Wyre Voice Autumn 2016

Wyre Voice

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Wyre Council’s Community Magazine

n m u Aut 6 1 0 2

voice

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

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Wyre Voice

Contents 3 Wyre’s coast

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Focus on Garstang and Rural Wyre

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Discover Wyre

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Food safety

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Healthy Wyre

10

Focus on Fleetwood

12

Annual Report

14

Clean and green

15

16

Be prepared for flooding

Focus on Thornton Cleveleys

18

Business matters

19

Kepple Lane Park

20

Focus on Poulton

22

Wyre markets

23

Keep in touch

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Wyre theatres

Front cover - blooming lovely at Hawthorne Park, Thornton

Foreword This edition showcases many of Wyre Council’s services and I know that residents are always surprised to learn that they are all provided at a very reasonable £3.50 per week for a Band D property.

This can only be achieved because of our excellent staff. Their approach to customer service is second to none and I know through the many compliments we receive, residents find a visit to the Civic Centre is a pleasurable experience.

Officers in the contact centre have wide knowledge of our full range of services and benefits which not only provides a better service but a quicker service also.

Wyre’s officers are also brilliant at bidding for Government grants, whether that is on economic issues, sea defences or schemes such as Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs).

We always achieve spend targets against our DFGs and I am aware that some councils do not. If there are opportunities for additional funding we bid for them and history shows that when we are awarded additional funding we deliver against that as well - the Government knows we deliver on our promises.

Continuous investment in our leisure facilities carries on and whilst in recent years the beneficiaries have been Poulton, Thornton and Fleetwood, the latest investment has been in Garstang Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool.

Garstang could well soon have two community facilities - one at St Thomas’s Church and potentially one (subject to planning permission) provided by Key Worker Homes at the old Garstang Business Centre.

Talking of community facilities, the council venue formally known as the Frank Townend Centre in Cleveleys has been sold and is now called Cleveleys Community Church and Centre. The facilities there are much improved and allow for more associations and groups to meet. This is a brilliant example of partnership working; residents have a better facility and the council tax payer has a capital receipt – win-win I believe.

Many of you will have seen that there was an excellent turn out to the European Union referendum of 63,028 in Wyre, and the vote to leave was an overwhelming 40,163.

Finally, may I thank all the volunteers who organise galas and events not just in the summer but throughout the year, residents who attend and make them a great success, and our Britain in Bloom volunteers, as without you our borough would be poorer.

Councillor Peter Gibson Your council newsletter Leader, Wyre Council

Wyre’s Coast Discover Wyre’s coast Autumn is a great time to get out and enjoy some sea air. Take a stroll along the award winning seafront at Cleveleys and check out the Mythic Artwork trail - Shipwrecks, the Sea Swallows and the Paddle on the promenade and the Seashell and Sea Ogre down on the beach.

All the artworks are from The Sea Swallow book based on facts, myths and legends from Wyre’s coast. wyre.gov.uk/mythiccoast Rossall Point is an interesting wildlife beach where visitors can enjoy the wonders of the strandline searching for shells and shark egg cases.

Rossall Point Observation Tower displays information about coastal wildlife throughout the year, with rangers and volunteers on hand to point out what you can see.

The observation deck has sweeping views across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District hills.

Bring your binoculars (or use ours) to view the vast numbers of birds including Sanderling,

Wyre Voice

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Dunlin and Ringed Plover that visit during autumn and spring migrations. If you are really lucky you may also see seals. wyre.gov.uk/rossallpoint

Autumn events

Join one of our beach cleans. Just turn up on the day - equipment is provided: Meet every first Thursday of the month, 10am – noon, Rossall Point, Fleetwood Knott End Beach Clean Tuesday 6 September & Tuesday 11 October, 10am - noon Knott End slipway (this may change so check with Tom Myerscough on 07528 840708) MCS Beachwatch Saturday 17 September, 1pm Rossall Point, Fleetwood Take part in the National MCS Beach Clean and Beachwatch event.

Contact 01995 602125 for more details MCS Beachwatch Sunday 18 September, 1pm Rossall Beach, Cleveleys Take part in the National MCS Beach Clean and Beachwatch event. Tools provided.

See rossallbeach.org.uk for details Rossall Point Conservation Days Sunday 25 September & Sunday 9 October, 10am - noon Rossall Point (meet at the Observation Tower) Contact 01995 602125 for more details Beach Clean and a Brew Monday 24 October, 9.30am - 11.30am Rossall Beach, Cleveleys Check rossallbeach.org.uk for details

To check out more places to visit on the coast and across Wyre go to Together we make a difference discoverwyre.co.uk

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Focus on Garstang

Wyre Voice

New swimming and gym facilities If you’re looking for motivation to improve your health and fitness, a warm welcome awaits at Garstang leisure centre and nearby swimming pool, which have both been refurbished over the summer.

