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Police find heroin in raid on home

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A woman got such a shock when police raided her home she threw a bag of heroin across the room.

Shirley Beavers, 34, of Mowbray Road, Fleetwood, pleaded guilty to possessing the class A drug.

She was sentenced to a four weeks curfew from 9pm to 7am and ordered to pay £60 victims’ surcharge by Blackpool magistrates.

Pam Smith, prosecuting, said police executed a drugs search warrant at Beavers’ home on June 20 at 10.50am.

They found brown powder on the hearth and TV table. Then a small bag containing traces of the heroin powder was discovered.

Beavers, who said she had been using heroin for 13 to 14 years, told police she panicked when they arrived and threw the £20 bag of heroin across the room.

Patrick Nelligan, defending, said Beavers had been a heroin addict for a long time, but did not commit crime to buy her drugs.

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Chester has the growth brief

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Contractor accountancy and payroll specialist Danbro has appointed recruitment industry heavyweight Chester Boothe as its head of new business development.

With more than 15 years experience in the staffing and talent management sector, fellow of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals Chester joins Danbro from his previous role as sales and business development director at Jonathan Lee Recruitment.

Danbro delivers umbrella, limited company and CIS services to more than 6,000 freelancers, and temporary staff throughout the UK. Chester will head up Danbro’s new business team and is tasked with supercharging growth at the firm.

Danbro managing director Damian Broughton said the appointment sends a clear signal to recruiters that the firm is actively seeking to explore partnership opportunities.

He said: “Here at Danbro we are keen to promote the simple, compliant service we offer by maximising our existing PSL relationships and partnering with new recruitment agency branches.

As a huge recruitment industry personality, Chester has the energy, enthusiasm, contact base and experience necessary to help us achieve this goal and we are thrilled to have him on board.”

Chester said: “Danbro is a dynamic and ambitious company that provides an excellent service and has a lot to shout about.

“As well as working with more than 6,000 contractors and 450 recruitment agency branches – it is one of only three providers that is a Professional Contractors Group start-up accredited accountant.”

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Crown court sentence for man, 31, in job centre fracas

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A man caused a fracas at both the Job Centre and the probation office in Fleetwood when he shouted and swore at staff.

Paul Hadgraft, 31, of Pharos Street, Fleetwood, pleaded guilty to two offences of using threatening words and behaviour.

He was bailed for sentence at Preston Crown Court on January 2 by Blackpool magistrates.

Elliott Taylforth, prosecuting, said Hadgraft went into the Job Centre on Kemp street on May 31 about 11am.

He was verbally aggressive to staff and threatened to smash the place up.

He then went straight to the probation office and became aggressive when told his probation officer was not in.

Staff tried to calm him down but he continued shouting and swearing.

When interviewed Hadgraft told police he was upset because he had not received any benefits.

He added that he would not have caused any damage.

Patrick Nelligan, defending, said his client would have to be sentenced at crown court as he was already on a suspended prison sentence.

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Environment the focus of school art show

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An art display focusing on the importance of protecting the environment has been put together by children at Cardinal Allen School, in Fleetwood.

The Land Art and Natural Forms exhibition went on show at Fleetwood Library, on North Albert Street.

Andrew Harding, who oversaw the project, said: “We’re trying to highlight the problems of the earth.”

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Companies told to seek alternative funds

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A continued fall in bank lending to SMEs could be crippling Lancashire businesses unnecessarily because companies are not making enough use of other funding streams.

That’s the stark warning from Enterprise Europe Network North West (EENW), the public sector body that offers help to SMEs in identifying suitable funding options and expanding overseas.

The warning follows the latest Access to Funding survey by the European Commission and European Central Bank, which found that 15 per cent of small businesses see access to finance as one of their most challenging business concerns.

Andrew North, innovation adviser at EENW, said: “While the latest monthly figures from the Bank of England show lending to big firms increasing by £1.1bn for big firms, the story is very different for smaller businesses.

