Quantcast
Channel: Fleetwood Weekly News WFWN.news.syndication.feed
Viewing all 3792 articles
Browse latest View live

£2.4m bid plea

0
0

THE FLEETWOOD public will be called on to help in the £2.4m facelift of the town’s Memorial Park.

After getting a £102,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop a plan for the park, Wyre Council is now driving the project forward with the goal of submitting a bid for all the Lottery cash in the new year to pay for a makeover of the whole area.

The authority now needs the public’s ideas and memories of the park from days gone by to provide a strong historic background to support the bid.

Then, shortly before Christmas, it will be asking for the public’s ideas for the restoration of the park.

The bid – if successful – is likely to bring a host of better facilities to the park, including better sport and play equipment, improved pathways, and essential conservation work. But first, on November 10, there will be an open day at the North Euston Hotel where Fleetwood folk will be encouraged to bring pictures or any other items relating to the Grade II listed park.

Even if they have only memories they will still be welcome because the council will be recording oral histories to keep the area’s story alive.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “Public participation will form a very important part of the bid for funding. We are very keen to get people’s memories of an important part of the town.

“If people want to bring pictures and items we will take copies so that they won’t have to leave anything with us.” She added: “The council is looking to the local community to help bring the park’s history to life and demonstrate its importance in Fleetwood’s heritage.

“Information about those commemorated on the war memorial and the children who planted the original trees are of particular interest.

“People with stories to tell will be given the chance to take part in audio recordings at a later date, to create an oral history that will be archived in the North West Sound Archive.”

or the full story, see this week’s Weekly News


Young and old in harmony

0
0

BRIDGING the gap between two generations has earned a Fleetwood school a top prize.

Children from Charles Saer Primary School won the Wyre Senior Challenge, having fought of competition from 22 other schools to clinch first prize.

Organised by Wyre Senior Forum to mark National Old People’s day in October, schools were invited to work on a project with elderly people in their community.

Having already spent an abundance of time with residents at Wansbeck House in Chatsworth Avenue, the children decided to delve into the past and interview their elderly friends about the history of Fleetwood.

Armed with iPads and a set of questions, the youngsters filmed interviews with the residents to find out about what life was like in years gone by.

Julie Cameron, behaviour support co-ordinator at the school said: “We already go to Wansbeck on a weekly basis to visit residents as part of an intergenerational project we are part of.

“We were up against 22 other primary and high schools and were judged on the day we did the interviews. The children asked them about the war and about the floods in Fleetwood. One resident told them about how she began working at the age of 13. It was a good experience all round and we are absolutely thrilled to have won.”

The school won £150 which they have decided to use to treat the residents to a hot pot lunch and cakes in December. The school choir will also perform there on the same day.

Bid to restore olde bacca shoppe wall

0
0

PLANS are afoot to restore one of Fleetwood’s most distinctive and much-loved shop fronts.

The Ye Olde Toffee & Bacca Shoppe mural has adorned the premises of the former Hearnshaws Electrical shop in Lord Street for decades.

With its black and white mock-Elizabethan facade, it harks back to old fashioned days of sweet shops with jars of boiled sweets and toffees, and specialist tobaccoes, when town centres were full of unique shops and had their own character.

The shop did indeed sell pipes, tobacco and sweets and before that, as far back as the late 1920s, it was called Ye Olde Cabinet Maker.

However, over the years the paint has faded and the mural is now a shadow of its former splendour.

Matters have not been helped by the long term closure of the electrical shop.

But this could be about to change.

A group of activists, nominally named the Olde Bacca Mural Group, has been formed to revive the mural.

Helping the group out is Wyre Borough and Fleetwood Town Council member, Coun Terry Rogers, who has offered to give them practical support.

He told the Weekly News: “This mural really is much-loved in Fleetwood. It is traditional and reminds people of the heyday of Lord Street, when it was a busy and thriving town centre.

“This isn’t just about living in the past, though – it is about improving the present day appearance of Lord Street, of sprucing the place up and making it more of an attraction to tourists. We have formed this group and people who think they can help out are welcome to join us.”