The leisure centre gym has been extended and new free weights, resistance and cardio equipment installed. The changing rooms, toilets and reception area have been given a fresh new look and a disabled changing facility added.

At the swimming pool, the shower area has been made larger and refurbished alongside the changing rooms which now have new cubicles and lockers.

You’ll find equipment and activities on offer to everyone no matter your fitness level, from high intensity training and badminton to aqua aerobics and relaxation classes. ymcayactive.org

Introducing Stalmine-with-Staynall Parish Council Stalmine with Staynall is a small but very active parish council which aims to improve the quality of life of local residents.

From a relatively small budget, two part time lengthsmen are employed to keep the villages neat and tidy and a local contractor is used to provide extra cuts to grass verges.

There’s also a part time clerk who is very successful at securing grants to supplement the budget and carry out projects to improve the village.

These include new floral features including an old farm cart and a rowing boat on the main road through Stalmine (pictured), a new bus shelter on Carr Lane to help elderly residents living at a nearby park home site and a crushed stone path through the parish wood so that it is more accessible for those with pushchairs and wheelchair users.

Their latest (and largest project to date) is to find funding to install play facilities for older children in the village following a request from a young resident, which they hope to achieve early next year.

Zumba at Garstang YMCA

Stalmine-with-Staynall Parish Council meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm and are open to all residents of Stalmine. stalmineparishcouncil.org

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and Rural Wyre

Wyre Voice

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Bark Park in Hambleton

A dog exercise area or ‘bark park’ has been created at Bob Williamson Park following Hambleton Parish Council’s successful grant application to Wyre’s Shaping Your Neighbourhood fund.

A fence and gates have been erected across the full width of the park to provide an enclosed space where dogs can exercise offleash under the supervision of their owners.

The bark park was proposed after a number of dog owners and parents with children raised concerns about how the park could be enjoyed by all members of the community. A public consultation was held and resulted in overwhelming support for the idea.

There are still a few finishing touches to come such as new bins and a bench, planting of hedging and trees and a review of signage in order to educate people to use the bark park to let dogs run freely with all other parts of the park disciplined by dog control orders.

Hambleton Parish Council meets on the first Tuesday of every month at Hambleton Village Hall at 7.30pm and all residents are welcome to attend. hambletonparishcouncil.org.uk

Remembrance service in Bilsborrow Barton, Bilsborrow and Myerscough’s annual Civic Remembrance Service will be held in Bilsborrow on Armistice Day, Friday 11 November.

At 10am that morning the bell at Barton Parish Church will toll twenty nine times and twenty nine children from Barton and Bilsborrow primary schools (each child symbolising one of the three parishes’ war dead), will lay crosses when the names of the fallen are read aloud. From 10am until 10.30am the bells in Bilsborrow Parish Church will also ring. They were placed in the tower of the church in 1949, as an offering of thanks for those who gave their lives in the Second World War. The service will be held at the war memorial, starting at 10.40am.

Members of the public will also have the opportunity to place tributes. The service has been kindly sponsored by Myerscough College.

Together we make a difference

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Wyre Voice

Discover Wyre

Make sure you ‘Discover Wyre’

We are pleased to announce the launch of our brand new website ‘Discover Wyre’ which is filled with information about our wonderful borough.

over c s i D

discoverwyre.co.uk

Discover Wyre is a must for anyone who lives, works or is planning to visit Wyre. It includes all the latest events, inspiration for activities, walks and accommodation to name but a few.

Keep up to date with all the latest news and follow us on social media today so you don’t ever miss out!

facebook.com/DiscoverWyre @DiscoverWyre To keep this website up to date we need your help! If you are involved with any local events, have a local hotel or food premise, or have spotted anything that needs updating then please email us at discoverwyre@wyre.gov.uk and put ‘Wyre Voice ’ in the subject line.

So what’s coming up?

Fleetwood Triathlon 25 September, 8am to 2pm YMCA Fleetwood and Marine Hall Gardens, triathlon registration is on Saturday 24 September between 7am and 10am then 3pm to 5pm.

