27th January 2012
PAUL'S CHARITY TRACTOR TREK
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

Local Plant Hire & Contractor Paul Taylor has been challenged to drive a new tractor from the Fendt Factory in Germany to Derian House Children's Hospice on a single tank full of diesel.

The challenge was set by Burscough Fendt dealer Clarke & Pulman and it is hoped that the event will raise a massive £7,000 for the Derian House Wish List which is used to buy much needed items that help make a difference to the lives of the children at Derian.

Paul will begin the 1437km tractor trek on the 14th April, leaving Marktoberdorg, Germany on a brand new Fendt 700 Vario Tractor worth £175,000 and will hopefully complete the challenge the following day by arriving at Derian House Children's Hospice, Chorley at around 2.00pm.

Sponsors are urgently required (just £100 will get a sticker on the tractor) and a Just Giving account has been set up to receive donations.

For more information and updates see www.heskethbank.com/home/challengepaul

22nd January 2011
GAS MONITORING DEVICE INSTALLED ON FRACKING SITES
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

Cuadrilla have just installed a network of 21 'GasClams' to monitor their current exploration sites and are the world’s first company to use it as part automated early warning system.

If the instrument detects an increase in gas concentrations it automatically alerts an engineer allowing a rapid response.

The monitoring device will collect background gas levels and compare them between before, during and after our operations, according to Mark Miller, CEO of Cuadrilla.

Mr Miller anticipates that the data from the monitoring equipment will be made available to local communities via the Cuadrilla website.

GasClam was developed by Salamander, a University of Manchester spin out company and is a previous winner of the North West Innovation Environment Technology prize.

Dr Pete Morris, from Ion Science, the global distributor of the technology, said: “As gas occurs naturally from a range of sources, GasClam will provide reliable information to Cuadrilla and the surrounding community to show the level of gas and its origin.”

17th January 2012
LANCASHIRE FIRE & RESCUE "SAFER DAY"
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

In Lancashire, the numbers of house fires and injuries from fires are at their lowest recorded levels ever. Despite this, six people have tragically died in their homes over the last month. As part of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service's response, the Service will hold a high profile Smoke Alarm Fire Education Roadshow (SAFER) at every Fire Station in Lancashire on Saturday 21st January 2012 between 11am and 5pm.

The campaign will see all fire stations open to the public who are invited to come along to collect a free 10 year smoke alarm and fire safety guidance, as well as having the opportunity to book a free Home Fire Safety Check.

Whilst the smoke alarms are being distributed, firefighters and community fire safety will be demonstrating how to install and clean the alarms. The videos will be placed on social networking sites, such as YouTube and the Service's new Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Many fire related deaths are caused by people being overcome by smoke and fumes, not just burns. Therefore, a working smoke alarm is essential. It provides vital early warning and extra time to escape if there is a fire. Every home should have at least one working smoke alarm.

When a smoke alarm has been fitted it is vital that it is regularly tested to ensure it works properly at least once a week using the test button. Every six months, the alarms need to be cleaned by opening the case and gently vacuuming the inside to remove dust from the sensor. If the smoke alarm doesn't open, vacuum through the holes.

Peter Holland, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer says; "Every single member of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is devastated about the loss of life in recent weeks, especially when it is so needless. We are urging everybody to get a working smoke alarm and test it every week."

"This Saturday every available member of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service will be on the streets making sure everyone gets the message; Get a working smoke alarm and test it."

"If you can not attend any of the fire stations on Saturday and you still wish to get a free smoke alarm, call us on 0800 1691125 or visit our website www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk to book a free Home Fire Safety Check."

11th January 2012
MEN IN COURT OVER TANKER THEFTS
Source: Ellesmere Port Pioneer

TWO men have appeared in court charged with conspiracy to steal three tankers worth more than £300,000 from an Ellesmere Port industrial estate.

Timothy Edwards, 53, of the Marshes, Tarleton, Lancashire, and John Downes, 23, of Moss Lane, Lydiate, Liverpool, appeared before magistrates in Chester on Wednesday, January 4.

The men were arrested last May after three Scania articulated tanker lorries were taken from an industrial unit on North Road, Ellesmere Port.

The vehicles were stolen between 6.15pm on Tuesday, May 3, and 1.45am on Wednesday, May 4. Each was loaded with £45,000 worth of diesel, bound for various locations throughout the UK. Two of the tankers – minus their tractor units – were recovered by police the following morning at Mere Brow.

Enquiries by officers from Ellesmere Port CID subsequently led to the recovery of the three tractor units and third tanker in Skelmersdale, Warrington and Widnes.

All the vehicles have been returned to their owners.

Edwards and Downes will appear in Chester Crown Court on January 30.

5th January 2012
LOCAL PLAN OPTIONS CONSULTATION BEGINS
Source: West Lancashire Borough Council

The West Lancashire Local Plan Preferred Options Paper will be available for consultation from Thursday 5th January to Friday 17th February 2012.  

The West Lancashire Local Plan takes over from the Local Development Framework, and will eventually replace the current Replacement Local Plan as the planning framework for the Borough.  This change-over is reflective of national guidance to try and make the planning process easier for people to understand and get involved with.  As well as the planning policies, the Local Plan now also contains information about the specific sites we will allocate for future development, and new policies that will be used to help make decisions on planning applications.  All these policies and proposals are set out in the Local Plan Preferred Options paper.

The Preferred Options Paper sets out the policies that will guide development until 2027 and covers important topics such as housing, employment, transport, local services, Gypsy and Traveller sites and Edge Hill University.  The Local Plan also sets out the preferred option for Green Belt release in Burscough, with some additional Green Belt release in the north of Ormskirk.  Further sites of Green Belt will also be released but safeguarded from development unless a ‘Plan B scenario’ dictates they should be used to help meet Borough targets.

The Preferred Options Paper and accompanying documents will be available from 5th January in local libraries, Post Offices, the Council offices ( 52 Derby St , Ormskirk and the Contact Centre in the Concourse, Skelmersdale) and on the Council’s website (www.westlancs.gov.uk/2027).  The Champion papers’ cover pages will explain the proposed policies and plans and how to comment on them. Homes in rural areas that do not receive the Champion should receive their information through the post.  We are also holding a number of events including drop-in exhibitions and evening forums to which we would like you to attend.  Details of times and venues for these events are given below.  Places for the evening forums must be booked. You can also receive updates and news on our consultation events by joining our Facebook page – “Your West Lancashire 2027”.

The Borough Council would welcome your comments on the content and nature of the Preferred Options paper.  Comments can be made on the Preferred Options Paper, and accompanying documents such as the Sustainability Appraisal, via the Borough Council website at www.westlancs.gov.uk/2027. Comments must be received by 5pm on Friday 17th February 2012.

10th December 2011
£9.2m bill for 20mph zone PROJECT
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

The Lancashire County Council proposal to implement 20mph schemes in residential areas and outside of all schools in Lancashire is budgeted to cost £9.2 million pounds.

The cost of maintaining the new signage is budgeted to add another £136,000 to the annual highway maintenance costs.

The target date for the completion of the project is 31st December 2013.

30th November 2011
CHRISTMAS FARMERS MARKET ATTRACTS MORE STALLS
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

The Mere Brow Christmas food, crafts and gifts market at the Legh Arms pub on Saturday 10th December is proving to be a huge success with more local business wanting to be involved.

Kelvin Pye, organiser of the Mere Brow farmers market organiser stated “For the November market we had 22 farm and crafts businesses, now its looking like we will have 27 stalls and its going to be a squeeze to fit them in, but its great for the public with much more variety of food and crafts.”

As well as the returning producers of cheese, lamb, beef, smoked fish, olives, cakes, vegetables, chillis and home made pies, there will be new food exhibitors of curries, venison, jams, shellfish, fudge and Christmas wreaths. Mr Pye went on to say “I am particularly pleased we have a local shellfish business with cockles, crabs, Southport shrimps and a smelly soap and bath products stall for Christmas gifts and the Pampered Chef, for all cooking equipment.”

