november2022 – Fylde Council

Bathing water quality classification statement

Fylde Council — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 12:16:43 +0000

It has been announced today by Defra that St Annes Beach, along with several others across the North West, has seen a reduction in bathing water classification from ‘Good’ to ‘Sufficient’.

Cllr Tommy Threlfall, Chair of the Environment, Health and Housing Committee for Fylde Council added:

“This data on our beaches is very disappointing, especially for us at Fylde Council.”

“We work hard to maintain high-quality beaches in Fylde with our Ranger and Environmental Protection teams who are very dedicated and work with pride on our beach. We will be engaging with the Environment Agency and United Utilities to further investigate the reasons for this downturn in bathing water quality.”

Leader of Fylde Council, Cllr Karen Buckley said:

“I am dismayed by the results out today regarding the reduction in bathing water quality status from ‘Good’ to ‘Sufficient’ at St Annes Beach. All along the coast there has been a reduction in water quality and this is despite our efforts as a local council, enhanced by the wonderful work of our community volunteers and litter-pickers, to keep our beaches clean.

“Action is needed to identify the cause of the bacteria in the water. We have pressed the Environment Agency to use DNA testing to help pinpoint the problem and will continue to work together with the Turning Tides Partnership, the Environment Agency, and United Utilities to improve the bathing water quality status at St Annes with an action plan to ensure our objectives can be met.

“Our beaches are a haven for our residents, visitors and sports enthusiasts so the quality of our water is vitally important and must be improved going forwards.”

A spokesperson for Turning Tides said: “For the past decade, organisations within the Turning Tides partnership have effectively worked together to actively improve the quality of bathing waters in the North West. The Love My Beach Campaign worked with thousands of people who made a real difference to their local beaches for everyone to enjoy.

“The 2022 results are not what we want to see and a reduction in the water quality at some bathing waters are a disappointment for the partnership. DNA analysis of bathing water samples will identify the main areas of concern and we will make a massive effort to address these issues going forward.

“Despite the challenges ahead, bathing water quality remains a success story with a continuing upward trend. With only 18% of North West bathing waters achieving the minimum standards in 1988 to 97% today.

“The Turning Tides Partnership will now need to time to digest the results and work on an action plan to ensure bathing waters can be improved in the future. This is a long-term project that will need a concerted effort from local authorities, water companies, farmers, regulators, local businesses and the public to ensure progress continues.”

National Tree Week 2022: Fylde Council Gets Planting!

Fylde Council — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 16:15:25 +0000

It’s National Tree Week, and Fylde Council are marking the occasion with a series of tree-planting events across the borough!

Over the coming weeks, a total of 600 trees will be planted in parks across Fylde, including Ashton Gardens, Fairhaven Lake, and Lowther Gardens, thanks to the hard work of Council’s tree team, the Fylde Ranger Service, and the dedication of local partners and volunteers.

This seasonal tree-planting spree is part of the ongoing annual process to improve tree canopy cover across Fylde, boosting biodiversity and contributing to carbon management, and will bring the total of trees planted in Fylde’s parks and open spaces over the past two years by Fylde Council and its partners to over 2,000.

Cllr Thomas Threlfall, Chairman of the Environment, Health and Housing Committee, said: “I’m delighted to see these wonderful trees now being planted following extensive discussions to identify locations between myself and Vice Chairmen. These will most definitely make a difference for generations to come, and it really does fill me with a sense of pride that the work has now begun.”

The species of trees to be planted are native British trees chosen to thrive in the coastal environment, and as part of the continuous campaign, more planting is already scheduled for next winter and thereafter.

Cllr Christopher Dixon, Deputy Chair of the Environment Health and Housing Committee added:

“Despite the fact we have large swathes or rural space, Fylde actually has a low level of tree cover. In fact, it is because of this rural space – working farmers fields where trees simply cannot be planted for obvious reasons – that we have low levels of tree coverage.”

“We want to see thousands more trees in the ground. They always improve an area and help with air quality. And it’s always nice to see schools getting involved so children understand why trees are so important, and see the fruits of their labour grow over the years.”