Poulton Bonfire Night 4 November Cottam Hall Playing Fields Gates open 6pm, bonfire lit at 7pm and firework display at 7.30pm Adults £4, Children £3 Family ticket £12

Safer Cycling Neighbourhood Events 8 October - ASDA, Fleetwood 9 October - Plaza, Cleveleys Find out all about cycle safety at these special events.

Fleetwood Firework Extravaganza 5 November, 6pm Marine Hall Gardens, Fleetwood Free firework display, catering available and live music for all.

Police and Community Together (PACT) Surgery 9 October and 10 December 10am to 2pm Rough Lea Rd Car Park, Cleveleys An open drop in event which members of the public can attend to bring up any concerns they may have to police or other partners.

Garstang and District Lions Bonfire 5 November High Street Car Park, Garstang The bonfire will be lit at 7pm and a firework display at 7.30pm.

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Fleetwood Festive Lights and Lantern Parade 19 November, 5pm Will include an illuminated Tram and Trawler.

Cleveleys Light Up a Life Cleveleys Plaza and Victoria Rd Thursday 24 November, 3pm Poulton Christmas Festival 2 & 3 December Poulton Town Centre Christmas market stalls and children’s rides, a visit from Father Christmas and carol singing.

Safe Driving Neighbourhood Events 10 December – Plaza, Cleveleys 11 December - Freeport, Fleetwood Get tips on safer driving and receive a free tyre tread measure, keyrings and ice scraper.

Food safety

Wyre Voice

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You are what you eat?

We all enjoy a good meal out but do you know what’s happening behind the scenes?

All food businesses such as restaurants, take away premises, shops or mobile food vehicles, are visited and inspected by our dedicated food safety team. After each inspection businesses who sell food directly to the public are awarded a food hygiene rating.

Ratings range from 0 (urgent improvement necessary) to 5 (very good) and are based on food hygiene standards found at the time of inspection. Businesses are assessed in three areas: • How hygienically the food is handled - how it is prepared, cooked, cooled, stored and what measures are taken to prevent food being contaminated with bacteria • The condition of the premises including cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, equipment and other facilities • How the business is managed and what records are carried out to make sure food is safe Although there is no legal requirement in England for businesses to display their rating, they are encouraged to do so.

Everyone wants the best rating of five… but do you know if your favourite restaurant meets that standard?

Now you can make a choice about where you eat out or shop for food, as the ratings give you an idea of what’s going on in the kitchen and behind closed doors.

Look up your favourite places today at ratings.food.gov.uk As of July 2016, 493 premises across Wyre have achieved a food hygiene rating of five, which is a great achievement!

To find out more about the food safety service in Wyre or if you are interested in starting your own business visit wyre.gov.uk/foodsafety Together we make a difference

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Healthy

Wyre Voice

Would you like to lead a happier, healthier life?

The Lancashire Wellbeing Service offers free, short-term, practical support for people across the county who may be struggling with issues affecting their happiness and health.

These may be concerns over finances, health and fitness, mobility and transport, relationships and family, employment and housing or people who are feeling anxious, stressed, isolated or simply overwhelmed and unable to cope.

Over a number of sessions one of the service’s wellbeing workers will support the individual and encourage them to set realistic, achievable goals and take steps needed to improve their quality of life.

The service is delivered by a consortium of three established charities; Age Concern Central Lancashire, Richmond Fellowship and n-compass, each bringing their own expertise and working from offices around Lancashire to provide local support.

To refer yourself or somebody else call 03450 138208, it’s a local rate call. lancswellbeing.co.uk

Your chance to influence local healthcare NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is urging people to have more of a say on local healthcare by signing up to its ‘influence’ membership scheme.

As a member, you will receive the latest CCG news directly by email, as well as having the chance to share your views on local healthcare by taking part in questionnaires, polls and focus groups.

The Influence scheme is open to anyone living in Fylde and Wyre. To find out more about Influence and to sign up visit fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk/influence NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG has been rated outstanding by NHS England, one of only 10 CCGs in the country to achieve this!

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Wyre

Wyre Voice

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Barbara Janson with Wyre Council’s Paul Parkinson

Home adaptations to support independent living Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) are available to support disabled people with home adaptations that make it easier to live independently.

Each year in Wyre over one hundred adaptations are carried out. These range from adding ramps and step lifts to homes and widening doors to the installation of wet rooms and stair-lifts.

DFGs can provide many more adaptations to improve access and safety, and reduce the risk of injury.

Barbara Janson recently had an access ramp and wet room installed at her park home in Thornton and she says they changed her life.

“Due to generalised arthritis I could no longer get into the shower and was struggling to get up and down the steps to my front door using my walking frame.

