december2024 – Fylde Council

Fylde Council Invites Residents and Businesses to find out more about the St Annes Town Centre Improvement Project

Fylde Council — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 13:43:29 +0000

Fylde Council is pleased to announce the next steps in the St Annes Town Centre Improvement Project. Residents and businesses are invited to attend drop-in sessions in January 2025 to learn more about the transformational plans for St Annes High Street and ask the project team any questions.

The ambitious regeneration project sees a £3.13 million investment into revitalising St Annes Town Centre and improving pedestrianised areas to create an accessible, community-focused space. Construction partners George Cox & Sons have made excellent progress thus far, with the first phase of improvements advancing ahead of schedule. The main works are set to commence on 6 January, which will impact the bus stops in the Main Square, introduce diversions to some bus routes and one-way flow of traffic along St Annes Road West, with works expected to conclude in late spring.

A public drop-in session will take place on Wednesday 8 January 2025, from 3pm to 6pm at St Annes Town Hall, followed by a business update meeting on Thursday 9 January from 5:30-7pm. The sessions will provide an excellent opportunity for residents to ask questions and stay updated on the project’s process.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of the Council, commented: “Following an excellent start to the improvement project in St Annes, we are eager to resume works in January. While there may be some temporary adjustments to bus travel, the improvements will bring lasting benefits, significantly enhancing the area and delivering a consistent, high-quality finish throughout. We encourage all residents and local businesses to join our upcoming information sessions to share their feedback, ask questions and get involved in this transformative project.”

To keep up to date with the latest developments, information boards have been installed in the square, and a dedicated WhatsApp channel has been established for live updates.

For additional information about the construction phases and regular updates, visit www.investinfylde.co.uk/st-annes-town-centre-improvements.

For updates on bus timetable changes and diversions, visit your service provider:

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.

Tumble Down the Rabbit Hole at Lowther! Alice in Wonderland-Themed Playground Reopens with a Whimsical Makeover

Fylde Council — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 13:51:06 +0000

Young people are being invited to step into a world of adventure at the Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens as the highly anticipated reopening of their redesigned children’s play area is set to open officially on Tuesday 17th December 2024.

Tim Lince, Lowther’s CEO/Artistic Director, said: “It will be a fantastic addition to the park with not only new sensory play equipment but also more seating and shelter for parents to watch their children at play. We pride ourselves as being a family friendly outdoor space and encourage everybody to experience both creative and outdoor play in our beautiful gardens. To help celebrate next year there will be an outdoor production of Alice in Wonderland taking to the gardens.”

Themed around Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale, the Alice in Wonderland based design has been created and installed by ESP Play Ltd

The newly designed space, which accommodates children of all ages and abilities, comes following a play area audit that identified several parks that would greatly benefit from some remedial and replacement wors to equipment and surfacing.

Visitors will be able to enjoy:

The bespoke Wonderland Play Tower
Inclusive roundabout
An inclusive see saw to be installed in the New Year

“We’re delighted to see Lowther Pavilion’s children’s play area transformed into a wonderland inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” says Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism and Leisure at Fylde Council. “This fantastic new space will provide a fun and stimulating environment for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy, and perfectly complements the beautiful Lowther Gardens. We encourage families to come down and explore the new equipment, and perhaps even get a sneak peek of the upcoming Alice in Wonderland production next year!”

The new playground has been made possible due to a funded budget included within Fylde Council’s capital programme for 2023/24.

Plan Your Visit

Located in Lowther Gardens, in Lytham St Annes, the Alice in Wonderland-themed playground is open daily. Admission is free, and all are welcome to come and experience the magic.

For more information, please visit lowtherpavilion.co.uk or contact boxoffice@lowtherpavilion.co.uk.

