july21 – Fylde Council

Fairhaven to Church Scar Scheme is turning the tide against flood risk

Fylde Council — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 15:11:34 +0000

Almost exactly a year after the project completed and re-opened to the public, the sea defence scheme from Fairhaven to Granny’s Bay was officially ‘opened’ on 22^nd July.

The project, which stretches from Fairhaven Lake to Church Scar promenade on Seafield Road is designed to protect up to 2,400 properties from coastal erosion and flooding. Work began on site in 2018 after previous defences which were built in the late 1890s were identified as being in a failing condition, requiring emergency repairs to be financed every year to prevent a breach and coastal erosion.

Further to Fylde Council securing a £21.4m grant investment from the Environment Agency, VBA (a joint venture between Volker Stevin, Boskalis Westminster and SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business) has completed all the works under budget and ahead of the Contract Completion Date in December 2020.

The scheme completed in June 2020, however due to the coronavirus pandemic an official opening could not take place at the time.

Council officials including the Mayor and Councillor Tommy Threlfall, representatives from the contractor Volker Stevin, and officials from the Environment Agency came together to officially cut the ribbon and mark the end of the heavily praised scheme. Officials followed latest COVID guidelines during the event.

Keith Ashcroft, Area Director for the Environment Agency in Cumbria and Lancashire, said:

“I’m delighted the new sea defences from Fairhaven to Church Scar have been completed ahead of schedule, reducing the risk of flooding and coastal erosion up to 2,400 local properties. Sea defences were first built along this stretch of coastline in 1890, and this latest investment of £21 million means they’ll continue weathering storms for generations to come. The success of this project is testament to the strong working relationship between Fylde Council and the Environment Agency who are committed to making Lancashire resilient to climate change. By working together the risk of flooding has been reduced and the scheme has enhanced an already popular location which really benefits wildlife, well-being and the local economy.”

Mark Cronshaw, framework director for VBA, said:

“We are very proud of the work we’ve completed in partnership with Fylde Council, and are thrilled to be celebrating its official opening. The project has provided much needed new coastal protection and an upgraded promenade. Both throughout construction and post completion, it has received some fantastic feedback from local residents, testament to the entire team’s collaborative approach and dedication.”

Councillor Tommy Threlfall, the Council appointed representative for the Fairhaven and Church Scar Sea Defence project board added:

“What we see along the shoreline today is beyond my wildest dreams. I want to thank the fantastic team at Fylde Council and Volker Stevin for all of their hard work, which has been complemented many a time already from residents and visitors to the area. It is absolutely work to be proud of. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the team at the Environment Agency as well as the Project Board who ensured the process was as smooth as possible throughout.”

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New Park and Ride at Blackpool Airport for the summer season

Fylde Council — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 09:25:28 +0000

A new Park and Ride service is due to open at Blackpool Airport over the summer weekends, to help meet the demand of an anticipated surge of staycation visitors to the resort.

The Park and Ride facility will be located at the airport’s former P2 overspill car park at Squires Gate Lane, starting from Saturday 31 July and running for 8 weeks to Sunday 19 September. There will be designated disabled parking close to the bus stop which will be clearly signposted.

The weekend only service (Saturdays and Sundays including August Bank Holiday Monday), operated by a partnership between Blackpool Transport and Blackpool Council, will be open from 8am to 8pm, with a shuttle bus service running every 15 minutes from the airport bus stop at Squires Gate Lane.

Route outbound: Squires Gate Lane → St Anne’s Road → Central Drive → New Bonny Street

Route inbound: New Bonny Street → Central Drive → St Anne’s Road → Squires Gate Lane

Tickets will be £15 per vehicle which includes all day parking and unlimited use of Blackpool Transport buses and trams. Tickets will be available through the Blackpool Transport mobile app BPL Transport (www.blackpooltransport.com) which is free to download on Apple or Android phones, or available to purchase on the shuttle bus service.

James Carney, Finance and Commercial Director at Blackpool Transport says, “Giving visitors the option to park up their car and enjoy everything Blackpool has to offer by bus or tram is a great way to ease both congestion and the environmental impact of private cars. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors into the resort and onto our frequent bus and tram services. By downloading our mobile app, people can use the easily accessible journey planner to help them plan their day out in Blackpool. All buses have ramps and information features to help families and disabled customers use Blackpool’s services. Come on, give it a try!”

