Previously, the Council consulted on the scope of the Partial Review of the FLP32, and responses received on that consultation have been considered in producing the Publication Version. Following the consultation on the Publication Version, the Council has considered the responses and approved the submission of the PRFLP32 to the Secretary of State for Examination in Public.

The Partial Review was submitted to the Secretary of State on 21^st October 2020. The submission documents can be viewed on the submission webpage.

https://new.fylde.gov.uk/PRFLP32

The submission of the Partial Review of the Fylde Local Plan to 2032 for examination is an important milestone for the Council. The Partial Review enables the Local Plan to be kept up-to-date and will facilitate the delivery of the Council’s spatial development strategy.

The funds were awarded by Government ahead of a further funding settlement after Lancashire was placed under Tier 3 Coronavirus regulations to be used in the direct provision of food and essential supplies through the provision of cash or vouchers for families in need.  The funding will now be used by the organisations which are part of the Fylde Community Hub, supported by key workers from the council. The hub has also benefited from the support of more than 100 volunteers to support the wider community’s needs.

Fylde Council Leader Councillor Karen Buckley said:

“From the outset of the pandemic, our Community Hub became the focal point of supporting many individuals across the Fylde, especially those who were shielding due to medical conditions and age.

“There are some people still shielding who are receiving our support, and the council will now identify and further support those most in need and help those who are struggling to afford food and essentials due to COVID-19.

“We have spoken to the Food Banks providing for those in need. It was reassuring to hear that they can continue providing those services at present and have capacity to help more people.  We have sent a clear message that further financial support is available from Fylde Council to ensure food supplies are maintained.

“The Council for Voluntary Services will administer our essential supplies funding and will operate a round of grants, on a rolling basis, to community and voluntary organisations in order that they can provide direct support to vulnerable people.

“It is vital those needing support are identified through our Community Hub, so that instead of just handing over a food parcel, we can see if we can give any further assistance, such as for debt, benefits or mental health issues.”

If you or someone you know require support from the Community Hub please contact us on 01253 658658 or email listening@fylde.gov.uk.

Traditional trick or treating, where you knock on someone else’s door isn’t allowed, as people from different households must not socialise and mix together.

So here are some alternative ways to mark Hallowe’en:

• Be creative: Create a pumpkin trail where you live by putting one in your window so everyone can join in, without knocking on doors.
• Be active: Get dressed up and take a walk around your neighbourhood to see homes decorated for Hallowe’en.
• Be virtual: Consider an online party with decorations, fancy dress and themed food. Play games, bake Hallowe’en-themed treats or tell spooky stories.

• Be social: Take pictures of your spooky costumes and activities to share on social media
• Be colourful: Dress up the outside of your house with Hallowe’en decorations for you and your neighbours to enjoy.
• Be treat-wise: Buy your own treats to give to your children, so they don’t miss out.
• Be bright: If you carve a pumpkin, use a battery-powered light inside it to reduce the risk of fire.

The Lancashire Resilience Forum (LRF) which is overseeing and co-ordinating the county’s multi-agency response to the pandemic, wants people to think about how they can stay safe this Hallowe’en.

Angie Ridgwell, chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum, said: “Hallowe’en is hugely popular with children and families, and something we know that many people are looking forward to.

“People will need to find alternative celebrations to traditional Trick or Treating. We want people to have a wonderful time and there are many ways to celebrate safely.

“In Lancashire, people must not socialise in their home, yard or garden with anyone they don’t live with, or who is not in their support bubble. Also the rule of 6 applies in outside public spaces such as parks, public gardens and sports courts. Please remember that school bubbles only apply while in school.

“We know how disappointing this will be for some people, but it’s important to help keep us all safe as we are seeing  the coronavirus spread much more rapidly than before, with the resultant increase in hospital admissions and deaths in Lancashire.

“There are still lots of interesting ways that people can enjoy Hallowe’en and have a great time.”

Lancashire Police will be out and about in the run-up to Hallowe’en and on the night itself, making sure that people are safe and helping them to stick to the rules.