“SME’s experienced a fall in lending from banks of £383m.

“On the face of it, this presents a very bleak picture for SMEs but if we return to the Access to Finance study, 32 per cent of UK respondents reported that they had received finance from non-bank sources including government, 
microfinance institutions and private investors. More companies in Lancashire need to do the same.”

The EENW has highlighted ‘Growth Vouchers’, a pilot scheme launched by the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS), which begins in January 2014 for a year-long trial.

“Under the scheme micro and small businesses will receive vouchers for £2,000 which they must be willing to match fund.

There is also Horizon 2020 due to come into force in 2014, providing €70bn for SMEs across the EU.

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Drinking ‘less of a problem among teens’

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Almost a quarter of young people in Lancashire admit to being violent when drunk, a new survey has found.

Trading standards bosses in the county interviewed 3,500 young people aged 14 to 17 across Lancashire to poll their views on drink.

Another 38 per cent admitted to “not being in control” when drunk.

But the same percentage of those polled also said they did not drink – a rise on the 20 per cent who gave that answer last year.

County Councillor Azhar Ali, cabinet member for health and wellbeing on the county council, said: “I hear a lot of people saying that most young people drink too much – but this is not the case.

“The figures show that fewer young people in Lancashire now drink compared to 2013, so it’s important that they’re not labelled as binge drinkers.

“The damaging effects of alcohol are well known and as well as being bad for your health, it can cause young people to do something they may regret later.

“We don’t want to spoil people’s fun, we just want to encourage parents to keep an eye on their children, and businesses to always ask those who look 25 or under for ID to prevent sales of alcohol to anyone under the age of 18.”

The survey was undertaken as part of Alcohol Awareness Week last week.

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Status fight to boost growth

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Money for developing businesses in three Wyre towns could be secured to boost growth.

Paul Maynard, MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys, has met with senior business minister Michael Fallon in the hope of securing Assisted Area status for the Hillhouse Corridor, which runs from Thornton to Fleetwood.

This means new investment and developments could be eligible for a grant which is typically a percentage of any investment made.

Mr Maynard, who hopes to see the former ICI industrial Estate, which is now owned by NPL Estates, granted the specific status, said: “If Hillhouse is given assisted area status it will be a big boost to the area by supporting new and existing companies in expanding.

“We often forget that Hillhouse is home to some very innovative and high tech companies that produce world class products.

“Supporting them to develop is indeed good news and will ensure high skilled and sustainable jobs are created in this area.”

The scheme, funded in part by the European Union is designed to boost growth in areas of deprivation where the conditions for development are right.

Coun Gordon McCann, Wyre Council’s economy portfolio holder, said: “There’s absolutely massive potential for development.

“We don’t know if this is going to happen yet but I’m fully supportive of any initiative that helps develop Wyre.

“If the money is available there’s a chance of match funding which would magnify the affects of it.

“It depends on the amount going in there but we are trying all the time to raise our profile and help businesses and any support for that is welcomed.”

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Muriel reaches magical milestone

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Doctors may not agree, but it seems the secret to a long life is a drop of whisky or sherry every so often.

Staff caring for Muriel Gillespie, who turned 105 on Tuesday, claim she swears by her favourite liquor.

Born in Blackpool in 1908, Mrs Gillespie had no children but longevity runs in her family and her only sister, Marian, lived to the grand old age of 95.

Sheena Cook, matron of the Farthings Care Home in Cleveleys, said: “Muriel loves a drink of sherry or whisky in moderation and does not believe in watering whisky down!

“She was a hairdresser and did not have any children but loves to see other people’s children when they visit.”

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More male abuse victims coming forward for help than ever before

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A Fleetwood-based group which helps male victims of child abuse, rape and domestic violence says there has been a marked increase in calls for help.

The Fylde Coast Men’s Support Association (FCMSA) says its helpline has been contacted by 258 individuals between November 2012 and November 2013 – a rise of 18 per cent on the previous year.

