Cllr. J.E.Hodson
Chairman Tarleton Parish Council

Today saw the children of Hesketh with Becconsall All Saints CE Primary School begin their ambitious project to rejuvinate the grounds of the school.

Headteacher Mr Lawrence Smye-Rumsby said "All the children are currently involved in planting over thirty thousand bulbs, both in our grounds and on adjacent Parish Council land. The latter is aiming to produce a meadow area to encourage insect life such as butterflies, while the former planting is aiming to improve our grounds."

This project is linked to other plans to develop other aspects and areas of the school grounds which include an area for Infant Educational Play, fencing of the entire site, planting of border hedging, the planting of more trees, the creation of a newly defined playground for the younger children, the planting of specific areas within the school grounds, the installation of a bike rack facility, the positioning of benches and new seating areas and the installation of both children’s 3D art and a story teller’s chair.

Funding for these ambitious plans have come from several sources including LEAF, the Alan Titchmarsh garden fund, local companies, N’Trust landfill monies, individual families and the Educational Business Partnership fund.

The School Secretary, Deborah Johnson, added "The Friends of our School have also contributed considerably to these Grounds’ Development Projects. A grant of £3000 was also forthcoming from the Small Schools Site Land Reclamation Grant. Our overall collective aim (teachers, support staff, church and Governors) is to further improve our grounds as much as possible, both for aesthetic and educational reasons. We want our outside environment to provide a peaceful and rich learning resource for our children and community."

Hesketh-with-Becconsall All Saints CE School Website

Only 3 people turned out to the first Tarleton and Hesketh Bank PACT surgery held last night but from their input the Police have been asked to recognise the following issues as priorities of local residents:

If you want to have your say then make a note of the next PACT Surgery which will be held on Wednesday 3rd November at Tarleton High School.

Click here for more information on Hesketh Bank and Tarleton PACT

It was stated tonight that the Police anticipate making a final decision on the Police Operations proposal within 2 weeks although it may take a further week for the announcement to be made public.

Attendees at the Lancashire Police Authority meeting held tonight at Tarleton High School heard reassurances that no decision had yet been taken and that the Police had an open mind about all the proposals and suggestion made but would now take stock of the feedback and conclude what they intend to do.

Refurbishment of the present Police house on the A59 was confirmed as an affordable option.

Tarleton Youth Action Group have begun a collection and recycling project for old Ink Jet cartridges and Mobile Phones.

Mobile phones, mobile phone batteries, chargers and old ink jet printer cartridges are all being collected to raise funds for the group and whilst also helping protect the environment.

TYAG will collect the items from you (Tarleton area only) and additional collection points will hopefully be established within local shops to help with this initiative.

If you have any Ink Jet cartridges or mobile phones that you would like to donate or would like to act as a collection point please contact Helen on 01772 816648 or 07971 527520 or Nadine on 01772 811552 or 07973 701585. Alternatively please drop them in at 10 Coe Lane or 9 Kearsley Avenue.

Don’t bin it, donate it

Work starts this week on replacing three of the popular wayside seats around the Parish and the refurbishing of the remainder.

Also, watch out as well for the new larger modern notice board adjacent to the local Spar Shop; we'll be using this to keep our electorate better informed of what's going on, details of Council Meetings and how you can contact the Clerk.

Finally, work starts next month on the total refurbishment of the Glen Park Drive Play Area, here are some computer simulations of what it will look like:

The Parish Council Play Grounds Committee are now busily preparing plans for the Shore Road Recreation Ground; this will include a new wider path from Delta Park and a new fenced Play Area with both refurbished equipment and new attractions. In addition, the primary school will be taking over the embankment at the back of the car park and developing this as a wild flower garden.

Whilst veteran giant pumpkin growers are blaming the wet weather and the lack of sunshine for the poor performance of their pumpkins, two lads from Hesketh Bank are hoping to take first prize with their very first attempt at the “sport”

Trevor Wilson, organiser of the Mere Brow Giant Pumpkin Competition and long time competitor told our reporter “we have tried very hard to encourage more people to get involved in growing giant pumpkins and so it is interesting to note the progress these lads have made.”

Liam and James guard their very first attempt at growing a Giant Pumpkin.

“Growing giant pumpkins is a carefully honed craft and can often take many years to perfect the technique. It would be a very big upset if a couple of Johnny-come-lately types walk off with the coveted silverware at their very first attempt.” Referring to the rumours of espionage and even sabotage that surround the annual event, Trevor cautioned “there is still some time to go until the competition and many an unfortunate accident could yet befall this pumpkin. The lads had better keep their eyes peeled.”

Heritage Weekend was wetter this year than last, but around 180 people still visited Tarleton's Georgian gem. Decorated elegantly with wild flowers, and with memorabilia on display, the light, airy building was really appreciated by the visitors, many of whom had never been inside before.

Musicians from the congregation played (and pedalled!) the American organ at intervals throughout the weekend, and the whole event closed with the choir singing hymns chosen by those present in a 'Your favourite hymns' session at dusk on Sunday. This was the last occasion at which the Rev Tony Jeynes officially led an event in the Old Church, and he expressed his great enjoyment of the building over his eight years at Tarleton.

At the Hesketh Bank Band's Last night at the Proms at All Saints Hall on Sat 4th Sept, Peter Watkinson was presented with a piece of silverware to celebrate fifty years of service to Hesekth Bank Silver Band.

When asked what his most memorable moment was, he answered in an instant. "Winning the National Championships at the Royal Abert Hall. It was absoloutely fantastic."

The Proms evening was a great success; "It was good to see many younger people in the audience sing Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory".

For more information on the band, future events and the Bands long history visit the Hesketh Bank Band website

West Lancashire district council is about to send out leaflets to residents flagging up a new multi-material kerbside recycling service that will be provided for three quarters of the district from October.

