june2023 – Fylde Council

Works to begin on Pleasant Street car park

Fylde Council — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 12:33:14 +0000

Fylde Council will be carrying out improvements on Pleasant Street car park, aimed at enhancing the parking experience for all users. Starting on Monday 3 July, the Council will be starting work to increase the size of the parking spaces, with an estimated completion date of 24 July 2023.

This decision was made in response to valuable feedback received from regular car park users. The primary objective is to improve accessibility and prevent potential damage to parked vehicles caused by narrow spaces, particularly considering larger, modern vehicles. While a small number of parking spaces may be affected, the overall outcome will greatly benefit all users.

Extensive research was conducted to explore various methods of removing the current markings, including burning, mechanical options, and sand blasting. However, these were deemed unsuitable due to the potential damage to the current block paving surface. The chosen method involves replacing individual blocks with the markings intact.

A contractor has been appointed to carry out the work, along with other repairs to the car park’s surface. To ensure minimal disruption, the work will be carried out in phases, sectioning off the parts of the car park that will be worked on, with each section estimated to take approximately one week (subject to change) to complete. This work is estimated to finish by 21 July 2023.

As the individual blocks are replaced and sections reopened, there will be no defined parking space markings. However, the difference in colour of the new blocks will help indicate appropriate parking spaces. Once all work is finalised, the new layout will be marked in its entirety. The final marking stage will require the front section of the car park to be closed for approximately half a day, provisionally scheduled for the morning of Monday 24 July.

Leader of Fylde Council, councillor Karen Buckley said “The upcoming new layout of the car park is set to enhance the user experience, providing greater ease for both locals and visitors to enjoy the beautiful town of Lytham. We are delighted to continue improving user access to all areas of Fylde, and while a brief period of inconvenience may be experienced during the implementation phase, we assure users that the final result will be worth the wait.”

For more information about car parks in Fylde, visit the Fylde Council website.

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Working Together to Promote Fylde’s Town Centres

Fylde Council — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:50:45 +0000

Another business support initiative supported by Fylde Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation is set to launch in July 2023, thanks to the dedication of Fylde’s town centre business groups, working together with the Council’s Economic Development Team.

Kirkham Business Group, Lytham Business Partnership and St Annes Enterprise Partnership, alongside Fylde Council’s Economic Development Team, have created a new local initiative to reward residents and visitors for their patronage within the town centres. This follows a similar, successful scheme launched in Kirkham by their trailblazing Business Group.

A pan Fylde loyalty card scheme will launch in July with quarterly draws for high street spend prizes sponsored by fellow Fylde businesses and organisations. The physical card scheme will receive set-up costs and marketing support funding through Fylde Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

This initiative was selected by the business groups due to its business collaboration potential across the town centres and shopping districts and for its simplicity and accessibility for all age groups. It will highlight all Fylde has to offer in terms of independent shopping, professional service provision, tourism and hospitality.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council said: “UK and Regional options for a shop local scheme were investigated, but it was felt that as Kirkham’s Loyalty Card Scheme has been such a huge success, St Annes and Lytham wished to follow in their footsteps and widen the scheme across the Borough. This new initiative demonstrates our commitment to champion our town centres and strengthen our local economy. By shopping local our residents are directly supporting jobs and livelihoods and I hope the new loyalty card will prove a great success.”

Backed by the Council, each town will run their own scheme under a pan Fylde brand. Participating businesses will be provided with basic/refresher social media skills, and other business support if they so wish. Customers will not require a mobile phone, or any digital skills, to participate as the card scheme simply requires a physical card to be stamped.

The Chair of Lytham Business Partnership, Suzanne Taylor from Bond and Bloom said “We wholeheartedly welcome this initiative. Other than getting behind the scheme and promoting it to customers, participation costs nothing for each Lytham business and encourages repeat custom and the shopping locally habit. We want to encourage locals and visitors alike to make more of what we have to offer in Lytham, and in Fylde.”