“We’re planting where we can on council-owned and managed land to increase the number of trees in the borough – but we only have so much.”

“If anyone owns an area where tree planting would be welcome then please let us know. There are several schemes where we can get trees for free and we would gladly set up a community event, such as those our Rangers have been holding these past few weeks, to help plant them.”

National Tree Week 2022 runs from Saturday 26 November to Sunday 4 December, and is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration. Each year, the country’s conservation sector, volunteer groups and tree-lovers come together to plant thousands of trees to mark the start of the annual tree planting season. To read more about National Tree Week, visit the official website.

For more information about events taking place at parks across the Fylde, sign up to the official Fylde Council social media channels and newsletter below, and follow the Fylde Ranger Service and Fairhaven Lake and Gardens on Facebook.

Keep up to date with the latest Fylde Council news by following us on social media or subscribing to our newsletter. Any new information will be posted directly through these channels, so if you are following us, you’ll be the first to know.

Fylde Council Launch New ECO4 Scheme to Help Vulnerable Households with Energy Efficiency

Fylde Council — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 14:35:29 +0000

Fylde Council is pleased to announce the launch of the ECO4 and ECO-Flex schemes to help improve the energy efficiency of eligible households in Fylde.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) schemes are government-backed programmes to help households across the country reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions at no cost to the residents. This most recent iteration will be administered in Fylde through collaboration with Wise Energy.

Further details can be found on our website by searching Grants and Home Energy Efficiency or accessing this link – Fylde Council website.

The ECO4 scheme provides a means for eligible residents to keep warm while saving hundreds of pounds per year through free energy efficiency upgrades, including:

Air source heat pumps
Gas boiler upgrades
Cavity and solid wall insulation
Loft and roof insulation
Solar panels

Qualifying properties will include:

An EPC rating of E, F or G, plus D if not a rental
A household income of less than £31,000
Certain health conditions
Most means-tested benefits
Child benefits (subject to income caps)

Properties which do not receive a qualifying benefit may still qualify through the ECO flexible eligibility mechanism, known as ECO Flex. Specifics regarding the ECO Flex eligibility can be seen in the statement of intent available on the Fylde Council website.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “Fylde Council is delighted to offer this scheme to assist our residents with improving their energy efficiency, reducing their bills, and keeping their homes warm for less this winter. Alongside other support such as the Affordable Warmth Grant, the Household Support Fund, and our Discretionary Energy Rebate programme, this demonstrates our commitment to helping the vulnerable in our communities. If you or anyone you know would benefit from the ECO4 or ECO Flex schemes, I would urge you to enquire immediately with our partners immediately.”

Wise Energy are working with Fylde Council to deliver the initiative, and over the past two weeks have submitted in excess of £500,000 of measures to the energy companies.

Vic Baines, Director of Wise Energy, said: “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Fylde Council to secure government funding to insulate people’s properties and install renewable energy solutions. This will help to reduce our impact on global warming and at the same time reducing people’s energy costs. A win-win situation.”

The ECO4 and ECO Flex schemes will be running in Fylde from 7 November 2022 to 31 March 2026.

To find out if you are eligible for either ECO4 or ECO-Flex, or discuss how to apply, contact Wise Energy through one of the following methods:

Visit their website: www.wiseenergy.co.uk
Call Wise Energy: 01253 804151
Email Wise Energy: contactus@wiseenergy.co.uk

To read more about other housing-related grants you may be eligible for, visit the Fylde Council website.

Have Your Say in the Fylde Residents’ Survey 2022

Fylde Council — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 09:55:49 +0000

Fylde Council would like to know your opinion of our services in the Fylde Residents Survey.

This is your opportunity to let us know what you love about what we do and what improvements you would like to see.

The survey takes two minutes to complete and is comprised of multiple-choice questions, with an option for you to provide further comments.