Coun Rogers said the group had the permission of the Hearnshaw estate to carry out the work, and they have scaffolding and paint ready.

Even better, the group has the services of an artist, Roy Owens, who will be able to replicate the original fine lettering of the mural.

The councillor is looking into whether the group will need planning permission to erect scaffolding for the work, but is confident the project will soon be able to go ahead.

He added: “Tourism is becoming increasingly important so we need to make our town centre brighter.”

The group is meeting up again this week to discuss the latest stage of the project.

Anyone interested in helping the group, or who has photographs of the mural, can contact Coun Rogers on (01253) 770369.

Rubbish removal warning

0
0

If householders pass on their refuse to an unlicensed person who then dumps it, the residents themselves could be slapped with a massive fine.

That’s the warning from Wyre Council bosses who want to cut down on the number of fly-tipping incidents in the borough.

Under the Household Waste Duty of Care Regulations 2005, anyone removing waste from a property must have a waste carrier licence issued by the Environment Agency. The regulations were introduced to prevent fly tipping and environmental crime, and give householders a legal duty to make sure their property is disposed of by licensed carriers.

Mark Billington, head of operations at Wyre Council, said the responsibility falls to the home owner.

He added: “Residents who don’t take steps to verify a carrier is authorised risk being fined up to £5,000 if their rubbish is then illegally dumped.

“Many unscrupulous contractors may seem plausible and will offer to remove rubbish from homes and gardens, before disposing of it on the streets of Wyre.

“A number of residents have already found themselves liable for clean up costs after rubbish from their properties was fly-tipped and traced back to them.

“To avoid being caught out, ask to see a waste carrier licence before handing over your rubbish.”

If in doubt, residents are advised to contact the Environment Agency directly on 08708 506 506 and ask for a free instant Waste Carrier Validation Check.

Checks can also be done online on the Environment Agency’s website.

In addition, the waste carrier’s contact details, vehicle registration and a receipt should be obtained.

For further information on the issue visit the website wyre.gov.uk/wastecarriers.

Dog orders working

0
0

DOG orders in Wyre are helping to win the battle against fouling and irresponsible owners.

That’s the message from Wyre Council, which says the number of offences in Fleetwood and other parts of the borough has gone down.

The number of complaints to the council about dog fouling have been reduced by 63 per cent over the past six months.

From October 2011 to March 2012, there were 394 complaints to the authority about the mess being left on the streets.

This dropped to 146 over the following six months.

The changes come as enforcement officers from the council take measures to stop dog walkers from taking pets into open spaces.

In Fleetwood, pets are not allowed to be walked in the Marine Gardens, Fleetwood Cemetery and Larkholme Allotments in Fleetwood.

Dogs must be kept on a lead in Branksome Avenue, Bourne Way and Church Road playing fields in Thornton and Farnham Way and Cottam Hall fields in Poulton.

Residents in the borough say dog fouling is one of the issues which most annoys them, and visitors to Fleetwood have also complained about it.

And the problem also carries health implications, with the toxocariasis infection sometimes causing blindness to children who come into contact with dog mess.

In Fleetwood, the orders has been welcomed by many – including responsible dog owners.

Jennifer Milnes, 62, of Greenfield Road, Fleetwood, who has a dog herself, says the council should be protecting certain areas from animals.

She added: “This is a good idea and I’m glad they are doing something.

“There’s never been restrictions before and dog walkers need to take notice of something like this.

“It will help protect owners from wild animals as well and this will help keep dogs safe – especially if they have to be kept on a lead.

“It is good to know that cases of dog fouling have gone down, so the orders must be working.

“It is very welcome indeed.”

Mark Billington, head of operations at Wyre Council, told councillors at a meeting of the authority’s Street Cleansing Task Group that more people now know what to do to report an irresponsible owner.

And he said there had been a much greater level of contact from members of the public, across the borough.