Michelle Cuffe, Cuffe and Lacey Fostering Services and Chair of St Annes Enterprise Partnership also commented by saying “We have a wonderfully supportive community here in St Annes, and indeed across Fylde. Our loyalty card schemes are for all age groups to participate in. Keeping money in the local economy will help attract new businesses and funding to help regenerate our towns, and future-proof them for generations to come.”

And Heidi Hopkinson, from Serendipity in Kirkham and Chair of Kirkham Business Group added “Our Kirkham Loyalty Card scheme has been really successful. It is a credit to our businesses and customers that the other Fylde Towns would like to run similar schemes. We have seen greater community spirit and support for Kirkham and will work with our fellow Fylde businesses to help them achieve the same results.”

More information on how the scheme will work, the businesses participating, and where to collect a card will be published prior to launch in mid-July, so please keep your eye on Fylde Council’s dedicated business support website www.investinfylde.co.uk and the Council’s Newsletter for further information.

To read more about Fylde Council’s UKSPF programme, including the approved Investment Plan, visit the Fylde Council website.

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

Fylde Puts Best Foot Forward With Smarter Data!

Fylde Council — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:49:07 +0000

Exciting and innovative technology is being utilised in St Annes and Lytham town centres to monitor the footfall of shoppers and visitors, made possible through funding from Fylde Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Funding allocation.

After researching different methods to track ever-changing trends in consumer and visitor habits, Place Informatics have been appointed to provide visitor behaviour and footfall data. Place Informatics require no installation of any cameras or sensors, the data used is known as Smart Data, captured through the anonymous signal of mobile phone users visiting the town centres, it stores no Personally Identifiable Information and is fully GDPR compliant.

Following on from the COVID pandemic and with the rise in internet shopping, now more than ever, the Council are keen to look at opportunities to support local retailers, as well as ways that will provide a pleasant shopping experience and sense of community. We need to ensure we have sufficient information available that will allow our towns the best chance of anticipating and spotting changes to usage and consumer habits over the coming years, and more insightful footfall data can help to achieve this.

Place Informatics are highly experienced in this field and currently use mobility location data to calculate visitor behaviour patterns for over 2,300 town centres across the UK and will now be utilising this expertise in St Annes and Lytham. Kirkham town centre already has footfall monitors in place until March 2024 at which point it will also be possible to use this new technology.

The data itself will be a useful tool for enabling businesses, authorities and future investors to see how town centres, high streets and particular businesses are performing. Understanding how these visitors are behaving, what services they are utilising and where they are visiting from could offer the vital information needed to improve the fortunes of Lytham and St Annes. The information will be published quarterly on the Council’s www.investinfylde.co.uk website.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council said: “We look forward to the implementation of the new technology in St Annes and Lytham town centres so we can identify where our customers are coming from, where they visit and their shopping behaviours. This invaluable data will enable us to target growth in the right areas and respond to the accelerated shift to online shopping that Covid dealt us, the aim being to attract more business, visitors, and investment for the benefit of our community. It is also a great way for us all to plan future marketing campaigns and events to ensure Lytham and St Annes sustain their year-round appeal as a key destination to live, work and visit.”

To read more about Fylde Council’s UKSPF programme, including the approved Investment Plan, visit the Fylde Council website.

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 places, supporting local businesses, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

Community Projects Fund 2022/23

Fylde Council — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 07:00:11 +0000

Fylde Council has allocated £20k in financial support to local voluntary, community and faith groups during 2022/2023. There are two categories of grants, the larger grants are between £300 – £2000, with bidding usually split over three rounds, and the smaller grant is up to £300.

The fund is to support projects that promote or enhance the environment, encourage cohesive communities or promote the economy. Each year the council provides £20k to this as part of the annual budget setting process with a summery report also being created to the Community Focus Scrutiny Committee outlining the awards made in the previous financial year.

Cllr Ellie Gaunt, Fylde Council’s Lead Member for Finance and Resources, said: “We are delighted to be able to provide this fantastic opportunity for local groups to receive additional support in the form of grants to make their plans a reality. The Community Projects Fund has helped many worthy causes in the past and hopefully will continue to in the future. I would encourage qualifying local organisations to apply; the process is simple and straightforward.”