The council has used a £300,000 Defra grant to purchase two new kerbsider vehicles and 40,000 blue-and-yellow boxes for households to deposit cans, glass bottles and jars and plastic bottles each fortnight.

Announcing the new service, the council's environment portfolio holder, Cllr John Baldock said: "Recent public consultation confirmed that the people of West Lancashire are concerned about their environment and want to be able to recycle their waste.

"This initiative shows that we are committed to providing even more opportunities for residents to help preserve the environment."

The council already collects green garden waste from about 10,000 homes in the Rufford, Aughton, Banks, Tarleton and Hesketh Bank areas each fortnight, providing residents with wheeled bins. Fortnightly blue bag collections for paper were extended and re-launched for 38,000 homes in 2002, with a special mobile service for parts of Skelmersdale that were unsuitable for the collection service.

The council recycled about 8.5% of its household waste in 2002/03, and said it is "well on the way" to achieving a 27% target rate by 2005/06.

Radio Lancashire is the latest local radio station to go live as part of the BBC putting all local radio stations available over the internet. So expat 'Ecky Bonksers'' and Tarletonians can Click here, wait few seconds for it to load and then listen to Radio Lancashire live over t'internet wherever you may be. If you do experience any problems getting BBC radio over the internet please click here for help.

The sun shone on Tarleton Parish’s "Old Church Sunday" at the ‘Old Church’ of St. Mary on the Windgate last Sunday (22nd August).

Sandwiched between a week of rain (well, it was Southport Flower Show!) and the beginning of another, Saturday turned fine to let the ‘graveproud’ finish tidying their relatives’ resting places, and Sunday itself was gloriously sunny.

There was an 8 am Prayer Book Holy Communion, and then at 10.30 am a Sung Eucharist, with the church almost full. The Rector, the Rev’d Tony Jeynes, delivering what was the last sermon he will give in the Old Church, commented on how the good the singing was in this compact space with the choir in the centre, and reflected on the continuity of worship St Mary’s represents.

At the end of the service there was a presentation to Pat and Lew Stott who have moved to Earby and who have done much for the church in Tarleton, Lew’s contribution especially linked to St Mary’s, as he has led the churchyard team for a long time, mowing and strimming every year.

As the congregation left the church, they were greeted by the church wardens with ‘Wine and Nibbles’ and much relaxed conversation took place in the sun.

The day closed with a traditional Evening Prayer at 6.30 pm, lead by the Rector, and at which the organist and honorary assistant Priest, Rev’d Tom Taylor, rose from the pedaled harmonium to preach.

St Mary’s is used just once a year for the normal parish services, always on the fourth Sunday in August, but will be open again as part of the Hidden heritage weekend, September 11/12th – see the village events notices for fuller details.

BBC - British Gas is set to increase its prices for the second time this year as it UK energy supplies dwindle and wholesale prices rise ever higher. The group said it was passing on its costs to customers saying it had "absorbed as much of these additional costs as we could".

The increase, which will affect approximately 18.4 million customers - 12.2 million with gas and 6.2 million with electricity - come on top of a 5.5% rise in both bills which came into force in January.

Still can't be bothered to switch energy supplier?

Henry Alty Limited and Morris Homes Ltd have now formally submitted their planning application to develop the land on the old Southport – Preston railway line and the adjacent brick works site off Station Road.

The planning application is for the redevelopment of the land for mixed use of employment and residential incorporating the erection of a building and use of land for storage, display and sale of building and horticultural supplies, erection of a block of individual business units, provision of associated car parking and vehicle manoeuvring areas, erection of 83 dwellings, new access roads and provision of public open space.

In response to the application, Hesketh with Becconsall Parish Council have called a Public Meeting.The Public Meeting will be held at All Saints Parish Church Hall on Thursday 26th August at 7:30pm at which the Parish Council will gather public opinion and evidence from the electorate of Hesketh with Becconsall in order for the Parish Council to make an informed response to West Lancashire District Council, the Planning Authority for this application.

Daily Post August 13th 2004
Tree felling sparks monster row
By Deborah James Daily Post Staff

THEY have been dubbed the "monsters" of middle England's gardens.

Now the notoriously tall Leylandii trees are the centre of a row between the parish council and amateur football club bosses in Hesketh Bank, near Southport.

A decision to axe the line of trees at Hesketh Bank Football Club has led to threats of legal action by the club against the council, which leases out the ground.

It also prompted a call for the resignation of the then chair of the parish committee Raymond Ball, who lives opposite the ground and had previously called for the trees to be felled after complaints by residents.

Now the football club's chairman Paul Sergeant, is facing suspension as a parish councillor after he admitted failing to declare a conflict of interest during two meetings about the trees.

Cllr Sergeant is to face a disciplinary Standards Board hearing in Ormskirk todayafter he failed to reveal he was then vice-chair of HBFC, at two parish council meetings on March 10 and 31.

Last night it emerged the man who reported his alleged rule-breaking, former councillor Raymond Ball, is also being investigated by the local government watchdog following seven complaints about his professional conduct. Evidence submitted to the Standards Board show Cllr Sergeant called for Mr Ball, who failed to get re-elected in June, to resign at the March 10 meeting.

The football club chairman accused his colleague of pushing through a decision to fell the trees at an earlier on February 10, 2003.

But he never told fellow committee members about his own personal interest.

Documents seen by the Daily Post reveal there was speculation that the football club could lose money if the view into the ground was left open, and that the club would have to foot the bill for a replacement fence.

Last night Cllr Sergeant told the Daily Post: "My conscience is clear. Several members of the football club wanted to take the council to court immediately after they removed the trees and I acted as a mediator. I have saved the public a lot of money by persuading the club not to take the council to court. It is quite obvious that a lot of the councillors were against the trees being taken down and voted against it."

"If I have broken the rules in any way, it has only been in the best interests of all persons concerned."

