august21 – Fylde Council

South Fylde Line: Next steps

Fylde Council — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 14:58:39 +0000

Fylde Council has been successful in obtaining funding, sponsored by the Local MPs, from the Government’s Restoring Your Railway Ideas Fund. Stantec and Allan Rail have been commissioned to prepare a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) for the South Fylde Line to improve transport services and infrastructure along the rail corridor.

The development of a business case is in line with the government guidance and is the first stage in making the case for investment through the Restoring Your Railways Ideas Fund.

Obtaining the views of the public to feed into the study is a vital part of the business case development.

The South Fylde Line is one of two railway lines connecting the coastal resort town of Blackpool to Preston and the wider UK national rail network. The railway infrastructure between Kirkham & Wesham and Blackpool South limits the number of trains that can operate on the line to one per hour therefore and gives rise to reliability issues with the service.

A number of ‘core’ rail options involving improvements to the South Fylde Line to allow a half-hourly frequency will be assessed through this study. However, it will also take a wider view considering options to improve public transport in the South Fylde area generally, including consideration of light rail / tram and bus options.

The study background, including the opportunity to complete a short survey to let us know how you use public transport in the South Fylde area and the problems that you encounter with it, is available at this link: South Fylde Public Engagement

Please provide your feedback as requested on the link. Please note that when providing feedback, no personally identifiable information is requested or collected.

If you do not have access to the internet or would prefer a hard copy form to fill out, please contact Fiona Duncan: fiona.duncan@stantec.com or 0131 297 7019. We will issue you with a paper-based form and reply-paid envelope. We can also complete the survey with you over the phone if you wish.

The feedback from the engagement will be used to understand current travel behaviour in the South Fylde area and the problems encountered when making journeys by public transport. This evidence will be used to feed into the development of the business case submitted to the Department for Transport seeking funding for new transport services and / or infrastructure.

The opportunity to view the information about the study and provide feedback will be available until 18^th September 2021.

This study is being undertaken in partnership with a wider client group comprising of Blackpool Council, Lancashire County Council, Network Rail, Northern Railway, Community Rail Lancashire and the Department for Transport.

Fylde Council Leader, Councillor Karen Buckley said:

“I’d like to encourage as many people as possible to engage with the study so that local travel needs can be captured fully. The rail link through Fylde to Preston is much needed for commuters and visitors alike but with it only being an hourly train the connections to/from Preston can easily be missed. People are put off using the train because of the infrequent and unreliable service. A half-hourly timetable would transform public transport and make the train journey a more viable option.”

Powerful giant message on Fylde beach – Take It, Don’t Leave It

Fylde Council — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 08:39:11 +0000

Fylde has seen the creation of a second giant sand art installation, this time featuring a 30m dolphin and blazoning the Council’s ‘Take It, Don’t Leave It’ anti-littering message.

The enormous raked artwork was created at low tide, close to St Annes Pier on August 23^rdin a striking bid to raise awareness of the effects of littering across the area.

Fylde Council’s Chair of Environment, Health and Housing Committee, Cllr Tommy Threlfall said: “It was wonderful to see so many people taking an interest in the sand art we commissioned as part of the Take It, Don’t Leave It litter campaign.

“The initiative, which has been ongoing throughout the summer, is one part of our wider council plans to work towards becoming carbon neutral and reduce the amount of plastic and other harmful waste in our borough and, notably, on our cherished beach.

“Any plastics that end up in the sea can, and all too often do, prove fatal when ingested by marine wildlife.

“The dolphin depicted in the artwork is just one of the species in danger and, as it was a sunny day, lots of beachgoers stopped to find out more about Richard’s artwork and the message behind it.

“It really resonated with Fylde visitors, and the aerial video serves to further spread this important message, show off the scale of the piece and highlight the beauty of our stunning coastline.

“The spectacular piece was created by renowned environmental artist Richard Shilling and the events of the day were captured by the talented Neal and Sophie from Fylde based North Film, so we extend our thanks to them for all their help.

“Our efforts in striving for more environmentally friendly operations, processes and procedures will continue in earnest in the coming weeks and months and we look forward to sharing more updates soon.”

