June21 – Fylde Council

Work starts on major new road for Lancashire

Fylde Council — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 12:09:02 +0000

Local leaders have met to celebrate the start of construction on a major new road which will improve travel on the Fylde coast and bring new jobs, housing and investment to the area.

Work is now underway on the M55 to Heyhouses Link Road which is expected to open in early 2024.

The scheme will improve access between Lytham St Annes and the M55, relieve congestion on smaller local roads, and support the commercial viability of local housing and business development sites.

Local partners have been working hard over recent years to bring together the funding needed for the road, with a contract being agreed in March after the project became one of ten ‘shovel ready’ schemes across the county to receive support as part of the Getting Building Fund to speed up construction in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

The road will provide much better access between the M55 motorway and existing employment areas in Lytham and St Annes, with the improved link to the coast also supporting the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone and the area’s vital leisure and tourism industry. In addition, Wild Lane on the northern section will connect into existing bridleways and become a route for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians to enjoy its use. On the southern section, the road will have a parallel footway/cycleway. Together these will provide a continuous sustainable transport corridor along the whole length of the new road.

The link road will connect the existing roundabout at Whitehills Road to the north with Heyhouses Lane near the Cypress Point development site to the south.

The first phase of the project involves around 18-months of earthworks to prepare the ground for the new road, being carried out by Duo Operations. The road will then be constructed by Lancashire County Council’s in-house team.

Wild Lane and part of North Houses Lane, single track roads which were closed a number of years ago, will be reopened as a shared path for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, providing a safe route away from the new road.
The road is being funded thanks to contributions from or managed through the Department for Transport, Highways England, the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Lancashire County Council, Fylde Borough Council, Kensington Developments Ltd, and other developers.

County Councillor Charlie Edwards, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Lancashire County Council believes this road will make a huge difference to travel in this area, and is vital to ensure the creation of jobs and homes for local people with the future development which will now be able to take place.

“I know that residents and businesses have been anticipating this moment for many years, and I’m very pleased to be able to say that we’re getting on with delivering those better journey times and reduced congestion which the link road will bring.

“The project board for this scheme represents a number of local partners, and it has taken an enormous amount of determination from them to secure the land and funding needed to get us to this point.

“I’d also like to thank all the neighbouring landowners for their support and cooperation in allowing us to secure the land needed for the road, and the access which will make construction easier.

“My thanks also to all of the Councillors and local organisations for working together to deliver this for our residents.”

Councillor Karen Buckley, leader of Fylde Borough Council, said: “As County Councillor Edwards says, there has been enormous determination shown by local leaders to get to the point of contractors finally being on site to build this much needed road.

“Since the road collapsed in 2013 and was closed as a through route to Whitehills roundabout there have been three different Leaders of Fylde Council and yet this priority has never been off the table.

“Reaching agreement between so many interested parties with competing priorities proved challenging and some local residents, understandably, voiced a view that they did not believe the project was happening until they saw it with their own eyes. I am relieved we are now at that point and the years of negotiations, lobbying and bid-writing has borne fruit.”

David Taylor CBE DL, Chair of Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, said: “The LEP is proud to be backing this project, which not only provides an important transport link but which will also improve access to the nearby Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone and unlock vital local jobs and homes on the Fylde.

“I know a lot of local effort has gone in to making this project happen, and it is great that £5.79m of funding from the Getting Building Fund – provided by the LEP – has been decisive in getting this project across the line and allowing us to be breaking ground on site.”

Fylde MP Mark Menzies said: “At last, we can see works on the M55 link road under way.

“Lancashire County Council stepped up to the mark and Fylde Council doubled its contribution to the project to get it done. I lobbied ministers including the Chancellor and Prime Minister to secure Government funding and our vital link road is now being built.

“What we must remember is that this much more than just a road; it will help unlock the economic potential of St Annes and Lytham for many years to come.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said: “I am thrilled that a £5.79 million Getting Building Fund investment will help kickstart construction to improve access between Lytham and the M55.
“This project will help to relieve congestion on smaller local roads and provide more opportunities for housing and business developments in the area, making it a more attractive place to live, work and visit.”

Kristian Marsh, Highways England’s route manager for the M55, said: “We are pleased to be able to support the delivery of this long desired local highway scheme with a £4.78 million contribution from our Growth and Housing Fund.

“It’s a great example of partnership across many organisations that will help unlock the development of new homes and the creation of new jobs. We are also delighted to be able to support a project which will see a reduction in congestion locally, improve access and provide better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.”

