december2023 – Fylde Council

Statement on making safe a property on St Andrews Road South

Fylde Council — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 15:35:46 +0000

Fylde Council has taken action under Section 78 of the Building Act 1984 to make safe a building on St Andrews Road South, St Annes, following a partial wall collapse at a residential property.

Structural scaffolding has been installed to support the remaining wall and prevent further collapse, with further work having removed fallen bricks from the lower level of the building to reduce overloading.

Section 78 of the Building Act 1984 states:

(1) If it appears to a local authority that–

(a) building or structure, or part of a building or structure, is in such a state, or is used to carry such loads, as to be dangerous, and

(b) Immediate action should be taken to remove the danger,

they may take such steps as may be necessary for that purpose.

Fylde Council have the authority to carry out emergency works such as this, but do not have the power to make a resident leave an unsafe premises if they do not wish to, even if it is potentially dangerous. The Council can only invite such residents to engage with the Housing Team to find alternative accommodation while the works are carried out.

The integrity of the building is of particular concern given the forecast of strong winds. All Fylde residents are advised to check their property regularly to ensure there are no dangers following the recent stormy weather.

If you would like to report a dangerous structure, contact Fylde Council’s Building Control team by emailing buildingcontrol@fylde.gov.uk

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Merry Christmas from the Leader of Fylde Council

Fylde Council — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 11:32:55 +0000

Looking back over 2023, we have enjoyed some wonderful events with the established anchors in the calendar of the Wartime Weekend and the Kite Festival and also a highly successful Ice Festival in Lytham last February. We have continued to invest in play equipment in our parks and have installed more water hydration points and defibrillators across the borough. The public realm project of Kirkham Futures began in earnest and a new lighting scheme along Lytham’s front featuring the windmill was warmly welcomed. Meanwhile, consultation began on a new events space in St Annes Square and the launch of a ‘Shop Local’ loyalty card scheme for each of our three town centres of Kirkham, Lytham and St Annes has taken off.

Next year will see the completion of the regeneration scheme in Kirkham and the opening of the long-awaited M55 link road, as well as a brand new Beach Hub facility next to the Pier to be operated by Fylde Rangers.

For many of us, Christmas is a special time of celebration with our loved ones, braving the annual works ‘do’, going to carol services or nights out with friends. It’s also a desperately lonely time for some so if you come across anyone in need of shelter, a warm space, food, or some company, please reach out to one of the organisations listed below, who are ready to assist.

Cost of Living Support – https://new.fylde.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support/

Thanks to everyone who works for Fylde Council, whether back office or front line, for your hard work during 2023. Some of you are hardly stopping for Christmas, which reminds me that I need to check when it’s bin day on my street.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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december2023

Empty Homes Fund to Help Turn Vacant Residences into Affordable Housing

Fylde Council — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 14:42:17 +0000

Fylde Council’s Executive Committee have approved a fund to help transform empty residences across Fylde into affordable housing as part of the Council’s Empty Homes Strategy.

The Empty Homes Strategy aims to maximise the number of empty homes returned into use as affordable housing, looking at properties that have lain empty for more than two years as part of the Council’s plan to increase availability of homes for Fylde residents while reducing the pressure to build new ones.

A Registered Provider will be appointed for a two-year period through an open tender procurement exercise, with a performance requirement to bring a minimum of 6 empty homes back into use as affordable housing.

The Empty Homes Fund will be used to supplement the funding the Registered Provider is able to obtain from Homes England’s Affordable Housing Programme to purchase and refurbish the properties. The Empty Homes Fund will specifically be used to contribute towards renovation costs with a proposal of approximately £20,000 per property, though there may be circumstances where a higher contribution is required due to the condition of the residence.

Cllr Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “Providing affordable social housing for our residents is one of Fylde Council’s key priorities, which is why we’re proud to be partners in the MyHomeChoice choice-based letting scheme for the Fylde Coast. We’re always looking for means to help people find comfortable and affordable homes, and increasing the number of available properties is one of the best ways we can do this.

“Over the past few years, our Housing Service and Environmental Protection teams have also seen an increase in complaints received about empty homes and their impact on neighbouring residents, particularly in terms of properties in disrepair or with overgrown premises.

“The creation of the Empty Homes Fund will help us secure a registered provider to work alongside in addressing both of these issues.”

The addition of the Empty Homes Fund to the Capital Programmes for 2023/24 (£75,000) and 24/25 (£100,000) is made up of Section 106 (S106) contributions relating to three housing development sites in Fylde: Harbour Lane in Warton; the lane opposite Ribchester Road in Lytham St Annes; and Moss Farm in Westby.