CIC Interest Withdraws from Kirkham Pool Reopening Project

Fylde Council — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 14:52:20 +0000

Fylde Council regrets to announce that CIC Wave Reach has regrettably decided to withdraw from its role in the acquiring and operating Kirkham Pool. The decision was made due to personal reasons, challenges, and shifting priorities, yet the CIC has expressed confidence in the business plan it was developing in partnership with the council to support the reopening and long-term viability of the pool.

Amy Holden, Chair of Wave Reach explained: “It is with deep regret that we announce our decision to withdraw from the Kirkham Baths project, despite our passion for this initiative and our confidence in the potential for its future success.

“We remain incredibly grateful for the support, time, and connections provided by Fylde Council and all those who have contributed to the project so far. However, we must acknowledge the significant challenges and risks involved, alongside personal circumstances that require us to refocus our time and priorities.

“This has not been an easy decision, and we share in the disappointment that this may bring. We continue to believe in the value of Kirkham Baths for the community and hope that this important project will find the right path forward in the near future.”

Fylde Council has been and will continue to be fully committed to the reopening of Kirkham Pool, subject to securing the required funding streams, and continues to explore all practicable options to make this a reality.

It has been agreed that the YMCA will formally hand back the ownership of the site to the council by no later than 17th February 2025 and it is now included in the procurement process for the new leisure contract along with St Annes Pool. By combining both facilities into a single contract, the council hopes to attract operators who see the value of managing two pools within the Fylde area, creating efficiencies and ensuring sustainable operations, should funding be secured.

The procurement process for the new leisure contract is currently underway, with a submission deadline of 5:00 pm on 18th December 2024. Interested operators are encouraged to submit proposals that reflect innovative approaches to delivering high-quality and accessible leisure services for the Fylde community.

Cllr Jayne Nixon, Head of Tourism and Leisure said: “While we are disappointed by CIC Wave Reach’s decision to step back, we understand and respect their reasons. We will continue working diligently to explore all options for Kirkham Pool. By integrating Kirkham Pool with the procurement for St Annes Pool, we believe we can create an attractive opportunity for operators that ensures a bright future for both facilities should a longer-term funding solution be found.”

Fylde Council is grateful for the community’s ongoing support and will provide any updates on the swimming in Fylde web page.

Merry Christmas from the Leader of Fylde Council

Fylde Council — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:53:56 +0000

As I look back on 2024, it’s clear that this has been another remarkable year for Fylde. The public realm project of Kirkham Futures is now complete, transforming the town centre with modernised public spaces, improved accessibility, and a renewed vibrancy that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Meanwhile, the St Annes town centre improvements have commenced as part of our ambitious Masterplan, laying the groundwork for a revitalised square that will provide space for markets and events as well as a welcoming hub for the community.

Along our stunning coastline, work has begun on the much-anticipated Beach Hub facility near the Pier. This exciting project will create a focal point for visitors and provide a base for our Fylde Rangers to continue their invaluable work in caring for our beaches. It will also house the beach wheelchairs ensuring that people with limited mobility can fully enjoy the sand, sea, and fresh air, creating memories with friends and family.

We’ve also celebrated some wonderful successes with our events calendar. The 1940s Wartime Weekend, a firm favourite with residents and visitors, was honoured with a nomination for a Lancashire Tourism Award, recognising its role in showcasing Fylde’s unique charm and heritage. Other highlights this year included the Kite Festival, the Ice Festival, and countless community events that brought people together across Fylde.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all Fylde Council employees, from the back office to the front line. Your dedication and hard work throughout 2024 have been instrumental in delivering these achievements and ensuring that our borough remains a wonderful place to live, work, and visit. For those of you working over the holidays, thank you for keeping our services running.

This time of year offers a wonderful opportunity to pause, step away from the busyness of life, and spend meaningful moments with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating traditions, enjoying good food, or simply taking time to relax, I hope you can embrace the warmth and joy this season brings.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here’s to more successes and progress in 2025!

Warmest wishes,

Cllr Karen Buckley

PS:

As we move into the festive season, it’s important to remember that while this is a time of joy and celebration for many, it can also be a difficult time for others. If you know someone in need of support, whether it’s shelter, warmth, food, or simply some company, please don’t hesitate to direct them to one of the many organisations ready to help.

