january2023 – Fylde Council

Fylde Set To Look The Tree’s Knees As Tree Planting Programme 2023/24 Approved

Fylde Council — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 09:18:02 +0000

Following the tremendous success of the 2022/23 tree planting programme, Fylde Council’s Environmental Health & Housing Committee has approved the investment of a further £25,000 additional revenue to enable the continuation of tree planting in 2023/24.

Last year’s tree planting programme was delivered from November 2022 through January 2023 on Ashton Gardens, Lowther Gardens, Fairhaven Lake, Hope Street Park, Park View, Robin and Sparrow Parks, and Crescent Gardens by the Tree Team and Ranger Service, with generous assistance from volunteer groups. In addition, several community tree planting events where members of the public could get involved were organised and promoted during National Tree Week, and proved very popular. Overall, Fylde staff and volunteers were responsible for the planting of an incredible 600 trees as part of the programme during this period, and now Fylde Council is looking to build on this further.

As part of the 2022/23 programme, a tree canopy survey was commissioned to highlight areas of low tree cover, and it’s this data combined with in-house knowledge of low canopy areas that will be used to develop a new planting programme for 2023/24.

This planting plan will be formulated between the Parks and Coast Service and Regeneration Service for consideration by the Carbon Neutral Working Group, and will be subject to consultation with key officers, Members and partners. The new programme will also include further community planting events, giving residents another opportunity to get their hands dirty and thumbs green across the borough!

Cllr Thomas Threlfall, Chairman of the Environmental, Health and Housing Committee, said: “I’m proud of the work we’ve been able to perform through this programme so far in enhancing the natural environment of Fylde, and providing high quality parks and open spaces for residents and visitors. I’m delighted that the EHH Committee continues to fund this very worthwhile programme and look forward to planting a few trees myself in the new year! ”

For more information about the numerous beautiful parks and open spaces in Fylde, visit the Fylde Council website.

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Fylde Ice Festival In February!

Fylde Council — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 10:12:48 +0000

A scintillating spectacle is headed to Fylde this February as Lytham hosts the brand-new free Fylde Ice Festival on Saturday 11 February 2023!

Award-winning ice sculptors Glacial Art will be displaying gorgeous ice sculptures, themed around the local area, on the Mussell Tanks by Lytham Green between 10am and 5pm. A live carving demonstration will take place at 12 noon to showcase how the sculptures are made, and an interactive carving wall will give members of the public to opportunity to get hands on and show off their talents.

Cllr Michael Sayward, Chairman of Fylde Council’s Tourism & Leisure Committee, said: “We’re delighted to be able to host a fantastic free event like this on the first weekend of the February half-term. This is a brilliant addition to the year-round events programme in Fylde and we’re thrilled to host it.”

To keep up to date with all the fabulous events happening across the borough, sign up to the Fylde Council newsletter, and visit the Discover Fylde website.

Progress on level access to Squires Gate Railway Station

Fylde Council — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 10:55:04 +0000

Access to the Squires Gate Station platform is currently a steep set of steps and as such is inaccessible to those with mobility issues, wheelchairs or prams.

It has long been a desire of Ward Councillors and the South Fylde Community Rail Partnership that some form of inclusive access be created.

In 2018, following the development of the Costal Dunes housing on the former Pontins site, officers established that an accessible route to the platform may well be possible from New Road but this required acquisition of a small patch of land. No evidence of ownership of the land was forthcoming and so the Council agreed to move forward to obtain a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO). Following the statutory period of time for notices and objections, the CPO was sealed and submitted to the Secretary of State for confirmation and was received at the end of November 2022.

The next step in the CPO process is for six weeks’ public notice to be given of the confirmation of the order, which is currently underway, followed by the service of a General Vesting Declaration which comes into effect 3 months later. At that point the land will become the property of the council.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council and ward councillor for the area, said:

“Although the progress of this particular project has been lengthy, it does now feel that we are nearing the end of the legal process and will soon be able to move ahead with plans to create a platform that will be accessible to all. As a key gateway into St Annes, it is crucial that we provide this to enable all people to get on or off the train at Squires Gate. I look forward to seeing the designs come forward for the new pathway, lighting and signage in order to complete the project in 2023.”

