november2024 – Fylde Council

Fylde’s Bathing Water Quality Classification 2024 Announced

Fylde Council — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 13:39:32 +0000

DEFRA have published their annual bathing water quality updates for 2024 and there are no changes to the classification of Fylde’s two designated bathing waters. St Annes Beach remains at ‘sufficient’, and St Annes North Beach remains at ‘poor’.

Officers have been monitoring the test results carried out by the Environment Agency throughout the 2024 season. Although the overall classifications remain the same, the results gathered in 2024 do show an improvement against previous years and there are positive signs that the quality of the bathing waters will improve in coming years. The Environment Agency’s classifications are based on four years of Bathing Water testing data. Notably, the results from 2022 and 2023 were particularly poor, which heavily impacts the classification for 2024.

Earlier this year, to continue to improve the bathing waters along the Fylde Coast, Councillor Tommy Threlfall, Fylde Council’s Lead Member for Environment established a partnership with Fylde Coast Against Sewage (FCAS). FCAS is a growing volunteer group that shares an objective of the Council to improve the quality of the Fylde Coast Bathing Waters. The group carry out independent testing of the bathing waters funded by the Council throughout the bathing season of May-September. The testing helps to build the evidence base needed to constructively challenge all agencies and organisations tasked with improving the quality of our bathing waters.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “The fact that the bathing water quality classification at St Annes North remains unchanged is extremely disappointing. Most people will not be aware that the classification is reached in consideration of the last 4 years of data and therefore, despite an improving picture this last year, we are still downgraded.

“This season we teamed up with the local action group, Fylde Coast Against Sewage, to fund additional sampling of our waters during the bathing season to better understand the challenges we face. The samples have shown a decrease in pollution spikes which broadly correlates with the Environment Agency results over the same period.”

“Fylde’s beaches are among our most cherished attractions, drawing visitors from across the globe. Both the council and the community are dedicated to maintaining them as clean, safe, and inviting spaces, but the agencies responsible for water quality need to accelerate their action plans to clean up our bathing waters.”

Councillor Tommy Threlfall, Lead Member for Environment, said: “The results are disappointing, and we remain committed to improving bathing water quality by working closely with our partners.

“We urge United Utilities to expedite the process of identifying problem areas within the Ribble catchment and to take swift action to address these concerns.

“The key reason behind the partnership I facilitated with FCAS earlier this year was to gain a more detailed insight into the bathing water quality on the Fylde coast which would further support the testing done by the EA.

“Fylde Council will continue to advocate for improvements and support measures that enhance water quality along the Fylde Coast and beyond.”

For more information about Fylde Council’s designated bathing waters, including their current classifications, please visit the Fylde Council website: https://new.fylde.gov.uk/resident/leisure/leisure/beaches/

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Fylde Council Launches Procurement Process for St Annes Swimming Pool

Fylde Council — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 14:29:34 +0000

Fylde Council has launched the procurement process for the new contract to manage St Annes Swimming Pool. The process commenced on Friday 15 November and will remain open until 16 December.

The Council is committed to ensuring the long-term future of this beloved local facility and has approved a significant investment of £1.9 million for essential refurbishment works. This investment will modernise the pool and enhance the overall experience for users of all ages.

Key refurbishment works will include:
• Electrical Upgrades: A complete rewire of the facility to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Plant and Equipment Replacement: Upgrading outdated equipment to improve energy efficiency and reduce running costs.
• Structural Repairs: Addressing any structural defects to ensure the building’s longevity.
• Changing Room Refurbishment: Modernising the changing rooms with new cubicles, lockers, and fittings.
• Pool Surround Improvements: Renovating the pool surround, including tiling, flooring, and ceiling work.
• General Maintenance: Addressing minor repairs and maintenance issues throughout the facility.

The successful bidder will be responsible for delivering the refurbishment works and managing the pool for a minimum of 10 years starting in Autumn 2025. The operator will be expected to maintain high standards of customer service, cleanliness, and safety. The current operator of the pool is the YMCA.

The procurement process is open to both existing operators, such as the YMCA, and new entrants to the market. The prospective operator will be expected to identify and capitalise on opportunities to develop the site further, subject to planning permission and other necessary approvals.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “We are excited to launch this procurement process and look forward to working with the successful bidder to enhance St Annes Swimming Pool. This investment will ensure the pool remains a vital community asset for generations to come.”