S106 funds arise where developers may be required to make ‘off site’ affordable housing provision instead of provision ‘on site’. This is normally achieved by S106 contributions towards the provision of affordable housing in areas of higher need.

To read more about Fylde Council’s Empty Homes Strategy, visit the Fylde Council website.

If you or someone you know is affected by or at risk of homelessness, or would just like advice on housing issues, help is available. Read more about how to contact the Fylde Council Housing Team here.

Fylde Sand Dunes Project Budget Increase Approved

Fylde Council — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 14:21:13 +0000

A budget increase of £232,338 has been approved for the Fylde Sand Dunes Project to continue the employment of dedicated conservation staff until 2026/27.

The funding, paid in annual increments through the period, will allow Fylde Council to retain the expert services of the Area Conservation Ranger and the Conservation Operative, both already in post, who undertake all specialist conservation work and dune related maintenance.

Fylde Council has worked in partnership with Blackpool Council and Lancashire Wildlife Trust to manage the Fylde Sand Dunes Project since 2012, collaborating to ensure the protection and improvement of the dune habitat in its role both as a soft sea defence and as a nationally significant conservation area.

The partnership secured a grant of £999,000 in from the Environment Agency in 2022/23 to fund the project delivery team as well as managing and improving the 80 hectares (800,000 square metres) of dune estate. The grant was split between the partner agencies, with Fylde Council’s allocation to be used in delivering the operational elements of the project as per their role in the partnership.

Cllr Tommy Threlfall, Lead Member for Environment, said: “Our beautiful sand dunes are both a place of great ecological importance and a valuable part of our sea defences, and need to be protected just as they help protect us.

“This project is of particular interest to me, as the project began when I was Cabinet Member for Environment. The continuation of these two specialist roles is essential in ensuring the conservation of a unique ecosystem and the safety of our homes and businesses.”

The Fylde Sand Dunes Project covers the area between Starr Gate at the boundary of Blackpool to Lytham Green, and includes a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, County Biological Heritage Sites, and a Local Nature Reserve. The dunes also provide valuable open space for tourism and recreation, proving enduringly popular with residents and visitors alike.

Kirkham Futures: Full tenders invited to refurbish former TSB/Charity Girls School

Fylde Council — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 11:33:58 +0000

Six contractors have now been invited to submit full tenders to refurbish the former TSB and Charity Girls School in Kirkham, as part of the Kirkham Futures regeneration programme.

The successful initial Invitation to Tender in November 2023 identified six potential contractors to create a “white box” finish, accommodating a future bar/restaurant business for which the Council will later be seeking expressions of interest from possible tenants in a separate exercise, while preserving the character of the building.

The property at 52-64 Poulton Street is a Grade II listed building dating from 1860, originally serving as Charity Girls School, and later as a community hall before becoming a Lloyds/TSB bank. After the bank closed, the landmark sat vacant for several years, and its future was uncertain before Fylde Council were able to purchase the property in March 2022 with the assistance of the Future High Street Fund.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “It is heartening to see another of the keystones of the Kirkham Futures project moving towards completion. The creation of a restaurant in the former Charity Girls School has great potential to benefit the community, and we look forward to welcoming prospective tenants as they put forth their proposals for operating it.”

The building occupies an enviable high street position in the heart of Kirkham, with easy access to the public car park. This provides an excellent location for a restaurant and will fulfil key regeneration goals to increase footfall and drive an evening economy in the town.

Subject to a successful tender process and Council approval, it is anticipated that a contractor will be appointed in February 2024.

Kirkham Futures is a 4-year programme of work to revitalise the town centre, representing the biggest investment in Kirkham in a generation, funded by the Historic England High Street Heritage Action Zone, the Government’s Future High Street Fund, and contributions from Lancashire County Council, Fylde Council, and Kirkham Town Council.

For more information about the Kirkham Futures programme, visit the Kirkham Futures website. To keep up to date with the latest developments in Kirkham and across Fylde, sign up to receive Fylde Council’s weekly email newsletter every Saturday morning.

Stand Aside John Lewis – The Fabulous Festive Fylde Advert Has Dropped

Fylde Council — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 10:34:12 +0000

Fylde Council has produced a festive ‘feel good’ video to rival the likes of the John Lewis Christmas advert.

The council’s elves have captured the true spirit of Christmas with a Fabulous Festive Fylde advert in support of retailers and town centre businesses in Kirkham, St Annes and Lytham.

The video has gone live on social media highlighting the incredible shopping experience in Fylde including the diverse array of shops and eateries packed with vibrancy and individual character.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “This Christmas, let’s come together as a community and show our support for the local businesses that make Fylde unique.