Cllr Neal Brookes, Cabinet Member for Enforcement, Public Safety, Highways and Transport said, “Over the May Bank Holiday weekend the town centre was gridlocked by a high volume of day trippers and every car park was full. With the weather forecast looking good (at the moment!) and overseas holidays still out of reach for many this summer, we are expecting a record number of visitors and want to make sure the resort is ready to cope with the high volume of cars and there’s parking for everyone. By using the former airport car park at peak times we are can offer up to 700 more car parking spaces for our visitors.”

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Fylde visitors asked to ‘Take it, Don’t Leave it’

Fylde Council — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 08:29:22 +0000

Fylde Council is launching a new campaign to tackle the amount of litter left in the borough.

The ‘Take it, Don’t Leave It’ programme of events, competitions, targeted social media campaigns and more will run throughout the summer and focus on raising awareness and combatting the problems of littering both on the coast and in Fylde’s beautiful rural areas.

With the warm summer weather and fewer people travelling abroad for holidays this year, Fylde is expected to receive more visitors than ever, which means it is likely to face a more significant litter problem.

Allan Oldfield, Chief Executive of Fylde Council, explains: “As well as our professional refuse teams, rangers and enforcement staff, we are extremely lucky to have an army of voluntary litter picking individuals and groups in Fylde such as the Are you a Tosser and Are you a Womble group, which has some volunteers from the Fylde Soroptimists, Totally Rotary, Beaverbrooks and many more local organisations.

“In addition, we have lots of other coastal care groups working under the Keep Britain Tidy umbrella, and the work they all do is invaluable in helping tackle litter left by visitors. Ideally – we want to lessen the amount that’s left in the first place!

“Plans to raise awareness and discourage littering throughout the summer holidays include stats-based adverts, videos, a competition, signage and other activities to get a message across to those who are visiting us this summer.

“There are also plans in the pipeline to organise a ‘thank you’ event for the local litter picking groups. I know that people don’t do it for praise and thanks, and many of us – myself included – regularly pick up litter on evening walks as a matter of course, but the Council is keen to show how much these efforts are truly appreciated.”

Tracey Hope the lead coordinator for the army of volunteers who give up their valuable free time so that when visitors come, they can enjoy clean beaches and safe and beautiful countryside.

She said: “I am a coastal conservationist and marine biologist so I’m passionate about protecting the environment. While most people pick up after themselves, there’s a minority who leave their rubbish behind and that really mounts up.

“I set up the community action group ‘Are you a Tosser / Are you a Womble’, aka the pink and purple pickers, which sits on the Facebook group ‘Don’t be a Tosser’, after seeing the amount of litter left behind by visitors – some days it looks like the aftermath of a festival!

“I was blown away by the response, it has really taken off. The support from the local community has been fantastic.”

The ‘Take it, Don’t Leave It’ campaign launches on Wednesday 28th July and will run throughout the season.

Look out for the ‘Take It, Don’t Leave It’ message appearing across Fylde and keep an eye on the Council’s social media pages to see how you could get involved.

The campaign launches on Wednesday 28th July and will run throughout the season.

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Fylde Council has awarded local businesses more than £73,000 – and there’s more on the way

Fylde Council — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 10:12:12 +0000

Fylde Council has been helping to keep the borough’s high streets bustling, incentivising businesses to take advantage of available retail spaces.

The ARG Vacant Premises Grant enables businesses locating to, or expanding into, vacant town centre premises to apply to receive 50 per cent of the set-up, shop fit, refit or branding costs at a value of up to £10,000.

The grant has been a huge success and Fylde Council has allocated an impressive £73,205 so far, providing a vital boost to new and expanding businesses across the region.

From ice cream parlours and estate agents, to cards, crafts, clothing and cafes – all manner of businesses have benefitted from this fantastic fund, and there are plenty more in the pipeline.

Bella B Boutique in St Annes was among the first to benefit from a £10,000 grant. Owner, Alisha Rayson, was delighted with the support from Fylde Council:

She said: “When I heard about the grant it inspired me to take the plunge and open my own boutique clothing store in St Annes.

“The council has been very supportive. The team made the grant application process really straightforward and simple to sort out. In addition, they moved quickly to ensure everything was in place.

“I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of opening up on the high street.”

A £10,000 grant provided an unmissable opportunity when Julie Hardy and Sarah Temmem came to set up their new estate agency in Kirkham.

