AMADEUS
is a 6 year old brown and white Leonberger x Bernese
Mountain cross breed. who has been missing from
Banks since November.
Originally
from Devon, he has been living rough since escaping
from his new owners and is described as a shy dog,
particularly of men.
Whilst
there have been many reported sightings around Tarleton
and Hundred End he has still not been caught. If
you have any information please ring 07769 865385.
POLICE
MERGER PROPOSAL CONDEMNED
28/12/05
"Don't
let local village policing be merged with Merseyside"
- warns Lorraine Fullbrook
Local Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman Lorraine Fullbrook
has called on the Government to think again about proceeding
with plans to merge the Lancashire police force into one
of just twelve giant regional constabularies, at an "astronomical"
cost to the taxpayer.
Following
a Commons debate on the merger the week before Christmas,
Lorraine has warned that the independence of Lancashire
police is at stake, along with their operational effectiveness,
stability, and essential links with local communities.
And
she has accused Home Secretary Charles Clarke of seeking
to force through the changes without adequate debate: "Rather
than being driven by operational effectiveness, the changes
are being driven by blind belief in centralisation that
defies the facts. And rather than focusing on the needs
of local people, they are bound to be driven by an agenda
of regionalisation that this Government continues to pursue
against the will of the people."
Mrs
Fullbrook stressed how the most successful recent anti-crime
drive was achieved in New York where police teams were locally
managed, directed and financed.
She
warned how the proposed larger force responsible for local
policing in villages like Tarleton and Hesketh Bank may
cover Merseyside as well Cumbria and would be "too
huge to be effective" and result in some officers having
to drive for hours to reach their new regional headquarters.
Mrs Fullbrook also expressed alarm at the likely costs of
the shake-up - which she warned could run into hundreds
of millions of pounds, while taking ages to implement.
"As
my colleague David Davis pointed out in Parliament , there
is every chance that costs will go up, not down. If nothing
else, all experience shows that the process of amalgamation
itself will be a ferociously disruptive and distracting
exercise, probably for several years...during which time
neither the criminals nor the terrorists will rest."
Mrs
Fullbrook declared: "I am not opposed to any change
in the current structure of Forty Three police forces, but
I do believe there are very serious problems with the current
proposal. It makes policing remote, when we should be making
it local. It makes policing unaccountable, when we should
be giving people greater control. It threatens massive costs
for local taxpayers with no extra benefits and it is driven
by a regional agenda which has already been rejected by
the British people.
Everywhere
we turn, the Government seem determined to organise our
lives on regional lines. Like the possible merger of local
Hospital Trusts this is all about saving money, and breaking
Britain up into euro-regions and not about improving service.It
would be a tragedy indeed if we sacrificed good and effective
policing on the altar of regional dogma. It will be a tragedy
if the Government pushes through this hasty, ill-considered,
costly, disruptive, and dangerous plan. A tragedy the people
of Lancashire cannot afford."
BURGLAR
WARNING
21/12/05
Police have
today asked for all residents to be aware of a vehicle which
is suspected to be being used in the West Lancs area by
a white male for the commission of burglary. The vehicle
is a blue Ford Mondeo registered number M63 NVR.
If this vehicle is seen
please report it's location to the Police if you have any
information relating to this vehicle please ring the Police
or Crimestoppers on Tel 0800 555 111
TORYS
BACK CAMPAIGN AGAINST HOSPITAL MERGER
15/12/05
South
Ribble and Southport Parliamentary Spokesmen call for cross
party campaign
Lorraine Fullbrook, who hopes to be the Conservative MP
for Banks, Tarleton, Hesketh Bank, Rufford, Mawdesley, Eccleston
and Croston, after the next General Election and Mark Bigley,
who hopes to represent Southport for the Conservatives in
Parliament, have thrown their support behind the campaign
against the possible merger of the areas hospitals.
In
a letter to the local
press and this website, Mrs Fullbrook and Mr Bigley
have welcomed the decision of Rosie Cooper MP and
John Pugh MP to oppose the possible merger, but point
out that it is Mrs Coopers own Government that is
behind the problems that have led to the consultation
that could result in the merger of our local Southport
and Ormskirk Hospital Trust with Liverpool Trusts.
"The
Government has thrown huge sums of money at the Health
Service, and yet they have done such a bad job that
the Trust is around £15 million in debt. We
urge everyone to sign the petition against the possibility
of a merger, and we pledge to work with anyone, regardless
of their political affiliation, in the battle to keep
our health Trust local. The Government seem hell bent
on merging everything from our Police Force to our
Councils and now our Hospital Trusts. Together we
can send a clear signal that local people have had
enough." say Lorraine and Mark.
Mark Bigley and Lorraine Fullbrook discuss their opposition
to the possible merger of our local hospital Trust
with Hospital Trusts in Liverpool
TARLETON
VILLAGE VIEW NEWSLETTER
11/12/05
Residents
of Tarleton will be getting a copy of the latest 'Village
View' newsletter courtesy of Tarleton Parish Council.
The
newsletter carries updates on a wide range of local projects
and community news. The consultation slip this time focuses
on the Police and Communities Together (PACT)
initiative and the proposed redevelopment of Mark Square.
Feedback is important to the Parish Council and readers
are again asked to take the time to submit their thoughts
on these topics.
If
you can't wait for yours to be delivered or if you live
outside of the parish then you can download the document
as a .pdf file by clicking
here
A
change of use planning application has been submitted to
develop two intersecting grass airstrips for microlight
and very light aircraft at a farm in Bretherton.
The land is within a 5.7 Hectare parcel of agricultural
land at Long Fold Farm, North Road, Bretherton and access
to the airstrips are proposed to be via a grass taxiway.
The
planning committee is expected to make a decision on the
application on the 1st March 2006.
NEW
DETECTIVE CHIEF INSPECTOR
07/12/05
Detective
Chief Inspector Martin Kay has joined the Senior Management
Team within Southern Division.
Born
and brought up in South Ribble and living in Hoghton, Detective
Chief Inspector Kay has 23 years service and joined Lancashire
Constabulary in 1983 as a Police Constable in Blackburn.