“When you shop locally, you’re not just purchasing a product – you’re investing in the heart of our towns and helping them thrive. It’s a small act that makes a big difference.

“Our elves travelled across the borough to capture our light switch-on events and Christmas markets as well as visiting local businesses to showcase everything on offer here in Fylde.

“We also created a separate version for each town centre to promote on social media and produced extra footage for quick social media reels and images for retailers to use in the coming weeks.

“If you see the videos on social media – please share with your friends and followers!”

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure, and Culture at Fylde Council, echoes this sentiment.

She added: “Our local businesses are the backbone of our community. They contribute to the character and identity of Fylde.

“By choosing to shop locally, residents can play a vital role in sustaining and growing our local economy.

“Our Fabulous Festive Fylde video is magical and it is a perfect tribute to this wonderful time of the year in our beautiful borough.”

View the videos at the below links

Lytham, Kirkham and St Annes Christmas

Lytham Christmas

Kirkham Christmas

St Annes Christmas

Could your project benefit from a £5,000 grant through Fylde’s Community Wellbeing Fund?

Fylde Council — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:27:58 +0000

Fylde Council’s new Community Wellbeing Fund is now available, giving community groups in Fylde the opportunity to apply for grant funding for innovative, sustainable projects that will enhance where they live.

Made possible via funding from the Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation, the fund is available to Fylde-registered charity groups that are either based in Fylde or work exclusively with people who live in the Borough.

Community groups can apply for up to £5,000 for their project depending on its size and scale, allowing both smaller and larger scale projects to be considered.

Potential eligible projects include those that encourage young residents to build their confidence and improve their abilities and skills, grants for equipment to support community initiatives, or enhancements to local biodiversity. Other potential project areas include purchasing infrastructure or equipment for improvements to community spaces; recruiting, training and retaining volunteers; or enhancing the Borough’s cultural heritage.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “We’re very pleased to open the Community Wellbeing Fund to applications from our many valued community groups. This new fund is a vital asset in achieving the Communities and Place objective of the UKSPF Plan Fylde Council developed with our Partnership Group.

“With so much potential for supporting imaginative and innovative projects, we are excited to see what ventures come forward to help benefit residents and increase the sustainability of the Borough.”

Grants will be delivered on a rolling system. Grants will be available until March 2024 or until the funding has been fully allocated. No more applications will be accepted until April 2024 when the new funding cohort will be released.

If you are interested in learning more, please visit our website for more information about the eligibility criteria and the application process: fylde.gov.uk/wellbeingfund

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

Proposed consultation on new parish councils for Lytham and Ansdell

Fylde Council — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 10:09:43 +0000

A proposed consultation will give residents of Lytham and Ansdell a chance to have their say on establishing new parish councils for those areas.

Fylde Council’s Executive Committee resolved on Tuesday 5 December 2023 to support recommendations from the Community Focus Scrutiny Committee task and finish group on how and when the proposed consultation should take place.

Lytham and Ansdell were two areas left untouched by the boundary changes following the adoption of community governance review recommendations by full Council in October 2022. While it had been acknowledged that Lytham and Ansdell were still unparished, a decision on establishing new parish councils was deferred to obtain more detailed responses from residents of the affected areas.

The proposed consultation would be conducted via a mix of online and paper-based surveys along with some local events and sessions for promotion, and with external consultation support undertaking all relevant analysis and reports on the data.

Cllr Ellie Gaunt, Lead Member for Finance & Resources, said: “Fylde is very fortunate to be home to such an actively engaged community, whether it’s our dedicated local volunteers, our treasured community groups, or voters exercising their invaluable democratic rights. The creation of parish councils in Lytham and Ansdell would ensure full representation to residents at every level of local government. I would encourage all residents of these areas to take part in the consultation once the dates have been announced.”

Town and parish councils are the first level of local government, empowering communities by giving them a democratic voice and a structure for taking community action, as well as being able to provide some local services.

The approved indicative timetable for the proposed consultation is based on a projected date of Spring 2025 for the creation of any new parish councils, and the estimated approximate cost of £10,000 would be funded from other revenue budget savings.

More details on the specifics of the consultation will be published as soon as they are determined.

To keep up to date with all the latest on this and other stories, follow our social media channels below and sign up to the Fylde Council weekly newsletter.

Council Resolves to Part Fund Works to Prevent Overnight Motorhome Parking on Promenade

Fylde Council — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:12:00 +0000

Plans to address overnight motorhome parking along Lytham St Annes promenade continue to develop, as Fylde Council resolve to part-fund the works required.