Mr Billington said: “Since the new service has been in operation the number of customer contacts has increased by 11 per cent, demonstrating people know they can contact the council about matters of concern.

“There was a higher intensity of staff in Fleetwood, although the flexible approach ensured the service would remain responsive to needs as they arose.

“A decrease of 63 per cent in the number of dog fouling complaints had been recorded, which reflected a combination of increased patrols, education and enforcement, and an improved mechanised sweeping regime.”

All change as work nears completion

0
0

A NEW era is about to unfold at a Fleetwood school as massive building works near completion.

The nursery and reception class areas at St Wulstan’s and St Edmund’s RC Primary School are now finished and the children are enjoying their bright new surroundings.

It’s all part of a redevelopment of the popular Poulton Road school, which has cost in excess of £1m, to create a whole new interior.

And now pupils and teachers are looking forward to a special early year’s open evening on Wednesday, December 5 to show off the completed phase of the development.

Headteacher Richard Sanderson said: “We want everyone to come and enjoy our early years open evening – current parents, people who are thinking of coming to our school as well as members of the wider Fleetwood community.

“We see it as an opportunity to have a look around our wonderful new learning environment for nursery and reception.

“Our staff are keen to show how our children become magical mathematicians, learn through role play, get crafty in our creative area and become readers and writers in our super sounds zone – our nativity scene is worth a look too!”

The school has been transformed to give both the inside and outside a huge makeover.

Although not quite finished yet, the second phase of the development has seen the playground at the front completely removed and replaced with a new resource area.

It incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows and doors to create lots of natural light.

Once finished there will be extra space for computer teaching, a new visitor entrance, extensive planted areas and access to the back playground for the infant and junior classrooms.

The scheme is part of £18.5m of improvements being made to Fleetwood schools.

The open evening takes place from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

Criminal blames financial problems

0
0

A man returned to his old criminal ways after getting into financial trouble when he was left to run a house.

Michael Roberts burgled a chip shop and pawned computer equipment which had been stolen from a church.

Roberts, 25, of Egremont Avenue, Cleveleys, pleaded guilty to burglary, theft, receiving stolen goods and failing to answer bail.

He was remanded in custody to August 23 for pre-sentence reports by Blackpool magistrates.

Alan Godwin, defending, said Roberts’s mother had gone to care for an elderly relative in Preston, leaving Roberts in charge of paying the household bills for their three-bedroomed home.

Roberts, who also had to pay the keep for his mother’s two dogs and two cats, got into financial difficulties.

Follow us on twitter {http://bit.ly/twitter_the_gazette|@The_Gazette|Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette} and like our page on {http://bit.ly/thegazette|facebook|Like our page on facebook} to keep up with all the latest news.

£1m up for grabs - could it be you?

0
0

Someone on the Fylde coast could be a millionaire – and they don’t even know it!

Bosses from the National Lottery came to the resort and brought a butler with them to help look for the mystery winner of a recent EuroMillions Millionaire Raffle.

The missing millionaire brought a ticket for the July 26 draw, somewhere in the Fylde coast area, when 100 lucky lottery people across the UK won £1m each.

So far, 87 winners have claimed their giant prize, but two weeks later, the player from the Fylde is yet to come forward.

Players who have not yet checked their ticket are urged to do so – for the winning EuroMillions Millionaire Raffle code CZZ930051.

The lucky ticket is worth £1 million and the ticket-holder has until 11pm on January 22, 2014, to make their claim.

A National Lottery spokesman said: “Imagine walking round not knowing you are a millionaire.

“We urge every player to check their tickets as there are life changing prizes waiting to be claimed.

“The clock is now ticking for these ticket-holders and we want to get the prize into their bank account so they can start enjoying their win as soon as possible.

“Check in the bottom of your handbag and in every coat pocket, even have a rummage down the back of your sofa – the ticket could be lurking anywhere.

“This draw has been life changing for 87 ticket holders already and we are desperate to find our missing millionaires.”