Last year eleven large grants were received by local groups adding up to £14,215 including £2000 to Elswick in Bloom for planting, £1932 to the Laugh Live Love community group in Lytham for warm hub equipment, and £450 to the Heartbeat North West Cardiac Centre for a new defibrillator.

Nine smaller bids were successful totalling £2644 including £300 to the Friends of Newton Community Park for the creation of a picnic area, £300 to the 8^th Lytham St Annes Scouting Group for tents and pioneering equipment and £300 to Freckleton Football Club for barriers for pitch safety.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the Community Projects Fund, please visit our website for more information about the criteria and the application process: Fylde Community Grants.

Temporary Trial Proposed for Overnight Motorhome Parking at Fairhaven Road Car Park

Fylde Council — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 07:00:15 +0000

Motorhomes may soon be able to park overnight in designated bays on Fairhaven Road Car Park, as part of an 18-month trial period to test the location’s suitability for long-term provision.

The changes are being proposed to address concerns from residents and local hoteliers regarding the number of motorhomes parking on the promenade.

If approved, until Autumn 2024 the Fairhaven Road will join the list of Fylde Council-operated car parks offering overnight parking to a limited number of motorhomes, alongside St Pauls Avenue, St Annes Swimming Pool Car Park, North Promenade, and North Beach.

The Fairhaven Road Car Park was initially considered as a location to be included in the Overnight Motorhome scheme by the Car Park Working Group in 2020/21, but from November 2020 until May 2022 it was host to a COVID facility which precluded its use.

Eight 7m overnight motorhome bays are to be created by merging existing bays, chosen for their distance from neighbouring residential properties and businesses. The Council’s intention is for the new bays to be ready for the start of the summer season. Regardless of whether the pilot goes ahead, Fairhaven Road Car Park will close in Autumn 2024 to facilitate the construction work on the St Annes Sea Defences.

Cllr Michelle Morris, Fylde Council’s Lead Member for Customer & Operational Services, said: “Our overnight motorhome scheme across our other parking locations has been a great success, such that many other Councils cite Fylde Council as the standard to follow when introducing similar schemes of their own.

“As a Council, we empathise with resident concerns about motorhomes on the promenade. We remain in consultation with Lancashire County Council, who hold responsibility for setting and enforcing on-street parking in our district, and by extending the overnight motorhome scheme to Fairhaven Road Car Park we will be reducing the number of motorhomes parking on the road while still welcoming visitors.”

As part of the process to implement these changes, the Council will need to amend the car park Traffic Regulation Order through a Notice of Proposal. These are displayed in print media and on our website here from Thursday 22 June.

Members of the public are invited to submit any objections in writing within 21 days of the notice being published, giving them until Friday 14 July to respond. The documents are also available to be inspected within the Town Hall.

Any objections will be carefully considered before the proposed amendment is progressed.

Motorhomes can continue to park in any standard bay at standard fees on all Fylde Council operated long-stay car parks, with restrictions only applying to those overnight. Other vehicles will be restricted from parking in the motorhome overnight spaces.

For more information about car parks in Fylde, including charges and the maximum motorhome vehicle lengths permitted at different overnight car parks, visit the Fylde Council website.

Tenant Tender Opens For Fabulous New Bar/Restaurant in Kirkham’s Former TSB Building

Fylde Council — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 12:28:27 +0000

An aerial render of the intended refurbishment of the former TSB/Charity Girls School in Kirkham.

The renovation of the former TSB and Charity Girls School in Kirkham is set to continue as part of the Kirkham Futures regeneration programme, as Fylde Council goes to tender to find a tenant to operate what will be a fabulous new bar/restaurant in a prime location.

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

Once a tenant has been secured and their feedback sought, the Council will proceed to obtain a contractor to complete the refurbishment. The works are to be funded by the Government’s Future High Street Fund, with an anticipated project completion date of March 2024.