DCI
Kay worked in the County’s Eastern Division in Uniform
and Detective roles at both Constable and Sergeant level
for approx 14 years before working at HQ within the Serious
and Organised Crime Unit. In 2001 Martin was promoted to
Preston where he worked in the Intelligence Unit as a Detective
Inspector with additional responsibility for the investigation
and detection of serious crime prior to joining Southern
Division on promotion last week.
Detective
Chief Inspector Kay commented,” I am thrilled
to be working in Southern Division, which is a new
area and provides a new challenge for me. I am looking
forward to getting to know local people and working
with fellow officers to continue to provide a first
class service to the local community.”
Detective
Chief Inspector Kay will be responsible for the divisional
reduction and detection of crime and responsibility
for CID, the Intelligence Unit, Target Teams, the
Operations Department including Road Policing, the
Tower Project as well as the Multi-Agency Problem
Solving teams.
COLDEST
WINTER IN A DECADE SET TO ADD £600 MILLION TO ENERGY
BILLS With
the Met Office set to confirm tomorrow that we are expecting
the worst winter in 10 years, leading switching and comparison
site uSwitch.com,
reveals that the arctic freeze forecast for this winter
is set to add £600 million to the nation’s energy
bill.
The
last time the UK suffered from an unusually cold winter
(1995/96) energy consumption swelled by 5% per household.
Based on today’s prices this would bump up the nation’s
energy bill by £600 million. Furthermore, recent price
rises mean that consumers who wish to turn up their thermostat
by 1 degree to keep warmer, will have to pay an extra £57
- 46% more than four years ago.
Alan
Tattersall, Director of Home Services at uSwitch.com,
states: “This could be the most expensive winter people
have faced for many years. Freezing temperatures mean that
the amount of energy used just to keep warm and healthy
this winter, would result in energy bills soaring.
“By
the end of this year, customers will have seen their energy
bill rise by at least 16% or over £100. In addition,
the poorest 10% of the population are now spending 9% of
their income (up 27% since 2001) on their energy bills which
is perilously close to the industry definition of “fuel
poor”, which is 10%. We are concerned that further
increases in the New Year could see vulnerable groups struggling
to keep warm this winter.”
The
average consumer bill will have risen by over £100
by the end 2005 to a total of £770. In a double whammy,
energy customers should brace themselves for price hikes
in the region of 15% by major energy suppliers as early
as the first quarter of 2006 (possibly pushing the average
fuel bill up by a further £116). These anticipated
prices increases come in the wake of burgeoning wholesale
gas prices that have risen by 417% since the start of the
year.
The
combined impact of a volatile market, price increases by
all major suppliers and a harsh winter means that consumers
who have never switched could pay close to £1000 for
their gas and electricity by early next year.
To
exacerbate the issue, data from the Met Office between 1971
through to 2000 shows that February has, on average, the
coldest minimum temperatures - suggesting that the worst
of the weather is still to come.
To
help mitigate this and ensure that people keep warm this
winter, uSwitch.com
recommends the following measures:
Switch to save £££’s
Switch supplier and you could make savings of up to
£170 a year. Use an independent
energy price comparison service to ensure you get
a like for like comparison
Claim your rightful benefits. Everyone over 60 should
claim the Winter Fuel Payment and there are many other
benefits and grants to which you may be entitled. Call
SeniorLine to find out more: 0808 800 6565
Apply for energy
savng grants and programmes. There are many free
products and services designed specifically for older
people, such as the British Gas 'Here to HELP' programme.
Contact major energy suppliers to find out what they
offer.
Inadequate insulation could cost UK consumers £1.9
billion in unnecessary energy use this winter, according
to figures from the Energy
Saving Trust. Save up to £250 by making some
simple energy efficient changes such as investing in
loft insulation, using a draft excluder and changing
normal for energy efficient light bulbs.
Keep
your home between 21 and 24 degrees – this is
the optimum temperature recommended to keep you healthy.
Keeping heating on longer at a lower temperature is
also cheaper than putting it on for shorter periods
at a higher temperature.
PENWORTHAM
TRAFFIC (JAM) CAMERA QUESTIONED
23/11/05
Locals
who think they have been wrongly accused of speeding have
been urged to demand photographic evidence after a freak
flaw was discovered in a traffic camera on the A59 at Penwortham.
The camera has apparantly been triggered by the vibration
of roll-down shutters on the back of large lorries as they
queue in the slow moving traffic.
The
Daily
Mail has reported that the vibration from slow-moving
and even stationary lorries has caused the static roadside
Gatso cameras to flash hundreds of innocent motorists stuck
in the traffic jams (recording them travelling at speeds
of up to 80mph), leaving them in line for a £60 fine
and three points on their licence.
Serco,
the company whose Gatsos account for 85 per cent of all
speed cameras in use on UK roads, were said to have confirmed
the problem but went on to claim that 'fewer than 20' cars
were flashed and no one was wrongly penalised.
However,
speed camera officials in Lancashire said Serco technicians
had told them there was a widespread problem with cameras
across the UK. Solicitor Clive Burton, who has handled numerous
traffic offence cases, said: "I would urge everyone
to demand the photographic evidence. There are, I'm afraid,
some quite unreliable devices around."
Association
of British Drivers spokesman Mark McArthur Christie said:
"Thousands of drivers could already have been wrongly
fined around the country. "Most
people do not ask for a photograph when they receive their
fixed penalty notice. They simply pay the £60 for
fear of a much bigger fine if they challenge it."
Speed
camera expert Dr Michael Clark said: "There have been
a number of incidents where someone successfully contested
a case by insisting on seeing the pictures."
Police
across Lancashire's Southern Division are warning car
owners to take more care over their car security in
an attempt to cut down on incidents of auto-crime over
the winter months as the frosty mornings set in. They
are again stressing the following messages to motorists
across the division:-
On
frosty mornings do not leave your insecure car
unattended whilst defrosting. Many motorists will
start their car and leave it running with the
fan turned on to help the defrosting process whilst
they go inside. If you cannot garage your car
overnight, either stay with it whilst the windscreen
clears or cover it with a protective sheet so
that the windscreen does not get frosted up.