Doing both had become slow, impractical and dangerous, so I was referred for a DFG and the council helped me to apply and arranged for the work to be carried out.

“Being able to use the shower now I have a wet room and get in and out of my home more easily has changed my life completely.

I feel much more independent and don’t know what I would have done without them.

Everything about it all has been brilliant and without a doubt I recommend that people consider applying for adaptations.”

DFGs are meanstested for adults but not for children and are available in all properties regardless of whether you own or rent your home.

We work in partnership with Lancashire County Council – occupational therapists assess your home and recommend the type of adaptations required.

Referrals from private occupational therapists can also be accepted.

Many people in need of essential adaptations may wrongly assume that they are not eligible for a DFG. It is always worth speaking to the council to discuss your situation; you may find that you do qualify for these life-changing adaptations.

Call our Private Sector Housing Team on 01253 887447 or email housing@wyre.gov.uk

Together we make a difference

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Focus on

Wyre Voice

Reviving The Mount Pavilion and Gardens Work to restore the seaward side of The Mount’s Grade II registered gardens to their original Victorian landscape is almost complete, thanks to a £1m personal donation from Mrs Doreen Lofthouse.

Planting will take place during autumn and we’d like your help. We’re seeking green-fingered volunteers to take part in a community planting day in October. Call the parks team on 01253 891000 or email parks@wyre.gov.uk to get involved.

We’re reviving this iconic landmark as part of our work to rejuvenate the seafront and make Fleetwood the best promenade in England. But that’s not all – a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to transform the landward side including pavilion, rose garden and gate lodge will soon be submitted. wyre.gov.uk/themount

Join Memorial Park’s gardening club Anyone interested in trying their hand at gardening is invited to Memorial Park’s gardening club, which is held every Wednesday morning (9.30am until noon) and Friday afternoon (12.30pm until 4pm) behind the pavilion.

We’ve replaced the cast iron railings that topped the esplanade wall but had to be removed in 1942 for the Second World War. The new railings have been specially made to replicate the ornamental pattern of the original Victorian design and painted in shades of green, to match the colours used when first built and other historical Fleetwood features such as Euston Park water fountain.

The Esplanade shelters have been restored, retaining as much of the original fabric as possible and using the original tiles to rebuild the roof, pathways and edgings have been resurfaced and repaired, and heritage benches added.

All abilities welcome – just come along to learn (or share) gardening skills, and enjoy a brew and a chat. wyre.gov.uk/memorialpark

Memorial Park development officer Kate Baird (left) and gardening club members

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Fleetwood

Wyre Voice

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An aerial view of the sea defences taking shape

Rossall sea defences We’re replacing two kilometres of defences from Rossall Hospital to Rossall Point in a £63m, four-year coastal defence scheme that will protect 7,500 properties and numerous businesses, schools and other facilities from the risk of flooding.

To-date a total of 241,000 tonnes of rock have been imported, 186,000 tonnes of rock have been placed in both the lower revetment and groynes, 1,750 linear metres of steel piles have been installed and over 1000 precast concrete units including access steps, wave walls, rear walls and revetment units are in place.

Access points to the promenade are changing as work progresses. The northern boundary of the site has been extended so we can install the new rear wall; access to the promenade over the wall is now via a wooden stile near Rossall Point Observation Tower.

We will soon begin working in the location of the West Way access point, at the southern end of the site, which will close in October as

a result. A diversion will be put in place.

The new defences are due to be completed in November 2017. To find out more call into the information cabin at West Way car park which is open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.30pm, or visit our website: fyldecoastalprogramme.co.uk

Young people join forces with veterans Pupils from Flakefleet Primary School and Chaucer Primary School are taking part in a good citizenship mentoring programme called the Pharos Project at Fleetwood’s Memorial Park.

Local veterans and the Friends of Memorial Park are working with the schoolchildren to teach them about the history of the park, its First World War heritage and local remembrance. They’re also planting poppies, ration pack cooking and bivvy building before the project culminates with a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. wyre.gov.uk/pharosproject

Together we make a difference

12 Voice WyreWyre Performance

Highlights 2015/16

For every

Where our

£

27p

came from

£ spent in 15/16 36p

on street scene and regulatory services e.g. waste collection, street cleansing and licensing

22p

on leisure services open spaces and tourism

goes on central 57p m services o r sf eg. council tax come ment rn 4p collection, Gove ncluding i , s t on planning and n n democratic services no gra re of es we a development services h s and emergency a 11p rat estic including economic planning dom llected on housing services co regeneration 43p from Counc il Tax collect (of wh ed ich H collect we 14.5% ad a ed c 98%) fundi ut in gran ade ng = t e’ve m