This piece follows the recent large-scale footprint sand art that made up part of the same anti-littering message; encouraging people to leave nothing behind but their footsteps in the sand.

With more people taking UK holidays this year and Fylde receiving record numbers of visitors, the Council is keen to keep the region tidy for all to enjoy.

For more information about the Take It, Don’t Leave It initiative please visit: https://new.fylde.gov.uk/fylde-visitors-asked-to-take-it-dont-leave-it/

Stay in the know

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.

Vaccination van returns to Fylde

Fylde Council — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 13:40:28 +0000

The NHS mobile vaccination van will be returning to Fylde for three days next week to offer first and second doses of the Pfizer.

Anyone eligible can be immunised with no appointment necessary on Monday 23^rdAugust in Staining, Wednesday 25^th August in St Annes and Friday 27^th August in Kirkham.

Under new Government guidance from Monday 23rd August, teenagers aged 16 and 17 can also receive their first vaccine dose and there is no requirement for parental consent.

Fylde Council is working in conjunction with the NHS and other local councils to provide even more opportunities for Fylde residents to access the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

Cllr Karen Buckley, leader of Fylde Council, said: “It is tremendous that vaccines are now available to everyone over 16 and recent news reports have shown just how much enthusiasm there is among young adults to get the jab. It is our route to normal life and young people understand that.

“Although they are less likely to become seriously ill, their lives have been badly affected in terms of social interaction and economic challenges which disproportionately impact upon young adults.

“As has been said many times, when it’s offered to you please get the jab, and next week it’s even easier as there’s no need to book.

“Please tell your friends, family members and work colleagues. Let’s spread the word and protect each other.”

Jane Scattergood, Vaccines Director for Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership, said: “We have enjoyed a great uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, which is great.

“If you live in these areas and have not yet had a dose of COVID-19 vaccine, please go along and get one. It takes a matter of minutes and every vaccine moves us one step closer to a normal life.

“If you are due for your second dose, you can go along and get this as well. It is only once we have had both doses that we are as protected as we possibly can be. If you had your first dose when the van was in St Annes last time, this is your perfect opportunity to come back.”

The van will be based at the following locations:

– Monday 23 August: The Plough car park, Chain Lane, Staining, FY3 0BX, 10am to 4pm

– Wednesday 25 August: St Annes United Reformed Church, St George’s Road, St Annes, FY8 2AE, 10am to 4pm

– Friday 27 August: Mill Street Car Park (middle) between Morrisons and Kirkham Community Centre, Mill Street, Kirkham, PR4 2AP, 10am to 4pm

For updates, please visit www.fyldecoastccgs.nhs.uk/vaccines-van

Stay in the know

Fylde Council continues to reassure residents about support available for self-isolation

Fylde Council — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:46:10 +0000

Fylde Council is reminding people that financial support is still available if needed for those who have been asked to self isolate despite the introduction of new rules which means fully vaccinated people do not need to quarantine if they have been in contact with someone with Covid.

Changes to the isolation rules from August 16th means far fewer people now have to self isolate if they are told they have been in close contact with a person who has Covid – this rule also applies to everyone under the age of 18.

The Leader of Fylde Council, Cllr Karen Buckley, is reassuring residents who test positive for Covid or are not fully vaccinated and are contacted by NHS Track & Trace that practical and financial support is still available if needed.

People could be eligible for funding including a one-off, means tested £500 support payment as well as practical support.

Throughout the pandemic, Fylde Council’s Community Hub has helped people in all sorts of ways from shopping and dog walking to even looking after a horse!

Cllr Buckley said: “We want to reassure residents who aren’t fully vaccinated that all the support procedures still remain in place should they be told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.

“They could be eligible for a one-off, means tested £500 support payment as well as many other options including foodbank vouchers.

“Everyone that is told to self-isolate will be asked if they need any practical or financial support and once they have agreed for their details to be passed to us we can look at what we can do to help.

“The residents of Fylde have done a fantastic job following the rules and guidance throughout the entire pandemic and even though our vaccination figures are some of the highest in the country, we want to make sure that everyone receives as much support as possible.”