Julie explained: “Sarah and I set up the business, and the opportunity for the shop premises came up sooner than we expected, but it was too good to turn down. The ARG grant has enabled us to open on the high street, it was a very welcome cash injection.”

Sarah Mangan, from Lytham and Kirkham based Celebrations Cards and Gifts made the most out of her grant award.

She said: “I had already started on the new shop refit when I found out about the grant on social media and applied. It was such a boost, and gave me a lot more freedom to do things in the best possible way, rather than compromising due to tighter budget constraints.

“The Council has been amazing, and so helpful. Both the grant and the support from the team came at just the right time! I was able to use the money to completely refurbish the shop; from counter and card units, to toilets, shelving and a fresh new frontage.

Fylde Council Leader, Cllr Karen Buckley is delighted to see the fund being put to such good use. She said:

“The council made a very firm commitment to support the recovery of the local economy following the huge challenges faced during the pandemic and we are absolutely delighted with the positive response we have had to the ARG Vacant Premises Grant.

“It’s been exceptionally rewarding to support small businesses that might not have made the leap to where they are now without this additional help.

“These post-Covid recovery grants have been incredible in stimulating town centre economies across Fylde, and I look forward to seeing who will apply next.

We have already received 32 excellent applications that will breathe new life into our local high streets and the grant is available for several more months yet!”

Funding from the ARG Vacant Premises Grant is still available and businesses that meet the following key criteria can apply until 31 December 2021:

Moving or expanding into a vacant premise in the town centre
Offering an in-person service that would generate footfall
Is a small independent sole trader/operator or locally based chain
Premises must be in specific locations and include ground floor shop frontage

Applications will also be assessed on whether the business operates in a priority sector for the local economy which includes retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism and whether it fills a gap in the market to attract people to the town centres throughout the week.

Full terms and conditions and details about how to apply can be found at: https://new.fylde.gov.uk/ARGvacantpremises

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

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Tilney, Smith and Williamson Sponsor Fylde Rugby Community Foundation’s ‘Over 55’s Walking Rugby’ Programme

Fylde Council — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 12:31:23 +0000

Fylde Rugby Community Foundation is delighted to announce that Tilney, Smith and Williamson is the sponsor of a major new initiative to encourage more older people on the Fylde Coast to keep active and participate in sport.

The UK’s leading Wealth Management company has agreed a three-year deal to sponsor the Foundation’s Over 55’s Walking Rugby Programme.

Walking rugby is a fantastic opportunity for anyone aged 55 and over to join in this great version of the game of rugby. It is played in trainers not boots and is non contact (so no tackling, scrums or lineouts!) Separate sessions are run depending on age, experience and mobility so that it is available to anyone who wants to join in and it is most definitely available to women as well as men.

Thanks to the support of Tilney, Smith and Williamson the sessions are free of charge and refreshments are provided afterwards which are also free of charge.

Allan Oldfield, CEO of Fylde Borough Council said “ It’s great to see this fantastic new initiative which is attracting not just former players but many other older men and women with no prior experience of rugby and several of whom have suffered with isolation during recent times, involved in this fun and healthy activity.”

Simon Reeks, Director, Investment Management at TSW said after a session in which he participated “ It is great to be involved with such a great community project. The facilities and coaching team are first class. Through rugby the Foundation are enhancing people’s lives across a whole variety of age groups and therefore this was something we really wished to get involved with and promote the foundations ethos of “Rugby for all”.

The sessions take place at Fylde Rugby Club. They start at 18.30 on Tuesday evenings and last an hour followed by refreshments. If you would like to attend or would like to know more about the Foundation please contact Phill Mills at community@fylderugbyfoundation.com

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Splash and the paddling/boating pool reopen

Fylde Council — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 14:16:25 +0000

The Splash Park at Fylde plans to reopen from this Friday 23rd July, as coronavirus restrictions come to an end across England. The final stage of the roadmap out of lockdown came into effect with nightclubs reopening and the final restrictions on mass gatherings and face coverings removed for most of the country. In addition, Fylde council has decided to reopen the Splash and the paddling/boating pool.

We will be operating safely in line with Government guidance. Visitors must now pre-book to use Splash via our website. This is to prevent high density crowds within the facility. Our sessions are restricted in numbers and will get booked quickly, so try to book in advance to avoid disappointment and please cancel your booking if your plans change – to free tickets for another families.