, 00i0 4 s 5 3 av ng £ W

s ciency in effi e year h over t

£95

aroun

4, 00 d 0

Spend Highlights £14,953,000 Rossall Sea Defences £1,037,000 Coastal improvements in Fleetwood

In 2015 y our council t ax bill FROZEN – that’s 6 y ears at the same ra since 201 te 0-11 of 49p pe r day (Band D)

£1,028,000 Improving Leisure Centres £1,004,000 Parks and Open Spaces £894,813 138 Disabled Facilities Grants

DWELLINGS

POPULATION

109,745 people

50,860

delivered (up on 2013/14)

£100,000 on a new link road in Poulton

£54,145 of Shaping Your Neighbourhood funding granted to

community groups/organisations to deliver 13 projects

ENGAGING WYRE

6730

Twitter

followers and a increase to 6746

43%

signed up to our e-newsletter

50%

Just over of all contact with the council now done electronically (more chance to access, pay and report online) Your council newsletter

114,653 contacts dealt with at the contact centre - 2,205 weekly!

204

fantastic volunteers contributing 7,354 hours

HEALTHIER Wyre Voice 13 WYRE

above 50%

Wyre has reached for recycling and composting household waste for a second year

432 reports of dog

fouling with 90% cleared within 3 days

93%

of residents surveyed happy with refuse and recycling servicesup on last year’s figures

2218

handy person jobs completed through Care and Repair and of our clients were assisted to remain living in their own home

99.8%

263

Supported Wyre residents with applications for Attendance Allowance and other disability benefits

41 missed bins out of Flytipping down fewer reports than previous year

517

422,478

average monthly bin collections

TrySport visits to our free sports sessions

6,327 Rangers / volunteers and community beach care groups collected sacks of marine debris off our beaches

1862

Storm Support

(Desmond and Eva floods) * people qualified for £500 flood grants = £47,500

95

*19 ‘property resilience grants’ approved to tune of

£83,738 *£61,108 of

CLEANER WYRE Business Support

872

Supported businesses across Wyre, up on last year

4,682

411 residents at risk

from cold homes helped through Winter Warmth initiative

ENTERPRISING WYRE An increase of

204 temporary event licences granted

36%

reduction in the number of long term empty homes (from October 14)

businesses and services registered council tax discount given on the Wyred Up directory new houses built (that’s 52 more previous year) - 37 of which *52 businesses assisted and 9 were classed cases of business rates discount as affordable businesses given homes Together we make a difference attended Wyred Up events

£39,074

306

215

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Wyre Voice

Seagull proof your roof

Clean and green

A significant increase in the seagull population has seen a rise in the number of complaints about seagulls, particularly during the summer months.

Did you know you could be held responsible for this?

The number of gulls in towns and cities is estimated to have doubled in the last twenty years due in part to colonies producing more young than previously and more plentiful food supplies in urban areas.

This has resulted not only in attacks on people but also noise nuisance, damage to cars and property and a detrimental impact on the quality of local bathing water from the birds’ excrement.

We can all help tackle the problem by not feeding seagulls and keeping litter and waste covered and out of their reach.

Seagulls commonly nest on our rooftops and tend to use the same sites year after year. If you’ve been affected by seagulls nesting on your property, you should consider taking measures over the winter months to bird proof your home.

Find out what you can do to prevent seagulls from taking up residence on your property at wyre.gov.uk/seagulls

Your waste is your responsibility.

Householders have a duty of care to ensure that any waste generated from their property is properly disposed of or you may be liable for a fine.

If you are employing builders or gardeners make sure you check if they are licenced to carry waste. Ask where they will tip it, keep a record of paperwork, and record their names, numbers and vehicle details.

Remember if the price quoted seems too good to be true – it probably is!

Find out more at wyre.gov.uk/householdwaste Please help to keep Wyre clean and green.

You can report dog fouling, flytipping and much more quickly and easily online at: wyre.gov.uk/dogfouling wyre.gov.uk/flytipping wyre.gov.uk/reportit

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Be prepared for flooding

Wyre Voice

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Last winter brought devastating floods to Garstang, St Michael’s and Churchtown, when extremely heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow and damaged the banks of the River Brock flooding around 100 homes and businesses.

We’ve been working together with those communities to both help them recover and ensure that we are all prepared for the risk of future flooding.

St Michael’s Flood Action Group (FLAG) and Churchtown Flood Defence Group have been formed by local residents as a result and we are keen to establish similar community action groups in other areas, particularly Garstang and Great Eccleston.