The market is open from 10am to 2.30 pm with two food hampers being given away in a free prize draw. Santa will be in attendance for the children along with face painting and donkey rides. There will be  hot BBQ  food and mulled wine, as well  as a 3 course farmers market lunch for £6.95 in the Legh Arms pub.

For enquiries telephone Kelvin on 01704 212734 or the Legh Arms on 01772 812359.

25th November 2011
FLOOD DEFENCE CONSULTATION DEADLINE EXTENDED
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

Lorraine Fullbrook, Member of Parliament for South Ribble, has welcomed the Environment Agency’s decision to extend the deadline for their consultation on flooding defences in the Northern Parishes to 31st January 2012.  Lorraine attributes the decision to pressure from local residents. 

 “Local pressure has made the Environment Agency listen to the legitimate concerns that we have about these plans, and extend this consultation.”

“I’m sure that the hostility at the Public Meeting I held on 11th November and in people’s responses to the consultation have made the Environment Agency concede defeat on the consultation date. But there is more to do - We’ve won the battle but not the war!”  ”

“I will be continuing to do everything I can to have this consultation withdrawn altogether and once again I would like to plead with everyone to fill in the consultation who hasn’t already done so!”

The Consultation can be viewed and filled in on:

 http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/124390.aspx 

and local residents who would prefer a hard copy are encouraged to get in touch with Lorraine’s office on 020 7219 7217 or by emailing info@lorrainefullbrook.com

17th November 2011
Fears for homes, jobs and farmland discussed
Source: Southport Visiter

Fears for homes, jobs and farmland were expressed following a meeting in Tarleton over Environment Agency plans to stop land drainage in the northern parishes.

More than 150 businessmen, growers and residents met at Huntapac last Friday to discuss the consultation plans.

The government agency has proposed scaling back pumping and increasing the use of natural flood plains in rural areas by 2015 due to funding cuts from Defra. A 12-week consultation over its proposals for the Lower Alt with Crossens catchment ends on December 16.

But many at the meeting, held by South Ribble MP Lorraine Fullbrook, felt the consultation document had not been publicised widely enough.

Click here to read the complete Southport Visiter article

17th November 2011
Planning permission refused for motocross at Leisure Lakes
Source: Southport Visiter

Planning councillors refused to give permission for motocross racing to continue at Leisure Lakes despite 127 riders turning up to the meeting to support the case.

Motocross organisers had applied to have racing at the site in Tarleton 28 days each year.

But West Lancashire Council planning officers had recommended the application be refused at last Thursday’s meeting.

They believed the scheme to be ‘inappropriate development in the Green Belt’. Committee members accepted the recommendations and threw out the scheme.

Click here to read the complete Southport Visiter article

16th November 2011
‘Sonar’ studies to start across county
Source: Lancashire Evening Post

The company behind plans to extract gas from under Lancashire are due to start ‘sonar’ studies of farmland in the county early next year.

Cuadrilla Resources, which is searching for gas reserves locked in shale at a site near Hesketh Bank, will have engineers carrying out searches on land across Wyre from February.

A spokesman said it was speaking with local landowners to secure access onto sites of interest. He said: “It is a feasibility study to look for areas where there is a large amount of shale to add to data we have already collected from our exploratory drilling.

“There will not be any work starting until the start of the year.”

7th November 2011
PUBLIC MEETING - LAND DRAINAGE PROPOSAL
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

Lorraine Fullbrook, Member of Parliament for South Ribble, which includes the villages of Tarleton, Banks, Hesketh Bank, Rufford, Mere Brow, Holmeswood and Solom, has announced that she will be holding a public meeting on Friday 11th November 2011 to discuss the Environment Agency proposals to stop land drainage in the Northern Parishes. 

The meeting will be held at Huntapac, Blackgate Lane, Tarleton at 7pm. 

The Environment Agency, Campaign for Rural England and representatives from the local Councils will be in attendance. 

Lorraine would like to invite all interested members of the public to attend the meeting and make their views about this proposal known.

Lorraine said: “Land drainage is a very important issue for the people who live and work in the Northern parishes and I have called this public meeting so that all interested parties can discuss this issue and local people can make their views known.”

To view the Environment Agency consultation, please click here

4th November 2011
MP: THIS COALITION IS DELIVERING FOR WOMEN
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

Lorraine Fullbrook, Member of Parliament for South Ribble, has signed the following letter about how the Coalition Government is delivering for Women:

Open Letter:

This Coalition Government is Delivering For Women

As Conservative MPs, we care passionately about the equal advancement of women, in both the political and the economic sense.

Women still lag behind men in both areas in Britain in the 21st Century. Far more women than men live in workless households. They own 17% less than men. Their incomes are 17% lower than men's in similar jobs. They are more likely to be in low paid work. They start businesses at half the rate men do. They have 14% less to live on in retirement and are relatively more dependent on means-tested benefits. Under Labour, far too many became trapped in 16 hour a week jobs, missing out on career progression. This is a scandal we plan to change.

With welfare reform, pensions reform, shared parental leave, financial support for part-time students, tax reform to lift hundreds of thousands of women out of income tax altogether and protection for the 80% female workforce which is the lowest paid during the public sector pay freeze, we aim to make working and saving pay for all the women of this country. Furthermore, under the Universal Credit, help with child care will start from the first hour of work.

In other important ways, this government has taken action. New rape crisis centres have opened; more money is being spent on women-focused international aid, helping girls to go to school. Sex worker jobs can no longer be advertised in Job Centres; the Bailey review has been commissioned, tackling the sexualisation of children. Parents have been enabled with more internet filters.

We don’t support all of this despite being Conservative. We support it because we are Conservative and believe in equality of opportunity for all.

Lorraine Fullbrook MP

2nd November 2011
DRILL RIG STORMED BY ANTI-FRACKING PROTESTORS
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

This morning nine people from the national anti-fracking network Frack Off have halted work at Cuadrilla Resources’ drilling site on Banks marsh.

They ran on to the fracking site early this morning and scaled the drilling rig using climbing equipment. They aim to sit on top of the drilling rig for as long as possible to stop the drilling.

The action is aimed at highlighting what the protestors believe is the hypocrisy behind the ‘Shale Gas Environmental Summit’ starting today in London: a conference sponsored by a host of companies involved in the oil and gas industry and to counter the PR offensive of the shale gas industry and bring public attention to the harm fracking has been linked to.

Colin Eastman, one of the climbers, said, “Conventional fossil fuels have begun to run out and the system is moving towards more extreme forms of energy like fracking, tar sands, and deep water drilling. The move towards ‘extreme energy’ is literally scraping the bottom of the barrel, sucking the last most difficult to reach fossil fuels from the planet at a time when we should be rapidly reducing our consumption altogether and looking for sustainable alternatives. In the UK fracking for shale gas is planned alongside, not instead of, extraction of conventional fossil fuels like coal.”

2nd November 2011
CuadrillA PUBLISH REPORT FINDINGS ON SEISMIC EVENTS
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

Cuadrilla Resources, the British company exploring for natural shale gas on Banks Marsh, has today released the findings of the report that was commissioned following unusual seismic activity near Poulton-le-Fylde in April and May 2011.

“The Geo-mechanical Study of Bowland Shale Seismicity” confirms that there is little risk of future seismic events reoccurring in the Bowland Basin but proposes a series of mitigation measures in case of any future seismic activity. This report which fulfils a commitment made by Cuadrilla to be fully open with the community about all findings, is the most comprehensive scientific study ever undertaken on the geology of the Bowland Basin.

Cuadrilla intends to seek a peer review of the report and commits to publishing that review.

The report concludes:

• It is highly probable that the hydraulic fracturing of Cuadrilla’s Preese Hall-1 well did trigger a number of minor seismic events.
• None of the events recorded, including one in April of 2.3 and one in May of 1.5 on the Richter scale, had any structural impact on the surface above.
• The seismic events were due to an unusual combination of geology at the well site coupled with the pressure exerted by water injection as part of operations.
• This combination of geological factors was extremely rare and would be unlikely to occur together again at future well sites.
• If these factors were to combine again in the future local geology limits seismic events to around magnitude 3 on the Richter scale as a “worst-case scenario”.
• Cuadrilla’s water injection operations take place very far below the earth’s surface which significantly reduces the likelihood of a seismic event of less than 3 on the Richter scale having any impact at all on the surface.