But Mr Ball denied the accusation, and told the Daily Post: "It was a unanimous decision to remove the trees and I stand by that." "Two members of the council now deny they voted for it. But I know what I did was right." "The police recommended the trees be taken down because of the drug-taking at the back of them."

The council has since admitted it had no right to fell trees, which had been planted at the ground in memorial to a former player, and has agreed to replace them.

The leylandii, or leyland cypress, is the most hated hedge variety in the country.
It grows at a rate of 1metre (3 feet) each year, eventually maturing to its fully fledged height of 30 metres (100ft).

By Deborah James, Daily Post Staff - Article Submitted by A. Wright, Rufford

For more info on the trees saga, see the 2003 local news archive.

Visit Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish Council Website
Visit Hesketh Bank Association Football Club Website
Visit the Standards Board Complaints for Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish Council

Contributers and watchers of the village forum Fireworks thread should be pleased with a fireworks curfew with penalties up to a £5,000 fine and six months' jail which comes into effect this coming Saturday.

The ban on fireworks between 2300 and 0700 is part of a range of measures introduced by the government to clamp down on anti-social behaviour. Exceptions have been made to the ban for major events such as New Year's Eve and bonfires on 5 November.

The measures also make it illegal for anyone under 18 to carry fireworks in public places and restricts shops to selling fireworks with a noise level less than 120 decibels. New Year displays will be allowed to continue until 0100, but Bonfire Night fires must be out by midnight.

The BBC reports consumer minister Gerry Sutcliffe as saying: "Fireworks can be fun but can also cause misery". "Introducing a curfew and a noise limit balances the law to ensure that people can still enjoy fireworks whilst cracking down on their anti-social use."

On the afternoon of Sunday 18th July, in rare summer sunshine, a half-hourly bus service operated on Becconsall Lane to deliver passengers to an exhibition of crafts in Becconsall Old Church. A steady flow of visitors enjoyed a range of work including some exquisite egg decoration and clever card-making as well as the more traditional skills of embroidery and beadwork. They watched the making of corn-dollies and relished the clatter of the spinning wheel, while some were even encouraged to try their hands at lace-making. The vintage bus used on these occasions comes courtesy of Mr Bill Hunter, and its driver Jimmy, judging the event by the volume of chatter behind him on the homeward trip, reckoned it had been a great success. So did we: more people had been to enjoy the old building and the Friends' funds had been helpfully boosted. For more Becconsall Old Church news & events please visit the FOBOC Website

Hesketh with Becconsall Council amended their procedures this week in the hope that the general public can contribute more to the workings of the Council. Meetings will now commence at 7:30pm with a 15 minute Public Forum when parishioners will have the opportunity to air their views on any subject, or ask questions of the Council. This replaces the old "Public Participation" which could occur at varying times in the evening dependant on the business on the Agenda. The Council hopes that this new arrangement will allow parishioners who do not wish to stay for the whole meeting to make their contribution more easily.

In addition to this, a "Surgery" will be held at 7:10pm before the meeting, when parishioners who want to make a contribution to a specific Agenda item will be able to speak with one of two Councillors who will be there for that purpose. In addition PC Corrigan, duties permitting, will also be present.

These new arrangements have come about as a result of a proposal from the Annual Parish Assembly, and will be provisional until reviewed later this year.

200 questionnaires have been returned so far in response to the consultation exercise that local police are carrying out into the proposed Rural Police Operating Centre at Tarleton.

Volunteers from Aughton Police Station as well as the local Emergency Community Support Officer, Jan Dobson and other members of police staff, dispatched questionnaires to a sample of properties, including commercial properties and households in Tarleton on Thursday 17 June.

Anyone who has not returned the questionnaire are encouraged to do so this week before the closing date of Friday 2nd July. Anyone who has not received a questionnaire and would especially like to take part in the consultation exercise is asked to phone 01772 415423 where they will be asked to leave their name and address. A questionnaire will then be dispatched to them within 24 hours.

The Wind Band from Tarleton High School Community Technology College yesterday gave a "Musical Moments" concert in Becconsall Old Church.

Taking full advantage of the splendid acoustic, Gillian Bould led the young players, augmented on this occasion by a few adult musicians, through a very well-received programme.

The audience enjoyed old favourites like Liberty Bell as a rousing opener and closer, Moon River, Rainy Days and Mondays and a delightful arrangement of Londonderry Air, as well as some original pieces, less familiar perhaps but no less striking.

The quality of the soloists and the enthusiastic skill of the ensemble were remarkable, and the event underlined once again the suitability of the Becconsall Old Church for small scale musical events.

The next public event at the Old Church is a Craft Exhibition and Demonstration, which will be open from 2.30pm on Sunday 18th July. The local crafts people taking part include a lace-maker, a painter of eggs, a damsel at a spinning wheel, a maker of corn dollies, a wood-turner and a card-maker; there will also be a display of embroidery and bead work.

Police in Lancashire Southern Division have now commenced their consultation exercise into the proposed Rural Police Operating Centre at Tarleton to canvas the views of local residents.

Volunteers from Aughton Police Station as well as the local Emergency Community Support Officer, Jan Dobson and other members of police staff, dispatched questionnaires to a sample of properties, including commercial properties and households in Tarleton yesterday – over 760 altogether. Posters have also been displayed around the village to inform residents that this is taking place.

Chief Superintendent Paul Harry, Commander for Southern Division commented, ”We are hoping for a good response rate from the residents of Tarleton to our questionnaire which allows people to record their views. Once this exercise has been completed and results analysed we will hold a public meeting to notify those that are interested as to the results.”

Anyone who has not received a questionnaire and would especially like to take part in the consultation exercise is asked to phone 01772 415423 where they will be asked to leave their name and address. A questionnaire will then be dispatched to them within 24 hours. All questionnaires need to be completed and returned in the pre-paid envelope provided by Friday 2 July, 2004.