This draw is attempting to break the World Record set by The National Lottery last year. On the night of the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics, 100 players won £1 million, 97 of whom came forward to claim their prize. This set the World Record for the most millionaires created in one night by a single draw.

This summer’s draw just needs a few more claims in order to rival this amazing record.

Anyone who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180 day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0845 910 0000.

If no one comes forward with the winning ticket before the prize claim deadline, the prize money, plus all the interest it has generated, will go to the Good Causes – adding to the £30bn already raised through sales of lottery tickets since The National Lottery launched in November 1994.


Inteb calls for energy C-Change

0
0

Wyre specialist energy services provider Inteb Sustainability Limited has thrown down the gauntlet to British businesses by revealing that £1.7bn could be saved a year by Britain’s biggest energy and carbon-using businesses.

Inteb is calling for a ‘C-Change’ in the attitude of British businesses towards energy saving and unveiled an ice sculpture to highlight the sums that could be saved.

Bilsborrow-based Inteb says that the cost structure of many top British businesses is at least 16 per cent too high. This is calculated on the basis of the carbon emissions they could be cutting by better managing their energy usage and the price per kWh of that unnecessary energy consumption. The saving is calculated by using the 16 per cent saving and applying it to the actual carbon usage figures that current 2011-12 CRC Energy Reduction Scheme participants have themselves reported. Inteb said that a 16 per cent reduction can easily be achieved by businesses in the 2011-12CRC League Table based on savings it has achieved for other clients.

Most saving has been down to gaining a better understanding of when and where energy is being consumed.

Inteb’s energy consulting manager Tom Kelly said: “If other businesses not listed in the CRC League Tables did the same, the £1.7bn saving would swell significantly.

“This makes the £1.7bn saving the tip of the iceberg for British businesses.”

Follow us on twitter {http://bit.ly/twitter_the_gazette|@The_Gazette|Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette} and like our page on {http://bit.ly/thegazette|facebook|Like our page on facebook} to keep up with all the latest news.

Police bid to tackle wheelie bin fire menace

0
0

Police today reassured residents in Fleetwood they are acting on reports of a spate of deliberate bin fires.

The Gazette reported on Saturday how firebugs have set at least six fires in wheelie bins in the town over the past week, causing more than £600 of damage.

Firefighters warned of the dangers, saying the fires could easily spread to property.

A spokesman from Fleetwood Police said: “Starting yesterday we have two operations running, one is Operation Refuge which involves preventing and detecting crimes of criminal damages, the other is Operation Magic targeting anti-social behaviour .”

These operations will involve dedicated staff being at specific locations and times where crime has recently occurred and positioning Fleetwood PCSO’s in vulnerable areas.

Police also said that, alongside Wyre Council, they aim to produce wheelie bin stickers to inform residents about days and times in which their rubbish will be collected.

This will allow them to store their bins away and only put them out when rubbish is to be picked up.

Follow us on twitter {http://bit.ly/twitter_the_gazette|@The_Gazette|Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette} and like our page on {http://bit.ly/thegazette|facebook|Like our page on facebook} to keep up with all the latest news.

Fleetwood art centre backing call

0
0

The empty Barney’s Bingo building has become one possible target for an ambitious arts project in Fleetwood.

A meeting is being staged in the town tonight (Wednesday) to establish community involvement in the exciting scheme.

George Greenall is pressing ahead with plans to set up the Angel Building project, a proposed arts centre which would combine theatre work, film-making, an art gallery and even a small cinema.

It is an ambitious project but George is confident that if enough people support the venture, it can become a reality.

In June, George’s hopes took a temporary setback when the main building he had in mind for the scheme, the empty Orient Building, became unavailable.

But George says the proposals are still pressing ahead.

The meeting takes place in the community room at Fleetwood Fire Station, on Radcliffe Road, tonight at 8pm.

George told the Weekly News: “This project is all about the community, and for it to work it would need the input of local people. The aim is to set up a committee so that a wider group of people can discuss plans of what services can go in there.