The Fleetwood man who founded the group, who chooses to be known only as Simon, says the increase is down to several factors.

He said: “Partly it is because the issue of male victims is slowly but surely being discussed more openly rather than being hidden. I think it is also because our group has received a higher profile and that is encourages victims to come forward as well.

“We are the referral group for GPs, mental health staff and victim support workers and we are now getting calls from the Fylde coast and also much further afield. It is good that people feel they can talk about this issue, because there is help there and they needn’t suffer in silence.

“But male victims struggle to get other kinds of support, which I think is unacceptable in this day and age.”

Simon also expects the number of domestic abuse calls to rise again – especially over Christmas period.

Simon, who was himself a victim of child abuse and rape, set up FCMSA 12 years ago because there was no other help group around.

The FCMSA is still the only support group of its kind in Lancashire.

He said: “For men affected by male rape, childhood sexual abuse and domestic abuse, it is a very neglected area.

“Many male victims, or survivors, find it extremely difficult to access support. That is because the vast majority of abuse, rape and domestic abuse services are not accessible to men.

“There are more male victims than many people would think, whether it be men who are attacked by their wives or female partners, or men attacked by their male partners, as well as men who were abused as children.

“It is estimated that one in four victims of rape are male, one in five men will become victims of domestic abuse in their lifetime, and one in six men will suffer domestic abuse from their partner or wife. Unfortunately our own research shows that 97 per cent of these cases go unreported to the police, for various reasons.”

The FCMSA offers a confidential helpline, group meetings, one-to-one listening sessions, outreach work and also training on all aspects of this sensitive subject.

Fortnightly support group meetings are held in Fleetwood on Sunday evenings between 7 and 9pm.

Fleetwood Town Council leader, Coun Alan Marsh.

He said: “These cases are now coming to light because more people are coming forward with complaints.

“Previously, many no doubt felt it difficult to come forward or doubted they would be believed. But after they have come forward to the police, there still needs to be help and support for them.

“Any organisation that provides that support has to be welcomed.”

For more details, call the helpline 07932 898274, Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, or contact Simon on fcmsa1@yahoo.co.uk.

School trip to India has a long-lasting impact

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The first drops of an idea to work with an international school have quickly cascaded into a deluge of learning for Fleetwood schoolchildren.

Pupils at Cardinal Allen Catholic High School continue to learn and benefit from an exchange with a school in Calcutta, India, developed this year.

Students from Birla High School visited the school on Melbourne Avenue in May, and Fleetwood teens visited the Eastern India region last month.

The trip last week won the school The Gazette’s Education Award for Educational Tours and this week sees art pupils exhibit their Indian inspired artwork.

Pupils immersed themselves in Indian culture, attending the school and staying with host families.

They embarked on excursions to a Hindu temple, the Banyan tree known as the largest tree in the world, and Mother House, the home of Mother Teresa.

They attracted the attention of the national press when they were involved in organising a rugby match between the students of Birla School and local street children.

They also took part in other projects included debating the roles women play in each other’s societies, producing protest music by fusing western music with Indian rhythm’s and instruments and creating land art to highlight the environmental issues facing our world.

Teacher Andrew Harding said: “As we left Calcutta it was obvious from the tears of emotion, the trip has had a big impact on all involved.

“Long lasting bonds have developed with all involved gaining a fresh perspective on international issues by studying them through the eyes of another culture.”

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Parking frenzy to help stores

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All pay and display car parks run by Wyre Council will be free during a day of celebrating small businesses.

Small Business Saturday encourages shoppers to use independent business to give them a boost in the run up to Christmas.

In Wyre, 98 per cent of businesses are classed as small enterprises – less than 50 employees – and are regularly supported by the Wyred Up networking group, training and grants.

Coun Peter Gibson, leader of Wyre Council, said: “We are happy to provide free parking and support behind the scenes, but what really counts is the number of customers that come through their doors.

“That’s why we’re encouraging people to change their habits on December 7.”