The health and safety of our customers and staff is our number one priority. We now have numerous measures in place including reduced capabilities, pre-booking online and enhanced cleaning procedures. Do not visit Splash if you show any Covid-19 symptoms and follow advise on the following government link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronovirus-covid-19/.

Bookings:

Splash is FREE to enter.
Opening times are from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Friday 23^rd July – 24^thSeptember 2021, 7 days per week.
Available session start times: 10.00am, 11.15am, 12.30pm, 13,45pm, 15.00pm.
Bookable sessions are for up to 60 minutes. There is a 15 minute break between each session to ensure the safe exit of users and cleaning of the facility.
Each booking session is for a maximum of 4 people. If your group is larger than 4, an additional session will need to be booked, subject to availability.
To book, please click the following link: https://www.discoverfylde.co.uk/splashparkzone/
A special, weekly 1 hour session is available for the under 5’s: 10.00am every Monday. Please book online.
A special, weekly 1 hour session is available for children with disabilities and SEN: 10.00am every Tuesday. Please book online.
Fylde Council reserve the right to occasionally close Splash as a result of inclement weather, extra cleaning or system maintenance. Updates will be provided on the Splash Facebook page.

On Arrival

Please do not arrive any earlier than your allocated booking time.
A simple one-way system is in place to ensure the safe entry and exit of users – please let staff guide you on arrival.
A sanitisation point will be located at the entrance of facility.
Please be respectful of other users and staff and help us keep the facility clean and hygienic by using the bins provided.
A whistle will sound at the end of each session and users must exit the facility quickly to enable staff to adequately prepare the facility for the next session.

Councillor Michael Sayward, Chair of the Tourism and Leisure Committee said: “It is fantastic news that we can now re-open this community facility for everyone to enjoy at the start of the school holidays. However, it is important that everyone remembers their personal responsibility to keep themselves, their families and others safe during the ongoing pandemic. Therefore, I would urge anyone who uses the Splash Park to be sensible and respect others when using the facility in order to keep everyone safe.”

We will be following similar measures of other splash parks reopening in Lancashire. For those that don’t have an internet connection, the public can text/call the splash team to make a booking direct on 07917 234442 during normal operating hours (10am – 4pm). Our Splash Park will be open come rain or shine.

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Consultants appointed for Rail Study

Fylde Council — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 11:22:43 +0000

Fylde Council has appointed Stantec to produce a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) to assess transport options to improve connectivity and reliability along the route of the South Fylde Rail Line.

This will include a study to review a range of strategic and economic factors before compiling a report on different transport options, which will go to public consultation later this year.

The study is being carried out as a result of the Restoring Your Railway/Beeching Reversal ideas fund, which was announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) in 2020. The fund was established to look at the viability of restoring lost railway lines to communities.

Historically, the South Fylde line was double-tracked enabling trains to pass each other along the line.

During the 1980s the line from Blackpool South Station to Kirkham and Wesham Station was reduced to a single track resulting in a maximum of one train per hour being able to use the line, limiting the potential capacity of the train services and restricting growth.

Santec will produce the SOBC and Network Rail is conducting a capacity study of the line to assess whether it would be viable to operate two trains per hour within the wider timetable and that platform space can be provided at Preston Station, taking into account other potential changes to train services in the future.

A Project Working Group has been established to provide advice and assistance and oversee the progress of this study and the development of the SOBC. The group includes representatives of Mark Menzies MP and Scott Benton MP, Department for Transport, Network Rail, Northern Rail, Community Rail Lancashire, Blackpool Council and Lancashire County Council.

Fylde MP Mark Menzies said: “The appointment of Stantec to this project is another big step towards these much needed upgrades and the doubling of services on the South Fylde Line.

This prospective investment will make it easier for those travelling to Fylde for business or to sample our fantastic visitor attractions, with a huge benefit for our local economy, as well as giving residents better connections to larger regional hubs.

It is pleasing to have reached this stage, but we are by no means over the line, and I will continue working closely with Fylde Borough Council, the Project Working Group, and with Government to help this plan become reality.”

Cllr Karen Buckley, who is the leader at Fylde Council said: “We are delighted to have appointed Stantec as consultants to this very important project.

“Improving connectivity and reliability on the South Fylde Rail line is a top priority for Fylde Council, especially after such a difficult time for the borough.

“Improving the railway line would bring a huge range of benefits to Fylde, so we are eager to continue working in partnership with everyone involved to work towards a solution that will suit all parties.

“I look forward to seeing the SOBC and the capacity study in due course.”