Using the findings, the report sets out an early detection system which Cuadrilla can use to monitor seismic activity and implement a series of steps to prevent the escalation of any future seismicity. Very similar systems are in place in the Netherlands and Germany. The purpose of this system is to ensure that any seismic activity trigged by the hydraulic fracturing process, however unlikely, can be managed to prevent any impact to people and property.

Mark Miller, Chief Executive of Cuadrilla Resources, commenting on the release of the report said:

“We unequivocally accept the findings of this independent report and are pleased that the report concludes that there is no threat to people or property in the local area from our operations.

We are ready to put in place the early detection system that has been proposed in the report so that we can provide additional confidence and security to the local community.

Cuadrilla is working with the relevant local and national authorities to implement the report’s recommendations so we may safely resume our operations.”

The report has been submitted to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the British Geological Survey (BGS), the latter acting in their capacity as advisers to DECC.  The report’s authors and Cuadrilla are in regular contact with government officials to provide further clarification on various technical aspects of the report.

The report was commissioned by Cuadrilla Resources in consultation with the Department of Energy and Climate Change.  The study was carried out by a European team of independent seismic experts, all leading authorities on the subject, directed by Dr Hans de Pater.

28th October 2011
MP CALLS FOR MEETING TO AVERT FLOOD RISK
Source: Press Release

Lorraine Fullbrook, Member of Parliament for South Ribble, has today called for a meeting with Ministers from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to discuss controversial Environment Agency plans to stop land drainage in the Lower Alt and Crossens catchment which includes Banks, Rufford, Hesketh Bank, Tarleton, Sollom and Mere Brow.

In a letter to the Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Caroline Spelman MP, Lorraine warns of the devastating effects that flooding would have to some of the largest growing and export of food crop areas in the country, should the proposals be accepted.

Speaking today, Lorraine said: “I’m appalled at these proposals to stop land drainage in the Lower Alt and Crossens basin. Plans to cut money spent on flood risk management in one of the largest growing areas in the country are totally irresponsible.” “I have requested a meeting with the Minister so that they are aware of all the facts and the devastating effect this would have on this area, the local economy and people’s livelihoods on the Northern parishes.”

“These proposals, originally made by Labour, to prioritise protecting urban over rural areas are short-sighted. I want the Environment Agency to drop these proposals and continue with their duty of care to the people who live and work in the Northern parishes, which have been an essential part of the local economy for years.”

“I think this consultation should be dropped altogether but I will be making a submission and urge local residents to get fully engaged with the consultation process. These proposals if passed could have a detrimental effect not only on farmers but on the entire area.”

25th October 2011
PUBLIC MEETING – SHALE GAS DRILLING AND EXTRACTION
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

The Northern Parishes of West Lancashire have arranged for a Public Meeting to be held from 6:30pm at “Our Lady Help of Christians” Church, Hesketh Lane, Tarleton on Friday 4th November.

Cuadrilla Resources, the company presently granted an exploration licence in the area and Mr Simon Glover A.I.Mech.E, M.ENG, B.Sc, the Vice-President Europe of Altus Well Experts Inc, an Independent Industry Expert to give independent comment, will be on hand to answer the queries or concerns of members of the Public. The event will be chaired by BBC North West Presenter, Dave Guest.

View More Local Events

22nd October 2011
"Pumpkin King" takes 1st and 2nd place aT MERE BROW COMPETITION
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

Mark O'Hanlon managed to retain the title of Pumpkin King taking both the first and second place at the Mere Brow Giant Pumpkin competition held today at Windmill Animal Farm. Maurice Bond took the third place in the annual event which raises funds for the North West Air Ambulance.

For more information please visit www.merebrowgiantpumpkins.com

13th October 2011
GREEN LANE LINK GETS GREEN LIGHT FROM LCC
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

The portfolio holder for Highways and Transport Mr Tim Ashton has agreed to fund the Green Lane Link under the Lancashire County Council Local transport Plan (LTP). County Councillor Malcolm Barron expressed his delight.

The Green Lane Link will connect the A565 with Taylors Meanygate which services the agricultural packhouses on the moss which provide our supermarkets with produce.

West Lancashire is the main provider of salads in the country and the Link will provide the sort of infrastructure that the horticultural industry needs to survive.

Hopefully many accidents will be avoided and lives spared by the inclusion of a roundabout  on the A565 Southport New Rd and the instances of HGVs trundling through the villages of Tarleton, Hesketh Banks and Banks should be greatly reduced.

County Councillor Malcolm Barron said "I appreciate the help given to me by the Parish Councils. Hesketh Bank and Tarleton Parish Councils sent excellent letters in support of the link to the County commissioners who allocated funding to the LTP."

"I am also grateful to the officers who worked extremely hard in scrutinising the 400 submissions for funding and to those officers who provided me with the facts and figures required."

"Much evidence was provided by Mr William Hunter of Huntapac, Maurice Fletcher and many other growers, the CLA and our Borough Councillors (especially Rosie Evans) and our MP Lorraine Fullbrook this wonderful result would not have been achieved."

"I chaired the first public meeting promoting the Green lane Link in 1999 we had an attendance of 110 with 99% in favour. Since then there has been a great deal of publicity in favour of the link and also positive reporting of meetings with then Shadow Conservative Ministers Theresa May and Tim Yeo chaired by our now MP Mrs Lorraine Fullbrook".

The Link will cost approx £2 million and after preliminary work, construction should hopefully start in 2015.

11th October 2011
FARMERS' MARKET AT LEGH ARMS
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

A brand new farmers market will be springing up on the car park of the Legh Arms at Mere Brow. The first market will be held on Saturday, November 12, from 10.00 to 14.30pm and thereafter on the second Saturday of the month.

There will be a veritable feast of produce from local farmers on display including: Lancashire cheeses, fresh meats, home made pies, herbs and chillis, fresh fish and various craft stands. The farmers’ market is free to visitors and two tasty food hampers will be given away on the day.

Children's attractions will include donkey rides by local Halsall's Donkey and face painting plus a slap-up BBQ selling local bacon and bangers.

Organiser and local businessman, Kelvin Pye, who runs the two Southport town and country fairs at Stanley High School, explained: “The Riverside used to organise a popular farmers’ market but it suddenly stopped. Some of my regular farmers’ market customers asked me to start one up again and I thought: ‘Why not ?’

I approached Ged Consett the licensee of The Legh Arms, who is a personal friend of mine, and he welcomed us with open Arms !” Attractions for the Christmas special farmers market on Saturday, December 10. will include Christmas gifts and crafts, donkey rides with Santa and hot roast chestnuts on the BBQ.

The Legh Arms will be open all day for food and drink with a special farmers’ market menu.

For enquiries contact Kelvin 01704 212734 or The Legh Arms on 01772 812359.

6th October 2011
COUNCIL support FOR CHINESE LANTERN review motion
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

LANCASHIRE County Council is supporting calls for a government review into the sale of Chinese lanterns.

A notice of motion backing farmers' groups, fire services and the coastguard in urging the government to examine the issue has received all-party support at a meeting of the Full Council.

County Councillor Malcolm Barron, who represents rural West Lancashire North, presented the motion. He said: "These flying lanterns were first brought to my attention by a resident whose wife runs a riding school where some straw in the stable yard caught fire when one of these lanterns landed.

"Fortunately there were people on hand to put out the blaze but the consequences could have been very serious.

"I've also been told by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service that they've attended four incidents and received reports of another four fires caused by these flying lanterns."

The authority is to write to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, adding its voice to concerns already raised by the National Farmers' Union, the Coastguard and Fire Services across the country.