Last Friday at approx 7.40am a Mazda MX5 was stolen
from Kilsby Close in Walton-le-Dale in exactly
this way.
Leaving
the engine running whilst out of the car on a
public highway is an offence but this also gives
criminals the opportunity to take the vehicle.
Quite a few people do this whilst calling into
a newsagents first thing in the morning but will
also leave their keys in a switched off vehicle
when filling up with petrol – an open invitation
to an opportunist thief.
Insurance
companies request details of auto crimes from
the police to assess each individual’s claim.
These details help to establish whether the aggrieved
has been contributory to the loss and ultimately
whether the insurance company will pay out.
In
the run up to Christmas do not leave valuables
on display in your car and avoid leaving bags
of presents on view. This also applies not only
to Christmas presents but other items such as
laptops and bags – if you don’t need
it don’t leave it in your car.
Ensure
your car is safe, secure and properly alarmed
at all times. Leaving high powered and valuable
vehicles on driveways attracts attention and incidents
have happened recently where thieves have broken
into insecure properties and stolen the keys to
vehicles – these crimes have not just happened
overnight. Keep your property secure and your
car keys out of sight.
Chief
Superintendent Chris Weigh commented, “We are
in our first real cold snap of the winter and offenders
have already seized opportunities whilst owners defrost
their vehicles. Please don't think that they won't visit
your area - thieves travel everywhere to carry out these
type of offences and unfortunately they are usually
successful in finding what they are looking for. It
is far easier for them to steal a vehicle with keys
than without."
LONG
WAIT FOR THE NEXT BUS?
16/11/05
OPSTA
– the Ormskirk, Preston & Southport Travellers’
Association – is holding a meeting on Wednesday,
23rd November at the Stanley Institute, Burscough
starting at 7.15 p.m. The topic will be the serious
losses of public transport in West Lancashire.
Everyone
knows the old joke about waiting ages for a bus, and
then three come along together. Well, the residents
of parts of West Lancashire and the surrounding areas
will be waiting even longer in the future, because
there will be no buses – or at least very few.
Already
we have lost many of the rural services subsidised
by the County. Then last May Arriva took off the 303
that used to run from Ormskirk to Preston, changing
it to run from Ormskirk only as far as Tarleton. Now
we know that Arriva is soon taking off all its bus
services north of Ormskirk, to Burscough, Martin Mere,
Rufford and Tarleton. The feeling of isolation is
only getting stronger – and there may be even
more cuts coming along.
But
it is not just buses. There is a risk that some of
our local railway stations could be affected. The
new franchise award to Northern Rail – who operate
all the trains from Ormskirk to Preston and from Southport
to Manchester – includes a review of all the
Northern services, with a clear directive from the
Government to reduce the cost of subsidising local
train services. In other parts of the country, stations
have already been identified for closure, and they
have more passengers than several of our local stations.
All
this comes despite the County making a serious effort
to improve public transport. There is now recognition
that our roads are so congested, and fuel is so expensive,
that a good convenient public transport system is
essential. And it needs to be a lot more attractive
to a lot more people.
With
the opening of the new Burscough Bridge Interchange
only days away, it would be a terrible wasted opportunity
if there were no buses at the Interchange soon. So
what can be done? There are some opportunities that
could help to provide some answers.
First,
Burscough Parish Council has taken the lead in looking
into alternative bus arrangements. They have met with
the County, with bus operators and others. There is
a possibility that the County could help, if a viable
proposal can be put forward, to find another bus operator
to replace the services we are losing. But it must
be a commercially viable operation, because the County
does not have the money to provide a subsidised service.
So a lot of thought is needed locally to see if this
can be achieved.
Second,
the MP for Southport John Pugh has sponsored a detailed
proposal for major improvements in local train services.
These improvements could include an extension of the
electric train service from Liverpool through Ormskirk
to Burscough, a new route from Southport to Preston
via Burscough, and in the longer term even more improvements.
While many people remain doubtful, there have been
some positive and hopeful signs recently.
None
of these may eventually happen. But the chances that
they will can be improved if local people get involved
in whatever way you can. It is crucial that local
knowledge and ideas are pulled together, because local
public transport is supposed to serve us – the
local people who know what we want! So come along
on November 23rd, and put your ideas forward.
SINGING
SWEDES VISIT HESKETH BANK
15/11/05
Hesketh
with Becconsall All Saints C of E School have established
a strong partnership with a School in Sweden - The
Karl Johans School from Orebro, the 6th largest town
in Sweden. Following a recent successful visit by
8 Swedish teachers from the Karl Johans School to
All Saints School earlier this Summer, they are now
bringing over 25 girls (aged 13 -15) who form part
of their School's Girls Choir to visit us in Hesketh
Bank. They will be arriving on Thursday 24th November
and staying until the Monday 28th November. All of
the girls will be staying with local host families
in the village.
During
their time here they will be performing the St Lucia
Concert at Blackburn Cathedral on the Saturday evening
the 26th November at 6.30 pm This is a FREE
concert which is open to anyone. It promises to be
a very good concert and all are advised to make the
effort to attend. Click
here to download a .pdf brochure for this event.
"This
will probably be the closest that you will ever get
to hearing Angels sing"
The
Karl Johans Girl Choir will also be singing at the
All Saints Church in Hesketh Bank on Sunday 27th November
at 10.30am (which is the first Sunday of Advent) This
will be an ideal opportunity for local people to come
along to meet our Swedish visitors and to enjoy their
musical contribution to our Advent service at All
Saints Church.
The
girls from the Karl Johan School will be performing
their very last concert here in the UK - (exclusively
for the parents and pupils of Hesketh and Becconsall
All Saints C of E School) on Monday 28th November
at 9.00am at All Saints School.
Hesketh
with Becconsall Parish Council declared a vacancy
on the council last night after Stephen Trippier was
disqualified for non-attendance.