Planning Applications received between 09/06/04 to 15/06/04 are now posted on the West Lancs District Council website - click here to view.

BT have outlined a request to remove one of the five public payphones in the Tarleton area.

The public phone at Green Lane Farm, Sollom has been targeted by BT for removal as it's usage is limited and has become financially unviable.

Tarleton Parish Council will write to BT expressing a wish to retain the 'phone if at all possible.

Lancashire Constabulary will this week begin their public consultation into the proposed Rural Operating Centre at Tarleton.

A comprehensive questionnaire has been drawn up with input from market research professionals to canvas the views of local residents that live in the village of Tarleton. The document will also be accompanied by a letter from Chief Superintendent Harry, a 'Frequently Asked Questions' document as well as a pre-paid envelope for replies.

The mailshot is scheduled to take place on Thursday 17 June and posters and a media release will also be used to advertise the fact that this is taking place. For residents that wish to participate but do not fall within the sample chosen, a telephone number will also be advertised for address details to be left and a questionnaire will be sent to them.

Planning Applications received between 02/06/04 to 08/06/04 are now posted on the West Lancs District Council website - click here to view.

Over eighty villagers met at All Saints Church hall yesterday evening at a presentation to honour the recipients of the Queen's Jubilee Medal.

Councillor Tony Murphy, Chairman of Hesketh Bank Council presented nineteen Medals to members of the community to mark their contribution to the life of the village.

The recipients were:

Nellie Iddon Brian Birkby and the late Joan Birkby Derek Oates Pat Hankin Andy Simpson Ray Jones Jennifer Wright Don Hand Paul Sergeant Ernie Wignall

Harry Edmondson Dorothy Trippier Joan Witter Peter Watkinson John Baxendale Frank Blundell John Southern John Parry Alan Baxter

At the March and Hymn tune Brass Band Contest held yesterday at the JJB stadium, Hesketh Bank Band came away with the first prize in the hymn tune competition. It was a lovely day. The sun was shining and, after a minutes silence for the heroes of D-Day sixty years ago, the band got to play in the centre circle in a beautiful stadium and came home with a trophy and some prize money. A grand day out!

Planning Applications received between 26/05/04 to 01/06/04 are now posted on the West Lancs District Council website - click here to view.

Seven of the nine members of Tarleton Youth Action Group who recently received a Lancashire Young Citizen Award 2003 were invited to a reception at the Derby Street Offices by Pat Taylor Chairman of West Lancashire District Council. The members of the group received the award in March from the High Sheriff of Lancashire and the Chief Constable of Lancashire at an awards ceremony at Hutton.

Simon Campbell, Bob Walker, Rob Marshall, Sam Iddon, Chris Cardinal, Daniel Edwards and Stephen Edmondson attend the reception held last night. Charlz Sharpe and Anthony Elliot who also received an award were unable to make the reception.

The group enjoyed the visit to the Council Offices and chatted about what they had achieved and what their personal plans were for the future.The group received the award for the volunteer hours they have put in upgrading and extending the cycle recreation area at the Carr Lane Playing Fields.

The group approached Tarleton Parish Council just under 12 months ago presented their ideas and plans for bringing this area up to date and were given the approval and some funding to help them on their way.They have put in over 250 volunteer hours and moved the focus of youth activity away from the village centre. It is hoped that when completed the area will be lit, have seating and shelter and form part of the outdoor sports area at Carr Lane that can be accessed free by any member of the community.

These young people are a credit to themselves and the organisation they are part of. Those that received the Lancashire Young Citizen 2003 award are some of the older members of the group who will be embarking on university, college courses or who are already in employment and the accreditation they have received from being members of the group will hopefully form part of their personal portfolios for their future lives.The group are still seeking funding to complete their project and any donations will be gratefully received. Please email tyag@tarletonvillage.com or ring Nadine Ashcroft on 01772 811552.

Planning Applications received between 19/05/04 to 25/05/04 are now posted on the West Lancs District Council website - click here to view.

Tonights 2004 medals final will be a local derby with Tarleton Corinthians first team up against the Hesketh Bank 'A' team. The match kicks off at 7pm at the Staion Road ground. Spectators are reminded that an entrance fee of £2 for Adults, £1 for OAP's and 50p for under 16's is payable.

During the recent Golden Jubilee, the country celebrated fifty years of Service, by Her Majesty the Queen.

The Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish Council noted that many people in the local community regularly gave of their time and resources to ensure that voluntary groups and clubs prospered. It was also recognised that others, by their very presence and neighbourliness enhanced the life and well-being of all whom encountered them.

It was resolved therefore, to mark this by presenting the ‘Queen’s Jubilee Medal’ to those local people that the Council and electorate considered should be recognised for their 'Service'. Such a list could never be complete, especially as many kindnesses and good works go un-reported. However, nineteen of our friends and neighbours have been nominated to receive this token of the communities gratitude and to that end, a small presentation will be held by the Parish Council at All Saints Church Hall on Tuesday, the 8th of June at 8pm.

Planning Applications received between 12/05/04 to 18/05/04 are now posted on the West Lancs District Council website - click here to view.

The count of all people and households in the ONS-2001 Census key statistics.

Planning Applications received between 05/05/04 to 11/05/04 are now posted on the West Lancs District Council website - click here to view.

Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish Council this evening discussed the following sites as potential alternatives to that proposed at the over 60's at Tarleton. Discussions with the police will be defered until after the local elections:

1)The Parish Council Land at Shore Road

2) The Millenium Garden

3) The Village Institute/Library plot

4) The Church Field, Station Rd.

In the face of critics who have been adamant that the proposed Police Resource Centre development will reduce the "Over 60's" car parking slots to only eight, the Chair of Tarleton Parish Council, John Hodson, has made public the two options for car parking arrangements which are being considered by the Parish Council.