The lanterns, made of paper, wire and a block of solid fuel like a barbecue lighter, are widely sold for as little as £1 each and can travel for many miles before falling back to earth.

Popular at family celebrations and music festivals, it is estimated that their growing popularity now sees around 200,000 released in the UK every year.

Farmers have reported incidents of cattle suffering a painful death after swallowing sharp pieces of wire from lanterns which have been incorporated into bales of hay.

Calls to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are now in the hundreds every year, as people mistake them for distress flares or even report them as UFOs.

County Councillor Michael Green, Cabinet member for economic development, environment and planning, added: "These lanterns can be very pretty but there's already too high a price being paid by farmers, both in terms of cost and the suffering caused to their livestock.

"As a county with an important rural economy it's vital that Lancashire's voice is foremost in raising these concerns.

"We want the government to look more closely at this issue as these lanterns are clearly causing a financial drain on public services and the rural economy.

"You can buy these lanterns for just a pound in Lancashire but now is the time to find out their true cost to the country and take steps to regulate their sale."

3rd October 2011
BANKS, TARLETON AND HESKETH BANK PLAN TO SAVE FORMBy SPLIT
Source: Formby Times

ALTERNATIVE proposals which would bring parts of West Lancashire into Southport have been put forward for review.

The plan is to create a new Southport constituency which would include Hesketh with Becconsall, Tarleton and North Meols.

This would mean Formby would not be split; the town would be in a constituency with Aughton and Ormskirk.

The proposals, put forward by Liberal Democrat councillors at Southport Area Committee last week, were passed by a majority who agreed to write to the Boundary Commission.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Simon Shaw said he was optimistic that the Boundary Commission would listen to their alternative proposal.

He said: “I would hope they would be very pleased that we have come up with a constructive alternative.

“You are not going to get anywhere if you say; this is terrible. You have to have an alternative proposal that knits together. The attraction for Southport is that there are historical ties to Lancashire. I have lived in Southport all my life and I am proud to call myself a Lancastrian.”

Cllr Iain Brodie Browne said: “I am not without hope. The same proposal was made [to split Formby] in the 1980’s and that was overturned.”

The Area Committee also resolved to write to all parish councils asking them to support thir plans.

But Cllr Iain Ashcroft, Vice Chairman of Hesketh with Becconsall Parish Council said: “I don’t know whether it would work at all and I don’t know whether our MP would be too happy about that.

“Things have been settled for a long time-if it isn’t broke why fix it.”

Conservative councillors voted against the proposal, accusing the Liberal Democrats of springing the decision on them.

Aindsale councillor Terry Jones said: “The Lib Dems threw it at us at the last minute. They could have called in an emergency meeting but they didn’t.

“We have attended some meetings and have still got plenty of meetings all over the North West. We will make a decision based on what is best for the residents.”

Southport MP John Pugh said: “The proposals are far more disruptive than everybody imagined.

“There are people on the fringes who already regard themselves in the Southport community. The Boundary Commission will be put under severe pressure from all parties and in all areas.”

There will be a public hearing on the changes at the Radisson Blu hotel, Liverpool on October 20 and 21.

21st September 2011
Co-Op warning over new gas field
Reported by: Hubmaker Media

GOVERNMENT MUST NOT BE SEDUCED BY NEW GAS FIELD SAYS THE CO-OPERATIVE

On the day (Wednesday 21 September) that Cuadrilla Resources announced its shale gas reserves estimates for its Bowland shale site in Lancashire, The Co-operative pointed out that shale gas extraction risks diverting investment away from the UK ’s renewable energy targets. These targets are forecast to provide £100billion worth of investment opportunities and up to half a million jobs by 2020.

The Government must not be seduced by a new Lancashire gas field and should still impose an immediate moratorium on extraction from shale formations until all the ecological implications are fully understood.

That is the view of The Co-operative, which earlier this year commissioned a report from the internationally respected Tyndall Centre, part of The University of Manchester, on the impacts of shale gas and as a result believes that shale gas extraction represents a significant risk of groundwater contamination, brings new greenhouse gases into play and diverts much needed investment from renewable sources of energy and the jobs this would create and support..

Earlier this year, the Government’s Energy and Climate Change Committee report on shale gas ruled out a moratorium, but seemingly ignored apparent gaps in the regulation of the shale gas industry and failed to call for better evaluation of the pollution risks it poses.

A shale gas rig with the potential to contaminate groundwater is unlikely to be required to undertake a formal Environmental Impact Assessment whereas developers building a medium sized wind farm or hydro-electric power plant of 5MW most likely would. Furthermore, shale gas extraction sites appear unlikely to be required to obtain an Environmental Permit, as would be required for a biomass power station.

Moreover, the exploitation of gas shales is bringing new greenhouse gas sources into play and even a mid-range extraction scenario could see carbon dioxide levels rise globally by some 5 parts per million by 2050. This will further reduce any slim possibility of maintaining global temperature change, at or below 2oC, and thereby increasing the risk of entering a period of ‘dangerous climate change’.

Since 2007, The Co-operative Bank has ring-fenced £400m specifically to fund renewable energy projects and recently announced its intention to extend this lending to £1bn for the sector by 2013 as part of the Co-operative Group’s Ethical Operating Plan.

Paul Monaghan, Head of Social Goals at The Co-operative said: “On the face of it new natural gas finds appear to be good news, but the Government must not be seduced by this without considering all the impacts of shale gas extraction.

“That is why we are calling for a moratorium on any further exploitation of shale gas which will allow the wider environmental concerns to be fully exposed and addressed.”

21st September 2011
GAS RESERVE ANNOUNCED
Source: Blackpool Gazette

Cuadrilla Resources today revealed there is around 200 trillion cubic feet of gas under Lancashire – an amount it believes is enough to create a staggering 1,700 jobs locally over the next decade.

And the controversial company’s CEO Mark Miller has said, if Cuadrilla decide to press ahead with commercial drilling, the operation could be up and running by 2013.

Mr Miller said: “The amount of gas is a very sizeable number. It has our interest to the point where we feel we can start to think about what it will look like going forward and developing this. “We’ve not made that decision yet but it is a large number.”

The company hopes 400 wells could be created in Lancashire over the next nine years – rising to 800 wells over the next 16 years if the operation is particularly successful.

And local councils are also set to benefit, with the company anticipating £120 million will be paid in business rates over the next 30 years with the whole UK set to reap a tax benefit of £5 to 6 billion.

Click here for the full Blackpool Gazette article

15th September 2011
New motocross plan for Leisure Lakes site
Source: Ormskirk Advertiser

NEW proposals for motocross racing at Leisure Lakes could soon be back on the agenda.

The site has attracted a lot of controversy as residents complained to the council about the noise. A government planning inspector banned the activities at Leisure Lakes earlier this year. But Leisure Lakes MX Ltd has been running motocross racing at the site all through the summer after reaching an agreement with West Lancashire Council.

Now the organisers have submitted a planning application to the council to get that agreement cemented in place. Click here for the complete Ormskirk Advertiser article

8th September 2011
SOUTHPORT MP EYES UP BANKS & Hesketh Bank
Source: Ormskirk Advertiser

PART of West Lancs could fall in to Southport’s parliamentary constituency if the town’s MP sees his plan for boundary changes become a reality.

MP John Pugh called on a commission which is expected to change Southport’s electoral boundaries on Monday to add Banks and Hesketh Bank to the resort’s constituency.

With the initial announcement from the Parliamentary Boundary Commission days away Dr John Pugh wants to expand eastwards into Lancashire.

Because of the reduction in the number of MPs, the present Southport constituency is too small to stay as it is and must increase to at least 72,800 electors. At the moment it has 67,800 registered voters.

Conservative MP Lorraine Fullbrook said what Dr Pugh wanted was “totally irrelevant”. Mrs Fullbrook said: “He can wish for the stars, but the commission will make their proposals on September 12 and I suspect there will not be much we will be able to change. “For John Pugh to ask for parts of my constituency is irrelevant.” And she added the people of Banks and Hesketh Bank would prefer to stay in a rural constituency rather than be absorbed by Southport.