Terry Woods, Deputy Chief Constable for Lancashire Constabulary, said: “Our overall approach will be unchanged to other years. If we come across people behaving anti-socially, then we will deal with them firmly. Hallowe’en is a time for people to enjoy themselves, but people still need to be sensible.

“Lancashire Police will continue to take a common sense and proportionate approach to the enforcement of COVID rules. This includes speaking to people initially to help and inform them, and only enforcing the rules where we are faced with unacceptable behaviour, or we have exhausted all other options.

“We know that most people from our communities will do the right thing at this critical time for the county, with high numbers of cases. People must follow the rules to keep their families, friends and neighbours safe.”

About Lancashire Resilience Forum

Lancashire Resilience Forum has the primary responsibility for bringing agencies including the police, fire, local authorities and health, together to respond effectively to any emergency, including something like a flu pandemic. Organisations under the LRF umbrella have a specific focus on those people in our communities who are vulnerable, whether by reason of their age, health or any other issue.  Follow @LancsResilience on Twitter for updates.

For enquiries about Lancashire Resilience Forum, please email lancsresiliencemedia@lancashire.pnn.police.uk

We are however inviting organisations to lay wreaths at cenotaphs throughout the Borough from the end of October up until 11^th November.

Every year during the Poppy Appeal, volunteers for The Royal British Legion cover as many areas as possible, collecting on the streets, in shopping centres and at stations. However, this year, as a result of COVID-19, many of their volunteers are understandably unable to assist, and reduced footfall in these areas means that the Poppy Appeal income is at real risk. Whilst there will be poppies available in many supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Tesco, Asda, and Aldi – we want to make sure that you are also able to participate in this year’s Poppy Appeal from your own home.

You can therefore also buy poppies for yourself, friends and family from our online British Legion shop here: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/shop/poppies-by-donation

There will be no public ceremony on Remembrance Sunday, 8^th November, however, the Mayor of Fylde will be attending the cenotaph to pay her respects, together with Colonel Rosie Stone DL and Mark Menzies MP. Councillor Redcliffe, the Deputy Mayor of Fylde will be doing the same at Lytham, and a representative from the Royal British Legion will also attend both St Annes and Lytham.  This will be a closed service and we are asking people not to gather in the usual way on the morning of Remembrance Sunday.

The wreaths will be laid to pay the respects of all elected members and officers of Fylde Council.

We do encourage members of the public to display a poppy in their windows and to stand on their doorsteps at 11:00 on Remembrance Sunday to observe a two-minutes silence as a mark of respect.

Mayor of Fylde, Cllr Angela Jacques said: “It is a great privilege to lay the wreath at the Cenotaph on your behalf. Although it is not possible to gather together to show our respect for those who have lost their lives in conflict for our country because of COVID, I would like you to show your support by putting a poppy in your window and / or standing at your door for the 2 minutes silence instead. Any support for the Royal British Legion is much appreciated and donations can be given online.”

The restrictions relate to upcoming events including: Prophet Muhammad’s birthdate (28/29 October), Halloween (31 October), Bonfire celebrations (5 – 7 November), Remembrance Sunday (8 November), Diwali (14 November), Hanukkah (10 – 18 December) and the switching on of Christmas lights.

In line with national restrictions on numbers at events and our strong advice in Lancashire to avoid households mixing, the decision has been taken to prohibit large scale events to mark these occasions in Lancashire.
Angie Ridgwell, Chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum, said:

“We know these are important events for everyone in our community and we’re sorry that we have to do this. We haven’t taken these decisions lightly and really grateful for your support. By following this guidance we will all limit the spread of coronavirus and help keep people safe.

“While Lancashire continues to experience a rapid increase of coronavirus cases that puts the county among the highest level of transmissions in the country, large scale community events create too great a risk for the public.

“It is vital that we all work together to follow these regulations and avoid the temptation to break the rules on visiting other people’s homes or gardens to celebrate these events putting yourself and others at risk.

“We are working with various faith and business groups as well as charitable and community organisations – such as the British Legion – to see whether alternative arrangements can be made to mark these occasions.”