Cllr Hodson commented "Cllr. Gavin Simpson of Tarleton Parish Council has drafted a number of possible layouts for the Parish Council Car Park to maximise the potential of the site with regard to the number of possible Car Park spaces in conjunction with the new Police Station."

Please click here for a larger image

In the draft proposals released, Layout A shows the Police Station situated where the existing Toilet Block currently sits and has a provision for 33 car parking spaces - only one less than the current car parking arrangements.

Layout B shows the car park extended to embrace all of the Parish Council land, (i.e. removing the side bollards and combining car park access and rear access to the shops). This improved layout would provide 44 similarly sized spaces, an INCREASE of nearly 30%!

Cllr Hodson added "This would allow us to make provision for reserved Police parking, larger disabled spaces and a bicycle rack. We hope that these draft layouts will allay people’s fears that have been fuelled by rumours and recent reports."

He continued "The old Toilets are in a very poor condition with the entire fabric of the building at the end of its design lifespan. West Lancs. District Council, who own the Toilet Block, have budgeted to spend some £30k on the Toilets to try and improve them. We will approach the District Council to review whether the money would be better spent on providing additional facilities, perhaps elsewhere in the village. The new publicly accessible toilets in the Community Room would more than adequately provide for the number of people who currently use the old toilets. With careful design the site can accommodate everyone’s wishes - without a loss of spaces."

With all submissions having to be with the Returning Officer by 4pm yesterday we can report that 18 people have put themselves forward for the 10th June elections to the 11 seats on Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish Council, 3 people for the HwB ward WLDC position and 2 for the Tarleton ward West Lancs District Council position:

In the face of critics who have been adamant that the proposed Police Resource Centre development will reduce the "Over 60's" car parking slots to only eight, the Chair of Tarleton Parish Council, John Hodson, has made public the two options for car parking arrangements which are being considered by the Parish Council.

Cllr Hodson commented "Cllr. Gavin Simpson of Tarleton Parish Council has drafted a number of possible layouts for the Parish Council Car Park to maximise the potential of the site with regard to the number of possible Car Park spaces in conjunction with the new Police Station."

Please click here for a larger image

In the draft proposals released, Layout A shows the Police Station situated where the existing Toilet Block currently sits and has a provision for 33 car parking spaces - only one less than the current car parking arrangements.

Layout B shows the car park extended to embrace all of the Parish Council land, (i.e. removing the side bollards and combining car park access and rear access to the shops). This improved layout would provide 44 similarly sized spaces, an INCREASE of nearly 30%!

Cllr Hodson added "This would allow us to make provision for reserved Police parking, larger disabled spaces and a bicycle rack. We hope that these draft layouts will allay people’s fears that have been fuelled by rumours and recent reports."

He continued "The old Toilets are in a very poor condition with the entire fabric of the building at the end of its design lifespan. West Lancs. District Council, who own the Toilet Block, have budgeted to spend some £30k on the Toilets to try and improve them. We will approach the District Council to review whether the money would be better spent on providing additional facilities, perhaps elsewhere in the village. The new publicly accessible toilets in the Community Room would more than adequately provide for the number of people who currently use the old toilets. With careful design the site can accommodate everyone’s wishes - without a loss of spaces."

Application No.:8/2004/0561
Location: 99, Blackgate Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: Alterations to roof to provide first floor living accommodation including 2 no. dormers at front. Single storey side extension. Detached double garage. Conservatory at rear.
Applicant: Mrs G Taylor, 99 Blackgate Lane, Tarleton

Application No.:8/2004/0565
Location: Nursery Adjacent, Cedars, Boundary Meanygate, Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Construction of security and screen mound.
Applicant: R & J Baybutt, 416 Moss Lane, Hesketh Bank

Application No.: 8/2004/0567
Location: Land adjacent, 91 Hesketh Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: Erection of detached dormer bungalow.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs S Muskett, 80 Moss Road, Halsall, PR8 4JQ

Application No.: 8/2004/0569
Location: 81, Station Road, Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Two storey side extension
Applicant: Mr P Rogers, 81 Station Road, Hesketh Bank

Application No.:8/2004/0581
Location: Montrose, 99, Shore Road, Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Single storey extension at front. Detached garage.
Applicant: Mr R S Bradshaw, Montrose, 99 Shore Road, Hesketh Bank

Application No.: 8/2004/0584
Location: 140, Chapel Road, Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Single storey side extension. Conservatory at rear.
Applicant: Mr P Allison, 140 Chapel Road, Hesketh Bank

Application No.: 8/2004/0585
Location: 16, Rankin Avenue, Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Single storey rear extension
Applicant: Mr & Mrs J Waterworth, 16 Rankin Avenue, Hesketh Bank

We will be voting by post this year, not only for Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish Council (eleven in total) but also for a District Councillor for West Lancashire and nine members for the European Parliament for the North West Region.

It's time to put up or shut up!
Are you going to stand for election?

Nomination Papers for Parish Councillors can now be obtained from either the Parish Council Clerk (Tel: 01704 506795) or the Electoral Services Manager at West Lancashire District Council at Ormskirk (Tel: 01695 577177). Papers for District Councillor or queries in either case should be addressed to The Electoral Services Manager at Ormskirk.

To qualify as a candidate, you need to have attained the age of 21 years and be a Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or a citizen of another Member State of the European Community. You also need to be one of the following:-

• Registered as a local government elector for the Parish.
• Have your principal or only place of work during the last twelve months in the Parish.
• During the whole of the last twelve months resided within 3 miles of the Parish

Nomination papers need to be returned to the Returning Officer at Ormskirk no later than 4pm on Tuesday 11th May.