Cllr
Trippier was reported to have failed to attended the
Parish Council meetings since the 4th of April 2005
and had only attended 5 of the 20 meetings that have
been held since he was elected in 2004 (See
election results) with 498 votes.
It
is now up to Parishoners to decide as to wether an
election is required - If a 10 signature form is returned
within 14 days there will be an election, if not,
then the Council will co-opt a nominee onto the Council.
An election costs the village approximately £1600.
Keep an eye on the notice boards for more details.
At
last month's meeting of Tarleton Parish Council, the
Parish Councilors who remained in the meeting until
public participation heard a member of the public
berate the council for the lack of attendance by Councillors
after the council struggled to maintain the necessary
quorum of four from the twelve councillors that should
have been present.
Lorraine
Fullbrook, the Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman
for the South Ribble constituency, which covers Tarleton,
Banks, Hesketh Bank and Rufford, and soon to include
Eccleston, Mawdsley and Croston, has re-affirmed her
opposition to the Government’s new licensing
laws, which are due to come into full effect on 24
November.
The
new Licensing Act will allow pubs and night clubs
to apply for whatever opening hours they wish, abolishing
the old 11pm closing time and 20 minute ‘drinking
up’ time. The new laws come at a time when violent
attacks across West Lancashire have risen by 123%
in the last three years.
Lorraine
explained that although responsibility for licensing
is being transferred from magistrates’ courts
to local authorities, councils have very little discretion
to refuse late licences:
Applications
are automatically granted unless an objection is
made, but only certain people are allowed to object.
Residents can only object if they live in the immediate
‘vicinity’.
Councillors
are not allowed to object to applications in their
ward in their own right.
Councils
must follow the 180-page Whitehall guidance, which
prevents councils from staggering closing times
across an area.
Councils
cannot object to ‘Temporary Event Notices’,
such as controversial raves or festivals for up
to 500 people.
There
are few powers to hold pubs and clubs responsible
for rowdy or drunken customers once outside their
premises, even if the serving of alcohol caused
the nuisance.
“At
a time when violent crime is rising, weakening the
laws on late licensing threatens to increase crime,
nuisance and disorder even further. I am all in favour
of people having a good time out, but a licensing
‘free for all’ threatens to create not
a café culture, but a yob culture in our village
centres.
“Labour’s
new licensing laws fail to give local residents and
councillors a strong enough say to decide what’s
best for our local community. The whole legislation
needs a complete overhaul to stop the upsurge in yob
behaviour, to lighten the burden on village halls
and community facilities, and give local councils
far more discretion to take into account the concerns
of local people.”
There
has been a spate of house burglaries in the West Lancashire
are which have occurred between 7pm and 9pm of an
evening.
The
offenders have entered garages and garden sheds, taken
the garden spade and used it to gain entry to the
house by forcing the windows.
Once
inside they have stolen Plasma Tv's, cash, car keys
and then stole the car. The offenders are believed
to be using a Gold coloured VW Golf saloon, registered
number similar to PE53 LCS.
Both
offenders are reported to be male and white, one has
dark hair the other has Ginger hair and a frecle covered
face. Please report any sightings of the offenders
or the vehicle and remember to secure your outbuildings
that contain garden equipment.
If
you have any information, please contact the Police
on 0845 1 25 35 45. or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
THS
OPENS MICROSOFT IT ACADEMY FOR ADULTS
20/10/05
Building
on the school's status as a Community Technology College,
Tarleton High School is pleased to announce that starting
in November, its not just pupils that will benefit
from recently refurbished computer rooms!
The
school has been selected to become a Microsoft IT
Academy, with teachers receiving specific training
on Microsoft Office software. This enables the school
to deliver a nationally recognised qualification to
adults in the community that is fully accredited by
Microsoft.
The
first course will study Microsoft Word and will be
aimed at parents helping their children to word process
homework. Further classes in other Microsoft Office
applications will follow, along with classes targeted
at parents.
The
course will cost £130, which includes:
*
Expert tuition
* The examination fee at the course completion
* Transportation to the examination centre
* Refreshments during the evening
* Free Microsoft software for 180 days
This
course does enable parents to achieve a nationally
recognised, Microsoft accredited award that is sought
by businesses today. A Free 'taster' session is offered
to the public during our launch night of Wednesday
2nd November from 7pm-9pm. Classes for the course
then start on Monday 14th November 2005 from 7pm until
9:15pm for 10 weeks.
Tarleton
High School's Head of Information Communication Technology,
Alison Jones said ''this is a fantastic opportunity
for both the school and the community, we can't wait
to start!''
MARK'S
SQUARE SUPERMARKET PROPOSAL
18/10/05
Paul
Smith of Acland Bracewell tonight tabled a proposal
for a comprehensive redevelopment of Mark's Square
in Tarleton at the meeting of Tarleton Parish Council.
The
futuristic 'improvements' to the popular facility
include a supermarket three times the size of the
current Spar shop, a fitness club on the second floor
and additional retail space. The pedestrianisation
of the central square would allow community events
to be staged and offer the potential for siting small
market stalls and vending kiosks within the traffic
free square. It was claimed that by incorporating
the field behind the bike shop into the design, the
overall impact on car parking facilities would be
negligable.
An
exhibition of the proposal will be hosted in Tarleton
Library 2pm-7pm Friday 4th November and 9.30-12pm
Saturday 5th November.
Acland
Bracewell also intend to mail a copy of the proposal
to each of Tarleton's 2300 households and provide
residents with the opportunity for feedback. It is
understood that the leaflets will be posted out on
Monday 31st of October with all comments required
to be received by 13th November. It is anticipated
that the official planning process will begin shortly
afterwards.
Some
immediate concerns were voiced at the meeting regarding
such a contemporary design being sited alongside a
conservation area, additional traffic and the loss
of the fairground site but the main discussion was
very much focused on the detrimental impact a shop
of this size may have on other village shops both
within Mark's Square and beyond.