Some businesses are offering discounts throughout the day, which can be found at {http://www.wyre.gov.uk/smallbusiness|www.wyre.gov.uk/smallbusiness|Click here to visit the website}

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Food glorious food by young masterchefs

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Catering students cooked up a storm in state-of-the-art kitchens, impressing more than 120 guests with their gourmet fair.

The GCSE pupils from St Aidan’s CE Technology College in Preesall took over part of The Villa at Wrea Green to cater for an event as part of their course assessment.

The group of 31 15-and 16-year-olds were tasked with cooking Masterchef-class dishes themed for Lancashire Food Week, including a Lancashire hot pot stack, Goosnargh chicken stuffed with Lancashire cheese and tart tatin.

Chef Matthew Johnson kept the youngsters on their toes while sharing expert knowledge, tips and techniques to improve their understanding of food preparation and service.

Headteacher Andy Smith, a guest at the event, said: “Our hospitality and catering students excelled themselves as they served up a three course meal with a standard of quality and service which would not have been out of place at a top class restaurant.

“I felt so proud of them and of Mrs Rossall and the other staff who helped them to organise and prepare such a feast.”

The group served up a three-course dinner to teachers, friends and family in the Pavilion Suite.

The fourth annual event at the venue on Moss Side Lane, Wrea Green, was organised by teacher Joanne Rossall, who said the events always prove invaluable in contributing to achieving top 
results.

Mrs Rossall added: “The run up to this event is always stressful for the students and myself but once again the students have surpassed all expectations and excelled in every area. I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them.

“This event provides them with the experience of a real life catering environment that they can take to prospective employers, in the past students have been offered employment by the Villa based on their performance at this event.”

Between cooking courses at the event, the teenagers were also interviewed by the BBC One Sunday Politics Show, for a feature on employment issues and how they are preparing to leave school and look for work.

Pupils talked about how they view their employment prospects and whether they were worried about their future in the current economic climate.

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January sentencing for burglar caught in crackdown

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A man is due to be sentenced on burglary charges on the Fylde coast after being snared during an operation to crack down on the crime.

Christopher Kershaw, 28, of Marsden Road, Blackpool, was arrested and charged on suspicion of two counts of burglary relating to break-ins at supermarkets, convenience stores and newsagents in Blackpool, Poulton, Lytham and St Annes during October and November this year.

He appeared at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday, November 29, where he was found guilty of both charges, and he is now due to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Thursday, January 9 next year.

He was arrested as part of Operation Julius, a week of action to tackle burglary which saw 14 warrants executed, seizures of substantial amounts of drugs and money suspected to have been earned from illegal activity and eight people were arrested in Blackpool.

Among the arrests made were a 15-year-old boy believed to be responsible for 21 house burglaries and thefts. He was charged on suspicion of six of the offences.

He has been remanded on bail and is due to appear at Blackpool Youth Court his week.

A number of suspected drug offenders were also arrested, and charged or bailed pending further enquiries during the week on suspicion of possession of or intent to supply Class A or B drugs.

In addition, around £12,000 was seized from two addresses believed to belong to two principal members of an organised criminal gang.

A substantial amount of heroin and crack cocaine, was also seized.

Blackpool South Shore Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted a ‘lockdown’ on Central Drive, Lytham Road and Waterloo Road last Wednesday.

In total, 42 people were stopped, 16 of them were searched and three were arrested. As part of an operation set up to handle the cash-in-transit offences in the area in recent months, premises were also visited to check their security arrangements.

Operation Julius was launched on October 1 and is aimed at preventing crime, targeting criminals and detecting burglaries across the county.

It will run for three months until the New Year.

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Rallying round for small business day

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Fylde coast firms are backing a scheme to big up small businesses this weekend.

Small business Saturday aims to help boost local firms from high street retailers to one-man-bands with a range of initiatives.

Championed in the UK by Chuka Umunna, the Shadow Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills, and supported by the Prime Minister, the Business Secretary Vince Cable and the Minister for Skills Matthew Hancock, this non-political campaign highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses.