We will be running an 2004 Election page where each candidate can formally state their message to voters (see 2003 Parish Council election as an example)

Application No.: 8/2004/0489
Location: 115, Church Road, Tarleton
Proposal: Display illuminated fascia & projecting sign on front elevation.
Applicant: Halifax Plc, Trinity Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2RG

Application No.: 8/2004/0353
Location: Land at Mayo Farmhouse,17, Plox Brow, Tarleton
Proposal: Incorporation of land into residential curtilage and formation of driveway
Applicant: Bertram Sheppard Ltd, Globe Mill, Midge Hall Lane, Midge Hall, PR26 6TN

Application No.: 8/2004/0466
Location: Barn at Bank View, Shore Road, Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Conversion of barn into dwelling and the erection of detached double garage.
Applicant: Miss L Jones, C/O Anadale, Shore Road, Hesketh Bank

Application No.: 8/2004/0467
Proposal: Erection of detached dwelling house.
Location: Holmeswood Garage, 201 The Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, Tarleton
Applicant: Mr S Ryding, 201 The Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0469
Location: Tarleton Rugby Union Football Club, Carr Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: Single storey and first floor extensions to provide additional changing rooms, cafe &
kitchen on ground floor with club room, committee room, office, store & balcony on first floor.
Applicant: Tarleton Rubgy Union Football Club, C/O Hugh Paterson, Croftland, Moss Lane, Burscough, L40 4AZ

Application No.: 8/2004/0473
Proposal: Single storey extension and conservatory at side and rear
Location: 2A,Chandlers Croft, Hesketh Bank
Applicant: Mr & Mrs A White, 2A Chandlers Croft, Hesketh Bank

Application No.: 8/2004/0478
Location: 8, Mayo Drive, Tarleton
Proposal: Single storey side extension. Replace existing flat roofs at side and rear with hipped
roofs.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs B G Davenport, 8 Mayo Drive, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0486
Location: 2, Meadow Park, Tarleton
Proposal: Conservatory to side of mobile home
Applicant: Meadow Park Ltd. The Bungalow, Westcliffe Drive, Morecambe, LA3 3NP

Application No.: 8/2004/0490
Location: Land at 186, Hesketh Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: Outline - Erection of four dwellings.
Applicant: Mrs J Iddon, Ivanhoe, 186 Hesketh Lane, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0517
Location: Long Acres, Guide Road, Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Pitched roof to replace flat roof over existing detached garage/workshop
Applicant: Mr G Twigger, Long Acres, Guide Road, Hesketh Bank

Application No.: 8/2004/0524
Location: 64, The Gravel, Mere Brow, Tarleton
Proposal: Two storey extensions to side and rear
Applicant: Miss L Crompton, 64 The Gravel, Mere Brow, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0533
Location: Unit 1, Mayo Farm Barn, Plox Brow, Tarleton
Proposal: Conservatory at rear
Applicant: Bertram Shepherd Ltd, Globe Mill, Midge Hall Lane, Midge Hall

Application No.: 8/2004/0537
Location: Dental Surgery,133 Hesketh Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: Single storey extension at rear to provide new entrance with access ramp, waiting room and reception.
Applicant: Dental Surgery, 133 Hesketh Lane, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0539
Location: 21, Hesketh Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: Conservatory at side
Applicant: Mr R L & Mrs J B Fairhurst, 21 Hesketh Lane, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0545
Location: Ashcroft Farm, 32 Carr Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: Erection of double garage.
Applicant: Mr H Ruttle, Heskin Hall Lodge, Heskin, Chorley, PR7 5PA

Application No.: 8/2004/0546
Location: Ashcroft Farm,32 Carr Lane,Tarleton
Proposal: Erection of 4 car garage block.
Applicant: Mr H Ruttle, Heskin Hall Lodge, Heskin, Chorley, PR7 5SP

The public meeting held tonight to discuss the proposed Police Resource Centre on the Over 60's Car Park was attended by over 85 members of the public and press.

Local resident and ex police officer Jim Kay chaired the meeting which began with a tape of the Radio Lancashire interviews made earlier today being played after which questions were taken from the floor and answered by a panel of 5 (Conservative) Parish and District Councilors.

Late April to early May is the time for potential giant pumpkin growers to start nurturing their prize winning pumpkins if they hope to compete at the Mere Brow Giant Pumpkin Competition in October. To encourage more novice pumpkin growers to take part in the competition two new categories were introduced last year; one for local pumpkin growers and one for juniors. These have been retained and so the 10th Mere Brow Giant Pumpkin event will again have the three separate competitions with prizes for the winner and runners up:

A very warm welcome is extended to our regular contestants and novice pumpkin growers alike and it is hoped to see more of the local schools joining in the friendly rivalry this year.

For more information on the competition weigh-in event, the competition rules, advice on growing giant pumpkins and some photos of previous winners please visit the website:
www.MereBrowGiantPumpkins.com

Application No.: 8/2004/0388
Location: 15, Carr Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: First floor extension and conservatory at side
Applicant: Mr & Mrs G Pilkington, 15 Carr Lane, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0391
Location: 26,Merlecrest Drive,Tarleton
Proposal: Conservatory at rear
Applicant: Mr N D Poulton, 26 Merlecrest Drive, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0401
Location: Balls Farm, Carr Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: Conversion of barn to dwelling including single storey porch extension at side;
Applicant: APA Developments Ltd, 43 Stanah Gardens, Thornton, Lancashire

Application No.: 8/2004/0402
Location: Arch House Farm, Guide Road, Hesketh BankProposal: Removal of agricultural occupancy condition imposed on planning permission 8/89/1507.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs H Benson, Arch House Farm, Guide Road, Hesketh Bank

Firstly a big thanks to the 122 people who took the trouble to share their views on our March 2004 'village vote' topic of Traffic Cameras:

We Asked:
"All things considered, should we have any Traffic Cameras in Tarleton & Hesketh Bank?"

Unfortunately a topic for the April Village Vote has not been submitted.
If you do have an idea for a topic then please submit it to the editor.