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Extra Covid advice and information coming to Fylde

Fylde Council — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 10:13:37 +0000

A coronavirus NHS team will be coming to Fylde on Friday July 2nd to share advice, information and support with local residents.

The team will be stationed on the promenade in St Annes to answer questions, give advice and talk to people about testing, vaccinations and staying safe.

The visit is part of additional Government support measures in place across Lancashire.

The team will have testing kits to hand out, along with information about the testing and vaccinations.

To stem the current rise in infection rates, they will be reminding people of the importance of getting tested regularly – even if they don’t have symptoms.

Fylde Council’s mobile testing unit will also be stationed on the Fylde Council public offices car park, across from M&S, for people to get a free test – no appointment is necessary.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Borough Council, explains: “The highly trained team will be talking to people to ensure that our community is getting all the right, up-to-date information about COVID-19 vaccination and testing.

“We’re keen to dispel some of the myths surrounding the vaccine and urge people to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible.

“The team will be able to signpost people to the nearest location of where they can get a test and where they can get their first or second doses of all the different types of vaccines.

“We are constantly adding to our testing capacity in order to continue to find and isolate cases of COVID-19 and stop the spread of the virus.”

To find out more about Fylde’s testing programme visit https://new.fylde.gov.uk/

And to find your nearest vaccination centre visit: https://www.healthierlsc.co.uk

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Fylde invests in new community support team

Fylde Council — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 10:10:55 +0000

Fylde Council is investing in extra resources to ensure the area is clean and safe for all.

Listening to feedback from residents and visitors, a new community support team has been commissioned to help manage littering, fly-tipping and other anti-social behaviour.

The teams are due to patrols, which will take place throughout the week and at weekends, of the coastal and rural areas at the beginning of July and will be available to speak to members of the public to provide best advice and guidance.

Council Roger Small, Deputy Leader of Fylde Council who is Chairman of the Operational Management Committee, explains, “As lockdown eases, residents are returning to our bustling high streets and beautiful beaches, with many choosing ‘staycations’ over going abroad.

“The recent warm weather has also brought many visitors to the Borough to enjoy all the fabulous scenery, coastline and amenities we have to offer.

“Unfortunately, we have also seen an increase in littering, dangerous BBQs and dog fouling.

“The new team will be on hand every day of the week to offer information and advice about best practice, and will also have the authority to issue fines to those people who actively opt not to use the area’s many bins or pick up after their dogs.”

As part of the team’s training, they are shadowing the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) team to hear first-hand from operatives already in this field.

The new team will also support existing council staff working in operational waste services, parks, street cleansing and community safety departments.

Council Small added: “Having a team dedicated to prioritising these duties, supporting our existing departments, means we can take a proactive approach to keep the entire Borough clean and safe for the enjoyment of all.

“It is very much part of a broader approach to keep Fylde at its best.”

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Have your say on a new political map for Fylde Borough Council

Fylde Council — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 08:48:40 +0000

New boundaries are being proposed for council wards In Fylde Borough Council.

The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear what residents and local organisations think about the proposals. A 10-week consultation on the proposals will run until 6 September 2021.

Proposed wards for Fylde
Credit: contains Ordnance Survey data (c) Crown copyright and database rights 2021
High resolution map available at: https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/lgbce/Fylde%20DR%20Summary%20Map.pdf

The Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It is reviewing Fylde to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively.

The Commission has published proposals for changes to Fylde. It is proposing that there should be 37 councillors, representing one single-councillor ward, 12 two-councillor wards, and four three-councillor wards across the borough. The boundaries of four wards will remain the same. Of these the name of Clifton ward will change to Lytham West, and the name of St Johns ward will change to Lytham East. Ansdell and Medlar with Wesham wards will keep their boundaries and their names. The boundaries of all other wards will change.

Proposed changes include:
• The two Kirkham wards will be combined to form one new ward
• There will be new ward boundaries in most parts of St Anne’s

Launching the consultation Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said:

“We want people in Fylde to help us.

“We have drawn up proposals for new wards in Fylde. We want to make sure these new electoral arrangements reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.

“Residents and local organisations can help us do that. We would like them to let us know whether they agree with our proposals before we take final decisions.

“It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us.

“Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved”

The Commission has a dedicated section on its website where people can see the detail of the proposals and comment on the names of wards and their boundaries. https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/24729

People can also give their views by e-mail at reviews@lgbce.org.uk, and by post:
Review Officer (Fylde)
LGBCE
PO Box 133
Blyth
NE24 9FE

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Squires Gate Station to become fully accessible

Fylde Council — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 10:17:47 +0000

Members of the Finance and Democracy Committee have approved proposals to begin the process to compulsory purchase a piece of land at Squires Gate Station to create a fully accessible platform.

The delivery of a step-free accessible route to the platform has been a long-term desire of the Council and the South Fylde Line Community Rail Partnership.

As part of the development of the former Pontins site by Persimmon Homes, a footpath at the end of New Road was installed towards Squires Gate Station platform up to the end of the land which Persimmon owns.

There remains a small patch of land between the land owned by Persimmon and the station platform which is ideally located to create a direct access to the station.

The Council made initial enquiries regarding the unregistered land in 2018 and identified a person who claimed ownership of the land.

In 2019 the council agreed to purchase the land for £3,000 with fees of up to £2,000 plus VAT, provided that the claimed owner first register their ownership with the Land Registry.

In February 2021, with no progress having been made in relation to the agreement of the sale from the assumed owner, Fylde’s legal team advised to start the process to obtain a Compulsory Purchase Order (‘CPO’) for the land.

The power to obtain the land compulsorily is in section 226(1)(b) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which covers land “which is required for a purpose which it is necessary to achieve in the interests of the proper planning of an area in which the land is situate”.

The Council considers that enabling access to the rail network at Squires Gate station for wheelchair users and others for whom the stepped access presents difficulties is a purpose which falls within this power.

Leader of Fylde Council and Chairman of the Finance and Democracy Committee Karen Buckley said: “At present, the only way to access the station platform involves a steep flight of steps from the top of Squires Gate bridge. My fellow St Leonard’s Ward councillors and I have sought a solution to this for many years. The re-development of the Pontins site was an ideal opportunity and a path was accommodated from New Road to the station which would make it accessible on the flat. A tiny strip of land now stands in the way of completing the project hence the need to go down the route of compulsory purchase which is fully justified in my eyes owing to the public benefit.”

Barrie Russell, Volunteer and member of the Friends of Squires Gate Railway Station added: “we have been seeking a solution for many years because we constantly see families struggle to negotiate the 40+ steps with heavy luggage, prams and cycles, but more importantly we have seen disabled people look down the steps with fear and sheer disappointment at not being able to use the station. Once level access is in place it will open up new opportunities for everyone, including residents of the new housing on the former Pontins site. My fellow volunteers and the Blackpool & Fylde Rail Users Association wholeheartedly support and welcome the actions being taken by Fylde Borough Council to facilitate level access to the station”.

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New Beach Safety Signs

Fylde Council — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 10:54:57 +0000

Twenty-seven new beach safety signs have been installed along the beach frontage from Starr Gate to Jubilee House, reminding people of the safety risks when visiting the beach.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) recognises the importance of effective, consistent signs and safety flags on UK beaches. This is becoming increasingly relevant in the current climate where the demands on UK beach operators are increasing every year with growing recreational activities and visitor numbers, making the need for effective beach management an even greater priority. Beach operators have a duty of care to see that visitors to their beaches are reasonably safe, which entails providing adequate safety measures.

Councillor Michael Sayward, Chairman of the Tourism & Leisure Committee: “I’m pleased to see the installation of the new beach safety signs. We want people to enjoy the coast but urge everyone to respect the water, think about their own safety, and know what to do in an emergency.”

The purpose of the signs is to not only improve beach safety, enabling the public with the means to make clear decisions on beach safety, but to reduce dog fouling and nuisance, barbeques and litter, and to improve knowledge and access to local amenities and services.

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Seven Vaccine Myths – busted!

Fylde Council — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 14:58:22 +0000

As the pandemic continues and the speed of the vaccine roll out increases, we’ve uncovered the myths surrounding the Covid-19 vaccines, discussing the speed of development, the availability, side effects, how it was tested and more.

Myth 1: The Covid-19 vaccines have been developed too quickly

All vaccines have met and passed the usual vaccine regulations, this was done by:
- Massive global funding
- Trials overlapped to speed up the process
- Production line started before approvals – a risk that paid off
- Thousands of volunteers for trials
- Data for each part was sent for review when ready
- Collaboration of the world’s best Scientists

Myth 2: Some of the vaccine types are brand new and we don’t know enough

Each of the AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were approved for use in the UK and are all based on previous, successful vaccines.”