Strong
views were offered that it would be the final nail
in the coffin of village life in both Tarleton and
Hesketh Bank; should such a proposal go ahead it was
considered unlikely that Booths would continue with
their proposed development which would have created
a focal point for Hesketh Bank, leaving Mark's Square
as the centre of a small town made up of the combined
villages.
Expect
both 'sides' to be having their say in the local press
over the coming weeks but what do you think? Have
your say on the letters
page!
Local
Arm Wrestling Team Launch
17/10/05
On
Monday 24th October at 7.00pm, at the Becconsall Hotel,
Keith Taylor will be launching The Preston Panthers
ArmWrestling Federation.
Keith
competed in the Great Britain Championships and came
second on his right arm and third on his left arm
in his weight class. A number of his fellow UK and
World competitors from the sport will be in attendance
at the pub and the event promises to be a great opportunity
for local people to see the sport first hand.
Keith
is currently looking for potential members and also
sponsorship opportunities so get down to the Becc
on Monday night if you are interested.
CLOSE
SHAVE FOR MACMILLAN
17/10/05
Brian
"Warsteiner" a well known regular at the Cock
and Bottle has volunteered his services to raise funds
for Macmillan Nurses by having his head shaved this
Wednesday to coincide with the pubs latest entertainment,
an evening of music from a Beetles tribute band.
Anyone
wishing to support Brian and his efforts can either
come along on the evening and enjoy the music and
Brians actual shaving or pop into the pub during normal
opening hours and a member of staff will be happy
to let you sign Brian's sponsor form.
Brian's
efforts so far are edging towards the £400 mark
so we all wish him well.
JOHN
MIDGLEY CROWNED GIANT PUMPKIN CHAMP
15/10/05
Tarleton's
very own John Midgley took the crown of heaviest giant
pumpkin grower at the Mere Brow Giant Pumpkin Competition
which was held today. The 702lb pumpkin is also believed
to be the heaviest pumpkin weight recorded this year
at any of this seasons UK competitions.
Dave Turley from Dune FM presents
the coveted Mere Brow Giant Pumpkin Shield
to this year's competition winner - John Midgley
of Tarleton.
Dave
Turley, first time giant pumpkin grower and
Dune FM DJ proudly displays the local radio
station's entry which weighed in at a very
respectable 301lb.
John last won the Mere Brow Giant Pumpkin Competition
in 2001 with a 454lb Pumpkin.
A
record 32 giant pumpkins were entered into the
famous Mere Brow competition which was again
compered by the tireless DJ Dave Turley of Dune
FM. The proceeds of the event are to be
donated to the North West Ambulance.
J.
Midgley
702
James
O'Hanlon / Liam Cupit
638
G.
Wright
541
M.
Bond
530
Jack
& Hollie Bond
519
Josh
Whiteside
515
Mark
O'Hanlon
506
L.
Whiteside
497
Lois
Cupit
497
James
O'Hanlon / Liam Cupit
473
R.
& E. Langton
466
G.
Wright
442
Jody
Wilson
440
Jody
Wilson
420
Amy
Woolam
411
J.
Rimmer
389
J.
Houghton
376
M.
Done
370
J.
Whiteside
361
J.
Bryan
356
A.
Whiteside
356
Grace
Wright
334
P.
Wareing
330
D.
Shaw
312
Grace
Wright
304
Dune
FM
301
P.
Wareing
295
M.
Johnson
277
A.
& K. Midgley
266
T.
Wilson
249
Amy
Woolam
224
J.
Wilson
209
FULLBROOK
TO LEAD THE FIGHT
11/10/05
The
Conservatives in Lancashire have started the campaign
to win the next election by re-adopting Lorraine Fullbrook
as the candidate for the key marginal seat of South
Ribble.
The seat was held by Labour after a recount in May by
just 2000 votes, and boundary changes are expected to
reduce this to a notional majority of just 1000 at the
next General Election.
Lorraine Fullbrook collecting
signatures in support of the
"Out of Lancs - No thanks" campaign.
Local
Party members attending the meeting held last
weekend voted overwhelmingly to endorse Mrs
Fullbrook as the Conservative Party's Parliamentary
Spokesman for the South Ribble Constituency.
The
seat which includes Banks, Tarleton, Hesketh
Bank and Rufford, will also include villages
such as Mawdesley, Eccleston and Croston at
the next General Election, and is seen as one
of the Tories top targets.
The
decision by the Conservative Party to "fast
track" Mrs Fullbrook is seen by local Conservatives
as recognition that whilst unsuccessful in May
she is one of the Party's rising stars.
Commenting on her re-adoption, Lorraine said "I
am delighted to have been given the chance to finish
the job I began less than two years ago. David Borrow
knows just how lucky he was to hold on in May, and his
dearest hope must have been that having halved his majority,
I would cut and run for a safe a seat, leaving him unchallenged
for the next two years. Sadly, for Mr Borrow his worst
nightmare has just come true. I committed myself to
the people of the South Ribble Constituency then, and
will continue to do so for the rest of my political
career."
She continued, "Labour is failing local people,
more today than even just six months ago. I see it as
my job to speak up for each and every local person who
it is being let down."
One of those pleased with Lorraine's re-adoption is
County Councillor Malcolm Barron who represents Hesketh
Bank, Banks and Tarleton.
He commented, "Lorraine was a fantastic champion
for local people in the eighteen months running up to
polling day in May. Her support for campaigns such as
the "Green Lane Link" and "Out of Lancs,
No Thanks" was fantastic, and having worked closely
with her, I am convinced that that she has everything
it takes to become our MP at the next election. She
will do brilliantly for local people and for the country."
SHORE
ROAD PLAY AREA VANDALISED
04/10/05
Vandals
struck at the Shore Road playing fields last weekend,
demolishing the roundabout and cutting down young trees.
The
roundabout has now been immobilised and will
be replaced as part of the extensive improvements
to the play area which started this week.
The
Parish Council have also instructed contractors
to renew the path from Delta Park and make improvements
to the surface of the car park.
The
Parish Council will also be seeking a commitment from
Hesketh Bank Football Club to finish the work they agreed
to do to the Shore Rd changing rooms and surrounding
area after local residents again complained about the
lack of progress.