Working with the council and other authorities, residents can prepare for the future by taking measures now to protect homes with flood resilience equipment and putting a community plan in place should another flood occur.

Find out more about St Michael’s FLAG on Facebook or by calling 07989 380150 and to get involved in the Churchtown group contact chairman Roger Weatherell on 07711 129604.

If you’re interested in starting a flood group with support from the council please email engineering@wyrecouncil or call 01253 891000.

Update from the Environment Agency Repairs have been carried out to flood embankments damaged by watercourses ‘overtopping’, which scoured out the rear and toe of the embankments causing breaches.

Work has been progressing in and around St Michaels, including sheet piling along the River Brock embankment (pictured).

A topographical survey and geotechnical investigation of the Ainspool embankment has also been undertaken.

A leading consultant company has been appointed to look into flood protection issues in the wider Wyre area and is pulling together information to produce potential options for consideration.

In the meantime, there are things we can all do now to be prepared for flooding.

Sign up to the Environment Agency’s flood warning system Floodline, a 24 hour recorded information service that tells you when your area is at risk of flooding - call 0345 988 1188 or 0845 988 1188.

Visit wyre.gov.uk/flooding for practical advice about being prepared and what to do if the worst happens.

Together we make a difference

16

Focus on

Wyre Voice

Heritage Railway Service – an update

Marsh Mill needs you The Friends of Marsh Mill group is on the lookout for new volunteers to help support the Grade II* listed historic tower mill.

Formed by local people, this community group helps to promote the mill, assist with fundraising and organise events. In particular the group is looking for people who would like to be trained to deliver tours of the mill.

Plans to reopen the railway line between Poulton and Fleetwood are one step closer to becoming a reality thanks to Poulton and Wyre Railway Society’s dedicated fundraising (pictured).

To apply to volunteer please contact Wyre Council’s Volunteer Coordinator Simon Swindells on 01253 887504 or email simon.swindells@wyre.gov.uk

A £5,000 Shaping Your Neighbourhood grant from Wyre Council has already helped the society to purchase a heritage two car diesel multiple unit. A further grant from Lancashire County Council plus donations from society members and friends mean that fundraising has now passed the £17,500 mark.

Track clearance is underway, however further money is now needed to restore the locomotive and relocate it from the Midlands where it is now, back to Fleetwood. The society relies on the help and enthusiasm of the local community, and is always looking to welcome new members. For details of how to become a member or to make a donation, visit pwrs.org

Marsh Mill closes in November for winter but not before its 222nd Birthday Party on 22 and 23 October. Come and enjoy a family day out and see the sails turn. wyre.gov.uk/marshmill

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Thornton Cleveleys

Wyre Voice

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Thornton in Bloom

Weekdays 4pm – 9pm Weekends 10am – 8pm air-skate.co.uk ________________________ October offer at YMCA Bowl Don’t miss the YMCA Bowl family and group promotion this October. Located inside YMCA Thornton Health and Fitness Centre on Victoria Road East, YMCA Bowl is the perfect family venue for any occasion.

Beautiful flower beds at Thornton Little Theatre

For just £15 up to 6 people can enjoy an action packed evening full of fun.

This offer is available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm – 10pm (last game 9pm) and Sundays from 5pm – 8pm (last game 7pm).

Make a booking request online at ymcabowl.co.uk, quoting ‘VOICE’ as the promo code. A member of staff will then be in touch to confirm your booking.

Offer valid 1 - 31 October.

Pretty wildflowers at Thornton Station

Together we make a difference

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Wyre Voice

Business support

Save the date – Wyre Business Awards 2016

Award categories for 2016 will include Family Business of the Year, Green Business of the Year and New Business of the Year.

The 2016 Wyre Business Awards will be held at Marine Hall in Fleetwood on 24 November 2016. Back by popular demand, the awards will once again be a glamourous black-tie dinner event.

To make an award nomination and for details of all award categories go to wyre.gov.uk/businessawards

The Wyre Business Awards have become a firm favourite in the Wyre business calendar, giving our local businesses a chance to celebrate their achievements over the past year.

For sponsorship opportunities please email regeneration@wyre.gov.uk

The 2015 event was sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland and over 200 business people attended from across Wyre. The winners were chosen from over 100 award nominations across twelve different categories.