Wyre council is offering free parking at all council pay and display car parks for the day. Don’t buy a ticket just park and shop and Fylde Council car parks are free on the day too. In Blackpool, the council is hosting an event in the Floral Hall at the Winter Gardens to show people how to start their own small business. Geoff Reeves, Blackpool Council’s small business advisor will be on hand all day on Small Business Saturday to offer advice and encouragement to those who may be starting out on the path to becoming a Fylde entrepreneur.

And 15 people who have done just that - started their own business with the help from Blackpool’s Get Started programme funded by Start Up Lancashire project and supported by European Regional Development Fund, will be there too to showcase their businesses and talk to people on the brink of joining them.

Geoff Reeves said: “We will have 15 businesses which started up this year from a barrister to greetings cards and even a close up magician.

“I will have a stand and be available to talk to anyone thinking of opening a business about loans, start up loan scheme, grants creating a business plan everything.

“We have had the best year ever at Get Started with the most start-ups, 25 per cent more than last year.

“We have high unemployment in Blackpool but this year we have had more than 90 people starting new businesses. At a time when people have been putting Blackpool down this shows there is life here and that people do want to get off benefits.”

Free help for SMEs on Saturday

Other helping hands for small businesses this Saturday include accountancy firm Jones Harris offering free tax advice.

Jim Baker, business Development Manager, (pictured) will be there at their Fleetwood offices on Saturday morning.

He said: “Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs are continually launching new campaigns to investigate areas which are known for abuse and to recoup unpaid taxes.

“People are sometimes unaware that they need to make these payments, or if they do know are unsure how to go about making sure that they only pay what they need to pay. These are the type of areas that we’re aiming to help with in this new surgery.”

The session will be on a first-come, first-served basis at the offices on St Peter’s Place between 10am and 12 noon. Another firm helping mark the UK’s first ever Small Business Saturday, is the People 1st Training Company which is offering small and medium businesses in Blackpool free passes to its People 1stWorldHost Insights online customer service training programme.

Businesses with up to 250 staff can claim their passes for the e-learning programme, which includes elements of the training used to prepare thousands of staff and volunteers for the London 2012 Olympic Games, by registering at http://sme.worldhost.co.uk

Over an hour-and-a-half course, WorldHost Insights gives staff an introduction into how to connect with customers.

Sharon Glancy, managing director said: “Small businesses play such an important role in the visitor economy in Blackpool and Small Business Saturday is a brilliant campaign that promotes that message.

“Offering excellent customer service is the most effective way of generating repeat business and word-of-mouth recommendations, and we want to help.”

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Mentoring makes for success

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I have a favourite quote that I use during student presentations regarding career or business advice:- “We are who we are by imitation”.

The point I try to make is that everything we say, everything we do and everything we achieve in life is due to the fact that we have had people to help and advise us through our life, parents, grandparents, family, friends, guardians, teachers, managers, coaches and mentors.

We try to copy and emulate people we admire because we are impressed and want to have what they have, or want to be as successful or as famous as them. The problem is if you hang out with people who have low or illegal aspirations it is easy to copy them and be dragged into a world of misery and failure.

If you look at successful people they have a number of things in common with each other. They are single minded, have objectives, and mix with other successful people.

But most of all they will have had the support of experts and experienced people who have guided and helped them to be successful.

People do make mistakes, but successful people learn from them and pass that experience on through mentoring people who are keen to learn.

One of the most rewarding and enjoyable things in life that anyone can provide is giving something back to the community without seeking grace or favour.

We are currently supporting students in Blackpool Schools and Colleges with work experience and Enterprise Clubs.

Anyone willing to share their knowledge and experience with students, and who would be interested in becoming a mentor can email:- {mailto:3e-partnership-cic@email.com|3e-partnership-cic@email.com|Click here to email} for more information.