WLDC
START BIN BAG CLAMPDOWN
30/09/05
West
Lancs District Council today announced that it has
issued over 100 fixed penalty notices to litter bugs
in West Lancashire in the last three months alone.
All of the £50 fines were issued for either
throwing litter in the street or out of car windows
or for putting bin bags out "too early".
The
news
release then goes on to name and shame the 32
people who have already paid their fines (including
the unlikely named "Mr Firwood Timber")
but makes no reference to those who did not pay up.
The
clampdown comes in advance of the controversial cut
in refuse collections set to be introduced in October
whereby "grey" waste collection will be
halved without any change as to what or how much recyclable
material will be collected.
Critics
of the proposed change claim that the average household
will have to deal with over 4 bin bags of refuse a
month that will remain uncollected under the new arrangements
and this will inevitably lead to an increase in fly
tipping.
Many
residents have already applied to the Council for
additional bin space but as each request is to be
dealt with individually, the unexpected demand made
on the Council department has meant that the home
visits to establish requirements have not yet started.
Good
news - Bryn the spaniel is back home! He was
found asleep in the hedge at the Anchor Inn
at Hutton.
Joyce
said "He is very lucky dog in every way.
Please thank everyone for us as they have been
so kind. We have had people who we have never
met before walking the fields for us and wanderered
about looking for him. We have had phone calls
and emails about him beeing seen, and calls
asking about him."
"He
is fine but has a bit of a limp and is very
tired. He has been checked out by the vet and
was fit enough to come home. I just can't say
thank you enough times"
Bryn
- "please don't shout at me"
Lost
Spaniel Update
21/09/05
Joyce
has asked us to pass on the following update about
her spaniel who went missing last Saturday: Please let folk know our spaniel was sited on
Monday asleep in the grass verge on the Longton bypass
by the lolipop lady for Walmer Bridge school but,
being frightened, shot across the road down Dob Lane.
He was again sited today (Wednesday) at Midge Hall
at the cross roads leading to Bretherton and Leyland.
He seems to be following the roads to find his way
home so please keep a look out for him. After six
days he must be getting quite weak. If you have any information at all please contact
Joyce Walmsley on 01772 81xxxx.
Best
Kept Village Awards For Tarleton And Mere Brow
20/09/05
The
annual Best Kept Village competition has declared
Tarleton the winner of the Large Village Class and
also awarded the accolade of Most Improved Small Village
to Mere Brow.
The
formal presentation of the awards will be made on
the 15th October and each village will be given Garden
Centre vouchers as prizes.
Lost
Spaniel
18/09/05
A
white and brown springer spaniel was lost in Tarleton
yesterday (Saturday 17th September). The dog is described
as small size, still has his tail and can be skittish
towards men.
He
is a small dog for a springer, has white/brown patches
and still has his tail. He had no collar on at the
time when he was last seen late afternoon down Moss
Hey. The dog warden and police have been informed
and posters have been put around the village and in
local shops
He
is a much loved pet and the owner would like to hear
from anyone who has any information. Please contact
Joyce Walmsley on 01772 81xxxx.
New
RSPB reserve proposed for Hesketh Out Marsh
12/09/05
Plans
by the Environment Agency and the RSPB to breach the
existing Hesketh Bank embankment in four places in
order to create 100 hectares of additional inter-tidal
marsh land and creeks for wildlife have now been put
forward for comment.
The
RSPB is negotiating to purchase a total of 168 hectares
(primarily the western half of Hesketh Out Marsh)
and the new reserve will include eight 1 hectare salt
water lagoons which are to be excavated on the site
to provide wader feeding habitat.
New
flood defences will be required and construction of
a new "cross-wall embankment" separating
Hesketh Out Marsh West from Hesketh Out Marsh East
is proposed (although if the scheme were later expanded
this bank would be removed). The existing embankment
between Hesketh Out Marsh West and Hesketh New Marsh
would be upgraded as this would become the new primary
line of defence.
The
report also notes "As a result of the change
of use of Hesketh Out Marsh West from agricultural
to nature conservation use, the proposed planning
application will include change of use of one nearby
residential property (Ribble Hall, presently subject
to an agricultural tie) and an adjacent barn (Ribble
Hall Farm) together with extinguishing of a nearby
public footpath leading to the site (for which alternative
plans exist and to which a new access route is to
be created)."
Hesketh-with-Becconsall
Parish Council have been invited to offer their views
on the proposal but their response to the consultation
document is required by 22nd September 2005.
As there are no other known routes for public consultation
on this project at this stage, if you do have any
comments, issues or more information you MUST contact
a councillor immediatly.
The
Hesketh Bank Village Hall Library provided a
facility for the villagers using grant funding
from West Lancashire District Council, the Carnegie
Trust UK, the Lotteries Board Small Grants Scheme
and the donation of over 2000 books by the villagers.
A small band of volunteers helped with the renovation
of the Front Hall and the library was finally
opened on April 1st 2000 by South Ribble MP
Mr. David Borrow and the Hesketh Bank Millennium
Queen Miss Lara Johnson.
Hesketh bank Village Library
For
three years, the library proved popular and
was open for three days a week with over 4000
books on file, covering a wide range of topics.
The children from Happy Days Nursery enjoyed
story time in the Library with books read to
them by the volunteers who ran the facility,
it also offered the use of a computer for school
work and a photocopying service. Eventually
however, unable to compete with the service
provided by Tarleton Library and the Mobile
Service, interest declined and the library was
reluctantly forced into closure on April 1st
2003.
Due
to the ongoing need to renovate the Village
Hall, it has now been decided to hold a sale
of the books and use the proceeds to contribute
towards the replacement of the timber cladding
with brickwork and replacing the existing wooden
windows with UPVC units. The sale will be held
in the Village Hall Library on Friday 16th ,
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September with
doors open between 10am and 4pm. All books (most
in ‘as new’ condition) and bookcases
must go, with prices from only 25p. A selection
of the books available can be found here
Both
of Hesketh Bank's village halls are available
for hire at very reasonable prices. Current
users include Happy Days Nursery, Hesketh
with Becconsall Parish Council, Judo, Kick
Boxing and Painting Classes and Slimmers World.