For a list of support services and warm spaces in Fylde, visit: https://new.fylde.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support/

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

Have your say on Fylde Council’s Climate Change Strategy

Fylde Council — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:33:53 +0000

Fylde Council has taken a significant step towards addressing climate change by partnering with international multidisciplinary consultancy BDP (Building Design Partnership). This collaboration will create a comprehensive Climate Change Strategy and Implementation Plan for the Borough, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for Fylde. BDP, known for its innovative and collaborative approach to sustainable design, will assist the Council in developing a strategic plan that outlines clear actions and responsibilities to combat the climate crisis. This initiative is funded by Fylde’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation.

The strategy is being developed through an inclusive engagement process, which involves gathering input from a wide range of stakeholders, including Lead Members and Council Members, the Senior Management Team (CEO, Deputy CEO, CFO, and Heads of Service), Council Officers across key departments (Planning, Housing, Environmental Health, Waste Management, etc.), neighbouring councils such as Blackpool Council, Wyre Council, and Lancashire County Council, wider Fylde Council employees, and Fylde residents and supply chain partners. This collaborative effort ensures the strategy is informed by local insights and priorities.

The key aims of the strategy include assessing current initiatives and identifying data gaps, engaging stakeholders to raise awareness and gather valuable input, identifying priority areas for reducing emissions and improving sustainability performance, and developing actionable goals across sectors like energy, carbon, water, transport, waste, biodiversity, and climate adaptation/mitigation. A detailed Implementation Plan will outline clear timelines and assigned responsibilities. The strategy will focus primarily on the Council’s internal operations, which are within its direct control and therefore easier to implement effectively.

The project commenced in September 2024, with the final report anticipated by Spring 2025. To ensure the strategy reflects the needs and ambitions of Fylde, residents and stakeholders are invited to share their opinions and insights.

Councillor Tommy Threlfall, Lead Member for Environment, said: “This partnership with BDP marks an important milestone for Fylde as we continue our journey towards a greener, more sustainable future. By collaborating with organisations like BAE Systems and Springfields, we have shared ideas and worked together to strengthen Fylde’s collective climate change strategy. I am particularly proud of the strides we have made, including the implementation of electric car charging points and hydration stations, which have saved an estimated 50,000 plastic bottles. Engaging with our residents and stakeholders remains key to shaping a strategy that meets Fylde’s needs, and I encourage everyone to share their thoughts to help us make a lasting impact.”

If you’re a resident and want to contribute to the development of Fylde’s Climate Change Strategy, please share your opinions or provide information using the link below by 8 January 2025: Climate Change Strategy Factsheet – Fylde Council

Fylde Council Announces Continuation of Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2025/26

Fylde Council — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 11:53:32 +0000

Fylde Council has confirmed its commitment to supporting residents through the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS), with no major changes proposed for the 2025/26 financial year.

This announcement follows a thorough review and consultation process involving key stakeholders and partners.

The CTRS was introduced in April 2013 as part of the Welfare Reform Act 2012, replacing the national Council Tax Benefit scheme. Each year, the Council has reviewed and updated the scheme to ensure it meets the needs of the local community. For working-age claimants, the 2024/25 scheme maintained a means-tested assessment and a maximum support reduction of 22.7%. This rate, unchanged since 2014/15, has been found to provide a fair balance between support for eligible residents and financial sustainability for the Council.

The proposed CTRS for 2025/26 retains the 22.7% maximum reduction in support for working-age claimants. The Council will also continue offering additional discretionary awards for households facing exceptional circumstances. These awards, made under Section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 2012, aim to mitigate the scheme’s impact on vulnerable residents.

A comprehensive Equality Analysis has been conducted, ensuring that the scheme aligns with statutory obligations and considers the impact on protected groups.