Myth 3: There are lots of dangerous side effects

Every form of medication and vaccination carries a small risk of side effects. It is common for people to have side effects after any vaccination.
The most common side effects of the covid-19 vaccine are a sore arm, raised temperature, headache and general aches and pains. These happen between 2-24 hours after the jab.

Myth 4: If a vaccine is developed from DNA it will affect my DNA

Cancer Research Scientist, Victoria Foster wrote a Forbes medical paper to dispel this myth: “mRNA vaccines never go into the nucleus of the cell. The vaccine gives the cells the information to allow it to make a defence against the actual virus, if and when the body comes across it. The mRNA from the vaccine is destroyed by the cells after the instructions are ‘read’. mRNA is naturally made by the body, it encodes ” instructions for your body’s cell to make proteins.”

Myth 5: I can’t have the vaccine as they all contain animal products and this goes against my beliefs

None of the vaccines used in the Covid-19 roll out contains any animal product. However, all medicines of any kind are tested on animals before they are tested on humans. This is required by the law.”

Myth 6: The vaccine hasn’t been around long enough to know if it will affect fertility

Dr Edward Morris, President at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: “There is no biologically plausible mechanism by which current vaccines would cause any impact on a woman’s fertility.”

Myth 7: I can’t have the vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding

All Covid-19 vaccines are recommended to be taken during pregnancy after consultation, and a woman can be vaccinated while breastfeeding.

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Kirkham Business Owners Urged to Take Advantage Of Multi-Million Pound Improvement Scheme

Fylde Council — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:26:05 +0000

Shopkeepers and landlords are being urged to SIGN UP NOW for the chance to restore their properties to their former historic glory as part of Kirkham’s £10m regeneration masterplan.

Grants covering UP TO 90% of the design and build costs of external refurbishment and improvement work are now available thanks to funding secured by Fylde Borough Council.

More than 20 property owners in Kirkham’s central Conservation Area have already signed up to the Shop Front Improvement Scheme which was launched after the town’s successful £3.6m bid to be designated a High Street Heritage Action Zone (HS HAZ) by Historic England.

Now, following the approval of a further £6.3m funding through the Government’s Future High Street Fund (FHSF), the scheme can be rolled out to include the whole of the town centre.

Grants are available to reinstate historic features – including timber sash windows, slate roofs, timber shop fronts, brickwork pointing and guttering – and also to create residential use of upper floors.

Funding is limited and business owners are advised to submit their expressions of interest now to avoid missing out on this one-time only offer.

Andrew Chatterjee, Fylde Council’s HS HAZ Programme Manager, said: “Kirkham has an historic town centre, many of the shop buildings are more than 100 years old, but some properties have been unsympathetically altered over time.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to restore the town’s high street to its former glory and for business owners to not only improve their own properties, but really make a real difference to the town centre as a whole.

“Thanks to the multi-million-pound funding we have secured through the HS HAZ and FHSF programmes we are able to offer businesses thousands of pounds in grants – covering up to 90% of the design and build of the works. We have the money – now it’s time to put it to real use!

The council recently held a number of engagement events with local traders and landlords, where we were able to explain how they could take advantage of the grants, and we are delighted there has been a really high level of interest.

“However, there is a limited budget for this so we would advise property owners to register now for the best chance of receiving a grant.”

A series of conceptual designs and artist impressions – showing how premises on Poulton Street, Preston Street and Freckleton Street could look as part of the scheme – have now been published.

The images were created by Kirkham-based architects DC & MG Associates who referenced historic images of Kirkham town centre and its shops, dating from Victorian and Edwardian times, to assist their designs.

Historic England’s Tamsin Cooke said: “Business owners in Kirkham have a unique opportunity to revitalise their historic high street, drawing from the town’s rich heritage to maximise appeal for locals and visitors alike.

“We’ve been thrilled that so many building owners have seized the opportunity to get involved already, and we urge others who are still weighing this up to get in touch with Kirkham Futures now.”

Work has now begun on undertaking historical analysis and drawing up conceptual designs covering properties outside of the Conservation Area, such as the Town End area of Poulton Street.

The Council will tender for a firm of architects to work on detailed designs with business owners who have signed up to the scheme and it is hoped building work could begin as early as October.

The Shop Front Improvement Scheme is part of the £10m Kirkham Futures masterplan – a once in a generation opportunity to transform the historic Fylde market town.