While the CPO process has been ongoing, Lancashire County Council’s Rail Development Manager has been negotiating with relevant parties, including Persimmon Homes, to ensure the access can be formed as soon as possible once the land is obtained by Fylde Council.

They have advised that outline designs have been produced and have provided outline costings for the new level access path.

Options to deliver the works with Network Rail, Northern Trains, and Persimmon Homes are currently being evaluated with an agreement to be sought between the parties at the earliest opportunity.

Although a timescale for the carrying out of works cannot be provided at this time, all parties are committed to completing this access as soon as possible.

Drive to improve St Annes continues despite unsuccessful Levelling Up Fund bid

Fylde Council — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 09:02:41 +0000

In July 2022, Fylde Council submitted a strong and ambitious £13.14 million bid to Round 2 of the Government’s highly competitive Levelling Up Fund with the aim of helping to kick-start the regeneration of St Anne’s Town Centre and Promenade Gardens.

Unfortunately, the Government’s recent announcement of the successful LUF bids did not include the Fylde submission, with only 3 districts in Lancashire winning funds.

Although this is disappointing news, it is expected that Councillors at the next Council meeting in February will authorise a budget for the Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) which, alongside funds already agreed on the Council’s capital programme, will ensure public realm improvement works do still go ahead on the Pier Link along St Annes Road West, linking St Annes town centre to the seafront.

In addition to physical capital improvements, UKSPF will also be utilised to deliver an exciting and impressive events programme in St Annes town centre, encompassing arts, heritage and culture to encourage visitors into our town centre and further boosting our visitor economy.

Plans are also in the pipeline to engage with major investors, developers and other interested parties who want to work with the Council and start having positive conversations regarding new leisure and family orientated opportunities for the Island as outlined within the St Annes Masterplan.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “It was always a tall order to get our bid over the line because we were not in the top priority tier. While it would be easy to be disappointed with the outcome of the LUF Bid, our commitment to bringing more prosperity to Fylde remains as does the Masterplan for St Annes, including the Square, Promenade and Island sites.

“Thank you, again, to the many local residents and businesses, including business groups, who contributed to this vision. We will continue to investigate funding opportunities that will enable the ambitious plans for regenerating St Annes to be realised, including submitting a funding bid into Round 3 of LUF which the Government have committed to deliver.

“Congratulations to neighbouring Blackpool for the successful ‘Multiversity’ bid and to Lancaster whose exciting plans for ‘Eden of the North’ in Morecambe have been given the green light.”

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

To read more about Fylde’s application for the UKSPF, including Investment Plan, visit the Fylde Council website: https://new.fylde.gov.uk/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-ukspf/

Fylde Council Thanks Our Wonderful Volunteers

Fylde Council — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 13:02:17 +0000

The volunteer groups of Fylde have received well-earned praise from the Mayor and the Leader of the Council across two receptions celebrating their tremendous contributions to their communities.

Representatives from over 50 volunteering organisations attended two receptions in the Town Hall on the morning of Friday 13 January and the evening of Monday 16 January, at which the Mayor and the Leader of the Council both personally expressed their gratitude for the sterling work of the volunteers.

Cllr Ben Aitken, the Mayor of Fylde, said of the reception: “This reception is something we’ve wanted to host for a long time, to recognise the dedication and fabulous work of the huge volunteering community across the Borough. It was delightful to see such an exceptional turnout, with representatives from some of the many groups we’re lucky to have here. We’re keen to support this work, and I would urge any local voluntary, community and faith groups to look at their eligibility for the Fylde Community Projects Fund, just one of the ways we’re able to help. Our sincere thanks to you all – keep up the good work!”