The Council has engaged with Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, seeking their input on the proposed scheme. Responses will be included in the final report to be presented at the December 2024 Council meeting.

The estimated cost of the CTRS for 2024/25 stands at £5,454,990, with Fylde Council contributing £541,680. The increase from the previous year’s cost of £5,403,515 reflects higher Council Tax levels set by major preceptors. Funding for CTRS is now incorporated within general central government funding allocations, making specific grant identification no longer feasible.

The Council continues to monitor and refine the CTRS annually to ensure it remains fit for purpose, balancing the needs of residents with financial prudence. Councillor Vince Settle, Lead Member for Finance and Resources at Fylde Council stated:
“The Council Tax Reduction Scheme plays a vital role in supporting low-income households while ensuring the financial sustainability of the scheme. We are committed to maintaining a fair and equitable approach for all residents.”

The proposed CTRS for 2025/26, including any minor adjustments, will be reviewed and determined at the December 2024 Council meeting. Full details of the scheme and supporting policies, including the Discretionary Discount Policy and Equality Analysis, are available on the Fylde Council website: Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

St Annes Town Centre Regeneration Makes Strong Progress with Local Apprentices Leading the Way

Fylde Council — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 15:26:31 +0000

Fylde Council’s ambitious £3.13 million town centre regeneration project is making excellent progress, with the first phase of improvements advancing ahead of schedule. The Council continues to demonstrate its continued commitment to transforming St Annes into a more vibrant and dynamic town centre.

The initial phase of construction work, carried out by George Cox & Sons, has been completed a week ahead of schedule, providing local businesses with additional construction-free time during the crucial Christmas period. Key achievements include the widening of the carriageway to accommodate new bus stops and the sustainable reuse of materials from the square in pavement surfacing works.

The project has become a catalyst for local employment, with three young apprentices gaining valuable experience on site. Owen (age 20) and Myles (age 20) are all currently completing their NVQ Level 2 qualifications while working as groundworkers. Additionally, Keegan (age 20) from recently completed his apprenticeship and continues to contribute to the project.

Cllr Buckley, Leader of the Council said: “We’re pleased with the speed of progress made so far, and without major disruption to the road network or to the entrances to our shops and businesses. Completing the first phase ahead of schedule brings the footpaths back into use for the last couple of weeks of Christmas shopping. There is a patch of temporary concreting for safety reasons up near the zebra crossing which will be finished when work resumes in January 2025 using materials freed up from the second phase of the square’s development to ensure a consistent and high-quality finish throughout the area.”

Looking ahead to 2025, the main works elements of the project will commence in January with five phases in total. Alongside these works will feature the installation of new bus shelters and a space for buses opposite to pull in to keep traffic flowing, as well as a complete resurfacing of the road once completed. The entire project is on track for the end of June 2025.

To keep residents and businesses informed about the ongoing works, information boards have been installed in the square, and a dedicated WhatsApp channel has been established for live updates. The channel can be accessed by searching for ‘St. Annes High Street Improvements’. For more detailed information about the construction phases and regular updates, residents are encouraged to visit www.investinfylde.co.uk/st-annes-town-centre-improvements.

St Annes Pool Seeks Operator Following Successful Bidders Day

Fylde Council — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 15:32:55 +0000

Fylde Council recently hosted a well-attended Bidders Day for potential St Annes Pool operators at the Town Hall. The event showcased operational requirements and the council’s vision for the pool within the wider St Annes Masterplan, which also includes the £3m town centre regeneration scheme.

The Council Leader and the procurement consultant presented detailed operational plans, followed by an extensive site tour. Prospective operators learned how the pool will complement the new town centre ‘square’ development, which aims to enhance both community facilities and tourism appeal.

“We’re committed to finding an operator who shares our vision for St Annes Pool as a vital community asset,” said Councillor Karen Buckley, the Leader of Fylde Council. “The strong turnout at our Bidders Day demonstrates the exciting potential for this facility’s future as part of our transformational town centre improvements.”

The facility has benefited from significant Sports England funding of nearly £300,000, financing new energy-efficient boilers, with solar panels scheduled for installation. These sustainable upgrades will reduce operational costs for the incoming operator while supporting the Council’s environmental commitments.

Interested operators can submit expressions of interest until 16 December 2024, at 1pm. The Council will evaluate submissions in January 2025.

For more information, please visit https://new.fylde.gov.uk/swimming-in-fylde

Household Support Fund Extended to Provide Essential Support Until March 2026

Fylde Council — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 09:35:41 +0000

The government has announced a significant extension to the Household Support Fund, ensuring that vulnerable households in Fylde and across the country will continue to receive vital assistance with essential living costs until March 2026. This extension, unveiled in the Autumn Budget, includes an additional £1 billion allocated to the fund, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting those most in need during challenging times.

The Household Support Fund is specifically designed to help residents struggling with immediate financial hardships by providing support for essential costs such as food, energy, water, clothing, and other necessities. In Lancashire, the fund is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and distributed through local district councils. While the exact funding amount for the period from March 2025 to March 2026 has not yet been confirmed, the extension ensures continued aid for vulnerable households.

In addition to financial assistance, the program connects residents with expert advice and support services to help maximise their benefits and entitlements. This includes guidance on welfare and benefit eligibility, debt management strategies, and other critical resources designed to foster financial stability.

For Fylde residents, the Household Support Fund remains a vital lifeline. Councillor Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing at Fylde Council, said:
“We are delighted to continue providing crucial support to vulnerable residents in Fylde through the extended Household Support Fund. This initiative offers help to those struggling to make ends meet, and I encourage eligible residents to take advantage of this valuable resource.”

For further details, including eligibility criteria and how to access support, please visit the Citizens Advice Fylde website, the Household Support Fund page on the Fylde Council website, or Lancashire County Council’s dedicated Household Support Fund page.

National updates on the fund can also be found on the UK Government’s official announcement page.

The extension of the Household Support Fund underscores the collective effort to address immediate needs and improve the quality of life for those facing financial hardship.

Deacon Prosecution

Fylde Council — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 09:33:48 +0000

A leading Fylde councillor has welcomed a fine handed out to the owner of a Lytham restaurant who ignored a council demand to remove an unlawful structure in a conservation area. Chistopher Turnbull and his company 64 Developments Ltd, pleaded guilty at Preston Magistrates Court to failing to comply with an enforcement notice requiring him to dismantle the canopy and other fixtures at the Deacon in Clifton Square, Lytham. The court heard that Turnbull had not removed the canopy even after a government inspector had ruled that it should be taken down within six months because of the harm it caused to the character and appearance of the area. Turnbull and the company were fined a total of £50,356 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £7,145.

District Judge Goodwin told Turnbull that she was satisfied that the defendants deliberately ignored warnings from the council and pressed ahead with their development in a flagrant, commercial, deliberate breach. She considered that the financial penalty merited by the offence was £75,000. Taking into account the guilty pleas that had been offered, she reduced the fine.

Welcoming the fine, Councillor Richard Redcliffe, Deputy Leader of Fylde Council and Chairman of Planning Committee, said: “The council always tries to work with local businesses to help ensure our towns remain prosperous and vibrant. However, that has to be balanced with protecting the historic environments of our town centres. We hope that the prosecution and fine shows that there will be serious consequences if a business decides simply to ignore planning rules and the interests of the community in pursuit of profit. We look forward to the prompt completion of the works necessary to ensure full compliance with the Enforcement Notice”.

Notes to editors:

Planning permission had been granted by Fylde Council in 2018 for an open sided covered eating area to be created to the front of the restaurant. However, the owners of the restaurant chose to erect an enclosed extension.

A subsequent planning appeal was dismissed with an independent planning inspector agreeing with the council that the extension was harmful to the character of the conservation area in which it is located and that the economic benefit it brought was not sufficient to outweigh this harm.