Little Blue Hen Soap Company was the 2015 Micro Business of the Year. Business owner Michelle Makita (pictured below) said: “I felt absolutely honoured to receive this award. It is my first ever award for my business. The amazing talent and indomitable spirit of the Wyre borough and Lancashire folk who create business and all who support them are fantastic and I am very proud to be part of it.”

2016 Wyre Business Expo Following the success of the first Wyre Business Expo last year the 2016 event is in the diary for Tuesday 11 October. The event is condensed into a full morning of business to business networking.

Exhibitors last year were from a wide variety of business sectors with plenty of networking, new partnerships and contacts made at the event.

“It is the perfect opportunity for businesses to get together and showcase their products and services.” Councillor Peter Murphy, Planning and Economy Portfolio Holder at Wyre Council.

To book exhibition space or find out more visit wyre.gov.uk/wyreexpo

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Kepple Lane Park

Wyre Voice

19

Royal honour for Garstang community group Kepple Lane Park Trust has received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK, in recognition of their work to transform Garstang’s former refuse site into a much loved community park and gardens.

Trustee Gordon Harter said: “I still can’t believe what we’ve achieved. In 2007 Kepple Lane Park in 2005 Kepple Lane Park was simply a field with limited sport and play equipment but over the past nine years, with great support from local residents, schools and businesses, we’ve transformed an empty space into a beautiful park that is enjoyed by all ages.

“It has been a real community effort. Suggestions from residents have been incorporated along the way and people have a real affinity for the park as a result.

“We thought we’d finished the park two years ago but it continues to evolve and has become a legacy for Garstang. It has been hard work but good fun. When you see families thoroughly enjoying themselves, it makes it all worthwhile.”

The park now boasts play areas for toddlers and older children, two sensory gardens, football nets and basketball hoop, youth shelter, picnic tables, outdoor fitness kit and a performance stage, and has received a coveted Green Flag Award.

Kepple Lane Park Trustees, L-R Joe Gilmour, Joan Baptie, Gordon Harter and Andy Brown (and not forgetting Annette Brown who isn’t pictured)

The first apples and pears have appeared on the young trees in the orchard and vegetable beds have produced their first harvest of everything from chard and chives to peas and beans, all freely available to local residents.

Future plans include expanding the wild flower area, installing more benches and adding willow wigwams. kepple.btck.co.uk

Don’t miss Kepple Lane Park Family Fun Day! Sunday 18 September, 11am-4pm Together we make a difference

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Focus on

Wyre Voice

Wyre welcomes doctor’s surgery to the Civic Centre Lockwood Avenue Surgery in Poulton has now relocated to Wyre’s Civic Centre, as part of plans to create a community health hub at the location.

The new practice space boasts a large 40-person waiting area, children’s play area, four consultation rooms, two treatment rooms and a minor operations room as well as access to free parking at the Civic Centre.

The move means that GPs will now also be able to refer patients directly to council services that can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing, such as debt and welfare advice, volunteering, care and repair and housing options.

Dr Ian Kirkham and Garry Payne, Wyre Council’s Chief Executive

Treat yourself at Spa on the Breck Located at YMCA Poulton Health and Fitness Centre, off Breck Road, Spa on the Breck is offering 50% off its popular Aromatic Anti-Stress Massage. Normally priced at £50, during October you can access a personalised journey to inner calm using a customised blend of aromatherapy oils for just £25.

Make a booking request online at spaonthebreck.co.uk quoting ‘MASSAGE - WYRE VOICE’ as the treatment.

A member of staff will then be in touch to confirm your booking.

Offer valid 1 - 31 October 2016 Your council newsletter

Poulton-le-Fylde Vicarage Park Community Centre

Wyre Voice

Poulton in Bloom

Work continues to raise funds for Poulton’s Vicarage Park Community Centre.

With a Wyre Council Shaping Your Neighbourhood grant of £3,500, alongside ongoing community fundraising, it is hoped that the former St Chad’s church hall can be repaired and in turn reopen as a community hub.

To find out about further events and how to donate visit vpcc.org.uk or search Vicarage Park Community Centre on Facebook.

Greeting the Bloom judges in style and Poulton Station garden

New shops for Poulton In addition to the new flagship Booths store, two national supermarkets are set to open in Poulton.

Work is underway at Aldi’s new store on Ball Street, which is due to open late November 2016 and construction has started on the new Lidl store on Garstang Road East, which is expected to open in spring 2017.

Both supermarkets will be making an announcement closer to the time to confirm opening dates.

Together we make a difference

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Wyre Voice

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Take a fresh look at

Our very own coastal gem and one of the oldest markets in Lancashire dating back to 1840, our roots are firmly steeped in history. The market remained a constant through many times of change and today, a true shopper’s paradise, there are a variety of stalls including food, clothing and household goods to name but a few – all at great prices.