Details of the tendering process and how to submit a bid can be found on the Fylde Council website here: www.fylde.gov.uk/tender

Fylde Council Leader, Councillor Karen Buckley, commented: “The former Charity Girls School is one of Kirkham’s many beloved local landmarks, and its careful renovation to both preserve its wonderful aesthetic while offering greater benefit and services to the local community is a perfect example of the goals of the Kirkham Futures project.”

A full refurbishment will add a new glazed entrance lobby to the existing front entrance, leading into a dining area and then into a new rear extension containing a kitchen and disabled toilets, with bi-fold doors opening onto a secure rear garden terrace. The first floor will feature staff facilities including a kitchen and staffroom, plus a large space with the potential for conversion to additional dining space, function room, or other use. Fylde Council will consult with the successful tenant to ensure that the refurbishment meets their needs.

Councillor Buckley added: “The building occupies an enviable position on the high street and offers an excellent location for a restaurant. Part-restoration to clean the façade and carry out internal alterations has already taken place. Local Kirkham-based architect team DC & MG were appointed by Fylde Council to assist in developing the project further, and following a submission of planning application in December 2022, the project received committee approval in March 2023 for the new use.

“I would encourage any prospective tenant who recognises the great potential of this redevelopment to visit the Fylde Council website and consider submitting a bid.”

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

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

Study on Fylde’s Community, Voluntary, Faith and Social Enterprise (CVFSE) Sectors Gets Underway!

Fylde Council — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 07:35:38 +0000

Following the approval of the full UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation, Fylde Council have commissioned Selnet Ltd to deliver a Feasibility and Baseline Study to better understand the Community, Voluntary, Faith and Social Enterprise (CVFSE) sectors in Fylde.

The Council deeply appreciates the valuable contributions that these sectors play in supporting Fylde’s communities and the local economy, but there are also many unknowns. The Study will commence this month with Selnet contacting local groups and organisations to start to develop a greater picture of these sectors.

The main objectives of the Study, fully funded through the UKSPF, are:

To recognise the individual organisations and groups working to support Fylde’s communities.
Develop a portfolio of organisations operating across Fylde who are providing support services to both individuals and groups.
To understand the types of support services being delivered and an indication of how many people are accessing these services.
To identify gaps in provision, skills, capacity as well as any funding limitations and opportunities to understand how these organisations can be further supported in the future.
The Study will provide a robust evidence base that will enable the Council and other partners to utilise when compiling future funding bids to support the local economy in its widest sense.

Chief Executive Officer of Selnet Ltd Liz Tapner, recipient of the 2019 Social Enterprise UK award for ‘Most influential woman in the UK’s social enterprise scene’, said: “It’s going to be fantastic to recognise and highlight the work of Fylde’s community and voluntary organisations, faith groups and social enterprises! We know how socially and economically important this sector is and are looking forward to building this exciting portfolio. Selnet will be gathering information, getting in touch, and talking with representatives across Fylde to identify and map Fylde’s CVFSE organisations.

We will be raising awareness of the impacts of their work – and any limitations holding them back. If you spend time within Fylde CVFSE organisations, we look forward to speaking with you soon – and you are welcome to get in touch with us through hello@selnet-uk.com for more information.”

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “Fylde Council work hard to support the wide variety of community, voluntary, faith and social enterprises that we are aware of. This type of study has never been undertaken in Fylde before. We anticipate the results will shine a light on the whole of the sector and the great work they are doing to support our communities and the local economy, from delivering courses in basic skills to community transport and food banks.”

The final report expected in Autumn 2023 will provide a robust evidence base to inform future funding rounds and provide new opportunities for this critical sector, including the ability to access a network of like-minded organisations, share knowledge and expertise.

If you are a community, voluntary, faith or social enterprise in Fylde and would like to get involved in the Study, please contact the Community Team at Fylde Council at community@fylde.gov.uk. We would love to hear from you.