Cllr Karen Buckley, the Leader of Fylde Council, said: “I am always keenly aware that the services provided by the Council are funded by taxpayers and so must provide value for money. One way to test this out is to ask our residents what they think of those services and how they can be improved further. Please take up this opportunity to have your say so we can consider where to direct resources to serve you best.”

Allan Oldfield, Chief Executive of Fylde Council, said: “We always welcome the feedback we receive from our residents in this survey, and use it to measure levels of customer satisfaction so we know where we need to improve. I would ask any resident who can spare two minutes to participate in the survey and let us know their thoughts. We look forward to hearing your views.”

To participate in the Fylde Residents Survey, please visit www.fylde.gov.uk/haveyoursay

Boundary Commission for England 2023 Boundary Review – Final Consultation Closes 5 December

Fylde Council — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:15:56 +0000

Constituency boundaries are changing, and it’s your final chance to help shape the new map.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is required by Parliament to undertake an independent and impartial review of all constituencies in England, to rebalance the number of electors in each constituency.

Constituency sizes currently vary widely due to population changes since the last boundary review. The new map proposed by the Commission will make sure each constituency has between 69,724 and 77,062 electors, so that each MP represents roughly the same number of electors. The 2023 Boundary Review also requires that the number of constituencies in England increases from 533 to 543.

The Commission has listened to the feedback sent in from the public, and have changed nearly half of the initial proposals published last year. The new revised proposals are now available to view via an interactive map on the consultation website bcereviews.org.uk.

A final public consultation is open now until 5 December and is the last chance to provide your views on new constituency boundaries. The Boundary Commission for England has invited the public to visit bcereviews.org.uk and comment on the proposals via the website, email or letter. Hard copies of the proposals are available to view at public places of deposit listed on the Boundary Commission for England website.

You can give your feedback on anything from where the proposed electoral boundaries are, to the suggestions for new constituency names.

To tell the Commission whether the new proposals for constituencies best represent your local community, visit bcereviews.org.uk and have your say before 5 December.

Follow @BCEReviews on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up-to-date with 2023 Boundary Review news.

Now Open: Blackpool Road North Playing Fields Play Area

Fylde Council — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 10:25:39 +0000

Fylde Council are delighted to announce that the work to renovate the Blackpool Road North Playing Fields play area is now complete, and the play area is open to the public.

The redevelopment, carried out by winning tenderers Kompan, has delivered a beautiful, safe and accessible play area for children aged 4-12 years with a diverse range of equipment and space for informal play.

The renovation is the result of close cooperation between numerous partners over the past five years, including Fylde Council officers; the elected members for Kilnhouse Ward Cllr Karen Henshaw JP, Cllr David O’Rourke and Cllr Roger Small; St Annes Football Club; and the Friends of Blackpool Road North Playing Field.

Cllr Roger Small said: “The Blackpool Road North Playing Fields are a beloved cornerstone of the community, and we as a Council appreciate how vital they are for those living nearby. It has been our pleasure to work with residents over the past few years, to listen to their concerns, and to be able to make the changes they’d like to see.”

Cllr David O’Rourke said: “My fellow Councillors and I would like to thank all our partners for their hard work in developing the Blackpool Road North Playing Fields site masterplan, and in helping us realise this wonderful new play area. Without the cooperation of residents, the St Annes Football Club, and the Friends of Blackpool Road North Playing Field, this project would not have been achievable.”

The completion of the play area renovation marks another milestone in the progress of the masterplan, which so far also includes the replacement of the degraded culvert, and the installation of new lateral drains to address the susceptibility of the premises to flooding.

Fylde Council Launches ‘Invest in Fylde’

Fylde Council — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:22:55 +0000

An exciting new website from Fylde Council will highlight the borough as a business destination and offer comprehensive support to existing enterprises, start-ups and new investors alike.

Invest in Fylde is a business and investment focused initiative produced by Fylde Council’s Economic Development and Regeneration Team in liaison with other departments, councillors, local businesses, and Lancashire business support partners, to develop and deliver sustainable business growth and highlight the Borough as a business destination well-placed for investment.