“It would be good to have a few different ideas – and if there are people out there who are good at fund-raising or who can write funding bids, that would be really useful.

“This is about providing a vibrant place in Fleetwood which can make the most of people’s talents, give people a chance to try things and put something new on offer to the community in and around Fleetwood.”

George, a former Fleetwood man who lives in Thornton, runs a local business making short films for various organisations and also has a background in community theatre.

For the Angel Project, he has set up the Fleetwood Plus Community Interest Company to oversee activities.

George said: “At present, the owners of the bingo hall, Maple Group Developments, are still leasing the building to Top Ten Bingo on a long-term deal.

“Having an empty building like that does no one any favours.

“The key factor is the possible hire price, which is something we will be discussing with the owners.

“We are looking at other options in Fleetwood as well.

“In the meantime we are looking to start fund-raising and have a fun day at Fleetwood Cricket Club on September 1, from 11am to 4pm, which is £1 for adults and free for children.”

George has a number of buildings in mind which could provide a base for the arts centre, including Barney’s Bingo premises on Poulton Road, originally the Victoria Cinema. For further details contact George on (01253) 825206.

UK op hope for brave Kai

0
0

The family of Fleetwood youngster Kai Hodgkinson now hope the operation he needs to help him walk unaided could be performed in England rather than America.

If so, it could save the family – who are desperately trying to raise £58,000 for the total cost of the medical procedure, flights and accommodation –thousands of pounds.

Kai’s parents Brian and
Caron, of Hesketh Place, currently have £35,000 which would be enough to pay for the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy(SDR) treatment needed to help Kai, who has cerebral palsy, walk unaided. Dad Brian revealed his hopes this week after the family was given another boost in the form of £1,000 from AGC Chemicals Europe, based at the Hillhouse industrial estate, Thornton.

Brian told the Weekly News: “It has been in the news in the past few weeks that the SDR operation is now available more widely in Britain, at centres in Bristol and Leeds. Unfortunately it is still not available on the NHS, because it does not seem to have sufficient recognition, but it is available privately.

“If we can get Kai in at one of these centres, we would have enough money for that now, and wouldn’t need to raise the extra £20,000 to cover all the American costs. We would need to get a referral from Kai’s GP and it would not happen overnight, but it would be a massive help.”

Brian said that if they could not get four year old Kai in at Leeds or Bristol, they would still keep fund-raising for the operation in America.

He added: “Everyone one has been so generous, and we want to thank AGC for this generous gesture.”

AGC, the chemicals wing of Japan-based Asahi Glass Company, handed over £500 from its charity draw, with another £500 given after retiring employee Jack Gibbs donated a retirement gift to Kai. Susie Claridge, marketing officer, said: “This is a really worthwhile cause and one we are all too happy to help with.”

Fund-raising continues and to pledge a pound visit www.justgiving.com/ kickstartforkai or text KAIH50 £1 to 70070.

Prolific author’s 29th novel inspired by film star

0
0

A prolific writer of romance and suspense novels has just had her 29th book published.

And Fleetwood woman Margaret Blake took inspiration from sources as diverse as Greece and the late actor, Richard Burton, to help create one of the main characters.

The contemporary novel, Under a Grecian Moon, is set on a romantic Greek island and in London.

Margaret‘s heroine is an Englishwoman, Evie, who unexpectedly meets up with an old flame, the splendidly-named Lander Drakos, from Greece. What he has to tell her has a shattering effect on the present, future and past.

Manchester-born Margaret, who has lived on Hatfield Avenue, Fleetwood, for 20 years, has seen some of her books become best sellers in America. In 2009 she was nominated for an Epic Award given by the Electronically Published Internet Connection over in the States.

Margaret, 72, said about her latest work: “Although I have been to Cyprus, I have never been to Greece. I did a lot of reading and conjured up the sort of place I wanted.

“Sometimes your own experiences can cast a shadow over a place and I didn’t really want any personal associations with the island in this book, so not going there wasn’t really a problem.