Small scale or civic events, such as a ceremonial wreath laying, will be permitted providing permission has been sought from the relevant local authority. Any agreed event will have to be Covid-secure with no more than 15 people present, and no households mixing.

Unfortunately, trick or treating will not be permitted this year as it would increase the risk of household transmissions.

If you have any questions relating to events in Fylde please contact listening@fylde.gov.uk

Levels of infection rates have risen alarmingly right across the county and are especially high in East Lancashire, Preston and West Lancashire.  On the Fylde Coast the rates are lower but rising quickly, as are admissions to Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

We discussed at length whether our area should remain in Tier 2, but the Government made it clear that a pan-Lancashire approach would be required to provide clarity of message and also avoid Tier 2 areas being attractive to additional visitors which would increase the risk of social contact and thereby spread infection.

Businesses that are required to close, such as pubs and bars, will qualify for financial support.  We were able to convince the Government that safely operated gyms and leisure centres, along with hairdressers and personal services could remain open.  Leaders across Lancashire are keenly aware, though, that Tier 3 restrictions will have a knock-on effect to many other businesses who will sustain losses through no fault of their own.  For that reason it was essential for us to negotiate an extra financial package of £30m from the Government so that the support on offer could be distributed wider.  A taskforce from Government will help to devise the scheme as quickly as possible.

These restrictions alone will not get control of the virus.  It is still the simple things that we can all do which will stop its spread and that is to wash our hands, wear a face covering and keep our distance from anyone outside our household.  Let’s continue to protect each other.

Visit our FAQ page for further advice

• Bars and pubs to close tonight, other venues from Monday
• No socialising with people unless you live with them or they’re in your support bubble
• Government pledges additional support for businesses and residents

Lancashire has been moved into the “very high” Covid alert level by government.

It means that there will be significant additional restrictions on people and businesses across the entire area. Pubs and bars are to close from 0001 on Saturday and residents will only be allowed to socialise with people they live with or those in their social bubble in any indoor setting or private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events.

From 0001 on Monday, the following venues will also close:

• Licensed clubs
• Adult gaming centres
• Bingo halls
• Casinos
• Bookmakers and betting shops
• Children’s soft play centres

Car boot sales will also be prohibited, and universities are being asked to move to remote learning where possible.

The decision is accompanied by a support package for Lancashire to help minimise the impact on Lancashire’s businesses and residents. New, local arrangements and funding will also be introduced for test and trace to give Lancashire more control of the contact tracing process.

Speaking on behalf of Lancashire’s leaders, Lancashire County Council’s leader Geoff Driver CBE said:

“Across Lancashire, the coronavirus situation is serious and getting worse. Lancashire’s leaders all agree that, as we approach winter, urgent action has to be taken now to ensure the county is not overwhelmed by the virus.

“After major negotiations with government, we have agreed a bespoke deal for Lancashire that means our businesses and residents will receive extra support that will not be available elsewhere in the country.

“I want to thank all of the Lancashire leaders for the constructive and meaningful discussions we have had over the past week. The deal has presented real challenges for some and they have only been able to sign up with reluctance, but we have been willing to work across party lines so that we can hammer this out with government.

“These new restrictions will affect us all, but we know they will be particularly harsh on those who make their living in our hospitality sector. It is a vital and valued part of our economy and we are all committed to maximising the support we can give as a result of this deal.”

As the new restrictions come in, the directors of public health for Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool made a joint plea to the public to stick to the rules.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Professor Dominic Harrison and Dr Arif Rajpura said: “We are at a very dangerous phase of the pandemic. Infection rates are going up across Lancashire, hospitals are getting busier and people are quite frankly sick of coronavirus and just want life to return to normal.

“That’s something we all want, but we have to level with you – it isn’t happening any time soon. All of our lives have been affected by coronavirus and will continue to be so until we have a vaccine.
Now that Lancashire has entered tier three the next month is critical to getting the virus under control.