Under the new Government rules around self isolation anyone who has come into close contact with a person who has Covid is advised to take a PCR test although it is not necessary to self isolate while waiting for the results.

If you test positive on any Covid test or start showing symptoms, you must still self-isolate for 10 days from that point.

For more information about practical and financial support for those that have been told to self-isolate please visit: https://new.fylde.gov.uk/practical-and-financial-support-for-self-isolation/

Stay in the know

Fylde residents to benefit from new Handyperson and Sanctuary schemes

Fylde Council — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:56:34 +0000

Fylde Council are working in partnership with Preston Care and Repair to deliver a handy person and sanctuary scheme for the benefit of Fylde residents.

The handyperson will offer impartial and practical help including:

Handyperson and minor works service
Healthy home checks to improve home safety and security
Advice and assistance with larger adaptions and home repairs
Practical support to people returning from hospital

The Handyperson service is targeted at lower income households, particularly older and disabled people. The service covers both health, housing and social care aims and objectives to enable vulnerable clients to remain in their own homes. This is done by assisting households to keep on top of minor household repairs and DIY.

The cost of the service is kept to a minimum and subsidised by Fylde Council. If you are in receipt of any benefits there will be no cost for the labour but you will be expected to pay for the materials at cost price.

The Sanctuary Scheme is designed to enable victims of domestic abuse to remain in their own homes, where it is safe for them to do so and where it is their choice. The service also ensures that when clients move into their new home security measures can be installed. The service is designed to offer another option for those who would otherwise have to move housing and leave everything and everyone behind at a time when they need the support networks the most. This is done by providing additional security to their property.

More information about the scheme can be found on our website: https://new.fylde.gov.uk/resident/housing/care-and-repair-and-handyperson-scheme/

If you are interested in either scheme or would like to know more please email housinggrants@fylde.gov.uk or fylde@careandrepair.org.

A referral form will be completed with you by a member of our helpful team and forwarded to Preston Care and Repair.

Stay in the know

New signage asks the public to keep dogs on leads around areas with protected wildlife in response to recent incidents

Fylde Council — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:23:38 +0000

In response to a number of recent dog-related incidents in the borough and subsequent requests from the public, Fylde Council has installed bright new signage around areas of protected wildlife requesting that dogs are kept on leads at all times, to create a safer environment for all those enjoying these shared spaces. The public is being asked to be aware of the new request for dogs to be kept on leads at Ashton Gardens, Lowther Gardens, Fairhaven Lake, Promenade Gardens and along the whole stretch of the Promenade.

In addition to the standard enforcement process, officers from the Environmental Enforcement Team have been patrolling the areas where reports have been made, to offer advice and reassurance to the public.

Councillor Roger Small, Chair of the Operational Management Committee for Fylde Council said:

“In Fylde, we are lucky enough to be home to a diverse wildlife population as well as lots of fantastic outdoor areas where we can enjoy sharing the natural habitats of these animals with our own much-loved companions. Unfortunately, several recent incidents have been reported to the Council by the public and local wildlife charities, it is clear we all have a responsibility to protect these areas as well as each other, which is why the new signage and upcoming review of the protected areas is a really important step to ensuring our shared spaces are safe, prosperous, and enjoyable for all.”

Photo: Cllr Roger Small and local resident Alison Allen who has been visiting Ashton Gardens since 2016 and recently reported an injured swan.

A review of the current legal protection in place in these areas is currently underway, with a public consultation to be held ahead of any potential changes to the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) currently in operation.

A special meeting of the Council is to be held in August, with consideration taken regarding making changes that would mean that dogs would legally have to be kept on a lead at all times in Ashton Gardens, Lowther Gardens, Fairhaven Lake, Promenade Gardens and the parts of the Promenade where this is not already the case. The current PSPO’s for the enforcement of dog control under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 include the requirement that anyone in charge of a dog in these areas must put their dog on a lead when requested by an authorised officer, the same applies to parts of the Promenade and the Promenades Gardens during the off-season.