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, added:

“Volunteering brings many benefits and rewards, not least the social interaction and wellbeing from giving something back to the community. On behalf of Fylde Council, I’d like to say ‘thank you’ for the tremendous work that our volunteers carry out whether that be befriending or feeding people, picking up litter, raising money for charity, caring for the environment, the list goes on and on. Our volunteering community in Fylde is exceptional and the Mayoral reception at the Town Hall was a small token of our gratitude.”

Any organisation interested in the Community Projects Fund should contact joanne.collins@fylde.gov.uk or 01253 658505 for further details or go to the website here: www.fylde.gov.uk/council/fylde-community-grants

Name Fylde Council’s New Parks Pathway Sweeper!

Fylde Council — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 14:07:31 +0000

Fylde Council needs your help naming the new parks pathway sweeping vehicle!

The specialist sweeper will soon see use keeping clear the pathways at Fairhaven and other parks in Fylde, and needs a name for good luck. Fylde Council will be taking suggestions from the public for the next few weeks and putting together a shortlist in early February – and if your suggestion wins, you’ll receive a family pass for a free crazy golf session at Fairhaven Lake and Gardens.

Fylde’s award-winning parks and green spaces are a source of great pride for residents and a perennial favourite of visitors. The Scarab MC110 sweeper will replace the older vehicle which was hired to keep the paths at Fairhaven Lake and Gardens clear over the summer, and having seen the vehicle in action during a successful demonstration, Fylde Council’s Parks teams are excited to add it to their arsenal of tools to keep the borough’s green spaces in top-notch condition.

Cllr Michael Sayward, Chairman of the Tourism & Leisure Committee, said: “I’m delighted to see that the new sweeper is almost ready for action, and that our parks staff are keen to get it into service. This investment was strongly backed by myself and my fellow members, particularly Cllrs Michelle Morris, Cheryl Little, and Ellie Gaunt of Fairhaven Ward, and the Leader of Fylde, Cllr Karen Buckley; we are all delighted to see it arrive and help keep our parks at an award-winning standard.”

To put forward your suggestions for the new sweeper and stand a chance of winning a family pass for a free crazy golf session at Fairhaven, click here!

New Lytham Lighting Scheme Gets Underway

Fylde Council — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 11:48:59 +0000

Work on a new scheme to improve the lighting along Central Beach in Lytham is progressing following some initial delays.

The scheme, which is a joint project between Lancashire and Fylde Councils will see the replacement of 25 concrete and steel lighting columns with bespoke columns and lamp heads that better reflect the character of this conservation area location. The lighting bracket has been specially designed to reflect local features found in “leafy Lytham” including the green, the estuary and of course, the iconic windmill.

Work was originally expected to commence in early 2022, but was delayed as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent supply chain difficulties that limited the availability of the steel required to manufacture the new lamp columns. As a result work was rescheduled to avoid the summer season and potential disruption to popular events such as Lytham Festival and the Classic Car Rally.

Councillor Richard Redcliffe, Chairman of Fylde Council’s Town Centres Working Group and Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee said: “It is exciting to see this first phase in the Council’s investment in Lytham Town Centre get underway. These specially designed lighting columns will certainly be much more suitable in this conservation area location and I look forward to seeing these rolled out across the town centre as part of future improvement schemes.”

Fylde Council Tourism and Leisure Committee Put Forward Fantastic New Investments and Improvements

Fylde Council — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 11:41:25 +0000

The January 2023 meeting of Fylde Council’s Tourism and Leisure Committee has concluded, and amongst the decision items discussed were several exciting proposals for investment and development across the Borough.

One recommendation is for the introduction of a nominal charge of £1 per child, per hour, for the use of the SPLASH outdoor water play facility in St Annes. The £1 fee has been recommended for approval by the full council to ensure that the facility is affordable to all, with private beach activities charging significantly higher rates, pricing many visitors out.