Fylde Council is seeking a partner who shares its vision for the pool and is committed to providing high-quality swimming facilities. The successful bidder will have the opportunity to work closely with the Council to deliver an outstanding facility that meets the needs of the local community.

Potential candidates can register their interest and find more information here.

Fylde Council Continues to Improve Accessibility with New Changing Places Toilets

Fylde Council — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:22:16 +0000

Fylde Council is pleased to announce the opening of a new Changing Places toilet at Fairhaven Lake. This state-of-the-art facility is now available to visitors, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the lake and its surroundings.

Installed thanks to grant funding provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities with support from Danfo (UK) Ltd and Fylde Council, in association with Muscular Dystrophy UK, this new facility will significantly improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities and their carers.

Changing Places toilets are larger than standard accessible toilets and are equipped with specialist equipment, including:

Adult-sized changing bench and hoist
Privacy screen
Alarm cord
Space for carers

This new facility, alongside the existing Changing Places toilets at North Beach and Kirkham Community Centre, demonstrates Fylde Council’s commitment to improving accessibility across the borough.

Councillor Michelle Morris, Lead Member for Customer and Operational Services said: “We’re delighted to open this new Changing Places toilet at Fairhaven Lake. This is another step forward in making Fylde a more inclusive borough. By providing these essential facilities, we’re ensuring that everyone can enjoy our beautiful parks and beaches.”

Fylde Council will continue to work towards creating a more inclusive environment for all.

Fylde Council Condemns Lack of Community Engagement in Wind Farm Connection Plans

Fylde Council — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 11:20:02 +0000

The Planning Inspectorate announced this week that they have accepted an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to connect two planned wind farms in the Irish Sea to the national grid at the Penwortham Substation.

The proposed development involves undersea cables landing near Blackpool Airport and running underground to two substations between Kirkham and Newton, before continuing underground and beneath the River Ribble to Penwortham.

Fylde Council made representations to the Planning Inspectorate expressing concern that the pre-application consultation was inadequate as it did not appear to include notification of all interested parties and as the level of detail available at the consultation stage was not sufficiently detailed to allow affected communities and other key stakeholders to make meaningful comments.

Leader of Fylde Council, Councillor Karen Buckley, said: “Our submission to the Planning Inspectorate was a clear request to decline to accept the application to progress to the next stage. Instead, we asked that the proposals be refined and further consultations take place with the local community, statutory consultees and stakeholders.

This would have allowed the applicants to further consider appropriate alternative routing for the proposed connections to the national grid which would have a lesser environmental impact, be less costly to implement and even provide an opportunity for more economic growth, such as the nearby site at Hillside Technology Enterprise Zone which is close to a grid connection at Stanah. The fact that this opportunity has been missed demonstrates a blinkered approach that ignores the local geography of Fylde and risks the implementation of a scheme that threatens homes and local livelihoods that support our community. ”

Deputy Leader of Fylde Council and Chair of the Planning Committee Councillor Richard Redcliffe added: “We are extremely disappointed that the Planning Inspectorate has decided to accept the application despite the view of the local council that the consultation exercise carried out prior to the submission of the application was flawed. The report outlining the reasons for the application being accepted has not yet been published and we intend to carefully review the Planning Inspectorate’s reasoning for accepting the application. Fylde Council will continue to make representations to the proposal at the next stages of the procedure and would encourage residents who may be directly or indirectly impacted by the development to register with the Inspectorate so that they remain informed of the process and to make their views known to the Inspectorate.”

Whilst Fylde Council is committed to providing for renewable energy and the infrastructure that supports it, this must be balanced against the potential impacts on the environment and local communities. Fylde Council objected to the proposed connection for a number of reasons including the potential impact of the project on agricultural land, the visual impact of the extremely large substations that would be required and the widespread disturbance that would be created during the construction phase.

Fylde In Bloom Awards 2024

Fylde Council — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 11:41:11 +0000

Fylde Council is delighted to announce the outstanding success in the recent North West in Bloom, and It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards, achieved by the local in bloom groups. The borough has secured an impressive 22 In Bloom awards and 19 It’s Your Neighbourhood awards, recognising the exceptional efforts of local communities, volunteers, and council staff.