The BBC reports:
Two men and a youth have appeared in court charged with the murder of a man during an attempted car jacking at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Michael Howard, 57, of Hesketh Bank near Preston in Lancashire, was killed when thieves ran over him in his own car on 6 January.

The three, all from Speke, Merseyside, were remanded in custody at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday. The case was adjourned until a directions hearing on 13 May. Craig Abbott, 21, from Carley Walk, Neil Dolan, 20, from Yeardon Walk, and a 17-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons spoke only to confirm their names.

Mr Howard was unloading luggage from his car as he challenged a youth who tried to drive his vehicle away. Mr Howard, who worked for Salford-based pharmaceutical company Mawdsley-Brooks, was with his wife Elaine at the airport for an early morning holiday flight to Malaga. Fire crews tried to release Mr Howard from beneath his Volvo car, but he died at the scene.

The plume of toxic smoke coming from a massive fire at the Plastics Recovery factory on the Moss Side Industrial Estate in Leyland was visible for many miles across the surrounding area. Fire crews were called just before 7pm yesterday evening to tackle the fire and worked through the night to control an estimated 100 tonnes of plastic which were ablaze. Police have been advising residents to stay indoors and keep doors and windows shut.

Application No.: 8/2004/0362
Location: Land rear of 165, Moss Lane, Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Variation of Condition No.s 1 & 2 imposed on planning permission 8/98/0237 to allow two HGV's to leave the premises before 08.00 hours Monday to Saturday.
Applicant: W & J Witter (Produce) Ltd, 165 Moss Lane, Hesketh Bank

Application No.: 8/2004/0363
Location: Land at Hesketh New Marsh, Guide Road, Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Outline - Erection of agricultural workers dwelling including details of siting.
Applicant: Mr J Hesketh, Westlands Cottage, Grange Lane, Hutton, Preston, PR4 5JH

Application No.: 8/2004/0348
Location: 29, Hesketh Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: Single storey extension at side and rear
Applicant: Mr & Mrs C Irving, 29 Hesketh Lane, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0352
Location: 1, Windgate Fold, Tarleton
Proposal: Detached wooden garden building for use as pool house
Applicant: Mr C Jarvis, 1 Windgate Fold, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0357
Location: Land adjacent 121, Blackgate Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: Erection of glasshouses incorporating canteen, toilets, office, store rooms & pump room; formation of irrigation pit; alterations to vehicular/pedestrian access; provision of concrete yard and landscaping.
Applicant: Gro-Well Salads Ltd, Chestnut Lea Nurseries, Blackgate Lane, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0370
Location: 12,Becconsall Lane,Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Two storey side extension.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs B Wignall, 12 Becconsall Lane, Hesketh Bank

Application No.: 8/2004/0371
Location: 12, Fermor Road, Tarleton
Proposal: Conservatory at rear
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Balshaw, 12 Fermor Road, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0372
Location: 2, The Green, Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Two storey side extension.
Applicant: Mr B Mawson, 2 The Green, Hesketh Bank

Organised by the Tarleton Youth Action Group, the Boundary of Tarleton Sponsored Cycle Ride took place on Saturday 20th March.

20 people took part in the cycle ride 12 of whom had received sponsorship. It was nice to see that some people just came along for the exercise. The weather on the day got steadily worse and the cyclists had to cycle against gale force winds but this did not deter the determination to succeed and finish the course. Just as the cycle ride was coming within 2 miles of finishing the intrepid cyclists were subjected to a hailstorm but all participants arrived back in Tarleton in one piece, if not somewhat wet and battered.

Funds in excess of £800 were raised for Tarleton Youth Action Group’s holiday to Normandy and Sheila Bowes from Banks raised over £150 for Derian House Childrens Hospice.

What was wonderful to see was the determination of the young people to succeed although some of them thought about giving up they all arrived back in Tarleton on their bikes. Every participant was presented with a certificate to show to their sponsors and refreshments were served at Carr Lane Sports Pavilion and even though their shouldn’t have been any steam to let off after over 2 hours cycling everybody had a tale to tell about how they had got on.

If anybody would like to support Derian House or the TYAG for their efforts on Saturday further donations will be accepted and put to good use. Donations should be sent to Nadine Ashcroft, 10 Coe Lane, Tarleton, Nr Preston, PR4 6HH. Receipts will be sent to any person or organisation wishing to make a donation.

Application No.: 8/2004/0321
Location: Land adjacent, Nook Farm, Chapel Road, Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Detached house
Applicant: Mr L Marlor, 64 Canberra Road, Leyland, Preston, PR25 3ET.

Application No.: 8/2004/0330
Location: 76, Blackgate Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: Erection of detached building incorporating garage with storage above and 2 granny flats
Applicant: Mr & Mrs M McClusky

The new Community Beat Manager, Phil Corrigan and the new Community Support Officer, Jan Dobson, continued their local introductions with a visit to Hesketh with Becconsall Parish Council last evening.

Jan explained her broad role which covers Ambulance (First Responder), Fire (Community Fire Officer) and Police (Community Support Officer) covering Tarleton, Hesketh Bank, Banks and Rufford, or at least will do when her car arrives.

Phil repeated his request for donations towards the £600 cost of his push bike (see archive). Cllr Ball pertinantly observed that in addition to the normal sources of funding the Police enjoy, the Police House in Hesketh Bank was sold only months ago and pondered why such a request for additional financial support needed to be made to the local community. Nontheless, the Council indicated agreement to a £100 donation.

Mr Corrigan's humiliation was complete when he also confessed that he would need to pass his Cycling Proficiency before being allowed out on his new bike.

The council did convey their support for the two officers and welcomed the visibility they were already providing.

A wave of new computer worms and viruses has been sweeping cyberspace over the past few days, and has now reached epidemic proportions worldwide. MX Logic, a security firm based in Denver, Colorado, said the Netsky.D worm "has reached a critical threat level, with one in every 71 emails infected by the worm". The British firm mi2g called the latest outbreak a "tsunami" of malicious computer code, or malware, saying it is "overwhelming both its victim organisations as well as anti-virus toolkit companies and security professionals across the world."