FHSF and HS HAZ funding will enable the purchase and redevelopment several key properties in the town centre – together with a range of improvements to public spaces.

This four-year plan, led by the Council’s regeneration team in partnership with Lancashire County Council and Kirkham Town Council, includes:

Developing a new Heritage and Eco Skills Centre in the former Hillside restaurant
Creation of an Arts Centre and Community Cinema in the former TSB bank
The purchase of the Kirkgate Centre allowing for the development of key empty shop units and the creation of new affordable town centre housing
The enhancement of public realm and outdoor spaces
Encouraging businesses to relocate/set up in the town centre
Development of new restaurants and creation of a thriving and diverse night-time economy
Creation of a wide range of cultural and leisure activities

For full information, and to keep up to date with Kirkham’s regeneration masterplan, please visit www.kirkhamfutures.org

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South Fylde railway line on track for £20,000 boost

Fylde Council — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:23:06 +0000

Fylde Council is proud to have allocated a £20K fund to community groups that carry out work at train stations along the South Fylde line.

Volunteer groups working at the stations from Squires Gate through to Kirkham and Wesham work tirelessly gardening, planting, tending raised beds, improving signage and providing bird boxes in conjunction with the wider local community.

These community groups will now be able to make bids to support their projects and the South Fylde Line Community Rail Partnership will be responsible for managing the grant allocation.

The money comes from the Government’s Welcome Back Fund which aims to help local authorities create and promote a safe and welcoming environment for local trade and tourism.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Council Leader, explains: “We’re delighted to make £20,000 of funding available to support the exceptional work carried out by the many community groups along the line.

“In supporting the local economy, we want to help boost the look and feel of attractions and services across the borough.

“The South Fylde Line – used by tourists and locals alike – is a valuable part of the area’s infrastructure, making it a major asset to Fylde’s recovery.

“We sought the assistance of the Community Rail Partnership as their experience and understanding of the community groups and the needs of the stations means they are perfectly positioned to ensure every group has an opportunity to gain funding for the right projects.”

Chairman of the South Fylde Line Community Rail Partnership, Tony Ford, said “It’s fantastic to see this funding become available to projects along the South Fylde Line. These stations play a vital part in creating the all-important first impression visitors get when arriving in our beautiful area.

“There are a number of criteria that bids will have to meet as the grant must be spent on initiatives that fall within the scope of the Welcome Back Fund guidance. These include things like improving green spaces, planting flowers, improving signage, removing graffiti and investing in seating and other facilities.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the proposals and the subsequent successful activities helping make the stations bright, beautiful and welcoming to all.”

To find out more about the Fund and how it can be invested by local authorities, visit gov.uk and search Welcome Back Fund.

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New Fylde Mayoral Team

Fylde Council — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 11:39:22 +0000

New Fylde Mayor Elaine Silverwood is ready for her 12 months as the borough’s first citizen, and is hoping to raise plenty of money for her chosen charities and community groups: Kirkham and Wesham Club Day, Fylde Coast Women’s Aid and The Linden Centre, based at Trinity Hospice.

The Kirkham North representative was officially installed as successor to Councillor Angela Jacques on 26 May 2021 at the Annual Meeting of the Council. Due to the current restrictions, the traditional ceremony, unfortunately, could not take place. We hope to welcome back events in the near future as the restrictions continue to ease.

Newly appointed Mayor, Cllr Elaine Silverwood said: “I am immensely proud to be representing Fylde in my role as Mayor in the coming year.

“The Mayoral team and I are looking forward to meeting many of the community groups and wonderful volunteers we have throughout the Borough. As we emerge from Covid, it is even more important to thank those individuals who have given so much to our communities.

“Throughout the coming year it is my wish to raise funds and shine a spotlight on my three chosen charities.”

We would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the remaining members of the new Fylde Mayoral Team:

Mayoress of Fylde

Councillor Liz Oades – Kirkham South representative

Deputy Mayor of Fylde

Councillor Cheryl Little – Fairhaven representative

Deputy Mayoress of Fylde

Councillor Sue Fazackerley MBE – Central representative

We are very excited for the next 12 months and look forward to sharing any great news stories. Keep up to date with the Fylde Mayoral Team by following them on Facebook @FyldeMayoralTeam

For more information on the chosen charities and community groups, please follow the links below:

Fylde Coast Women’s Aid

https://www.fcwa.co.uk/

The Linden Centre – Trinity Hospice

https://www.trinityhospice.co.uk/our-services/counselling-and-support/