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Addict fined for breaching the peace

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A man with a bad drug habit was given almost £70 a day by his grandmother to fund his habit.

But when David Duffield’s gran put her foot down and refused to give him any more money he became angry and aggressive with her.

Duffield, 27, of Roylen Avenue, Poulton, admitted breach of the peace and was bound over in the sum of £150 for 12 months by Blackpool magistrates.

Sandra Ardern, prosecuting, said Duffield lived with his 80-year-old grandmother who had recently lost her husband.

The prosecutor said: “On December 4 he asked her for money. She became extremely upset and said she would not give him any more.

He became aggressive towards her and the police were called.”

Duffield apologised for his actions.

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What’s the score with insurance?

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Are you walking out in the world naked? Insurers try to scare you into thinking you are if you don’t buy their cover.

The right policy is a suit of armour protecting you from the world’s randomness – but what’s necessary, what’s nonsense, and how do you cut the cost?
I’ve given each major type a need score – of course, it’s a rough estimate, and varies for each individual.

To state the bloomin’ obvious, the score assumes you actually have the thing being insured – so if you don’t have a pet, pet insurance is a zero.

Car insurance – need score 10/10.

If you own a vehicle, the law says you need insurance even if you don’t drive it, unless you get a Statutory Off-Road Notice to declare it off-road. Insurers take advantage by continually renewing, oft at ever-increasing prices. Regularly check if you’re being overcharged.

To cut the cost…

a) Get max quotes in min time. Different comparisons look at different insurers, so combine as many as you’ve time for. My current order is: www.gocompare.com, www.google.co.uk/carinsurance and www.moneysupermarket.com.

b) Check insurers they miss. Two big insurers are missed here, and can be competitive, so always add in www.directline.com and www.aviva.co.uk.

c) More than one car in the home? Comparisons don’t search for multi-car discounts.

Manually check www.admiral.com, www.directline.com and www.aviva.co.uk.

d) Don’t assume third party’s cheapest. Selecting comprehensive cover makes some insurers consider you a lower risk – this can outweigh the fact third party is lesser cover, so check both.

Buildings insurance – need score 9.5/10. Contents – need score 8/10.

Mortgages require you to have buildings cover. Even if your mortgage is paid off, risking losing your home is a big gamble, so this cover is also high up the list.

Yet even then, only insure its rebuild value - the cost of rebuilding the property if it was knocked down. Many overpay by covering its market value.

Contents cover isn’t compulsory, but risking all your possessions is, well, risky. Many under-cover, which risks you only getting a partial payout if you claim.

For the most quotes in the least time, try www.confused.com, www.comparethemarket.com, www.gocompare.com and www.tescocompare.com.

Again, add www.aviva.co.uk and www.directline.com that they miss.

Travel insurance – need score 8/10.

With cover from as little as £7, taking medical risks when you travel just isn’t worth it. Travel insurance gives medical cover abroad, which is needed outside Europe.

Even in the EU, while a free EHIC card gives medicals at the same cost as locals, that’s not always free and you don’t get cover for baggage, repatriation and many more. So why risk it?

For single trip cover, to find your cheapest use the www.moneysupermarket.com comparison. It can be as little as £7. If you go away two or more times in a year, get an annual policy. www.coverwise.co.uk is currently my cheapest pick, at £14-£26 for an individual, or £23-£40 for a couple under 60.

For more choices, including strong feedback providers or those for over-65s, see www.moneysavingexpert.com/travelinsurance.

Breakdown cover – need score 6/10.

With modern reliable cars, breakdown cover is needed less. Yet done right,breakdown can be startlingly cheap, so the cost versus risk analysis still means that getting a policy is favourable.

You can often get big discounts on AA and RAC cover if you factor in the rebate of going via cashback sites like www.topcashback.co.uk or www.quidco.com.

If you need full cover, www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk is £39 a year for you and your spouse.

Tax relief present over festive parties

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Businesses across the Fylde coast are being urged to get into the Christmas spirit – but not forget about the tax liabilities involved.