The website showcases all there is to offer to businesses in Fylde, allowing meaningful conversations and facilitation of more dynamic engagement across all sectors of the business community, and brings together business support offered by various partners across Lancashire, such as Boost Lancashire, UCLan, and Access to Finance.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “Over the past three years, Fylde Council has delivered a staggering £37m to local businesses, charities, and community groups across the Borough, and I am delighted to be able to launch this service to build on this support. The Invest in Fylde concept demonstrates how highly Fylde Council values local businesses, both those already established and those considering locating here. The website will be an innovative new way to promote Fylde as a business destination and provides a one-stop source for business support and advice. We look forward to helping people make the most of their business opportunities.”

Invest in Fylde offers a ‘What If?’ feature which lists the considerations of a business looking to relocate to Fylde and conveys the advantages available to all if they did so. Equally, for an existing business already here in Fylde, by reading the ‘Invest’ page on the website they can see the support being made available, and the resources they have at their disposal already in many sectors.

The concept and website have received positive initial feedback from councillors, partners and businesses alike, and demonstrates the Council’s commitment to the business community and vibrancy of the borough. For more information about this service, visit www.investinfylde.co.uk.

Remembrance Sunday services in Fylde

Fylde Council — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 11:29:40 +0000

Remembrance Sunday, which falls on 13 November this year, is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

This year the parades and gatherings take place once again across the borough, where our communities will come together to mark these momentous occasions. Remembrance Day services will take place across Fylde on Sunday 14 November.

Services are always well attended and will take place as follows:

St Annes

Assemble at the Pier car park on North Promenade at 10:30am and proceed (route St Annes Road West and Clifton Drive North, returning via Garden Street and St Annes Road West) to the memorial at 10:38am. Fylde Council’s civic party will be led by Councillor Ben Aitken, Fylde Mayor.

Lytham

Assemble at the Assembly Rooms at 10:30am. Procession to move off at 10:45am to the war memorial via Dicconson Terrace, Henry Street and Queen Street (returning by reverse route). The civic party will be led by Councillor Roger Small, Fylde Deputy Leader.

Kirkham

Assemble on Orders Lane at 1:30pm and move off at 1:45pm. The service of Remembrance will commence at the Cenotaph at 2:00pm. The procession will return to the Community Centre at approximately 3:00pm where refreshments will be served.

Wesham

Led by Deputy Mayor of Fylde Councillor Alan Clayton, assemble at the War Memorial, Station Road/Weeton Road at 10:45am. Following the Act of Remembrance, refreshments will be served at Wesham Community Centre.

Councillor Ben Aitken, Fylde Mayor, said “This Remembrance Sunday we will gather together and show our deepest gratitude and respect to all the men and women who have lost their lives or have suffered protecting their country and loved ones in all Wars.”

“For those who leave never to return. For those who return but are never the same.”

For information regarding other processions and services throughout the rest of the borough, please contact your town council directly.

Ends

For more information regarding this press release please contact the Communications and PR office on communications@fylde.gov.uk or call 01253 658659

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Save 25% on Fylde Council’s Long Stay Car Parks This Winter

Fylde Council — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 12:10:51 +0000

Fylde Council’s long-stay car parks are operating reduced rates from 1 November 2022 to 20 March 2023.

Visitors and residents can enjoy parking at Council-operated long-stay sites across in the borough for approximately 25% less throughout the period.

Locations and charges can be seen below:

