Williamson Park

THE Volunteer AchievementAwards are hosted annually byLancaster District Community andVoluntary Solutions (LDCVS) and isthe only event of its kind held inthe district.

It is an invaluable opportunity tocelebrate the commitment ofvolunteers in our local community,as well as providing guests andnominees with the opportunity tomeet and share their experiences.

Last year’s event was attended bymore than 120 guests and eachnominee received a certificatemarking their individualcommitment.

The 2012 ceremony will be heldin partnership with Lancaster CityCouncil and other public sectororganisations and will be hosted at

the Ashton Hall (Lancaster TownHall) on Wednesday June 6 from4pm to 7pm.

Individual nominations areinvited in the following categories:

• Volunteer of the Year(individuals who volunteer forcommunity based projects)

• Young Volunteer (18 and under)

• Trustee of the Year

• Community Pride Volunteer(individuals who help to takecare of their area or supportpeople in their area)

You can also nominate groups ofvolunteers.

The deadline for nominations isFriday May 18. Nomination formsare available to download fromthe website

www.lancastercvs.org.uk/volunteerawards, by [email protected] calling (01524) 555900 Ext 26.

Help to celebrate volunteering in 2012

THE current condition of the economy – both locallyand nationally – has left us all with extremely toughchoices in managing our budgets.

This is not only true of our own households butpublic bodies such as such as the city council – we allhave to prioritise our spending and look at areaswhere savings can be made.

Late last year representatives of the district’s publicservices came together with businesses, organisationsand individuals to discuss the future of the district inlight of these issues.

From those that took part it was clear that:

• Everyone understands there are reductions in publicexpenditure and changes will need to bemade

• There is an appetite for organisations to work moreclosely together to re-examine what services thedistrict needs and how they can be provided inthe future

• There is expertise and services out there that canundoubtedly fill some of the gaps and provide newways of delivering services that would reduce theoverall public sector budget

To find out more about the outcomes of thoseevents visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/consultation. Nowwe want to hear your views on the future of our area.

In particular we want to know what public servicesmatter most and need to be maintained in ourdistrict.

Also, we want to know if there are there any servicesyou think shouldn’t be provided or if you have anyideas on how they can be provided in a different way.

We’re also keen to find out if there is role forvoluntary and community groups in providing someservices.

Whatever you think, we’re keen to hear from you.Send your views and ideas by:


Post: Jennifer Milligan, Lancaster Town Hall,Dalton Square, Lancaster LA1 1PJ

Telephone: 01524 582268

Community conversations

• Among those honoured in last year’sawards were volunteers from Homestart,who were presented with theircertificate by Chris Batten, Director ofthe Francis C Scott fund.

• Voluntary and community groups have a huge role to playin our district.

useful contact numbers Main contact details for keylocal services in the district

Lancaster City Council

Customer Services: 01524 582000

Domestic Waste and Street Cleaning:01524 582491

Homelessness andHousing Standards: 01524 582257

Elections: 01524 582905

Out-of-hours Emergencies: 01524 67099

Website: www.lancaster.gov.uk


Lancashire County Council

LCC General Enquiries/Switchboard:0845 053 0000

Social Care: 0845 053 0009

Highways: 0845 053 0011

Registrars: 0845 053 0021

Welfare Rights: 0845 053 0013

Website: www.lancashire.gov.uk


EducationWhite Cross Education Centre

Telephone: 01524 60141


Website: www.lancashire.gov.uk

Lancaster and MorecambeCollege


Website: www.lmc.ac.uk

Lancaster University


Website: www.lancs.ac.uk

University of Cumbria(Lancaster campus)

Telephone: 01524 384384

Website: www.cumbria.ac.uk

Emergency servicesLancashire Police

Telephone: 0845 1 25 35 45.In an emergency always dial 999.Contact information for your localneighbourhood police team can be found atwww.lancashire.police.ukFollow us on Twitter @LancsPolice

Lancashire Fire andRescue Service

We can provide a free home firesafety check, fit smoke alarms ifneeded and give you advice onwhat to do in the event of fire.Call Freephone 0800 169 1125.

HealthNHS Direct: 0845 46 47 or www.nhs.uk

Stop smoking service: 01524 845145

Drug and alcohol service: 01524 834210

To access a dentist: 01253 306378

To find your nearest pharmacy:text ‘pharmacy’ to 64746

Voluntary sectorHelp Direct

Telephone: 0303 333 1111

Website: www.helpdirect.org.uk


Lancaster District CVS

Telephone: 01524 555900


Website: www.lancastercvs.org.uk

Published by Lancaster City Council.

your district council matters (issue 26 - spring 2012)

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