The warning has come today from two prominent local accountants as the party season gets into full swing.

Both Red Dot Chartered Accountants and Montpelier Chartered Accountants say HMRC tax allowances on Christmas staff parties and gifts are worth exploiting.

Paul Wilcock of Montpelier said: “The cost of a Christmas party or other annual event is allowable as a tax deduction but only if certain conditions are met. If you do not meet these conditions a tax charge may be levied on both the employees and the business.

“HMRC allows a cost of up to £150 per head but you must also consider any other events which the business has provided during the year as the aggregate cost must not exceed £150.”

Peter Neill, director, at Blackpool-based Red Dot, said if the employer puts on a summer party and a Christmas dinner together costing less than £150 a head, both will be tax-free for employees, but one penny over this limit and the full amount spent will become liable to income tax and National Insurance (NI) for both staff and employer.

He added: “Businesses should make the most of the tax free amount and not just resort to putting up some cheap tinsel in the office and offering plates of pretzels and soft drinks.

“It has been a tough time for many businesses and staff are probably in need of having their spirits raised. Having a Christmas party is a real morale-booster and rewards the hard work that staff put in over the year.

“You can also provide a small gift to your employees. As an employer, you may provide team members with a seasonal gift, such as a bottle of wine or box of chocolates. These gifts are considered to be trivial and as such are not taxable.”

Mr Wilcock added: “A business gift to a customer would also be allowable as long as the cost does not exceed £50 per year. The gift must clearly promote the business and must not be one of food or drink.”

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Man was on wanted list after breaching order

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A man was on the wanted list for six weeks after failing to do court-ordered unpaid work for the community.

Michael Dagless, 38, of Park Avenue, Fleetwood, was found guilty of breaching a court order after a trial in his absence and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

He was sentenced to 28 days imprisonment suspended for 12 months by Blackpool magistrates.

Peter Moran, prosecuting for the probation service, said Dagless had admitted assault after a girlfriend fell over and bruised her leg in a struggle with him.

He was sentenced to 200 hours unpaid work and 12 months supervision, but did not attend for induction and did none of the work.

Mr Moran added: “His record of complying with court orders is bad.

“It is felt he will not comply with this one and he should be re-sentenced.”

Patrick Nelligan, defending, said Dagless had been in a relationship with a partner for 18 years and the couple had children.

Since that relationship broke down Dagless had struggled and had had nowhere to live at times.

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Drug user jailed after betting shop robbery

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A drug user who robbed a vulnerable man of his winnings outside a Cleveleys bookies has been jailed for 18 months.

Andrew Mee threatened to wreck the victim’s flat if he did not hand over money.

The terrified victim felt so intimidated that he gave him £10.

Mee, 23, formerly of Beach Road, Cleveleys, had denied a charge of robbery, but was convicted by a jury after a trial.

The offence happened in March after the man and a friend had gone to collect winnings at William Hills Bookmakers on Rossall Road, Cleveleys.

Louise Cowen, prosecuting at Preston Crown Court, said the victim and his friend were leaving the bookmakers when Mee approached and demanded money from one of them.

The victim refused, but the defendant then said he would wreck his flat and wait outside for him.

The man was so frightened he handed over £10 to get rid of him. But as he was leaving, Mee 
continued to be abusive and threatening towards the pair.

The defendant had 59 previous offences on his record, the court heard. None were for robbery, but the list included violence and theft.

Rachel Woods, defending, said: “Mr Mee himself acknowledges he is thoroughly unpleasant when he is on drugs.

“He had a pretty desperate lifestyle for many many years and was clearly off his head on drugs at the time of the offence.

“He has now been on remand in custody for more than five months. He has missed the birth of his child which has been a salutary experience for him.

“He has everything to gain and everything to live for. He is now off methadone and has even stopped smoking.”

Judge Robert Altham told Mee he would also be handed a three-year restraining order, barring him from having any contact with the victim.

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