Funders for the project are the Department for Transport’s Restoring Your Railway fund, Community Rail Lancashire, Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Fylde Council.

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“The stabilisers came off on Monday – but we have to keep pedalling to ensure a smooth ride”

Fylde Council — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 10:55:10 +0000

– By Dr Andrew Furber, Regional Director for Public Health England North West

Monday 19^th July marked the most significant milestone in almost 16 months with the lifting of COVID-19 legal restrictions and something resembling a return to normality.

Social distancing and stay at home rules have been our stabilisers throughout the pandemic, protecting us all and enabling us to suppress the virus at vital times to keep our NHS from being overwhelmed.

Now, the success of the unprecedented vaccine rollout undertaken by our incredible NHS colleagues means those stabilisers can start to come off and we can get moving independently again.

But as we pedal towards a life with fewer restrictions, we must be aware that coronavirus is our new ‘normal’ and our battle with the virus continues.

Here in the North West, we still have a lot of work to do if we are to make this transition a smooth ride, because the virus will not suddenly disappear from July 19 – and we still have some hills to climb.

Case rates in the North West are increasing and they are expected to rise further over the coming weeks, especially as we mix more with others from Monday.

Although deaths and hospitalisations are lower, thanks to the success of the vaccination programme, COVID-19 is a virus you really do not want to catch. It can still make you very sick, and many people suffering from long COVID are experiencing ill effects weeks and months after they tested positive.

The risks of falling ill are especially great for those who have not yet had both doses of the vaccine – currently approximately 61% of adults in the North West have had their second dose. Vulnerable groups are also at higher risk of more serious illness if they catch COVID and not everyone in this group will have been vaccinated.

Whilst there’s no longer be a need to legally enforce rules like mask-wearing and social distancing, the onus is now on the public to make informed decisions and use their judgement and common sense to keep themselves and others safe.

Whilst we learn to live with the virus, we must carry on protecting each other in the same ways we have done over the past 16 months.

COVID-19 has not gone away and you could become severely unwell or pass on the virus to someone without knowing. We must all be sensible and consider risks to ourselves and others.

Getting both jabs is the best way to ensure strong protection against the virus, so it remains vital people keep coming forward for the vaccine. The more coverage we have, the more we minimise the impact of a rise in cases this summer. So do not hesitate to get yours, if you haven’t already done so. Everyone over 18 can now book to have their first dose on the NHS portal.

Don’t throw your masks away. If you’re in crowded spaces or on public transport where it’s difficult to keep your distance, please wear it, especially whilst rates are going up, as you may be carrying COVID-19 without any symptoms and come into contact with unvaccinated people.

If others around us are wearing a mask, let us be respectful and keep a distance – they may be feeling uneasy about the reopening. Let’s be kind.

Remember to keep washing your hands thoroughly and more often than usual, especially before and after getting on public transport or getting in from work, shops or the pub.

And if we know we are meeting up with friends and family, minimise the risk of passing on the virus by meeting outside as much as possible. Think about whether they are vulnerable and whether either of you had one or two doses of the vaccine. Get a test before you meet up.

Meetings others outside is much safer than indoors as the fresh air helps to blow the COVID-19 particles away. So, make the most of the warm weather over the summer and meet family and friends outside.

If you work in an enclosed space or come into contact with lots of people, twice-weekly lateral flow tests will continue to be available – as this really helps us to track infection and stop transmission.

Make testing part of your routine – especially if you’re going to come into contact with others. You can collect free rapid tests from your local pharmacy or order online at gov.uk.

If you are feeling unwell, don’t risk passing on the virus and making others sick – self-isolate and get a PCR test.

Ensuring these protections are a part of our everyday behaviours will control the transmission of the virus as we return to a more normal life.

And by thinking of others, recognising these sensitivities and showing respect, we can make this transition safer for everyone.

North West residents have made huge personal sacrifices since the start of the pandemic and our region has been through difficulties we never expected to see.

So, it is right that we look forward with anticipation and excitement, but also an awareness that this is not all over and we all still have a role to play in keeping each other safe.

Richard Hurt, Health Protection Practitioner at Fylde Borough Council, said: “Moving to step 4 of the national roadmap demonstrates the incredible progress that has been made during the last 16 months of the pandemic.

“But as everyone knows, we are still living with the virus and it’s important that we all continue to play our part. In the words of Dr Andrew Furber, Regional Director for Public Health England North West, ‘we still have a lot of work to do’ before life gets fully back to normal.

