august2022 – Fylde Council

St Annes International Kite Festival Returns For 2022!

Fylde Council — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 09:31:12 +0000

The first weekend of September 2022 will see the triumphant return of the St Annes International Kite Festival 2022 as the town makes ready for what promises to be another marvellous celebration of craft, skill and family fun.

This three-day event is a partnership between Fylde Council and SmileFactor10, and will see tens of thousands of visitors from all over the United Kingdom as well as kite fliers from New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Ireland and more coming together to fill the skies with colour over the course of the weekend.

Cllr Michael Sayward, Chairman of Fylde Council’s Tourism & Leisure Committee, said: “It’s a great pleasure to be able to welcome the St Annes International Kite Festival back to our award-winning beach. This year’s event promises to be even more dazzling than ever, and I’d like to thank our partners at SmileFactor10 as well as our own officers for their hard work in making it happen. It’s bound to be a brilliant time out for young and old alike.”

The celebrations kick off on Friday 2 September with a Grand Opening at 6:00pm by Cllr Ben Aitken, the Mayor of Fylde, followed by flying of all kinds of kites large and small either side of the St Annes Pier. From dusk, an illuminated kite flying evening will see kites with flashing lights take to the sky, accompanied by floodlit inflatables in the shapes of all manner of creatures, and at 9:30pm you’ll be able to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display.

Across the Saturday (11:00am to 5:00pm) and Sunday (11:00am to 4:00pm), the six arenas will be host to all kinds of kites, with more animal inflatables, artistic kites, and sports kites choreographed to music – bring your own kite to join in or buy a kite at the event and fly it in the public area! Back on the ground, there will be funfair rides on the beach, stalls for refreshments, and plenty of other entertainment.

There’s a wealth of new features for 2022, including:

Art Kite Arena

We’re delighted to introduce to St Annes international kite artist Frances Anderson, who will be our dedicated arena director for single line, sparred kites, art installations, and banners.

Wind Garden

This dedicated arena is for decorative ground art, mobiles, spinners, ladybirds, crabs, and all manner of zany beach bouncers.

Kite Arch & Bols Arena

Come see kite trains that reach far into the sky – kite arches are formed from lines of colourful diamond kites, while bols are large circular wind spinners and turbines, combining to make gorgeous displays.

International Guest Fliers

Malcolm Hubbard flies the biggest kites in the world made on his doorstep in New Zealand; Florian Janich from Germany is one of the world’s leading banner and kite makers, while Ralf Maserski takes kite design to a new level – both will be in the art kite arena; Bernhard Dingwerth from Germany is world-renowned for big, colourful kites to delight and amuse; Kite Ireland will be sending a team of fliers over the water; Caterina Capelli from Italy is the organiser of the world’s leading art kite festivals.

Please note that the event is entirely weather dependent, and the planned programme may be changed without notice for safety reasons. For more information about the event and the facilities, please see the Discover Fylde website.

Keep up to date with the latest Fylde Council news by following us on social media or subscribing to our newsletter. Any new information will be posted directly through these channels, so if you are following us, you’ll be the first to know.

Fylde Council Marks Ukrainian Independence Day

Fylde Council — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 08:32:04 +0000

Wednesday 24 August 2022 marked the anniversary of the Ukrainian Declaration of Independence, exactly six months from the start of the Russian invasion, and 31 years since establishing their independence from what was then the Soviet Union in 1991.

Throughout the conflict, the British public have continued to support the people of Ukraine wherever they may be, and the residents of Fylde have exemplified this spirit, generously opening their homes to those fleeing the war.

Across the borough, 63 sponsors have stepped forward to provide a safe home to a total of 138 Ukrainian guests so far, with a further 35 due to arrive in the coming weeks; the Ukrainian flag flies proudly at Charlie’s Mast this week on Lytham Green, and the Lytham Windmill is lit in blue and yellow as a sign of solidarity with those Ukrainians both here and abroad.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “The crisis unfolding daily in Ukraine has touched the hearts of people across the world, and it is a credit to the character of our residents that even at a time when many are struggling, they have given so much, whether sharing their homes, sending in-demand essentials to the needy, or offering what financial support they could spare.”

If you would like to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine, you can become a sponsor as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Visit the central government website for more information about eligibility and how to record your interest.

If you are a representative of a voluntary or community organisation, a registered charity, a constituted group or club, or a social enterprise, funding is available across the Fylde coast to aid community integration of Ukrainian Refugees. Visit the Lancashire County Council website for more information.

Homes For Ukraine: New Grant Offers Help Aiding Community Integration

Fylde Council — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 08:27:55 +0000

A new scheme is providing funding across the Fylde Coast to assist local groups in aiding community integration of Ukrainian refugees.

Fylde Council, Blackpool Council and Wyre Council have in conjunction with the Lancashire Refugee Integration Team created a new scheme to make available grants to organisations that propose suitable projects, events and activities which meet the community integration requirements of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, as outlined in the central government guidance.