Information about dog enforcement in Fylde can be found on our website: https://new.fylde.gov.uk/resident/dogs/

Stay in the know

Spectacular super-sized footprints on Fylde beach

Fylde Council — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 11:15:57 +0000

‘Leave nothing but your footprints’ is the inspiration behind a series of 10-metre-long footprints spectacularly created in Fylde.

A total of 15 footprints were raked into the sand on the beach at St Annes as part of Fylde Council’s awareness campaign to encourage people to dispose of their litter responsibly.

They are part of the council’s ‘Take it, Don’t Leave It’ programme throughout the summer to tackle litter on the coast and in rural areas.

It took artist Richard Shilling and his team approximately six hours to create the stunning artwork located just west of St Annes Pier during low tide on Wednesday August 4th

They were created using plastic sheeting as a stencil and a rake to create definition in the sand. The giant footprints were washed away several hours later by the incoming tide.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, was joined by the lead coordinator for local litter volunteers, Tracey Hope, to see the artwork in progress.

She said: “We wanted to make a bold and dramatic statement about the importance of keeping Fylde tidy because with the warm summer weather and fewer people travelling abroad for holidays this year, Fylde is receiving more visitors than ever.

“We took inspiration from the quote ‘leave nothing but your footprints’ to symbolise the importance of leaving our beautiful beach and coastal areas just as you find them, free of litter.

“The drone footage really captures the dramatic impact of the giant footprints and also the beauty of our magnificent coastline.

“We hope the message resonates with everyone and we can stop littering on the coast and in Fylde’s beautiful rural areas.”

Marine biologist and medic, Tracey Hope, coordinates the army of volunteers who give up their free time to clear litter.

She said: “Watching the sea take the footprints without any litter, brings to life our ‘leave nothing but your footprints’ message.

“It looks amazing and I hope it will inspire everyone to look after their local environment whether that’s in the streets where they live or out and about in the wider community.

“I’m passionate about protecting the environment and while most people pick up after themselves, there’s a minority who leave their rubbish behind.

“We all have a role to play and we can all do our bit to protect the environment and wildlife.”

Stay in the know

Fylde Council urges continued caution – wash hands, wear face coverings where appropriate, test regularly and get vaccinated

Fylde Council — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 11:41:07 +0000

Fylde’s Health Protection Practitioner is urging residents not to abandon all precautions in the wake of easing Coronavirus restrictions.

Richard Hurt says: “The national data showed a promising decline in Coronavirus cases in the two weeks following July 19th and as restrictions continue to ease, we’re keen to get out and enjoy Fylde’s many attractions and fantastic local businesses.

“However, it’s important to remember that these figures will only continue to decrease if we maintain the work we’ve done so far. Small things have a big impact, such as regular and thorough hand washing.

“Many venues have relaxed their policy on face coverings, but you are still advised to wear one in crowded places, or if you are medically vulnerable.

“The most important thing is for people to get vaccinated when they are eligible, and to continue to get tested.

“Evidence shows that around 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 display no symptoms, so it’s crucial that everyone continues to test regularly in order for us to stay ahead of the virus and avoid unknowingly putting anyone at risk.”

Lateral flow tests are rapid symptom-free tests, which can be accessed through local testing hubs and pharmacies, or online. The tests are free and give a result in around 30 minutes.

If you display Covid-19 symptoms, you should take a PCR test and isolate if advised.

There is a huge range of Covid-19 testing options in Fylde. Routes to testing are detailed on https://new.fylde.gov.uk/routes-to-testing-in-fylde/

More than 86% of people across the Fylde have now received their first vaccine and more than 77% are fully vaccinated. Let’s keep Fylde safe as we get back to enjoying all that the borough has to offer.

For further information about walk-in sites across Lancashire please visit: https://www.healthierlsc.co.uk/CovidVaccination/getmyjab

Stay in the know

Fylde Council urges beachgoers to recycle their used buckets and spades to reduce the amount of plastic on the beaches.

Fylde Council — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:04:56 +0000

Working closely with the volunteer litter picking group ‘Tossers in Lytham St Annes’, Fylde Council have facilitated the implementation of a ‘bucket and spade trade’ scheme on St Annes beach.