To enquire about booking the Halls or discuss
setting up a club or group please contact
either Brian Birkby on 01772 813340 or Mike
Winrow on 01772 814214.
Hesketh-with-Becconsall
Parish Council remain unsure of what will
be the outcome for the infamous Hesketh
Bank Youth Shelter. Offers to loan the structure
to neighbouring parishes have been made
by the Council but as yet there have been
no takers.
The
£8,000 Youth Shelter was installed
in December 2004 on land behind the Hesketh
Bank Village Library but was removed after
only a few weeks following a surge of vandalism
and anti-social behaviour in the area.
The
location of the facility was decided between
the Parish Council and the teenagers themselves
and was supported by the Police. Local residents
were not consulted.
Through
the fothcoming September issue of the Parish Council
newsletter, the council will be asking residents for
suggestions on what they should now do with the Youth
Shelter. Why not have your say now on
the letters page.
BELLY
DANCERS REQUIRED
31/08/05
Tarleton
High School has teamed up with Liz Jarrett,
a local Belly Dancing instructor to offer a
new, fun and different way to relax and keep
fit. Best known in the West as a dance performed
by women, it is a great way to get fit and suitable
for all ages body types and levels of fitness!
Gentle on the joints, it is based on natural
movements of the body - with dancers in America
and Europe finding it a colourful antidote to
the stresses and strains of everyday life.
For
those people that are interested and would like
to find out more, we are offering an open evening
on 5th September 2005 at Tarleton High School,
from 7:45-8:45pm, with a 10 week course starting
on 12th September. People should contact Tarleton
High School Sports Hall on 01772 817907 (open
evenings and weekends) to enrol or express an
interest in the open evening.
ANGELS
ROCK THE OLD CHURCH
30/08/05
Tom Pickering Solo
Tarleton
and District Brass began their concert at Becconsall
Old Church on Sunday with the majestic flourish
of the march "Imperial Echoes". They ended
with the rock anthem "Angels", propelled
along in thrilling style by their 11-year old drummer.
In between, we enjoyed a wide variety of music,
played with enthusiasm and verve by this generally
youthful band. A
splendid group of soloists included Alan Rimmer
on "Share My Yoke", who also duetted with
Steve Cochrane on "Ein Schnapps", Tom
Pickering on "Hello Dolly", his sister
Genna on "Lady in Red", Alan Taylor on
"Myfanwy" and Alan Bould on "Demelza".
Gillian
Bould, the band's conductor, was sadly indisposed.
Bandmaster Barry Taylor, himself a conductor of
long experience, stepped into the breach, his important
euphonium part in the ensemble taken over at short
notice, and with admirable aplomb, by Alan Taylor.
A
sizeable audience added their own enthusiasm to the afternoon.
It all added up to another highly successful musical event
at this very special venue.
A motorbike that was in a collision
with a car and came to rest alongside a barrier.
This rider was lucky to escape with just broken
bones.
Local
Police are issuing warnings and advice to motorcyclists
after a number of collisions on the Division’s
roads involving motorbikes.
Since
1st April 2005 there has been a significant increase
in collisions involving motorcyclists – five
of which have resulted in drivers or pillions losing
their lives.
Inspector
Eddie Newton who is in charge of the officers who
attend and investigate these collisions commented,”
In recent months there has been a disturbing increase
in motorcycle collisions."
"In
some cases the collision occurs through no fault of the
rider who is always vulnerable, but it is fair to say that
a significant number have also resulted from excessive or
inappropriate speed and rider misjudgement of hazards. All
riders no matter what their experience or whether they have
sports bikes or commuter bikes are at risk. We are not trying
to take away the enjoyment from bikers, but really want
to make them consider the consequences of their actions
not only for their own safety but the effects a serious
accident can have on their families.”
In
the next few weeks police officers across the division
will be proactively targeting riding standards amongst
motorcyclists including excessive and inappropriate speed,
illegal number plates, loud exhausts and tinted visors.
Police
will visit areas that are known to have a high casualty
rate or where numerous complaints from residents have
been received regarding unsafe riding. These will include
the Elmers Green area of Skelmersdale, Aughton, Halsall,
Holmeswood and Croston. They will also visit popular meeting
points including Rivington Barn at Rivington to speak
to riders informally.
Inspector
Newton said “We are aware of a significant problem
caused by large numbers of riders passing through the
division to attend bike meetings at the Scotch Piper pub
at Lydiate and the Hen and Chickens pub at Maghull on
Wednesday evenings. My message to those riders is simple,
ride safely and lawfully and you are welcome to enjoy
the roads of this area. Ride dangerously or in a way that
puts you and others at risk and you can expect to be dealt
with firmly by police officers.“
Police
and Community Newsletter Launched
30/07/05
Community
Beat Manager Phil Corrigan, ECSO Jan Dobson and PCSO Rob
Massam have been working hard to get the first Police
and Community Newsletter published and distributed.
Topics
in the newsletter range from an explanation of what the
PACT initiative is about and how you can get involved,
an update on Operation Summer Nights, crime prevention
advice and an appeal for more local Neighbourhood Watch
schemes to be set up. The newsletter is now available
to read online in pdf format - click
here.
The
planning application for the redevelopment of Alty's into
a mix of industrial buildings and 83 residential dwellings
will go before West Lancs Planning Committee on
the 28th July.
The
meeting will be held in the Council Chamber at 52 Derby
Street, Ormskirk commencing at 7:30pm.If you wish to speak
at the meeting you must complete a request to speak form
and return it to WLDC by 5pm Monday evening.
The
planning report will be available to read at Ormskirk
or online.
The recommendation of the Case Officer is that the application
be refused.
PARISH
COUNCIL LAUNCH OWN WEBSITE
23/07/05
Hesketh-with-Becconsall
Parish Council have decided that the time has come to
break free from the confines of www.heskethbank.com and
for them to run their very own web site. The
Clerk has been very busy setting it all up and their new
web site can be found
here.