Car Park	Days and Duration	Normal Rate	Reduced Rate (02.11.2022 - 20.03.2023)
North Promenade Car Park; St Annes Swimming Pool Car Park; Fairhaven Road Car Park; St Paul’s Avenue Car Park; Lytham Green (Dicconson Terrace and Bath Street) Car Parks; Public Offices Car Park	All days 9.00am to 6.00pm Up to 1 hour 1 to 2 hours 2 to 3 hours 3 to 4 hours Over 4 hours At any other time - free	£1.20 £2.20 £2.90 £3.40 £4.50	£0.90 £1.70 £2.20 £2.60 £3.40
Stanner Bank Car Park	All days 9.00am to 6.00pm Up to ½ hour ½ to 1 hour 1 to 2 hours 2 to 3 hours 3 to 4 hours Over 4 hours At any other time - free	£0.60 £1.20 £2.20 £2.90 £3.40 £4.50	£0.50 £0.90 £1.70 £2.20 £2.60 £3.40
Town Hall Car Park	Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) 9.00am to 6.00pm permit holders and visitors only Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 9.00am to 6.00pm Up to 1 hour 1 to 2 hours 2 to 3 hours 3 to 4 hours Over 4 hours At any other time - free	£1.20 £2.20 £2.90 £3.40 £4.50	£0.90 £1.70 £2.20 £2.60 £3.40
North Beach Car Park	All days 9.00am to 6.00pm Up to 1 hour 1 to 2 hours 2 to 4 hours Over 4 hours At any other time - free	£0.90 £1.50 £2.30 £2.90	£0.70 £1.10 £1.70 £2.20
Lytham Station Car Park	All days 24 hours Up to 1 hour 1 to 2 hours 2 to 4 hours 4 hours to 1 day 1 to 2 days 2 to 3 days 3 to 5 days 5 to 7 days	£0.90 £1.50 £2.30 £2.90 £5.30 £7.90 £10.50 £12.60	£0.70 £1.10 £1.70 £2.20 £4.00 £5.90 £7.90 £9.50
Fairhaven Road (Coaches)	All days 9am to 6pm At any other time - free	£10.00	Free
St Annes Swimming Pool Car Park, North Promenade Car Park (motorhomes)	All days Up to 1 day (24 hours) 1 to 2 days (24 to 48 hours)	£15.00 £25.00	£10.00 £17.50
North Beach Car Park, St Paul’s Avenue Car Park (motorhomes)	All days Up to 1 day (24 hours) 1 to 2 days (24 to 48 hours)	£10.00 £15.00	£7.50 £10.00

Fylde’s Volunteer Gardeners Get Well-Earned Recognition in the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards

Fylde Council — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 12:05:39 +0000

Volunteers across Fylde have been recognised for their sterling work in greening up their communities by the Royal Horticultural Society through the It’s Your Neighbourhood programme.

As well as winning big in the North West In Bloom Awards 2022, Fylde was honoured to receive 14 RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood awards, thanks entirely to the generosity and talent of teams of dedicated volunteers who donate their time to keeping the borough beautiful.

The brilliant volunteers whose tireless efforts keep the train stations of the borough in bloom were amongst those recognised, with four awards presented to their respective Friends groups, including a 5 Year Award for the Friends of Ansdell & Fairhaven Station.

The majority of the awards presented were of the ‘Level 5 – Outstanding‘ level, showcasing the incredible level of skill possessed by the volunteers across the borough as well as their community spirit.

Many of the other volunteer groups whose members go out in all weathers for the betterment of their communities were also recognised with certificates at the presentation ceremony, including a commendation for the diligent St Annes Litter Pickers who work to keep the beaches clean and appealing for residents and visitors alike.

A full list of the 2022 RHS: It’s Your Neighbourhood Award recipients for Fylde can be seen below:

2022 RHS: It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards

Level 2 – Improving

Wesley’s Community Garden

Level 4 – Thriving

The Links Pub, St Annes

Friends of Squires Gate Station

Friends of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Garden

Level 5 – Outstanding

Fylde Sand Dunes Project

Shepherd Road Allotments

Blundell Road Allotments Senior Moments Hub

St Nicholas Church, Wrea Green

Friends of St Annes Station

Friends of Ansdell & Fairhaven Station

Friends of Lytham Station

Friends of Newton Community Park

Park View 4 U

5 Year Award

Friends of Ansdell & Fairhaven Station

Highly Commended

St Annes Litter Pickers

The RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood is a community environmental improvement initiative which provides support for community groups looking after outdoor spaces, offering expert advice, networking, and recognition of their efforts. For more information, visit the RHS Website.