“With characters, I take inspiration from all sort of things and for Lander Drakos, it was a film. One of my favourite films is The VIPs, with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. He was playing a Greek tycoon, Paul Andros, and I just loved his character. At last I have the chance to put a bit of that in one of my books!”

Under A Grecian Moon is published by Whiskey Creek Press and available as a paperback and e-book from.amazon.com.

Chatsworth Library willreceive a copy shortly.

Growing firm set to create 40 new jobs

0
0

New jobs are up for grabs at the rapidly expanding commercial energy supplier BES Utilities, owned by Fleetwood Town FC chairman Andy Pilley.

The company, which has offices at the football club’s Highbury ground and in Bispham, is having a new office extension built at the stadium.

Mr Pilley said the move comes after consistent increases in its business.

“This is great for the local community in Fleetwood and across the Fylde. It will benefit all parties,” he said. “There is to be an initial 40 new roles but as we attract more customers, obviously that would increase. We have experienced huge growth, utilities are a commodity everybody needs and we are bucking the national trend taking on more and more customers.”

BES buys electricity and gas for commercial businesses shopping around to get its customers the best prices. With wholesale energy prices continuing to rise more firms are looking to get better deals.

A two-day recruitment event will take place next Wednesday and Thursday, to let people learn more. Vacancies exist in business administration, finance, credit control and sales. For admin roles forward a CV and covering letter to recruitment@besutilities.co.uk. For sales roles call 01253 775070.

Director, Michelle Davidson said: “The recruitment event is a great way to showcase our company and the exciting vacancies on offer.

“We have spent over £1.5m on these new offices which will eventually house 136 staff.”

Follow us on twitter {http://bit.ly/twitter_the_gazette|@The_Gazette|Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette} and like our page on {http://bit.ly/thegazette|facebook|Like our page on facebook} to keep up with all the latest news.

VIDEO: Developers confirm pitches housing plan

0
0

Developers have confirmed it is their intention to build a housing development on community football fields.

NPL Estates have met with residents in Thornton, who questioned them on the work being carried out on Bourne Way playing fields.

But the proposed development has already been met with opposition from councillors who say they want the green space to be protected.

The area on the corner of Bourne Way and Fleetwood Road North is currently designated as a recreational open space by Wyre Council.

Coun Penny Martin, ward councillor for Cleveleys Park, said: “The meeting was just to get to the bottom of what their intentions actually are.

“I’m satisfied they’ve given us answers but obviously they’re not answers we want.”

Ian Honeybill, from NPL Estates, said: “We are considering proposals and yes it might end up as a housing application, for probably up to 100 homes. There will be a full public consultation done.”

Residents first became aware of the possible changes to use of the field when football teams playing there were asked to find new accommodation for the coming season.

The developers have announced they will offset the potential loss of the pitches with the creation of a community sports complex at Poolfoot Farm, working with Fleetwood Town FC.

But Coun Martin added: “If they’re offsetting the loss of football pitches on Bourne Way there you’re still losing green land.”

Follow us on twitter {http://bit.ly/twitter_the_gazette|@The_Gazette|Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette} and like our page on {http://bit.ly/thegazette|facebook|Like our page on facebook} to keep up with all the latest news.


Cold call ban rallying cry in Wyre areas

0
0

Community leaders are urging people to show their support for a No Cold Calling Zone in Wyre.

Residents of School Road and Tarn Road, in Staina ward, Thornton, are being asked to back the zone to help deter cold callers and bogus traders.

Coun Julia Anderson, Staina ward councillor for Wyre, said: “If we can get the support of over half the people living there, we can set the scheme up which will send out a warning to cold callers that residents will not do business with them over the doorstep.

“We only need a few more pledges of support so if you think it’s a good idea, please show your support by returning the form that comes through your letterbox.”

Leaflets are being distributed to households in the area and residents are being asked to complete and return the attached form to show their support.

Completed forms can be posted or dropped off at 3 Turnberry Avenue, Thornton. For more information call Coun Anderson on (01253) 850717.