Those eligible for funding include voluntary and community organisations, registered charities, constituted groups or clubs, and social enterprises. Successful bids will involve projects and activities which target and benefit communities where Ukrainian guests are resettled in Lancashire.

Cllr Thomas Threlfall, Chairman of Fylde Council’s Environmental, Health and Housing Committee, said: “I am so pleased that we have a support scheme in place to help these people, who are at their lowest ebb, providing some comfort to bridge the troubled waters they are amidst. I would encourage any groups offering support to our Ukrainian guests in making themselves at home to check their eligibility for this grant.”

For additional information on the scheme and to apply, visit the Lancashire County Council website. All applications must be submitted by 5pm on 30 September 2022.

Fylde Council ARG Grants Continue Helping New Businesses

Fylde Council — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 12:11:14 +0000

The ARG Grants paid by Fylde Council continue to help new businesses set up shop across the Borough, following the final payments made in March 2022.

Carly and Steve Wellings, the owners of S Lawrence Jewellers at 12 Wood Street, St Annes, FY8 1QS, received a grant of £10,000 towards the set-up, shop fitting and branding costs of their new premises in the town centre. Their doors opened in early August after the completion of the refit, and Steve says they’ve been delighted with the support provided by the Council, the Mayor, and the Town Council.

Steve explained: “We visited St Annes and fell in love with the town – it’s such a friendly, lovely place, and we immediately knew that we wanted to retire here. When the opportunity came up to purchase a premises here, we just had to take it.”

The couple have dozens of years of experience between them in the jeweller’s profession, having co-owned a store in Warrington for ten years and working there under the previous owners for decades before that. The grant of £10,000 helped Carly and Steve realise their dream, turning the premises into a gorgeous jewellery emporium offering a broad range of pieces, a workshop for repairs and alterations, and a clean, welcoming aesthetic, including beautiful photography of the local area taken by their daughter Emily.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “It has been wonderful to be able to help new businesses establish themselves throughout the borough. The latest addition to St Annes to bring a high street jeweller back to the town centre is very exciting and I wish Carly and Steve every success. I’m proud of the assistance we have been able to provide through the numerous COVID-related grants to the recovery of our local economy and the livelihoods of our residents.”

The Additional Restrictions Grants (ARG) represented several tranches of funding made available to eligible local businesses, charities and community groups throughout the pandemic under central government’s COVID relief schemes. The ARG Vacant Premises Grant, for example, enabled businesses locating to, or expanding into, vacant town centre premises to apply to receive 50 per cent of the set-up, shop fit, refit or branding costs at a value of up to £10,000. All payments were made by 31 March 2022.

From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to the present day, Fylde Council awarded over £33 million through central government grant schemes to 1600+ businesses, plus over £4 million in discretionary awards to 700+ local organisations. The final central government schemes closed on 31 March 2022.

Fylde Council Submits Expression of Interest to Aid Lowther Pavilion’s Redevelopment

Fylde Council — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 14:00:36 +0000

Fylde Council have taken the first steps to obtain funding from Art Council England’s Cultural Development Fund Round Three for the purpose of redeveloping Lowther Pavilion in Lytham St Annes.

A formal Expression of Interest has been submitted to the Cultural Development Fund: Round Three to help realise and deliver the vision for the future of the Theatre and Gardens. The expression of interest confirms a £5m grant ask (the maximum that can be requested) into an overall project value estimated to be circa £7m. This expression of interest will then be considered by an Expert Advisory Panel at Arts Council England, who will make recommendations to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with whom the final decision on which applications to fund will reside.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “Securing the future of the historic Pavilion is the task of a strong Partnership between Lowther Trust, Fylde Council, the Pavilion Management Team, Volunteers, and the Friends of Lowther Pavilion. As a Council, we are privileged to be able to lead this project and help ensure that the Pavilion can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Grand plans have already been approved to redevelop and modernise the Pavilion and the surrounding gardens. The generosity of local fundraising efforts has already allowed the commencement of work on the 150 seat Community, Education and Studio Space from November 2021, and this expression of interest seeks to expand this work and help enact the next stages of the plan.

Cllr Michael Sayward, Chairman of Fylde Council’s Tourism & Leisure Committee, said: “Lowther Pavilion is one of Fylde’s art and culture treasures. As a hub of community entertainment set within the stunning Lowther Gardens, the Pavilion attracts over 61,000 theatre goers, café users and thousands more through the numerous events and activities held every year, making it a vital and valued contributor both to the local economy and the cultural texture of the region.”

Teresa Mallabone, Chair of Lowther Trust, said: “We are delighted with the support from Fylde Borough Council for the Lowther redevelopment plan. The project presents opportunities for people, both with training jobs and cultural endeavours. It will be a flagship development for the Fylde area.”

Fylde Council will be notified of the Expression of Interest Outcome by Monday 19^th September 2022. Follow our social media channels and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to keep up with all the latest developments on this and much more.