Don’t just take our word for it, here’s what some of our shoppers think of the seaside shopping experience.

Ann “Wid e e servic variety o from Ha fs mb e run leto by talls w doing people w ith good n: old h and k now t o know wh -fashion ed heir p a roduc t they ar e ts.”

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of e variety is g r la a is t “There fer. The marke n f ca o u n o o goods where y m iu r o p m like an e mos t things.” get m

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/FleetwoodMarket

leys Cleve

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rom “Trad Bla itiona l indoo ckpool: marke r t of s ta with a gre /outdoor lls. Ea at sele ction parkin sy access and gr g are a eat bonus too.”

You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you might discover at Fleetwood Market.

Remember to shop local and support your local businesses!

Fleetwood Market is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am – 4.30pm all year round including all bank holidays and Tram Sunday.

Follow us on Facebook for all the latest news, events and special offers.

Victoria Street / Adelaide Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6AB

Wyre’s other market days are: Monday Poulton 9am – 4.30pm (except Bank Hols)

Wednesday Great Eccleston 9am – 4pm

Your council newsletter

markets.co.uk

Tel: 01253 887651

Thursday Garstang 8.30am – 3.30pm

Keep in touch

Wyre Voice

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Life in Wyre survey 2016 Over the next two months we are asking residents to share their thoughts about local council services, health and living in Wyre. A sample of 3,000 people will receive the survey by post but there will also be an opportunity to complete it online at wyre.gov.uk/lifeinwyre

October is Free Wills Month Free Wills Month brings together major UK charities to offer members of the public aged 55 and over the opportunity to have a simple will written or updated for free by using participating solicitors.

An up to date will written by a solicitor ensures your wishes are respected. It also avoids difficult decisions and legal complications for your loved ones. To register your interest and find out which solicitors in your local area are participating, visit freewillsmonth.org.uk

How to contact us

Find out all the latest from Wyre Council online.

Over 90% of people in Wyre are now online, whether at home on a computer or tablet or on a smartphone.

Using our online services is the best way for you to get what you need from us and for us to serve you in the most efficient way we can. We provide not only council information and updates but we promote and support events, news and empower communities across the borough.

We want to interact live with you and for you to be able to contact us when it is convenient for you. So make that step today - join us online!

Walney extension fund DONG Energy has committed to a fund for community and environmental projects from Copeland to Cleveleys worth approximately ÂŁ600,000 a year for the lifetime of the project (around 25 years).

There will be two funding rounds per year and the next closing date is 11 January 2017.

/wyrecouncil

@wyrecouncil

@wyrecouncil

/wyrecouncil

mailroom@wyre.gov.uk 01253 891000 or text 01253891000 Civic Centre, Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire, FY6 7PU

Why not sign up to our e-newsletter?

This is a monthly bulletin with regular news More information can be found at and information for anyone living or working wyre.gov.uk/walney in Wyre. Go to wyre.gov.uk/register We hope you have enjoyed reading Wyre Voice and would love to hear what you think about it.

Together we make a difference Please email communications@wyre.gov.uk with your feedback.

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marinehall fleetwood

Wyre Voice

Rule the World –

Recreating the Magic of Take That Friday 7 October 7.30pm £15

Jongleurs Comedy Night

Friday 14 October 8pm £12 or £10pp for tables of ten or more Over 18s only Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan, Jay Aston with Bobby McVay

Formerly of Bucks Fizz Saturday 22 October 7.30pm £18

Troubadour

Saturday 8 October 8pm £7

Black and Gold

A Soul and Motown Night Saturday 29 October 8pm £10

Gerry Cross the Mersey Thursday 1 December 7.30pm £20

The Railway Children

CHRISTMAS at MARINE HALL Marine Hall Christmas Market

Sunday 20 November 10am – 4pm Free Entry

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Thursday 8 December 10am & 1.15pm Friday 9 December 1pm & 7pm Saturday 10 December: 2pm & 7pm Sunday 11 December: 1pm, £8.50

Sunday 30 October 2.30pm £9

The Rat Pack Christmas Show

Featuring a Special Salute to Judy Garland!

Sunday 18 December 7.30pm, £18

Indoor Ice Skating at Marine Hall

Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 January 2017 £5 in advance including skate hire, £6 on the door

wyretheatres.co.uk 01253 887693 marinehall thorntonlittletheatre

@marinehallwyre @theatrethornton

Your council newsletter