"The first two months of this year have been marked by an unrelenting onslaught of mass mailing worms and their variants, including Mydoom, Mydoom.F, Bagle and Netsky.D. We are convinced that the frequency and potency of mass mailing worms and their variants is likely to increase - making it critical that email users take every precaution to protect their inboxes," said Scott Chasin, chief technology officer, MX Logic.

Over the past days, virus fighters have battled a number of new releases of the Bagle and Netsky internet worm families, and Tuesday afternoon some 10 per cent of all emails in Europe were contaminated by bugs, statistics showed. In contrast to most other viruses, Netsky.D does not have an expiration date, and it will therefore remain a menace for some time to come, experts pointed out.

The 1st Hesketh Bank Brownie Unit has announced changes to the way in which children are collected as a result of a recent 'risk assesment'.

Brownies will no loger be allowed to leave the hall unescorted and so, with immediate effect, ALL parents/guardians must now come into the back of the Church Hall to collect their daughter at the end of each meeting.

Application No.: 8/2003/1258
Location: Green Lane Farm, Liverpool Old Road, Sollom, Tarleton.
Proposal: Single storey rear extension and conversion of former piggery into garage & store.
Applicant: T Brown, Mill Farm Barn, Moss House Lane, Much Hoole

Application No.: 8/2004/0219
Location: Back Lane Farm,Chapel Road,Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Conversion of former agricultural building (including ground floor extension) to provide granny annexe on ground floor and farm office/store to first floor.
Applicant: Mrs Francis Wareing, Back Lane Farm, Chapel Road, Hesketh Bank

Application No.: 8/2004/0226
Location: 226, Hesketh Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: New pitched roof over existing flat roof at side and rear to provide new office space and store.
Applicant: Bernard Dickinson, 226 Hesketh Lane, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0231
Location: 34,Kearsley Avenue,Tarleton
Proposal: Single storey rear extension
Applicant: Mr & Mrs P Howard, 34 Kearsley Avenue, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0233
Location: Land rear of 15, Station Road, Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Change of use of garden into car park for use in connection with the adjacent business at No. 19 Station Road.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Finn, 19 Station Road, Hesketh Bank

Application No.: 8/2004/0236
Location: 5 Gorse Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: Erection of replacement dwelling with attached garage.
Applicant: Roland Bardsley Homes Ltd, Globe Square, Dunkinfield, Cheshire, SK16 4RG

Application No.: 8/2004/0238
Location: 7, The Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, Tarleton
Proposal: Replacement detached brick garage
Applicant: Nicola Ollerton, 7 The Marshes Lane, Longfold, Mere Brow

Firstly a big thanks to the 346 people who took the trouble to share their views on our 'village vote' topic of the Boundary Commission proposals.

The results:

Which means:
With 41% of the votes, the most popular option was to join with South Ribble and the least popular, with an emphatic 96% against joining with Sefton. Interestingly, a massive 63% want to see a change from the present arrangement and get rid of WLDC which is in stark contrast to the "central" views presented by various groups in Ormskirk where favour for the status quo is said to be in excess of 90%. Now why would that be? Answers on the Message Board please!

Tarleton Youth Action Group are carrying out a sponsored Cycle ride on Saturday 20th March to raise funds for the groups trip to Normandy In July. The idea is to cycle the boundary of Tarleton, which is 15.3 miles, have some fun and in the process raise some funds.

Any member of the community who wishes to join the cycle ride, whether to raise funds for any worthy cause or just the exercise, is more welcome to join the group.

The cycle ride will depart Mark Square at 11am on Saturday 20th March and will finish at Carr Lane Sports Pavilion for a well deserved brew.

For sponsorship forms or further details please contact Nadine Ashcroft on 01772 811552 or Helen Randle on 07971527520 or email tyag@tarletonvillage.com

Application No.: 8/2004/0193
Location: Land at Middle Meanygate,Tarleton
Proposal: Erection of stables building
Applicant: Mr J Mee, 8 Hesketh Lane, Tarleton

Application No.: 8/2004/0191
Location: 7-9,Station Road,Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Single storey extensions at side and rear to provide additional office accommodation.
Applicant: Andrew Turpin & Co, 7-9 Station Road, Hesketh Bank

Application No.: 8/2004/0188
Location: 330, Moss Lane, Hesketh Bank
Proposal: Erection of greenhouses.
Applicant: T & E Forshaw, Glendale Plants & Shrubs, 330 Moss Lane, Hesketh Bank

Application No.:8/2004/0173
Location: Mere Brow Village Hall, The Gravel, Mere Brow, Tarleton
Proposal: Erection of 1.5m high entrance wall incorporating bench seat.
Applicant: Mere Brow Village Hall, 65 The Gravel, Mere Brow

Application No.: 8/2004/0172
Location: Huntapac Produce Limited, Blackgate Lane, Tarleton
Proposal: Extension to existing chiller building to provide organic packhouse.
Applicant: Huntapac Produce Limited, Blackgate Lane, Tarleton

Application No.:8/2004/0205
Location: Riverside Caravan Park, Southport New Road, Banks
Proposal: Certificate of Lawfulness - Use of land as caravan site for the stationing of up to 450 static caravans.
Applicant: Riverside Touring & Holiday Home Park, Southport New Road, Banks

Representation was made at the meeting of Tarleton Parish Council tonight for financial assistance towards the cost of a push bike for Phil, the new Beat Bobby (Community Beat Manager) who is hoping to start patrolling Tarleton and Hesketh Bank from the 1st of March .

The Council agreed to a £100 donation towards "getting the bobby a bike" with a further £100 contribution anticipated to be provided from Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish Council.