Information about the fund

The Cultural Development Fund is administered by the Arts Council, England. The fund will see £30.2m allocated to projects in 2022/23. The fund will be allocated to capital investment in transformative place-based creative and cultural initiatives.

The aims of the fund are to:

Unlock local economic growth and productivity
Enable more attractive places in which to live, work, visit and invest
Strengthen local leadership, partnerships and capability

The Arts Council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have identified 109 local authority areas that they deem a ‘Priority Place for Levelling Up Culture’. Fylde is one of the 109 places identified.

If shortlisted, the Council as lead applicant will be asked to submit a full application on behalf of the Partnership by Friday 18th November 2022. Successful Applicants will be notified of the decision outcome in March 2023.

Contract Awarded for Kirkham Futures Public Realm Phase 1

Fylde Council — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 08:56:26 +0000

Progress continues to be made on the Kirkham Futures regeneration scheme, as Fylde Council’s elected members voted unanimously to approve a capital expenditure of £4m for the Phase 1 Public Realm works and to award the contract to Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd following a successful procurement exercise.

The Phase 1 Public Realm works for Kirkham will replace existing public realm and infrastructure, such as street furniture, in the area of Market Square and Poulton Street. Included in the contract is a five-year maintenance and repair commitment by the contractor, after which such upkeep would be included in existing revenue budgets. A lighting scheme to be implemented in Market Square will be maintained and repaired within the existing revenue budget provision.

Councillor Liz Oades, Chair of the Kirkham Futures Steering Group, said: “I am delighted that the Phase 1 of the Public Realm Scheme is underway. These vital enhancements will greatly contribute to our overall aim of rejuvenating the town centre and will help spur economic growth within the town. The COVID pandemic has affected all spheres of our lives over the last two years, and I am beyond pleased that this element of the Kirkham Futures plan is bow ready to proceed.”

The final plans and drawings for the Phase 1 Public Realm Works will be signed off by Fylde Council’s Head of Projects and Regeneration, in consultation with the Kirkham Futures Steering Group.

The Kirkham Futures masterplan is funded through Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HS HAZ) scheme, the Government’s Future High Streets Fund (FHSF) together with funding contributions from Lancashire County Council and Fylde Council and Kirkham Town Council.

The project aims to re-energise Kirkham town centre by:

Restoring and repurposing key buildings
Improving the visual appearance of shops, streets and open spaces
Introducing diverse uses of buildings to create new opportunities for retail, residential, employment, training and skills
Encouraging new leisure and restaurant businesses to create a more diverse offer and enhanced evening economy
Supporting sustainable economic and cultural growth
Improving the health and wellbeing of residents through a range of cultural engagement programmes

For more information about the Kirkham Futures project, visit the website at www.kirkhamfutures.org and sign up to the Fylde Council newsletter.

Fylde Council Submits Bid for £2.6m from UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Fylde Council — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 10:08:20 +0000

Fylde Council has submitted its application to receive £2.6million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for the period April 2022 to April 2025.

The UKSPF is a government-allocated fund which is intended to reduce inequalities between communities, as part of the Government’s wider “levelling up” agenda.

It will help places right across the country deliver enhanced outcomes and recognises that even the most affluent parts of the UK contain pockets of deprivation and need support.

To access the allocation, Fylde Council has submitted an Investment Plan setting out how they intend to deliver the funding. The Investment Plan, created through engagement with local partners, must address one or more of the Fund’s three main investment priorities. The three themes are:

Community and Place – building pride in the community, restoring a sense of community and belonging and regenerating Town centres.
Supporting Local Business – increasing pay, productivity, and employment chances.
People and Skills – supporting high quality skills and training.

There are a series of 41 possible interventions which sit across the three themes, and these cover a broad range of possible activities. Each of these interventions will contribute to fulfilling one of the 3 priorities. The Council and the UKSPF Local Partnership Group have selected the interventions they consider most relevant to supporting and delivering their local priorities.

The main interventions that the Council have selected, having worked in collaboration with our Partnership Board, include:

Funding improvements to Town Centres and High Streets
Supporting young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) / at risk
Business support measures to drive employment growth
Investment in capacity building and infrastructure support for local civic society and community groups.

A completed list of the selected interventions can be viewed within our completed Investment Plan, which will be published on our website.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “We are hugely excited by the potential this investment plan presents for our towns, our communities, and the future of Fylde. Our ambitious regeneration programmes have already begun to rejuvenate the borough, and in conjunction with our bid for the Levelling Up fund, this UKSPF allocation would greatly enhance our capacity for investment in local businesses, local people, and local communities. We will continue to work closely with our varied and valued partners to ensure that this funding is used to excellent effect.”

From the 1st of August, work will begin with local and pan-Lancashire partners to explore project ideas that will support the delivery of Fylde’s Investment Plan. Funding is expected to be approved at the beginning of October 2022 and all activities must be delivered and paid for by 31st August 2025 when the funding ends. Regular updates will be provided throughout.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus