february2025 – Fylde Council

Fylde Council Announce VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebration

Fylde Council — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 11:33:18 +0000

Fylde Council is proud to announce a significant commemorative event to mark the 80^th anniversary of VE Day.

On Wednesday 8 May 2025, the Council will host a beacon-lighting ceremony at Fairhaven Lake, joining communities across the nation in remembering this historic moment. The free event, running from 6:30pm, will feature an engaging programme of entertainment including performances from The Bluebirds UK and The Churchills, culminating in the ceremonial beacon lighting at 9:30pm.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, commented: “This poignant occasion provides our community with an opportunity to come together, reflect on the sacrifices made by previous generations and appreciate the peace they secured for us. The beacon lighting will serve as a powerful reminder of our shared history and continued commitment to remembrance.”

For more information, visit: https://www.discoverfylde.co.uk/events/

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Fylde Council’s UKSPF Community Wellbeing Fund Supports Connect Community UK

Fylde Council — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 09:00:54 +0000

In April 2024, Fylde Council’s Community Wellbeing Fund, part of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, awarded a significant grant to Connect Community UK. Between February and November 2024, the programme allocated £45,282 to ten initiatives across nine local organisations, fostering over 209 volunteering roles and creating 185 new volunteering opportunities. Through these projects, the fund engaged more than 2,100 Fylde residents, empowering communities and promoting wellbeing across the region.

One of the recipients, Connect Community Groups, received £5000 to launch Soundtracks of Our Lives, a project that used music to combat isolation and build social connections. Participants created personalised playlists reflecting key life moments, strengthening bonds between carers and loved ones. The project culminated in a Summer Singalong at The Tent in Lowther, bringing joy and togetherness to the community.

The funding supported musical equipment, volunteer training and community partnerships, enabling over 80 local volunteers to connect with the Fylde Dementia Choir, NHS practitioners and social prescribers. As a result, Connect Community UK is now a regional Help Point for Playlists for Life.

Jayne Kelly, Director of Connect Community UK, reflected on the event: “It was a really joyous event with some very moving moments from our members who are living with dementia, lots of laughter and a huge sense of wellbeing, togetherness and friendship, which many attendees commented on and said how much it meant to them to be part of such an inclusive and uplifting community event.”

Councillor Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, commented: “We are incredibly proud to see the positive impact of our fund on local organisations like Connect Community UK. The Soundtracks of Our Lives project exemplifies the kind of innovation and dedication that strengthens our community bonds, and we remain committed to supporting local charities and organisations through our grant schemes.”

Fylde Council’s UKSPF Community Wellbeing Fund has now closed, however Fylde Council continue to offer alternative grant schemes to local charities and organisations. If you believe you could benefit, find out more information on funding opportunities here or speak to the Health and Wellbeing team at community@fylde.gov.uk.

Kirkham’s Heritage Celebrated Through Fylde Council’s UKSPF Community Wellbeing Fund

Fylde Council — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:14:29 +0000

In April 2024, Kirkham Creative Heritage Explorers Group received a significant boost from Fylde Council’s Community Wellbeing Fund, funded by the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Between February and November 2024, the programme allocated £45,282 to ten initiatives across nine local organisations, fostering over 209 volunteering roles and creating 185 new volunteering opportunities. Through these projects, the fund engaged more than 2,100 Fylde residents, empowering communities and promoting wellbeing across the region.

Kirkham Creative Heritage Explorers Group, situated within St Michael’s Church in Kirkham and run by Phoenix Rising, was awarded a grant of £3,923.01 to support two projects celebrating Kirkham’s rich heritage. The first focused on the history of the Girls’ Charity School, whose former building is currently being restored as part of the Kirkham Futures programme. Members of the group crafted rag dolls dressed in historically accurate clothing to be exhibited in the History and Heritage Centre at St Michael’s Church. The grant also funded a detailed model of Kirkham Market Square as it appeared around a century ago, contributing to the broader aim of showcasing Kirkham’s vibrant heritage.

A representative from the Kirkham Creative Heritage Explorers Group stated: “We are all very enthused by the prospect of researching, celebrating and promoting the history and heritage of our town, and your grant will ensure that we can maintain our work.”

Councillor Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, commented: “The success of the Kirkham Creative Heritage Explorers Group is a shining example of how our fund has helped to breathe life into a great local initiative to highlight the history and heritage of Kirkham, creating volunteering posts and reasons for people to get together in the process.”

Fylde Council Adopts New Local Development Scheme to Guide Future Planning

Fylde Council — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:33:52 +0000

Fylde Council’s Executive Committee has approved the adoption of a new Local Development Scheme, setting out a clear roadmap for the borough’s future planning framework through to 2042.

Following the decision on Monday 17 February 2025, the new scheme outlines the Council’s commitment to developing an updated Local Plan that will guide development across Fylde for the next 17 years. This strategic move ensures the Council maintains effective control over local development decisions and responds to recent changes in national planning policy.

The current Fylde Local Plan, adopted in December 2021, remains the basis for planning decisions until December 2026. The new Local Development Scheme sets out a detailed timetable for preparing its successor, ensuring a smooth transition between plans.

Key features of the new Local Development Plan include a comprehensive timetable for developing the Fylde Local Plan to 2042, plans for new Supplementary Planning Documents covering important topics such as tree strategy and shop front design, and a commitment to community engagement throughout the planning process.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, commented: “The adoption of this new Local Development Scheme demonstrates our proactive approach to planning for Fylde’s future. It provides a transparent timeline for the creation of our new Local Plan, which will help to shape sustainable development in our borough through to 2042.”

The Council will begin preparation work immediately, with the first public consultation phase scheduled for later this year. Residents and stakeholders will have multiple opportunities to participate in shaping the new Local Plan as it develops.

The Local Development Scheme can be viewed here: https://new.fylde.gov.uk/resident/planning/planning-policy-local-plan/local-development-scheme/

Fylde Council Extends Enterprise Zone Development Order to Boost Local Economy

Fylde Council — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:14:32 +0000

Fylde Council has approved the extension and amendment of a Local Development Order to facilitate investment in the Lancashire Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Enterprise Zone in Warton.

The Executive Committee confirmed the Local Development Order following a meeting on Monday 17 February 2025, replacing the previous order which expired in November 2024. The new order will remain operational for 10 years and incorporates updated legislative requirements.

This strategic initiative streamlines the planning permission process for companies engaged in advanced engineering and manufacturing development within Phase 1 of the Enterprise Zone. The order enables appropriate development while maintaining strict planning conditions to safeguard both the local environment and community interests.

Following comprehensive public consultation with statutory bodies and local residents, the draft order has been refined to address feedback received. Additionally, a master plan has been approved to ensure coordinated development across individual plots.

Councillor Richard Redcliffe, Deputy Leader of Fylde Council and Chairman of Planning Committee, said: “Although this part of the Lancashire Enterprise Zone has seen limited development since it was originally declared in 2011, it is exciting to see a significant increase in interest from potential investors following improvement in access created by the opening of Edith Rigby Way. This local development order will help attract investment into the local area to the benefit of Fylde’s economy whilst protecting the amenities of nearby residents and the wider environment.”

Budget Proposal Consultation 2025/26

Fylde Council — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:55:15 +0000

The proposals for the 2025/26 budget have now been published and can be viewed on the Fylde Council website here: view consultation

Feedback from all stakeholders received before 27th February 2025 will be considered at the budget-setting Council meeting of 3rd March 2025.

Feedback should be submitted by email using listening@fylde.gov.uk or by post to Budget Consultation Feedback, The Town Hall, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, FY8 1LW.

For 2025/26, an increase 2.99% in the average council tax charge is proposed alongside a number of growth items as the Council focuses on investment in the borough and on delivering the priorities in the corporate plan. The capital growth proposals include:

The enhancement of Garden Street in St Annes
A contribution towards the St Annes Pier Link Project connecting the Square to the Pier
A contribution towards schemes within the St Annes Masterplan at the Island
A project management resource which will add delivery capacity for schemes
A contribution towards the refurbishment of Kirkham baths
A contribution towards the introduction of Play Zones in Kirkham, St Annes, and Freckleton
Support to the Friends of Clifton Park for a new play area

All of these will contribute to ensuring Fylde is a vibrant and thriving place to live and visit.

In order to safeguard the Council’s revenue position there are no new revenue growth items proposed for 2025/26.

Commenting on the proposed 2025/26 budget, Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “Our budget proposals show that we will continue to invest in the borough, improving parks, increasing town centre regeneration and offering new and better facilities for the benefit of residents and visitors alike. There will again be no cuts to services and we will continue to deliver our UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme, to bring our communities together, support our local businesses and improve people’s skills.”

“The Government settlement announced in December was less generous than expected which, together with the impact of pay and price inflation which we have all faced over the last few years, means we are proposing a modest increase in council tax of 2.99%. It will be used to maintain our strong record of good quality statutory services right across the borough of Fylde.”

Cllr Buckley added: “It’s important that we receive feedback from as many of our residents as we can, to ensure we’re providing what people would like to see, and I would encourage anyone with an interest to participate in our consultation.”

Cllr Vince Settle, Lead Member for Finance & Resources, said: “We’ll be seeking final approval of our budget at our full council meeting at the beginning of March, and in the meantime, we welcome comments from stakeholders on the proposals.

“To help fund the proposed revenue budget, a 2.99% increase in our share of council tax bills is being proposed, which is the equivalent of £6.74 for the next financial year for an average band D property. This represents less than a 13p increase per week per average household for the coming year.

“The proposed council tax charge will ensure that we remain financially robust so that we can continue to invest in the frontline services that matter to residents and businesses across the borough, including waste and recycling collections; planning services; housing services; parks, leisure, and open spaces; street cleaning and environmental health.”

The budget consultation can be found at the following link: click here to view consultation

Fylde Council Licensing Panel Decision on The Estuary, Lytham

Fylde Council — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 09:09:45 +0000

The Fylde Council Licensing Panel has taken action regarding the premises licence for The Estuary, located at 65 Clifton Street, Lytham, following an application for review from Lancashire Constabulary.

At a hearing held on Friday 7 February 2025, the Panel considered evidence presented by PC Guy Harrison of Lancashire Constabulary regarding concerns about the premises’ Designated Premises Supervisor and licence holder, Mr. Fakhrul Islam. The review application was submitted following Mr. Islam being charged with criminal damage – arson endangering life.

After careful consideration of the evidence and representations made and in accordance with section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 and the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy 2024-2029, the Panel determined that Mr. Islam should be removed as the Designated Premises Supervisor for The Estuary with immediate effect.

The premises licence for The Estuary remains in place, but a new Designated Premises Supervisor will need to be appointed before alcohol can be sold at the venue.

Councillor Sandra Pitman, who convened the Licensing Panel, said: “The Panel has carefully reviewed all evidence presented, noting that our primary concerns centred around the prevention of crime and disorder associated with the licence holder rather than the premises itself. While current legislation prevented us from revoking the premises licence, we were not comfortable taking no further action. Therefore, we determined that removing Mr. Islam as the Designated Premises Supervisor was the appropriate step to ensure proper management of the premises and maintain public safety standards across Fylde.”

Following the hearing, PC Harrison indicated that should Mr. Islam be convicted of the alleged offenses, Lancashire Constabulary would submit a separate application to the issuing authority to revoke his personal licence.

Fylde’s Community Alcohol Partnership Wins National Recognition

Fylde Council — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 13:24:19 +0000

The Fylde Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) has been named CAP of the Year for England in the prestigious 2025 CAP Awards. The partnership, launched in September 2021, has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to reducing underage drinking and fostering positive community engagement.

The adjudicating panel particularly commended the partnership’s comprehensive approach to tackling alcohol-related challenges, which has resulted in a significant 43% reduction in reported anti-social behaviour. The initiative currently engages with approximately 170 young people each month through innovative programmes delivered by Streetwise Youth Community.

The success of Fylde’s CAP stems from its strong collaborative framework, uniting key stakeholders including Fylde Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Police, AFC Fylde Community Foundation, Fylde Rugby Foundation, and Streetwise Youth Community, alongside local schools and retailers.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, commented: “I extend my congratulations to everyone involved in this exceptional initiative. Their dedication and innovative approach have made a tangible difference in our community. This achievement validates our partnership’s strategy in addressing underage drinking while improving the health and wellbeing of our young people through constructive engagement and education.”

For more information about Community Alcohol Partnerships in Lancashire, visit the Lancashire County Council Website.

Garden Waste Collection Service Opens for 2025/26 Subscriptions

Fylde Council — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:00:30 +0000

Subscriptions for Fylde Council’s 2025/26 Garden Waste Collection Service are now open.

The annual subscription, priced at £38 per green bin, provides 25 scheduled collections throughout the year, equating to just £1.52 per collection. The service operates continuously except for a brief suspension during the Christmas and New Year period.

Councillor Michelle Morris, Lead Member for Customer and Operational Services, commented: “With consistently high subscription rates exceeding 19,000 households annually, our Garden Waste Collection Service demonstrates the strong partnership between Council and community in pursuing sustainable waste management solutions. We’re proud to continue offering an excellent service that not only benefits our residents but also contributes to our broader environmental objectives.”

Residents can subscribe or renew their subscription through Fylde Council’s online portal. The service supports the Council’s environmental initiatives by ensuring garden waste is processed naturally and recycled effectively.

More information regarding accepted waste types and subscription details can be found on the Council’s dedicated webpage.

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025

Fylde Council — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:06:22 +0000

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we’re celebrating the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our apprentices here at Fylde Council. Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop new skills, and work towards a qualification while earning.

Hear from some of our apprentices as they share their journeys, experiences, and future aspirations in their chosen careers.

Maisie

Maisie is a Business Support with Marketing Apprentice, currently working within our Economic Development & Communications Team. This year, her dedication and hard work were recognised when her manager nominated her for the Rising Star Award by the College Awards for Apprentices where they attended an awards ceremony at Lancaster & Morecambe College.
Maisie is about to complete her apprenticeship and is looking forward to the future. Reflecting on her experience, she said:

“I hope to use this qualification as a foundation for future job opportunities and further learning, as it’s something I can apply across multiple sectors.”

Lee

Lee is in the final stages of his Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship in Business Management (Leadership), with just four months remaining of the 3.5-year course. His graduation is set for July, marking the completion of the academic side, while the Practical CMI element and End Point Assessment (EPA) will conclude in early August.

Lee chose this apprenticeship because of the valuable combination of learning, qualification, and experience it provides, which can be applied to almost any organisation or industry. During his first year, he had the opportunity to explore four different pathways—HR, Finance, Marketing, and Leadership—before selecting Leadership as the obvious choice. He thrives on challenges and enjoys pushing himself to his full capacity, finding that everything he learns in theory directly enhances his work. Since joining Fylde, this connection has become even clearer, significantly improving his output.

Looking ahead, Lee sees his qualifications as a valuable asset, providing a strong foundation for his career giving him confidence and conviction in his abilities, and reinforcing his readiness for future opportunities.

Dominic

Dominic is six months into his Apprentice Building Control Officer role, building on his six years of experience as a bricklayer. This apprenticeship has given him the opportunity to expand his knowledge of the construction industry while still being hands-on, visiting sites and observing different construction methods.

He enjoys the practical side of his role and is eager to complete his HNC in Construction Management before progressing to a degree in Building Control and Surveying. His long-term goal is to become chartered with CABE, demonstrating his expertise and ability to help others comply with building regulations.

Sarah

Sarah’s apprenticeship journey is a long-awaited step forward in her career. After working as a Business Support Assistant for Building Control, she became interested in Building Control Surveying and completed an HNC in Construction to pursue this path. However, life took her in a different direction as she got married and had children, putting her career plans on hold. Now that her children are growing up, she is ready to focus on her future again.

She joined Fylde Council as an Apprentice Building Control Officer on 1st August 2024 and is thoroughly enjoying the role. With the support of her colleagues, who train her daily both in the office and on-site, she is gaining valuable experience. Her apprenticeship, a BSc (Hons) Building Control Surveyor (Degree Apprenticeship) at Wolverhampton University, began on 23rd January 2025. Thanks to her prior qualification, she was able to start at Level 5, reducing the course to two and a half years.

Looking ahead, Sarah is eager to continue expanding her knowledge of Building Regulations and progress in her role. Her next goal is to apply to become a Class 2a Registered Building Inspector, further cementing her expertise in the field.

Josh

Josh has continued to progress in his role as an Apprentice Building Control Officer at Fylde Council, gaining more independence and responsibility over the past year. With the support of his department and colleagues, he has successfully achieved his registration, allowing him to take on more complex and challenging projects.

Since last year, Josh has been able to work more independently, applying his growing knowledge and skills to a wider range of schemes. His apprenticeship continues to provide valuable hands-on experience alongside his university studies, helping him further his career in Building Control.

Looking ahead, Josh is eager to continue developing within his role, taking on new challenges, and expanding his expertise as he works towards the next stage of his professional journey.

Derek

Derek has made significant progress in his role as an Apprentice Civil Engineer within Fylde Council’s Tech Services Department. Over the past year, he has successfully completed the first year of his degree apprenticeship at UCLan, achieving excellent results. His apprenticeship has played a key role in his development, allowing him to apply new knowledge from his studies directly to real-world projects, gaining hands-on experience alongside his academic learning.

Throughout the year, Derek has taken on more responsibility, becoming increasingly involved in projects and procurement while also developing key skills in contract and report writing. One of the most valuable aspects of his learning has been working with CAD software, where he has been able to create drawings for real projects, further strengthening his technical expertise.

Looking ahead, Derek is eager to continue building his skills and experience, using the knowledge he gains from both his studies and colleagues to further his career in civil engineering.