Click here for the complete Ormskirk Advertiser article

1st August 2011
MP to hold village "SUMMER SURGERIES"
Source: Lorraine Fullbrook MP

Lorraine Fullbrook, MP for the South Ribble Constituency, is taking her summer surgeries around local towns and villages from Monday 8th of August.

Following the success of last year’s initiative Lorraine will be repeating her roving advice sessions. She is inviting her constituents to come and visit her to discuss any problems they are currently experiencing.  This is in addition to the regular fortnightly surgeries she currently holds.

Lorraine will be visiting Penwortham, Leyland, Banks, Eccleston, Tarleton, Longton, Croston and Rufford throughout the week.

Lorraine will be in Tarleton on Monday 8th August at Tarleton Bowling Club at 10 a.m. and later that day will be in Banks at 1 p.m.; later in the week, on Friday 12 August, Lorraine will be at the Hesketh Arms in Rufford

Lorraine said:

'There is no need to book, just pop in and have a quick chat with me about your thoughts and concerns.'

For further information please contact Lorraine's office on 0207 219 7217 or email lorraine.fullbrook.mp@parliament.uk

20th July 2011
OFT Doorstep Selling Campaign 2011
Source: Lancashire Trading Standards

The Office of Fair Trading 2011 campaign begins this week and is aimed at awareness and empowering people, particularly the over 70's and their friends and family, carers and medical professionals in relation to doorstep selling.

Areas specifically highlighted are maintenance and property repairs, garden repairs given the increase of these incidents in the summer months. The campaign will also raise awareness of buying mobility aids, encouraging people to shop around before making a decision. For more information see http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2011/83-11

Local issues:

Tarmaccers
Reports of doorstep callers offering to tarmac drives have been received in the past month from Ormskirk, Chorley, Thornton Cleveleys and Colne areas of Lancashire, including one instance where work was carried out without the permission of the householder. If you need any house maintenance work carrying out, use the Safe Trader Scheme to find a trader, https://www.traderregister.org.uk/index.php

Roof Coating
Reports from Lytham St Annes and Accrington have been received in relation to doorstep sellers offering to coat your roof, making it waterproof and retain heat. The sale was linked in with reducing fuel bills and the availability of a government grant for the work was implied. No government grants are available for any roof paint/ coating, in general, roof coatings are purely cosmetic, be very wary of claims made.

As always, Trading Standards advice is never to do business on the doorstep.

Refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, Room D21, County Hall, Preston, Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506

27th June 2011
POLICE TARGET METAL THEFT AS CRIMES SOAR
Source: Lancashire Constabulary

METAL thieves have been targeted by police as part of a week-long campaign. The operation, codenamed Operation Starling, has seen officers from Lancashire Constabulary carrying out visits to scrap yards and metal dealers and doing roadside stop-checks of vehicles suspected to be involved in the transportation of meta.

The activity, which took place between Monday 20 June and Friday 24 June, has been supported by a number of other agencies including The Environment Agency, British Transport Police, VOSA, HM Revenue and Customs and The Department for Work and Pensions.

Between April 2010 and March 2011, there were 3,014 metal theft crimes in Lancashire. This is a 48.3 per cent increase - or an extra 1,456 crimes - from the 1,558 reported between April 2009 and March 2010.

Click here for the full Lancashire Constabulary article

14th June 2011
NEW PLANNING APPLICATION FOR MERE BROW MOTOCROSS
Source: Southport Visiter

A government inspector banned motorbiking at the track, run by Leisure Lakes MX Ltd, with effect from last weekend.

He was called in after Leisure Lakes appealed against a West Lancashire Council enforcement notice against a breach of planning control relating to motorbike racing. Now Leisure Lakes MX Ltd is planning to apply to West Lancashire Council for permission to continue their activities.

Paul Smith, from the operator, said: “We intend to submit a retrospective planning application that includes the agreement over the noise issue that was agreed in court in March of this year, and address the second inspector’s objection, we have already made arrangements to move the containers.

“We are confident that we can reach agreement with West Lancashire Council’s planning department.”

West Lancashire Council took planning enforcement action in 2007 and 2008. Cllr Martin Forshaw, cabinet member for planning, said the authority had received more complaints about Leisure Lakes over the last four years than any other site.

Some residents welcomed the motocross ban, but parents of youngsters who use the site started a campaign to save it.

“Two petitions have been set up, one for the uses and supporters of the facility at Leisure Lakes which is nearing 2,000 signatures, and one is from local residents who support us.

“They believe that the total closure is a step to far, and are quite happy for Leisure Lakes MX Ltd to run the track under the conditions agreed in March.

“We appreciate noise is an issue, but we had agreed on days, times and engine sizes that were of concern with West Lancashire Council in court in March.”

9th June 2011
BOUNDARY CHANGE PREDICTED FOR NORTHERN PARISHES
Source: Ormskirk Advertiser

David Cameron’s boundary review – aimed at cutting the number of MPs in Parliament by 50 – is set to see four Tory stronghold wards absorbed from South Ribble.

The electoral map in 2015 will see 12,500 registered voters in the Northern Parishes – Tarleton, Rufford, Meols and Hesketh-with-Becconsall – absorbed into West Lancs for the first time.

Six thousand voters in Parbold and Wrightington are expected to move out of the constituency into South Ribble.

Andrew Cheetham, Conservative councillor in Tarleton, added: “I think we would all welcome the chance to finally cement a place in a clearly defined area. It’s quite frustrating that we’re between two authorities.

“We’re represented in Parliament by South Ribble but governed locally by West Lancs Borough Council.

“We do feel a little bit unloved and it makes total sense to be incorporated within a West Lancs constituency.”

The new seats will be announced in September.

Click here for the full Ormskirk Advertiser article

8th June 2011
Cuadrilla thank localS for attending Information Day
Source: Caudrilla Resources

Cuadrilla is delighted that so many local people took the time to attend the Public Information Day held in Hesketh Bank on Monday and would like to offer its thanks to residents.

During the event, six members of Cuadrilla’s technical team were on hand to discuss in detail the company’s operations and to address any issues raised. Among the 100 locals were county, district and parish councillors who all took the time to chat with Cuadrilla, including CEO, Mark Miller.

The aim of the Information Day was to inform locals about shale gas exploration and to provide the opportunity for the team to personally address the questions raised by locals. Of the feedback forms returned, over 83 per cent of residents left the event feeling more informed about Cuadrilla’s operations.

Speaking about the Public Information Day, Mark Miller, CEO of Cuadrilla, said: "The event was a great way to speak to residents and learn first-hand which issues are of interest. As a company, we have come away with a better understanding of the surrounding communities."

"Some of the attendees wanted to seek assurances that the company is taking all the appropriate measures to protect the environment during our operations as well as finding out more about the geology of the Bowland Basin.

Others were interested in the technology and techniques used during the exploration of shale gas and the potential benefits it could bring to the local economy and the UK’s energy mix.

Most importantly though, we are all happy that most people left the event feeling more informed about our operations and we are committed to ensuring this is maintained."

If you missed the event you can download a pdf of the information boards used at the information day

4th June 2011
FRACKING FLUID EXPLAINED
Source: Hubmaker Media / Cuadrilla Resources

In response to a direct request we made about the make up of the fracking fluid, Cuadrilla have provided the following information:

The fracing fluids used by Cuadrilla is 99.75% composed of fresh water and sand. This water and sand combination is supplemented with microscopic amounts of everyday chemicals typically found in people’s homes: Polyacrylamide friction reducers (00.075%), commonly used in cosmetics and facial creams, Hydrochloric acid (00.125%), frequently found in swimming pools and drinking water wells, Biocide (00.005%), used on rare occasions when the water provided from the local supplier needs to be further purified.

The actual combination of materials we use depends on the specific circumstances we encounter, but we take robust and proven precautionary measures to ensure that none of them can re-appear at the surface or contaminate the aquifer in any way.

Upon returning to the surface, they are stored in steel tanks and at no point come in contact with the ground. In the unlikely event that any liquid was spilt on the surface, seepage at ground level is prevented by the installation of an impermeable membrane on land at and surrounding the well site.

Cuadrilla have also provided a video demonstrating hydraulic fracturing. Click here to view.

Cuadrilla management and staff will be on hand to discuss the processs this coming Monday, 4pm - 8pm at All Saints Church Hall, Station Road, Hesketh Bank.

31st May 2011
BLACKPOOL FRACKING SUSPENDED AFTER EARTHQUAKE
Source: BBC News

Shale gas test drilling in Lancashire has been suspended following an earthquake on the Fylde coast.

Cuadrilla, the firm behind the tests, said drilling had been suspended as a precaution after the 1.5 magnitude tremor - the second in two months.

It will now examine the data collected by the British Geological Survey (BGS) before deciding whether to resume.

Click Here for the complete BBC News article

31st May 2011
BBC Domesday Reloaded
Source: Hubmaker Media

The BBC is asking the people of Britain to take a walk down memory lane back to 1986 – when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, mullets were the craze, Maradona's "Hand of God" destroyed a nation's World Cup dreams, the first Japanese car manufacturing plant opened in the UK and the ZX Spectrum was the game console of choice.

One of the most comprehensive digital time capsules has been unearthed through BBC Domesday Reloaded, providing a rarely-seen snapshot of what local areas looked like 25 years ago. The public is being asked to explore and, more importantly, update previously unseen images and articles from their local area by going onto the dedicated Domesday website.

The campaign, led by BBC Learning, runs throughout the summer of 2011 and invites you to participate by updating local photos and text which were submitted in 1986.

To Participate in BBC Domesday Reloaded The map on the website is divided into D-blocks and you can find yours by typing in your postcode.

When you click on your local D-block you may find photos and text from 1986, but please note not all D-blocks had submissions.

If there are photos and text on your local or neighbouring D-blocks we would like you to add your 2011 updates.

27th May 2011
GAS FRACKING COMPANY ANNOUNCE OPEN DAY
Source: Hubmaker Media

Cuadrilla Resources has announced that it will hold an Public Information Open Day on the 6th June at All Saints Church Hall, Station Road, Hesketh Bank (See Events Page for more details).

Members of the Cuadrilla technical team will be available to answer any questions residents may have about Shale Gas and the controversial Fracking process.

A recent MP's report has rejected a moratorium on shale gas exploration despite claims that there is evidence of environmental dangers. France recently agreed a moratorium on new shale gas projects (potentially with a view to a complete ban), and similar steps have been taken in several US states, after widespread reports of shale gas wells leading to contamination and dangers to homeowners.

The 'fracking' process is where underground shale rock is hydraulically fractured using a mix of water, sand and undisclosed chemicals which are released underground in high pressure bursts to free the trapped gas which then flows to the surface where it is collected.

The much publicised 'burning tap' where gas is claimed to have entered the water supply as a result of fracking activity has been a high profile PR problem for the industry but campaigners in the US say the biggest fear is that the mystery slurry could get into the water supply.

And there have been troubling safety incidents. In late April 2011 a big company, Chesapeake Energy, suspended its fracking in Pennsylvania after one of its natural-gas wells blew out and spilled toxic drilling fluid into a nearby creek.

From the The Economist 11th May 2011: "Activists and scientists reckon that if the process is safe, the companies should come clean. “If they’ve got nothing to hide, why is the industry so paranoid about disclosing their chemicals?” asks Steve Torbit, executive director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Rocky Mountain region. They may have to. The Environmental Protection Agency is studying the process. In 2009, House Democrats proposed legislation that would force the industry to disclose the chemicals it uses in fracking. Several states, including Texas and Colorado, have similar legislation pending.

In the meantime public concerns are growing. Late last month 200 people packed a Bureau of Land Management hearing in Golden, Colorado. Dave Cesark, an executive at Mesa Energy Partners LLC, tried to reassure, saying that fracking chemicals constitute “just a drop in the bucket”: only 0.5% of the total fluids, including water, that the company uses to drill natural gas. The crowd did not, strangely enough, find that entirely reassuring. Some producers will grumble that any regulation of fracking is an unwarranted constraint on their business. But if natural gas is not produced cleanly, it will not prove to be so cheap, either. Full disclosure is a price worth paying."

Cuadrilla Resources point out that "United Utilities has publicly said our activities pose no threat at all to its water supply" and that "All the activity is taking place thousands of feet below the level of the local aquifer; and the site itself is protected by an impermeable membrane to guard against any on-surface spills."

With the rig due on site mid June, this phase of the operation is to explore how much gas there is and how easy it is to extract. Cuardrilla will need to get further approval to set up permanent facilities on the Hesketh Bank site.

26th May 2011
RICCADONNA LOOSES GANGMASTER LICENCE
Source: Ormskirk Advertiser

Riccadonna Produce, run by the Edge family, has “with regret” withdrawn an appeal against the Gangmaster Licensing Authority (GLA) to revoke its licence, while strongly denying the investigation’s findings.

The GLA investigation claimed abuses including Physical and mental mistreatment, Debt bondage and payments below the minimum wage. Along with issuing inaccurate wage slips and breaking safety rules, Riccadonna was given 166 penalty points by the GLA. 30 points is the fail mark.

This is the second time Riccadonna has had a licence revoked; the first was in September 2009.

Click here for the complete Ormskirk Advertiser Article

25th May 2011
TRADING STANDARDS WARNING - BANK & INHERITANCE SCAMS
Source: Lancashire Trading Standards

Bank Charges
Scam Lancashire residents have been receiving unsolicited telephone calls from a business alleging to be able to retrieve bank charges for a fee of £200.

The resident is informed they are due a refund of bank charges of over £3,000 and advised to go to their local shop and obtain an Ucash voucher/moneygram for £200 which a representative from the business will be round to collect later in the day.

Inheritance Scam
Lancashire residents have received a letter alleging to be from an employee at a Hong Kong bank stating a relative (surname the same as the recipient) has recently died leaving an inheritance of around $6.8 million. The resident is asked to keep the matter a secret and to contact the writer who will share the inheritance. The letter is post marked in this country with a second class stamp affixed.

General advice is to never enter into any negotiation with these style of scams and never give money up front. If you are owed monies, for example for bank charges or for Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) deal direct with your bank.

Such practices can also be reported to Action Fraud, telephone 0300 1232040, website www.actionfraud.org.uk. Refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, Room D21, County Hall, Preston, Lancs PR1 0LD via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506.

19th May 2011
FAMILIES FIGHT TO SAVE MOTOCROSS TRACK
Source: Southport Visiter

Parents and riders – some of whom are not from the area – are starting a campaign to keep motorbiking at Leisure Lakes.

One of the parents, Rebecca McArdle, said: “We are launching a campaign and we have been on the radio this week. Leisure Lakes is a family and they look after me and my four-year-old son Jacob like we’re one of their own. They give a lot of advice on what bikes to buy and Jacob is now on his third bike since Christmas.”

Andrew Thornton said: “My son Alex lives for motocross. If we had to curtail our weekends at the track because we were travelling further to a different track, it would break his heart."

"As a health and safety manager for a large manufacturing company, I can state with good authority that the track at Leisure Lakes is one of the safest and best run tracks that I have visited.”

Cllr Andrew Cheetham, Tarleton Parish Council chairman, said: "I have every sympathy for both sides, but where were all these supporters when the public inquiry was on?"

"Leisure Lakes is a wonderful facility for the community, but leisure facilities should not be provided at the expense of people’s quality of life."

Click here for the complete Southport Visiter article

17th May 2011
Leisure Lakes Motocross track ordered to close
Source: BBC News

The Leisure Lakes motocross track has been ordered to close by WLBC planning inspectors.

The Leisure Lakes track attracted 33 complaints from people living nearby over a four-year period, mainly about the noise.

West Lancashire Council took action against the unauthorised use of the land and the disturbances to residents. At a public inquiry, planning inspector John Braithwaite said the noise was "irritating and impossible to ignore".