Follow us on twitter {http://bit.ly/twitter_the_gazette|@The_Gazette|Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette} and like our page on {http://bit.ly/thegazette|facebook|Like our page on facebook} to keep up with all the latest news.

Defences may mean end of angling club

0
0

Anglers have rejected multi-million pound coastal defence plans saying they will leave them without an important stretch of coastline from which to fish.

One club has even said that should the Rossall Coastal Defence Scheme plan go ahead it could spell the end of its 60- year heritage.

The Rossall Coastal Defence Scheme is a £65m project to replace the sea wall between Rossall Hospital and Fleetwood Golf Course to protect 8,000 properties.

Wyre Council met with members of the angling community to discuss concerns after issues were raised during the consultation process over the defences between Rossall Hospital and Rossall Point.

Anglers said rock armour, made up of rocks or other materials placed against sea walls to reduce the energy of waves and prevent erosion, would make it difficult to fish over.

The profile of the coastal defence scheme has now been amended to reduce the quantity of rock and provide a lower level promenade, to allow fishing to continue along what is considered to be an important stretch of coastline.

Coun Roger Berry, cabinet member with responsibility for sea defences at Wyre Council, said: “I’m pleased that we could accommodate the needs of the angling community whilst retaining the integrity of the important sea defence structure which protects properties from flooding.”

But the anglers have said the rock armour will still cause problems, making it difficult to retrieve lines when fishing.

Mike Owen, chairman of Fleetwood and District Angling Club, said: “We will adjust accordingly, we just won’t fish as many spots on the coastline where the rocks are. If we do fish it’ll be at lower water.

“As far as I’m concerned fishing will completely change.”

The club said where itfishes along the stretch of coastline, they would only be able to feasibly accommodate one or two on the steps.

Mr Owen said: “It’s wiped out our annual open which generates money for the club.

“It could end up breaking the club, we’ve been established since 1953.”

The proposals are currently at planning stage and can be viewed at www.wyre.gov.uk

Knott End man given 10-week jail term

0
0

A former Knott End man who turned his back on the probation service has been jailed for 10 weeks.

Liam Boardman, 31, was given a suspended jail term when he was caught driving while disqualified on Shard Lane, Hambleton.

He also admitted driving document offences. As part of his punishment he was also put under supervision by probation.

But, after initially keeping appointments, Boardman then became uncontactable.

Blackpool Magistrates heard how Boardman had gone to live in Manchester to be near his brother.

Boardman had second thoughts about disappearing and not giving a change of address so he handed himself into police and was arrested for breaching the terms of his suspended jail term. Magistrates decided to impose 10 weeks of the term.

Follow us on twitter {http://bit.ly/twitter_the_gazette|@The_Gazette|Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette} and like our page on {http://bit.ly/thegazette|facebook|Like our page on facebook} to keep up with all the latest news.

Back to school? Time to do your homework

0
0

Sending your child back to school for the upcoming new term could cost more than you expect, but Vicky Shaw says some simple sums will help save you money.

Just when you’ve finished paying for all the kids’ summer holiday trips and treats comes a new financial headache - the cost of sending them back to school.

At a time when we’re all still feeling the pinch of high inflation, a new report from John Lewis has found that the cost of today’s school uniform, school bag and its contents have doubled in real terms since the 1980s. The study into the most popular items that children carry around said that parents will be looking at forking out the grand sum of £550.80 to send their child back to school. This includes around £100 on a school uniform, £7.60 on lunch, drinks and snacks, £19.70 on a new school bag and £46.10 on text books and stationery.

The big increase comes from the fact that the days when a calculator and a shatter-proof ruler were the snazziest pieces of kit for a schoolbag are long gone.

Almost half of children were found to take a smartphone with them to school, and over one third said they carried headphones. The 2013 school bag results show that almost one fifth of secondary school age children are taking an MP3 player with them to school, one in 20 are opting for a tablet or laptop and one in 50 are carrying an eReader.