These awards celebrate the beauty and vitality of Fylde’s green spaces and floral displays. This year, the borough’s dedication to horticultural excellence has been rewarded with a range of accolades.

Gold & Category Winners

Ansdell In Bloom

Lytham Hall Kitchen Garden and Garden Hub

Gold

St Annes on Sea in Bloom

Staining in Bloom

Wrea Green in Bloom

Ashton Gardens

Lowther Gardens

Freckleton In Bloom

Little Eccleston

Elswick in Bloom

The Eagle at Weeton

The Queens Hotel, Lytham St Annes – Gold

In Your Neighbourhood Award

Level 5 –

Blackburns Farm and the Wrea Green Remembrance Wood

Friends of Newton Community Park

Park View 4U, QEII Park, Lytham

St Nicholas Parish Church

The Fylde Sand Dunes Project

Wrea Green Allotments

Friends of Lytham Station

Friends of St Anne’s Station

Level 4 –

Forces of Nature – Community Wellness Garden

Friends of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Garden

Hope Street Community Park

IHOPE Fylde

Kirkham School Lane Allotments

Shepherd Road Allotment Society

The Community Gardens at Weeton Barracks

The Links Pub

Level 3 –

Blundell Road Allotments Senior Moments Hub

Grow Kirkham and Wesham

Level 2 –

Kirkham Methodist Church

Cllr Jayne Nixon, Fylde Council’s Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure & Culture, said: “We are incredibly proud of the dedication and passion shown by our local communities. These awards are a testament to the hard work and commitment of volunteers, council staff, and residents who have transformed our borough into a beautiful and thriving place to live. We are committed to continuing to support these initiatives and encourage everyone to get involved in making Fylde even more beautiful.”

Fylde Council would like to extend its sincere thanks to all those who have contributed to these remarkable achievements. By working together, we can create a brighter future for our community.

Fylde Council Receives the Armed Forces Employers Recognition Scheme Silver Award for Support to our Armed Forces Community

Fylde Council — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:14:17 +0000

Fylde Council is proud to receive the Silver award of the Armed Forces Employers Recognition Scheme, a prestigious award given to employers who actively demonstrate support for the Armed Forces community. This award acknowledges Fylde Council’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for veterans, reservists, and military families in its workplace.

The Silver Award was formally presented at a ceremony held at The Monastery, Gorton, Manchester, on 1 October. Representing Fylde Council at the event were Paul Deacon, a veteran and his colleague Dave Kessack, who have been instrumental in the council’s Armed Forces initiatives. Paul Deacon, in particular, played a key role in securing the award on behalf of Fylde Council, working closely with stakeholders to meet and exceed the standards set by the ERS for recognising Armed Forces-friendly employers.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, commended the team’s dedication, stating, “This award reflects our strong commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community, who contribute so much to society. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Cllr Frank Andrews, Paul Deacon and Dave Kessack , Fylde Council has set a high standard in recognising the value that Armed Forces personnel bring to our workplace and our community.”

The Silver Award celebrates Fylde Council’s proactive engagement with the Armed Forces, which includes pledges to support the employment of veterans and support for our Armed forces community. This achievement builds on the council’s ongoing efforts to foster understanding and recognition of the unique skills, values, and experiences that members of the Armed Forces bring to civilian life.

Kirkham Pool Update

Fylde Council — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 11:52:47 +0000

Fylde Council has approved an extension of the Kirkham Pool Disposal Plan with the YMCA to a backstop date of 17th February 2025.

The Council has announced its decision to continue exploring all practical options for the provision of swimming in Kirkham following a comprehensive review by the Community Focus Scrutiny Committee on 29 October.

The Council has agreed to provide additional time and resources to collaborate with Wave Reach, the Community Interest Company (CIC) as they work towards a sustainable business plan for the pool’s refurbishment.

The Community Focus Scrutiny Committee examined a detailed report outlining the business plan submitted by Wave Reach CIC in taking over Kirkham Pool. The committee evaluated the risks and opportunities associated with this proposal, ultimately recommending a series of measures to the Executive Committee on 5 November to ensure the potential for a sustainable future for the facility.