“Being aware of the symptoms, getting tested regularly and getting vaccinated are all vital. Smart testing will continue to be available across the borough, visit https://new.fylde.gov.uk/coronavirus/

more information.”

Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

Moving to step 4 of the Roadmap: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-summer-2021-roadmap

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Sculptor commissioned to produce Bobby Ball statue

Fylde Council — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 09:55:26 +0000

Fylde Council is delighted to announce the artist commissioned to produce the Bobby Ball statue.

London based figurative sculptor, Ben Twiston-Davies, was unanimously chosen to produce the artwork to commemorate the life of the British comic, actor and TV host who died last year.

Ben was chosen from among four submissions by representatives from Bobby Ball’s family, the council and the Lowther Gardens Lytham Trust.

He has worked as a sculptor for more than 20 years and produced the Agatha Christie memorial and a bronze statue of Ebenezer Howard, the founder of the Garden City movement, which was installed in April 2021.

The life size bronze statue of Bobby will be located in Lowther Gardens close to the theatre.

The design of the statue will portray Bobby based on his 40th birthday appearance with a ‘twinkle in his eye’, one leg slightly forward and slightly pulling on his right brace with his right thumb.

Cllr Karen Buckley, who is the leader at Fylde Council, said: “Bobby was a very special, incredibly talented and unique individual who was truly adopted by the locals of Lytham St Annes.

“His lasting legacy of kindness and joy means he will be sadly missed and this statue will ensure he can go on giving that joy to visitors and residents of the area long after Bobby took his final bow and left the stage.”

A member of Bobby Ball’s family said: “Bobby was a patron of Lowther Pavilion and had performed at the venue many times, including the staging of the first play he wrote, ‘Rock Off Tommy’, seven years ago, that he performed with local community group Fylde Coast Players.

“Bobby sadly died in October at the age of 76 after contracting coronavirus.

Lowther Gardens Lytham Trust and Fylde Council are raising £100,000 to pay for the memorial statue.

To make a donation visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bobbyballstatue

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Free summer activity programme available for young people in Fylde

Fylde Council — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 13:59:20 +0000

Parents and carers throughout Fylde may be eligible to benefit from a free holiday club programme for children and young people over the school summer break. The Government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) will be available throughout the region this summer.

Backed by a nationwide investment of up to £220 million, the expanded programme ran initially during Easter in all local areas and is also scheduled for the Christmas holidays in 2021. It will enable children and young people to enjoy fun activities with friends and learn and develop new skills. The local programme has launched in Fylde and is targeted at those who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

The holiday clubs can involve helping young people learn new things, enriching activities from sport to music, dance, drama, art, cooking and gardening, as well as improving socialisation, helping young people to have fun with friends this summer.

The Government’s investment in the HAF programme will build on the foundations laid by Fylde Council, sporting organisations, charities and the voluntary sector during the successful programme over the Easter holidays. This initiative is running alongside the £200 million funding announced in February to provide summer schools to help pupils who have experienced the most disruption as a result of the pandemic.

Fylde Council Leader, Councillor Karen Buckley said: “Whether it’s a particular sport like football or crafts and games at a holiday club, or activities down at Fairhaven Lake, this scheme has so much to offer at sites all over Fylde. These free sessions are a wonderful opportunity for children to have fun and make new friends as well as have a healthy meal. I’m sure it will be a huge success.”

Children and Families Minister Vicky Ford said: “Our pioneering Holiday Activities and Food programme has been expanded nationwide this year for the first time, so it will benefit many more children than ever before. This year, especially, I want children to make the most of their school holidays, so I’m thrilled that there is so much support and enthusiasm for the programme. This significant expansion across the country and to every local authority will support even more children over the holidays with healthy meals, fun activities, and learning opportunities.”

Andrew Forsey, Chair of the HAF Alliance said: “The importance of an enriching holiday experience for all children cannot be underestimated. There is evidence that the best HAF programmes benefit children, parents and communities by enabling children to learn new skills, socialise with friends, and enjoy nutritious food in a safe environment, while supporting their return to school and alleviating parental stress. The HAF Alliance is sharing its expertise and best practice with local authorities to help them to develop and deliver excellent holiday programmes for their local communities.”

Parents and carers who think their children and young people might benefit from free holiday clubs should visit https://new.fylde.gov.uk/summerholidayclub for guidance on how to apply.