“In the meantime, as public health professionals we have a responsibility to do all we can to protect the people of Lancashire and we are working night and day to do so. But you also have a role to play as well to protect yourself, your family and your community. By sticking to the restrictions – even though we know it’s hard – and following the simple guidance around hands, face and space you will help limit the spread of coronavirus.

Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods of Lancashire Constabulary, said: “It’s imperative that we all work together and follow the rules so that the restrictions will be eased sooner.

“None of us want to be in this situation but abiding now will help us bring the infection rates down and safe lives. We’ve taken a common-sense approach to policing the regulations throughout the pandemic and this will not change.”

“Our first priority is to engage with people and explain the rules, but we do want to be clear that we will enforce them where we need to, especially around repeat offenders, significant gatherings and people who deliberately flout the regulations and put others at risk.”

Find out exactly what you can or cannot do under the very high alert level at https://www.gov.uk/

Today, parks and green spaces across the country will be raising their Green Flag Award with pride in a year when millions of people have seen the value of having great quality green spaces on their doorstep.

Amongst the winners were a number of Fylde’s parks and open spaces:

• Lytham War Memorial Garden
• Fairhaven Lake and Gardens
• Promenade Gardens
• Ashton Gardens
• Lowther Gardens
• Elswick Village Hall and Garden

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.

The Fylde winners are some of more than 2,000 sites across the country to collect the award for 2020.

Cheryl Little, Chair of the Tourism and Leisure Committee for Fylde Council said: “The Green Flag Award reminds us all of the outstanding value of the outdoor spaces we have in Fylde. I hope that this excellent news, will encourage more people to visit our parks and gardens, which have now become more important than ever in these unprecedented times.”

Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, [name of park/council] has achieved the highest international standards [add in names of parks if multiple awards] demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

COVID marshals are being introduced by many councils across the country to ensure social distancing rules are followed. Prime Minister Boris Johnson told a press conference the marshals would “boost the local enforcement capacity” to help slow the spread of coronavirus.” The areas in which they can help include:

• Undertaking walks within community settings in order to ensure that COVID 19 regulations are being observed and provide reassurance
• Visiting premises and delivering COVID compliance advice positively, with patience and appropriate assertiveness; documenting any findings and highlighting any concerns to the Environmental Protection Team
• Answering queries from residents and businesses regarding COVID 19 regulations and giving advice based on Frequently Asked Questions developed by the council

Supported through the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and National Lottery Community Fund, the project aims to conserve and restore Fairhaven’s heritage buildings and landscape, improve the lake’s infrastructure and water quality, and provide an exciting new programme of events. New information boards will help visitors better understand Fairhaven’s heritage. Other funding bodies to the overall project include Fylde Council, Sport England & Lancashire Environmental Fund.

The building and landscape works will be delivered through two main contracts on site which have been subject to a thorough and compliant tender process. The first is a £1.2m contract awarded to John Turner Construction Group Ltd, to restore the three heritage buildings on site; Pagoda, Watersports Centre and the Café. This contract also includes landscape works on the north side of the lake.

The second package of works has been awarded to Horticon Ltd for £158,000, to carry out the restoration of the Japanese Gardens and complete the circular pathway around the entire perimeter of the lake.

There will be some minor disruption to park users during the works to ensure segregation of the public from construction activities. The path in front of the buildings (from the RSPB Discovery Centre to the Café) will be closed until Spring 2021 whilst works progress. All other facilities in the park remain open including the recently completed Adventure Golf course and Adventure Play area. We apologise for the inconvenience whilst we carry out these works during the off-season.

Fylde Council’s Tourism and Leisure Chair, Councillor Cheryl Little said “As residents and visitors are already seeing the benefits from the huge investment and the continuing redevelopment of the Fairhaven Lake, we are now ready for the next stage, whilst other facilities in the park remain open including the recently opened Adventure Golf course and Adventure Play facilities; I hope you share our excitement for the next phase of the transformation of one of the Council’s best loved assets”.

Project notice boards on site will keep residents and visitors informed as to the works progression. Please keep a look out for our regular updates on the project’s various social media platforms.