Income from the small charge will contribute towards the ongoing costs of operating and maintaining the SPLASH park and ensuring its continued availability. Revenue raised would also be used to help fund improved services and activities along the beach, such as the paddling pool, the ranger service, and improved beach accessibility.

The proposal details provision for an online payment system with the opportunity to rebook if the weather is unfavourable, as well as the option to book and pay at the park when capacity allows.

Staying with the beachfront, another recommendation from the Tourism and Leisure Committee is the refurbishment and repurposing of the St Annes beach furniture unit into a ‘Beach Hub’ facility. This would provide a focal point on the beach for customers, volunteers, partner agencies and employees in an ideal location at the primary entry point to the beach, offering a base for coastal resources such as rangers and tourist information staff, a first aid and lost child point, beach wheelchair hire, the storage of cleansing materials, and more, with a projected total capital cost of around 71,000.

Four Council-owned play areas across Fylde are next on the list of proposed improvements for full council to consider in March, following on from a number of remedial works and newly constructed play areas in 2022. Lowther Gardens, Waddington Road, Raleigh Close and Hove Road have all been identified as priority for remedial works to ensure they remain in top condition and are safe for all, with a recommended capital budget of £120,000 for 2023/2024. Partnership working will continue with Fylde’s exceptional community groups who have been excellent obtaining external grant funding along with the allocation of further Section 106 monies to maximise the impact of the play replacement budget and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Borough’s formal children’s play areas.

Lytham Hall, the only Grade 1 listed asset in Fylde and a significant historical and heritage asset for the region, managed by a Trust, has also been marked out for assistance. The Tourism and Leisure Committee have recommended a £75,253 capital contribution towards a new drainage system and a green car parking scheme like the ones in national parks planned by the charity. This project is essential for the Hall to accommodate the increased demand from visitors and the local community as it continues to support tourism, the local economy and heritage consistent with the Council’s Corporate Plan and priorities.

Cllr Michael Sayward, Chairman of the Tourism & Leisure Committee, said: “As a Council we are deeply committed to making Fylde a wonderful place for visitors and residents, and it is my pleasure to recommend these proposals be approved by full council. Each represents an excellent investment in the services, amenities and heritage assets that make our Borough such a well-loved tourist destination and place to live.”

These Committee recommendations and others will be presented to full Council in the coming weeks. To read more about Fylde Council’s Committees, and to view the agendas and minutes of their meetings, visit the Fylde Council website. For updates about these and other exciting projects happening in Fylde, sign up for the official Fylde Council newsletter.

Kirkham Futures: Eagles Court Car Park Closes as Public Realm Works Begin

Fylde Council — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 09:02:05 +0000

The first phase of the Kirkham Futures Public Realm Works have begun in the town centre, as the appointed contractors set up the site from which they will be working for the next year.

Eagles Court Car Park, closed from Monday 9 January 2023 through to January 2024 or until further notice, will host the Eric Wright Civil Engineering compound. Market Square Car Park will close from Monday 16 January 2023 at 8:00am. Following the completion of the Public Realm works, Market Square will be opened as an events space, and both the weekly market and the artisan market will resume.

The Public Realm works consist of improvements to footways and carriageways, including new lighting, green bus shelters, new street furniture, and new planting, including semi-mature trees. In addition, the works will incorporate beautiful artworks such as bespoke railings, architectural lighting, and a mural chronicling Kirkham’s historic past. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times and vehicular access will be maintained where practicable.

Notification will be provided in advance of any overnight road closures, which will be kept to a minimum.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “It is great to see this first phase of the project get off the ground. The market square and high street are the heart of Kirkham, and these public realm improvements are a vital step in the programme breathing new life into the town by making the centre more attractive to families, shoppers and visitors, helping encourage more people to enjoy all Kirkham has to offer.”

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.

Information about alternative car parking in Kirkham can be found here. To read more about the vision for a regenerated Kirkham, visit the Kirkham Futures website or email kirkhamfutures@fylde.gov.uk. To keep up to date with the latest developments, sign up to receive the weekly Fylde Council newsletter.