He ruled the track was an inappropriate use of land in the Green Belt and had a "serious adverse impact" on neighbouring properties. The council had initially refused planning permission for the track, but the operator appealed. Enforcement action was begun by the council in October 2008 but quashed in June 2009.

However, the council was able to successfully challenge this in the High Court and a judge ruled the original planning application should be re-determined. Leisure Lakes has until 4 June to cease operations at the site, and two months to remove the track and fencing.

The company was also given nine months to restore the land to its condition prior to use as a racetrack.

BBC News Report

11th May 2011
Stolen tankers found in Mere Brow
Source: Elesmere Port Pioneer

DETECTIVES have arrested two men after the theft of three oil tankers from Ellesmere Port worth more than £300,000.

Between 6.15pm on Tuesday, May 3 and 1.45am on Wednesday, thieves stole three articulated lorries from an industrial unit on North Road, Ellesmere Port.

All three lorries were tankers laden with nearly £150,000 worth of diesel, bound for various locations throughout the UK.

Two of the tankers were recovered by police the following morning at Mere Brow, Preston.

Extensive enquiries led by officers from Ellesmere Port CID led to the recovery of the three tractor units and the third tanker in Widnes, Warrington and Skelmersdale. All the stolen vehicles have now been returned.

Two men aged 25 and 52 from Tarleton, Lancashire, have been arrested in relation to the incident and following interview, have been granted bail until June 30.

Click here for the full Elesmere Port Pioneer artilce

5th April 2011
Grand Theatre of Lemmings leap into action
Source: Hubmaker Media

Mere Brow Village Hall is inviting the community to come and witness the descent of man in the performance Grand Theatre of Lemmings – The Descent of Man on Thursday 7 April at 7.30pm.

The show, commissioned by five rural touring networks including Lancashire’s own rural touring network Spot On, takes a sideways look at the future of the human race using a giant book of illustrations.

Working in collaboration with French improvisational musician Samuel Gardes, The Descent of Man is a terrifically surreal and comic descent into controlled chaos.

Sue Robinson from Spot On said: “The Grand Theatre of Lemmings is a fun night out for all, with film, animation, songs and live music. It combines the surrealism of traditional English humour with the surrealism of French physical theatre.”

To book tickets tel 01772 813516

More Local Events

1st April 2011
RUFFORD TIP CLOSES
Source: Hubmaker Media

Residents of the West Lancashire "Northern Parishes" of Tarleton, Hesketh Bank, Banks and Rufford will fail to see the funny side of Lanacshire County Council's April Fools Day closure of Rufford Recycling Centre.

The closure of the Rufford Facility leaves all residents facing an additional 10 miles added to their journey each time they visit the next nearest facility located at the far side of Burscough.

Local landowners fear an escalation in fly tipping which is already a big problem in the area and residents have complained that the closure is a further erosion of rural services.

Conservative councillors protested loudly when the then Labour administration first muted that Rufford Tip might be included in a list of sites threatened with closure but then caused an outcry by agreeing to shut the site only 12 months after taking control of the Council. Lancashire County Councillor Malcolm Barron said at the time [News Archive 11/01/2007] "Residents in his area were horrified at the proposal. If the centre is closed they would have to travel to Burscough which is heavily congested and the exit from Abbey Lane very dangerous."

Future plans for the Rufford site have not been announced but staff are hoping to be redeployed at other recyling sites around the County.

10th March 2011
MP RAISES ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN VILLAGES
Source: Press Release

Lorraine Fullbrook, Member of Parliament for South Ribble has raised the issue of anti social behaviour in the House of Commons.

Lorraine is supportive of the tough stance that the Government has taken on this important issue so far, which blights villages like Tarleton, Banks, Hesketh Bank and Rufford.   Lorraine asked Ministers about plans the Government has to assist the police in tackling anti social behaviour.   In response, James Brokenshire MP, Minister for Crime Prevention, outlined proposals to reduce bureaucracy and costs for the police and the launch of the consultation for reforming the toolkit for dealing with anti-social behaviour.

Lorraine also raised the importance of engaging young people early in order to prevent anti-social behaviour and was pleased with the response from the Minister who outlined plans to intervene early through the early intervention grant, which will support activities for young people. 

Lorraine said: “The problems caused by anti-social behaviour ruin neighbourhoods in local communities across the country.  I am pleased that since its formation in May, this Government have shown that they are willing to take a tough approach to anti-social behaviour and not just accept it as a bit of a nuisance.  Anti-social behaviour is a crime and a pre-cursor to more serious offending which is why we need to intervene early to stop young people living a life of crime and blighting the lives of others living around them.  The early intervention grant and proposals for a national citizen service will encourage young people to choose to be a real part of their communities rather than tormenting them.”

“The Government’s radical reforms on policing give people a real say on how crime is fought in their local area.  For the first time, local people in South Ribble will get the chance to elect someone to hold their local police force to account, through the policing.uk website local people can see where crimes are committed in their neighbourhood and I also urge local people to fill in the Government’s consultation on anti-social behaviour.”

19th February 2011
COUNCIL TAX SCAM
Source: Lancashire Trading Standards

Lancashire residents have contacted Trading Standards to report a council tax refund scam.

Residents have received a phone call allegedly from their local District Council telling them they are entitled to a refund of their council tax and a payment of £7000 can be paid into their account. The caller requests confirmation of the consumer’s name and address and then asks for bank account details to transfer the money. The caller than asks for £100 fee to process the refund.

Trading Standards have confirmed that the caller is not calling on behalf of their district Council and advise that consumers should not give out bank details to unverified callers.

Anyone who has given out their bank details to a caller like this should contact their bank immediately. Anyone who thinks they might be eligible for a refund should contact their local council directly on a verified phone number. If you are entitled to a refund on your council tax you should never be asked to pay a fee to receive a refund.

A new "Phase III" Children's Centre is opening in Hesketh Bank in early 2011 to offer support and services for families with children 0-5 and children up to age 11 with additional needs.

Located alongside Hesketh with Becconsall All Saints Primary School on Shore Road , the new centre will help and support the communities of Hesketh Bank, Tarleton, Banks, Mere Brow, Holmeswood and Rufford by linking in with other local services in order to help children to reach their full potential.

Phase III Children's Centres offer communities an information point and link with existing pre-school providers, health and education professionals and community groups to support 0-5 year olds or parents, carers and children with additional needs up to the age of 11 to provide services and support within the community.

The official opening event is on the morning of the 28th January. Parents and Carers are very welcome to drop in and view the facility between 2 and 4 pm.

Staff at the centre have already consulted with local groups and parents with a view to launching a programme of events and activities that will begin soon.

A talented Tarleton boy has become a national horse riding champion after a season of gruelling county show events.

Mikey Sampson won the competitive Working Hunter class for picking up the most points over seven months of jump competitions.

Mikey’s mum, Penny, said: “When you win you get points and every time you win up and down the country they add up. “We never thought we had a chance, we just kept winning and hoping – it was a total surprise.

Click here for the full Southport Visiter Article

The body of a teenage girl was found in woodland off the A565 Dual carriageway at Banks.

A passer-by alerted police after discovering the body in woods near Gravel Lane, Banks, at around 10am yesterday.

An investigation is under way, but Lancashire Police say they are not treating the death as suspicious. The family have been notified, but police are not releasing any more information until they carried out a formal identification.

11th August 2010
Free Learner Drivers support scheme
Source: Lancashire County Council

Do you take a learner driver out for extra practice sessions or know someone who does? Have you heard about Lancashire County Council’s FREE Pre Pass Support Scheme?

What is it? The FREE award-winning course is designed to help anyone who takes a Learner driver out for extra practice sessions. It will help mentors understand how they can provide the best support and advice for the Learner alongside their professional driving lessons.

When and where is it? The course is held on a Saturday at our Road Safety Training Centre in Leyland. We are running the course on the 14th August, 11th September and 9th October 2010.

How much does it cost? Nothing! The course is totally FREE and we will also provide you with a FREE lunch and refreshments.