One glimmer of hope for hard-pressed parents is that the real costs of good old-fashioned staples like lunchboxes and uniforms, were found to have edged down in recent decades.

So how can you get the best value when sending your child back to school?

Paying online for school trips and meals might be something to consider. Many schools now allow parents to pay in this way, meaning parents no longer have to send their children to school with cash in hand.

Some parents put off shopping for a school uniform until the last minute to avoid the problem of summer holiday growth spurts, but buying early will give you more time to shop around for the best deal - and you can always take the advice from a store’s schoolwear department on going up a size.

Deborah Heston, deals expert at consumer help website MoneySavingExpert.com, says that while many stores are battling it out to offer cheap school uniforms, parents should look beyond just the price tag and consider how long they need the clothes to last for.

She says: “If you want to hand down uniforms to younger kids then consider investing in items you know will last longer, that may cost a little bit more, but have a better cost per wear.

“If your kids are the type to rip clothes or get them mucky beyond repair, then buy cheaper and replace as you go throughout the year.”

Name-labels will help ensure the new clothing you’ve bought does not go astray on the bus or playing field, leaving you shelling out for replacements.

As more youngsters are carrying high-tech goods around with them, you might also want to think about buying some tags which can be used on gadgets. Also check that your insurance policy covers potential damage or the loss of these items while they are at school.

Before investing in an expensive gadget, it is also important to double-check with the school what their policy about such devices - some schools operate a no-mobile policy in the classroom.

Children often crave the latest technology craze or gadget, but it is important to work out which item will be the most useful as a study aid and which is better suited to leisure time use at home.

HOW CAN YOU MAKE YOUR MONEY GO FURTHER IF YOU’RE OFF TO UNIVERSITY?

This is traditionally the time of year when providers ramp up competition on their student accounts, but Sylvia Waycot, editor of financial information website Moneyfacts, says this pre-term time is lacking some of the “razzmatazz” seen in previous years, where providers offered freebie incentives to tempt in students.

“In many ways it’s a good thing that the incentives on student accounts are not that imaginative as it means students can focus on the real qualities of an account and better match the features that will suit their spending habits best,” she says.

The main priority for students should always be to avoid charges on borrowing.

“Not all accounts offer interest-free overdrafts,” she adds. “But of those that do, some are as high as £3,000 over the term of the course. Others offer up to £2,000 with some graduating up to this level each year.

“Understanding how you spend your money will help you decide which type of overdraft facility will work best for you and if that account comes with a £12 saving incentive, all the better.”

Jenny Keefe from MoneySavingExpert says that setting out a budget with all your outgoings is also a good idea.

She said: “If you cut your bills by haggling down your mobile contract and switching energy provider, you should even be able to get through student life without living off baked beans.

“It’s also worth looking for easy ways to top-up your income.

“We’ve seen people make decent money by doing online surveys, becoming a mystery shopper or flogging old mobiles and books - which easily fits around your studies.”

Follow us on twitter {http://bit.ly/twitter_the_gazette|@The_Gazette|Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette} and like our page on {http://bit.ly/thegazette|facebook|Like our page on facebook} to keep up with all the latest news.

Appeal as £5,000 of tools taken from van

0
0

Police are appealing for information after £5,000 of building tools were stolen from a van in Poulton.

The incident happened at around 3am on Wednesday, July 17, when two men broke into a Vauxhall Movano on Victoria Road.

They stole a number of tools including a table saw, a chop saw and a Makita cordless drill before getting into a small white van and driving on to Station Road.

PC Andy Ward said: “We want to be able to return these tools to the owner, not least because his livelihood has been hugely affected. Some of the items aren’t made anymore and therefore can’t be replaced.

“If anybody has been offered any tools for sale in the area in the past month or so in seemingly suspicious circumstances then please come forward.”

Follow us on twitter {http://bit.ly/twitter_the_gazette|@The_Gazette|Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette} and like our page on {http://bit.ly/thegazette|facebook|Like our page on facebook} to keep up with all the latest news.

Viewing all 3792 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images