Pollution incident affecting beaches along the Fylde Coast

Fylde Council — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 08:49:33 +0000

A pollution incident has occurred which is affecting some beaches across the Fylde Coast. United Utilities have announced that during last night’s storm untreated sewage, mixed with rainwater, was released into the sea. This is due to United Utilities’ sites in Blackpool reaching full capacity whilst repairs are being carried out to a burst pipe at Fleetwood wastewater treatment works.

Please be advised not to swim or bathe in the water at St Annes and St Annes North beaches until further notice. Blackpool Council and Wyre Council are also advising against swimming at Blackpool Central, Bispham, North and South beaches, Cleveleys and Fleetwood beaches until further notice. More information can be found on United Utilities website: https://www.unitedutilities.com/corporate/newsroom/latest-news/united-utilities-responds-to-burst-pipe-at-fleetwood-wastewater-treatment-works/?fbclid=IwAR2reMtFplZz06hKBvtBoOBnIgXNCfb5dAe4hMUNM-7RB8naJ5eu6MWCnew

As a precaution it is also advised that animals are also kept out of the water. Please be reminded of the seasonal dog ban PSPO already in place at St Annes beach. However, following the incident we would advise against animals entering the water along all of our beaches.

Please follow our social media channels for up to date advice on bathing in the sea in Fylde. For more information and advise on all of England’s bathing waters visit Swimfo: Find a Bathing Water

https://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/

Affordable Warmth Grant Scheme Continues Into 2023/24!

Fylde Council — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 11:46:18 +0000

Vulnerable residents across Fylde will continue to receive vital support with home energy efficiency as Fylde Council’s Executive Committee resolved to continue the Affordable Warmth Grant scheme into 2023/24.

The scheme, funded by an allocation from Lancashire County Council, has been delivered by Fylde Council’s Housing Team since November 2022, providing opportunities for those residents who meet the eligibility criteria to apply for up to £2,000 of funding per household to help with heating efficiency and reduce the cost of fuel bills.

Over 50 applications have been received to date for assistance with improvements such as boiler repairs, radiator replacements, double glazing, loft insulation and more. The allocation of a further £29,928 of funding from Lancashire County Council means even more residents will be able to benefit.

Cllr Chris Dixon, Fylde Council’s Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “We are very pleased to be able to support the extension of this successful scheme from the previous year, helping Fylde residents through the global rise in energy charges.

“By replacing older and inefficient systems with newer, more carbon-friendly means of keeping homes warm, we can not only help people save money on their bills but also help preserve the environment.”

For more information about the Affordable Warmth Grant Scheme, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please visit the Fylde Council website.

Consultations Open on Fylde Council’s Alcohol & Dog Control Public Space Protection Orders

Fylde Council — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 11:26:56 +0000

Public consultations are now open on the extension of Fylde Council’s alcohol control and dog control public space protection orders (PSPOs).

The consultations offer residents the opportunity to have their say on whether these PSPOs, introduced to help curb antisocial behaviour and ensure that Fylde’s public spaces remain enjoyable for all, should be kept in place for another three years.

In addition, the Council would like to hear public views on the proposal to authorise council officers, police constables, and police community support officers to issue fixed penalty notices and confiscate alcohol from anti-social street drinkers in the ten areas of the district covered by the order.

Cllr Michelle Morris, Lead Member for Customer & Operational Services, said: “Fylde’s public spaces are wonderful amenities for visitors and residents alike, and the great majority are respectful of these places and the right of others to enjoy them fully without being exposed to antisocial behaviour.

“These PSPOs are of great help to our officers when they need to provide advice to the public about how best to respect their surroundings and others, and we are keen to hear people’s thoughts. I would encourage everyone to share their views with the Council via the online consultation on our website.”

Both consultations will close on Wednesday 21 June at 12pm, and the feedback received will inform the Council’s decision on the future of the PSPOs.

The consultations, along with further information about each, can be found on Fylde Council’s consultation page here: https://new.fylde.gov.uk/council/consultation/