As part of these recommendations, the Council will underwrite the additional security costs incurred by the YMCA for the pool asset during this extended period.

Crucially, Fylde Council has expressed support in principle for Wave Reach CIC’s request for a capital grant towards refurbishing the pool, alongside ongoing revenue support. In the event that the CIC’s proposals are deemed non-viable by February 2025, the asset will return to the council so that all further opportunities to bid for funds/grants are exhausted before it is put on the open market. The aim is to return public swimming to rural Fylde subject to funding becoming available.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, commented:

“The decision to extend our support to Wave Reach CIC reflects our commitment to preserving essential community facilities like Kirkham Pool, and we appreciate the YMCA for providing the flexibility which will enable further exploration of the business plan.

“We are hopeful about the potential for a sustainable future for the pool under the management of Wave Reach CIC, and we are ready to work collaboratively with them to bridge any gaps in their business plan.

“This is a significant opportunity to ensure that the residents of Kirkham and surrounding areas continue to benefit from local swimming facilities.”

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure, and Culture at Fylde Council, added:

“Kirkham Pool is a cherished community asset, and we are delighted to extend our support to Wave Reach CIC as they work towards revitalising this facility.

“It’s not just about keeping the pool open, but about creating a vibrant space that promotes health, wellbeing, and community spirit.

“We are committed to exploring all possible avenues to secure the necessary funding, and we believe this collaboration marks an important step towards safeguarding the future of swimming in Fylde.”

Further steps include the exploration of alternative funding sources by Council officers to support both the refurbishment and potential future ownership of the pool. This includes seeking additional funding streams to bolster Wave Reach CIC’s efforts and to assess the feasibility of rebuilding the facility, should it transfer back to the Council.

The Council is committed to reviewing progress on this partnership, with a follow-up report to be presented early next year to update members on the viability and financial implications of the project. This proactive approach demonstrates Fylde Council’s dedication to ensuring community assets are maintained for the benefit of local residents.

For more information on the Council’s decisions and the next steps for Kirkham Pool, please visit https://new.fylde.gov.uk/swimming-in-fylde/

Work has begun on the much-anticipated High Street Improvements in St Annes

Fylde Council — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 16:02:28 +0000

Fylde Council has re-confirmed its commitment to the regeneration of St Annes, with the approval of a £2,682,482 expenditure to deliver the first phase of high street improvements in the Town Centre. This investment brings the project total to £3.13 million, reflecting the Council’s dedication to creating a vibrant street scene that will enhance St Annes’ cultural, recreational, and economic landscape.

The project has progressed through the advanced technical design phase (RIBA Stage 4) and has undergone a robust tender process, with the proposed works remaining within the agreed budget. The Council has opted to carry out a revised procurement approach, leveraging early contractor engagement to achieve efficiencies in design and construction, improved logistics, and effective risk management, all while delivering high value for money.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, highlighted the significance of this milestone: “The first phase of high street improvements in St Annes town centre is a project we are incredibly excited about.

“It represents a major investment in our community.

“By carefully planning every phase and ensuring budget alignment, we’re creating a space that St Annes can be proud of for many years to come.”

The proposed construction budget of £2.25 million includes works to widen pavements and completely open up the street scene on the main High Street between Orchard Road and the junction with Clifton Drive. The scheme also introduces new street lighting, refreshed landscaping, new street furniture and the creation of a space for events. The works also include the construction of new bus laybys on the east side of St Annes Road West. Funding for this initiative is secured through Fylde Council’s approved Capital Programme for 2024/25, with match funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Lancashire County Council.

The works have now begun and the target completion is June 2025. Further information on the stages of the construction can be found at https://www.investinfylde.co.uk/st-annes-town-centre-improvements/ with regular updates being provided on the Council’s various platforms.

A WhatsApp channel has also been created for live updates on the project and will be managed by our construction partner George Cox & Sons. The channel can be found by searching for ‘St. Annes High Street Improvements’.

This project represents the first phase of high street improvements in the town centre which are to be delivered as part of the long-term Masterplan to transform St Annes. This investment in the public realm will ensure St Annes remains a vibrant high street for years to come.