What happens on the course? There is a theory and practical session which both the Learner and Accompanying Driver can attend. The course gives friendly support and advice so you both get more out of extra practice sessions. There is also an interactive workshop for the Learner which will provide lots of useful tips to help them prepare for their test.

Contact us now to book your place on a course Call Chris Dunderdale on 01772 534593 Email chris.dunderdale (at) lancashire.gov.uk

2nd January 2010
TARLETON DANCER IN BBC SHOW FINAL
Source: Lancashire Evening Post

Dancer Alistair makes move for TV crown

A Tarleton farmer's son turned ballet dancer is to star in a new BBC TV talent search to find Britain's best dancer.

Former Tarleton schoolboy Alastair Postlethwaite, now 28, who won a place at the Royal Ballet School at the age of 11, is a finalist on new primetime BBC1 show, So You Think You Can Dance.

Alastair, who grew up on Longlands Farm, in Tarleton, and still stays with his parents between jobs, mucked out, herded cattle and worked on the family stall in Chorley Market in between working on his dance moves as a child. More....

9th December 2009
TRACING OLD HOLMESWOODIANS
Source: Hubmaker Media

Is there anyone out there from Holmeswood Primary School during the years 1945 - 1951?

The photograph is of those classmates and beofre I try to recall ALL of their names, I offer my apologies to those who I either forget or slightly get their names wrong. Back row (L to R) Henry Sephton, N/K, Nicholas Taylor, David Magill, David Marsden Next row (L to R) Billy Williams, ---- Midgely, Ken Tunks, Gilbert Holden Brian Bolton Next row (L to R) Irene Fell - -----, Kathleen Magill, -------- ,' Lena Caunce(I think) Front row (L to R) myself, Robert Sutton, Frank Marsden

It would be great to hear from anyone who may recall the brunt of Miss Dandy's cane or the whimsical tones of Miss Williams.

DO get in touch either by email at swingtail44 (at) aol.com or by letter to:
Malcolm Porter
Elm Cottage
East Waterside
Upton Upon Severn
Worcs
WR8 OPB

3rd December 2009
Council Tax Rebate SCAM
Source: Lancashire Trading Standards

Lancashire residents are warned that they may receive a telephone call from someone claiming to be from The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) or The Local Council. Consumers are informed that they have been identified as being eligible for a rebate on their council tax and are asked for credit card or bank details so that an "admin fee" can be taken to process the refund or so the refund can be put into their account.These calls are bogus and residents should not provide any details to the caller.

Trading Standards have had reports of these calls being received in West Lancashire but believe residents throughout the county may be at risk. A spokesmen for VOA has confirmed that they would never ask for financial details.

17th October 2009
Maurice BOND WINS GIANT PUMPKIN CONTEST
Source: Hubmaker Media

Maurice Bond grew the biggest pumpkin at the Mere Brow Giant Pumpkin contest which was held at Gravel Farm, Banks.

The 785 lb giant pumpkin won both the NFU All England Shield and the Mere Brow & District Shield. Hedley Roberts from NFU Mutual Insurance presented Maurice with his trophy. The Dickinson Family pumpkin came second and last year's winner Gerrard Wright came third.

Click Here for the full list of pumpkin weights at the 2009 Mere Brow Giant Pumpkin Show

25th August 2009
SPEED CAMERA DAMAGE 'NOT SUSPICIOUS'
Source: Champion Newspapers

Officers from Lancashire Constabulary have said this week that they are not treating damage to a speed camera near Holmeswood as suspicious.

Insp David Robinson told The Champion on Monday (August 23) that police officer's covering the force's Southern Division had inspected the damaged camera, on the B5246 between Rufford and Mere Brow, but believed a passing vehicle may have caused the damage.

"The police attended just before 3pm on August 23 to investigate a damaged speed camera but the circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated," he said.

Read the complete Champion article

15th July 2009
SWINE FLU UPDATE - THS AUTHORISED ABSCENCE
Source: Tarleton High School

Dear Parents,

Following indications that a small number of pupils and staff were displaying swine flu-like symptoms yesterday, we liaised with the North West Health Protection Agency. We were asked to send you a letter from Dr John Astbury, who is the Consultant in Health Protection. As you will see in that letter, the advice from the Health Protection Agency is that the school should not be closed because such action would fail to reduce the spread of the virus within the community or to pupils and staff.

A number of parents have contacted the school to inform us that they would prefer not to send their children to school during the current time. Clearly, such a decision is only for parents to make, however, if you should take that decision then we will authorise the absence. I would be grateful if you could inform us when you take the decision to keep your child at home so that we can amend our attendance records.

Our ability to keep Tarleton High open is pre-dominantly dependent upon the effects of the virus upon the staff. As of today, four members of staff have reported illnesses which suggest swine flu-like symptoms though only two have been definitely diagnosed as having the virus. We are monitoring closely the effects of the virus on both the pupils and staff. If we reach a critical point at which we have insufficient staff to safeguard the children’s welfare then I may have to close the school either partially or in full. If that occurs then I will inform you immediately of the consequences of that decision.
May I remind you of the advice from the Health Protection Agency that, providing they are well, pupils should continue to attend the school as normal.  If, however, pupils show fever or flu-like symptoms they should stay at home and you should contact NHS Direct on 08454647 or their GP by phone for advice.

Thank you for your help in this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony D Hardiker
Headteacher

13th July 2009
HIGH SCHOOL CONFIRM SWINE FLU
Source: Hubmaker Media

Tarleton High School have today confirmed that a member of staff has been clinically diagnosed as suffering from swine flu.

The Health Protection Agency has concluded that as swine flu is now present and spreading locally it recommends that the school should not be closed as this would fail to reduce the spread within the community.

Children who are suffering flu-like illness should stay off school for a minimum of seven days from the beginning of their flu symptoms and not be sent back to school until they are fully well.

Health Protection Agency - Swine Influenza (influenza A H1N1v)

4th July 2009
HIGH SCHOOL MEMORABILIA SOUGHT
Source: Tarleton High School

We are a small group of staff and pupils at Tarleton High School who would like to find out about its history. Do you have any photos or memorabilia (old exercise books or items of uniform maybe?) from days gone by at the school? What was the uniform like? What subjects did you study? What buildings were there? What rules do you remember? What happened when rules were broken? What were lessons like? What were the highlights?

We are especially interested in the first decade of the school, when it opened at Tarleton County Secondary School in the 1960’s. Were you among the first pupils? We are also interested in memories from the 1970’s and 1980’s.

If you can help in any way, possibly even be willing to visit the school and talk to pupils sometime, then please get in touch.

Any photos can be sent to Ms Lund, Tarleton High School, Hesketh Lane, Tarleton, PR4 6AQ. We can be e-mailed on d.lund@tarletonhigh.lancs.sch.uk or telephoned on 01772 812644. We hope to begin our project on Tuesday 14th July.

3rd July 2009
LEISURE LAKES WIN MOTORBIKE ROW
Source: Ormskirk Advertiser

Leisure Lakes has won its appeal to allow motorbikes to be used on the site in Mere Brow.

The enforcement notice has been quashed and the permission from the council comes with various conditions including the provision of car parking at the site and specific times when the bikes will be able to race.

The site should be used only for motorbikes, quad bikes, 4x4 buggies, 4x4 road vehicles and motorcross training bikes.

However, Leisure Lakes lost their appeal to allow land to be used for storage and caravans for war games and re-enactments by the Phoenix Rebels Western group.

Click here for the complete artilce from the Ormskirk Advertiser

1st May 2009
POLICE SEIZE STOLEN CARAVANS AT LEISURE LAKES
Source: Southport Visitor

19th March 2009
APPEAL FOR 'PINK TIE & TIARA' SPONSORS
Source: Hubmaker Media

17th March 2009
AWARD FOR TARLETON HIGH SCHOOL PROGRESS
Source: Hubmaker Media

15th January 2009
DAVID BORROW RAISES LOCAL Flooding ISSUES
Source: Hansard