Following requests from the group to implement the scheme having seen other coastal council’s adopt the strategy, Members and Officers have created the trade-in area for unwanted buckets and spades for others to use.

The volunteer litter picking group who walk the beaches morning noon and night have seen an immeasurable amount of litter scattered on our beaches over the last 18-month period. With the warm summer weather and fewer people travelling abroad for holidays again this year, Fylde is expected to receive more visitors than ever, which means it is likely to face a more significant litter problem.

A high percentage of the litter left behind by beachgoers is unwanted bucket and spade sets, including the netting the sets are purchased in.

Plastic causes catastrophic damage to our marine life and the new scheme hopes to reduce the amount of plastics purchased due to the ability to ‘recycle’ the sets in the designated boxes when you arrive and leave the beach. The boxes are currently located at the RNLI ramp and the North Beach main entrance.

The scheme is introduced immediately after the Council launches their ‘Take it Don’t Leave it’ campaign to tackle the amount of litter left in the borough. The campaign programme of events, competitions, targeted social media campaigns and more will run throughout the summer and focus on raising awareness and combatting the problems of littering both on the coast and in Fylde’s beautiful rural areas.

Councillor Michael Sayward, Chair of the Tourism and Leisure Committee for Fylde Council said:

“This is a fanatic scheme that will help to reduce plastic littering our shoreline and ending up polluting our precious sea. It’s always disappointing to see a perfectly useable bucket and spade thrown away, so for those who don’t want to take them home they now have the option to leave them for others to use.”

If you would like to get involved in the Take it, Don’t Leave it’ campaign and be in with a chance of winning prizes simply for binning your rubbish, follow our social media pages on Facebook and twitter @fyldecouncil.

Stay in the know

Cash grants for shopfront improvements

Fylde Council — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 08:22:19 +0000

Fylde Council is launching a new grant scheme to support the post-pandemic recovery of our high streets by offering grants worth up to £3,000 for businesses with a commercial shopfront across the borough.

The aim of the scheme is to support businesses that offer in-person services who have seen covid-related restrictions affecting their ability to trade and therefore may have struggled to update or maintain their shopfronts. The scheme will also offer support to landlords of commercial properties who are struggling to attract tenants or full occupation of a property as a result of the post-pandemic climate and outdated frontage.

Shopfronts have a big impact on the appearance of a shopping area and contribute to the first and lasting impression. The scheme will advance the growth of local businesses, improve the local environment, enhance local heritage and raise the aesthetic appearance of the borough for all stakeholders.

Examples of eligible works include the cost of new signage, external lighting, repainting and repairs of existing shopfronts, or security glazing.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, looks forward to the impact the scheme will make to local businesses, saying, “This is the latest scheme on offer to boost businesses post-pandemic and it operates right across the borough. Attractive shop fronts will increase custom and make our high streets welcoming for locals and visitors. For an investment of £1,000, the council will put in £3,000 extra to improve the appearance of your business. It’s a fabulous offer and I hope the take-up will be considerable.”

Businesses that meet the following key criteria can apply for the ARG Shopfront Improvement Scheme until 31 January 2022, subject to the availability of the limited funding:

The premises are within Fylde Borough
Properties should have a commercial frontage
The applicant must be:
- An independent business with appropriate lease agreement including a minimum of 5 years remaining on the lease, OR;
- The owner or landlord of a vacant or occupied commercial premise, OR;
- A representative of a group of businesses and individuals seeking to improve joint commercial frontage or a communal area.

Premises that have already received an ARG Vacant Premises Grant or are eligible for funding through the Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) or Future High Street Fund (FHFS) shopfront are not eligible to apply.

Businesses can apply for a maximum grant of up to £3,000 towards the external renovation or improvement of ground floor and upper floor commercial units. The grant will cover up to 75% of the total cost; to a maximum value of £3,000.

Full terms and conditions of the grant scheme and details on how to apply can be found at: https://new.fylde.gov.uk/arg-shopfront-improvement-scheme/

For more information of Covid-19 support grants visit: https://new.fylde.gov.uk/covid-business-guidance/