On the evening of Tuesday 5 December 2023, Fylde Council’s Executive Committee approved a fully funded revenue budget contribution of up to £30,000 towards the costs of implementing the on-street parking restrictions laid out in a proposed Lancashire County Council Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

The TRO would prevent motor caravans from waiting on the roadside along the St Annes promenade and on some adjoining roads between 6pm and 8am, as well as introducing other parking amendments to address various concerns raised by residents and business owners.

Cllr Michelle Morris, Lead Member for Customer & Operational Services, said: “I welcome this excellent news. As a Council we’re very pleased to be making progress on an issue of such importance to our residents and hoteliers, and we will be certain to represent their views to Lancashire County Council as the proposal is developed further.”

As the Local Highway Authority, Lancashire County Council manage on-street parking in Fylde, including the implementation and enforcement of on-street parking restrictions. Motorhome parking overnight on the promenade has long been a concern for Fylde Council Members and residents.

Discussions between Fylde Council and LCC around implementing relevant restrictions previously came down to an issue of economic feasibility. When LCC brought a proposal to consultation to in 2020, it included the introduction of on-street pay and display, to which Fylde Council strongly objected. Without an income opportunity, and with no road safety need, LCC stated they would be unable to fund the scheme, and nor would Fylde Council given the absence of an appropriate highways budget.

Potential funding was recently identified through unallocated Covid Support Grant funding held by Fylde Council, leading to the revival of discussion. Lancashire County Council’s estimated costs, including signage, posts, lining and other requirements, is around £60,000. With the newly approved monies, Fylde Council has agreed to part-fund the work up to a capped contribution of £30,000.

The changes implied by the TRO would include the introduction of an overnight motorhome ban as well as the creation of a coach stand near St Annes Pier and a bus bay at AKS Lytham.

The responses to the LCC consultation on the TRO will now be considered and reported to LCC’s Cabinet, with input provided by Fylde Council to address any specific concerns.

To read about the announcement of the consultation on the TRO, click here: https://new.fylde.gov.uk/lancashire-county-council-proposes-restrictions-on-motorhome-overnight-promenade-parking/

To read more about the TRO, visit the Lancashire County Council website: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/roads/roadworks-and-traffic-regulation-orders/permanent/

Fylde Remembers the Mexico Disaster

Fylde Council — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 11:57:34 +0000

On the 9th of December, we commemorate the anniversary of the Mexico Lifeboat Disaster, a tragic event in the history of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) which occurred this day in 1886.

The event, also known as the Southport and St Annes’ lifeboat disaster, is the worst loss of crew in a single incident in RNLI history.

The Mexico, a German cargo sailing vessel en route from Liverpool to Guayaquil in Ecuador, fell victim to a full WNW gale off the coast of Southport. The captain, fearing the vessel would be blown onto sandbanks, sent out distress signals.

In response, lifeboats from Lytham, St Annes and Southport rushed to save the crew of the Mexico. Despite their best efforts, the ‘Eliza Fernley’ lifeboat from Southport capsized, resulting in the loss of 14 of its 16 crew members. Subsequently, ‘Laura Janet’ the St Annes lifeboat, was discovered washed ashore the next morning, and all 13 men on board lost their lives. The ‘Charles Biggs’ lifeboat from Lytham successfully rescued the twelve crew members of the Mexico.

Memorials to the tragedy were erected on the Promenade in St Annes, St Annes Parish Church, St Cuthbert’s churchyard in Lytham, Layton Cemetery, and Duke Street Cemetery, Southport.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of the Council, commented: “The Mexico Lifeboat Disaster is a somber chapter in our borough’s past, highlighting the inherent risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to saving others at sea. To mark the anniversary, we will fly the Borough flag at half-mast at the Town Hall as a symbol of respect for the lives lost and gratitude for the ongoing dedication of the RNLI.”

David Forshaw, Lytham St Annes Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer / Deputy Launching Authority added: “The heroism of the RNLI Lifeboat Crews around the coast of the British Isles is still ongoing with the Sea Charity’s Lifeboats ready to launch in any weather conditions, day or night, to help those in danger at sea. The example set in 1886 by those brave crew members of the St Annes and Southport Lifeboats who gave their lives in an attempt to save complete strangers must never be forgotten. The Lytham Lifeboat brought the Mexico’s crew to safety, despite the terrible conditions, but their colleagues, and in many cases relatives, in the other two Lifeboats sacrificed their lives in the attempt. We should all be proud of their selfless heroism”.

For more information on the Southport and St Annes lifeboat disaster, visit the RNLI’s website: https://rnli.org/about-us/our-history/timeline/1886-southport-and-st-annes-lifeboats-disaster