Fylde Council Announces New Community Beach Hub at St Annes to Enhance Beach Accessibility and Safety

Fylde Council — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 16:01:17 +0000

In a significant step toward improving the accessibility, safety, and community support on St Annes’ amenity beach, Fylde Council has announced the development of a new Community Beach Hub. Situated within the currently vacant deck chair storage building near the main beach entrance, the facility will undergo a transformation to provide essential services and facilities for residents, visitors, and various council service providers.

The project, set to begin in November 2024 and complete by April 2025, aligns with Fylde Council’s commitment to enhance public amenities and inclusivity. Key improvements include a new accessible ramp, a Beach Wheelchair Store, and first aid and information points. Designed to make the beach more welcoming and accessible for people with limited mobility, parents with young children, and all beach goers, the new ramp will replace the existing cracked paving slabs and uneven concrete.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure, and Culture at Fylde Council, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “The Community Beach Hub is an important step forward in making our beautiful beach more accessible and safer for everyone. This new facility will not only provide support services such as first aid and beach wheelchairs, but it will also serve as a welcoming hub for volunteers, council staff, and partner organisations who work tirelessly to maintain and protect our beach.”

The project will see Lancashire-based Huck Construction Limited overseeing the construction, with the specialist concrete work managed by Mollington Contracts Limited. The £157,000 budget will be sourced through a combination of the Council’s Capital Programme for 2024/25, with contributions from the Promenade Footways budget.

Key features of the Community Beach Hub include:

A new, accessible concrete ramp with handrails.
Enhanced facilities, such as a dedicated Beach Wheelchair Store, first aid point, and information centre.
Storage and meeting space for council operatives, partner organisations, and volunteer groups, such as litter-pickers.
Improved aesthetics with a pastel-coloured exterior, aligning the hub with nearby beach huts to complement the coastal landscape.

Councillor Nixon added, “We’re thrilled to introduce a facility that not only serves our community but also maximises the use of council assets in a way that benefits residents and visitors alike. The Community Beach Hub will be a wonderful addition to St Annes’ beach, reinforcing Fylde’s reputation as a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming coastal destination.”

The Community Beach Hub, with its expanded services and improved accessibility, is a testament to Fylde Council’s dedication to enhancing the area’s public spaces for all users. The Council looks forward to the positive impact this project will bring to St Annes, creating a beach experience that everyone can enjoy safely and comfortably.

Fylde Council Enhances Clarity and Accountability with New Local Enforcement Plan

Fylde Council — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 10:56:09 +0000

Fylde Council has announced a major update to its Planning Enforcement Policy, with the aim of improving transparency, prioritising enforcement actions, and managing expectations for stakeholders across the borough. This initiative follows recommendations from the Planning Peer Challenge Team’s Feedback Report, which highlighted the need for clearer communication on enforcement processes and priorities. The Council’s updated Local Enforcement Plan (LEP) seeks to provide clearer guidance on when and how enforcement action will be taken, fostering greater accountability and public understanding of the enforcement process.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, affirmed the Council’s commitment to proactive engagement with communities, saying, “Fylde Council recognises the importance of transparency in our planning enforcement, ensuring residents and stakeholders are well-informed and understand the basis of our decisions. This revised Enforcement Plan marks a significant step in making our priorities and processes clear to everyone. Through this, we aim to build trust and set clear expectations with our local communities.”

The updated Local Enforcement Plan, developed in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and best practices, includes several key elements:

Clear Enforcement Priorities: The plan defines which types of planning breaches will be treated as high priority, ensuring that critical issues are addressed promptly while allowing for a balanced approach.
Transparency and Accountability: The LEP outlines how the Council decides if enforcement action is appropriate, providing a fair and consistent process for both complainants and those responsible for alleged breaches.
Community Engagement: Fylde Council is committed to engaging residents and local councils in understanding the planning enforcement process. The updated plan will be accessible to the public, enabling stakeholders to gain a clear understanding of enforcement expectations.

Incorporating feedback from a recent meeting with Executive and Planning Committee members, the revised LEP represents a collaborative effort to address local concerns and enhance the Council’s approach to planning enforcement.