FULL
HOUSE FOR HISTORY LESSON
20/07/05
A
close-to-capacity audience crowded into Becconsall Old Church
last Sunday to hear David Johnson talking in inimitable
fashion about the long history of of Hesketh Bank and Tarleton.
Despite
describing himself as a mathematician rather than
a historian, he was able to bring to life the earliest,
pre-Roman evidence of human occupation of this virtual
island. With many enthralling digressions David
brought us up to date by way of probable Viking
settlement, a medieval earthquake and 'tsunami'
which uprooted thousands of trees, and the thrills
of river crossings in the 17th and 18th centuries,
when there were more routes to Preston than there
are today.
He dwelt
on the coming of the canal and railway, and the odd station
at Douglas Port, from where, for a couple of years at least,
the paddle steamer 'Virginia' operated a service to Lytham.
He also spoke of Hesketh Bank's railway driven ambitions
as a holiday resort, when there were flounders for tea in
the smart hotel, and sea and sand where there is now marsh
and mud.
During the interval, his audience gathered with enthusiasm
round the exhibition of photographs and documents which
David and his wife had spent hours assembling before the
event. Here were to be found pictures
of the last train to leave Hesketh Bank railway station,
Silver Bands from many years ago, long departed family groups,
lost buildings, and much more
There
was praise today for the sensitive manner in which police
officers and members of the local community responded
to the abusive graffiti that was discovered early Sunday
morning. The police confirm they are taking the matter
very seriously and request that the public come forward
with any information they may have that would help catch
those responsible.
In
a statement issued this afternoon, Inspector Melling said
"We can confirm that there were incidents of racist
graffiti that appeared on buildings within the Tarleton/Hesketh
bank area over the weekend. The
graffiti was cleaned up very quickly and we are very grateful
to members of the community who helped do this.
We
are currently working with key members of our community
to reassure them at this sensitive time and we would appeal
to anyone who may have any information about the graffiti
to get in touch with us via Ormskirk Police Station on
01695 566430 or via our Communications Centre on 0845
1 25 35 45."
RACE
HATE OUTRAGE HITS VILLAGES
17/07/05
Villagers
in both Hesketh Bank and Tarleton awoke to find
that anti-Muslim graffiti had been daubed throughout
their respective villages during the night.
Targets
for the attacks included Bang Bang School outfitters,
Post Office/Bargain Booze, Hesketh Lane Chapel and
Tarleton Community Primary School.
The
Police attended the scenes this morning and put
on additional patrols throughout the villages to
assess the extent of the damage.
Police
Scientific Support staff were also quickly on the
scene collecting evidence including taking samples
of the paint used in the attacks.
By
10:00 am the clean-up operation was allowed to get
underway and many volunteers got to work to remove
the abusive messages.
Anyone
with any information about these incidents should
contact on Crimestoppers
on 0800 555 111
Outraged
or Apathetic?
Have
your say on the letters page
Racial
intollerance arrives in Hesketh Bank
A
message of hate in the TCP playground
Removing
Graffiti from Hesketh Lane Chapel
BANKS
LAUNCH SUMMER SCHEME FOR LOCALS
17/07/05
Thanks
to funding from the Local Network Fund and North Meols
Parish Council, Banks Piv Posse are able to run a comprehensive
Summer Scheme for young people aged between 10 and 17.
Activities
will take place between Tuesday 9th August and Thursday
18th August.
Activities
are Circus Skills, Video Skills, Football Training by
an FA qualified coach, Golf, Outdoor Pursuits at Rock
and River Mawdesley, Raw Art (Graffiti), Clog Dancing,
Modern Disco Dance, African Drums, Arts and Crafts and
several sessions of Outdoor Games.
The
activities are open to any young person from Banks,
Tarleton, Hesketh Bank or Rufford and any young
person who attends Tarleton High School. Most activities
are being run from 10am to 3pm, although some sessions
are only 2 hours.
Volunteers
running the scheme have been CRB checked and the majority
are trained in Youth and Community work.
The
cost is 50p a session for young people from Banks and
£1.50 for anyone else.
For
further information please email
or ring and leave a message on the answerphone on 01772
811552.
Programmes
and booking forms are available from all schools in the
area, the drop in at Hesketh Avenue, Banks, on Thursday
21st and 28th between 6pm and 10pm and Tarleton library.
This
is an excellent opportunity for young people to learn
new skills and have fun at affordable rates.
The
final event on Thursday 18th August which is for all those
who have participated in the scheme is a BBQ and fun session.
MORE
SUMMER HOLIDAY TRIPS ANNOUNCED
10/07/05
Lancashire
Youth and Community Service are offering 4 trips during
the summer holiday period. The trips on the dates below
are for young people aged between 11 and 16 from the Tarleton,
Hesketh Bank, Banks, Rufford, Holmeswood and Mere Brow
areas.
Tuesday
2nd August Ice Skating Cost £8
Tuesday 9th August Rhyl Sun Centre Cost £8
Tuesday 16th August Bowling and team activities Cost £8
Tuesday 23rd August Alton Towers Cost £15
Pick
up points will be at central points in each village and
a packed lunch or money for food is not included in the
above price. Application Forms are available from Tarleton
library, by contacting tyag@tarletonvillage.com
or ringing 01695 585761.
SUMMER
FUN CLUB - ENROL NOW!
07/07/05
The
excitement is growing at Tarleton High School, as preparations
are nearing completion for the very first Summer Fun Club
to be held in the brand-new £1.2million Community
Sports Hall.
The
fun packed programme has something for everyone this summer
with sports such as football, basketball, badminton, swimming,
gymnastics and trampolining scheduled in an extensive
programme that runs through to September. Organisers stress
the need to enrol for the activities to avoid disappointments
The
Fun Club will feature 3-day football camps to offer in-depth
training with FA qualified coaches. In addition, multi-sport
camps will follow the same format, but offering badminton,
basketball and swimming sessions in the school’s
pool.
West
Lancashire District Council will be offering a chance
for children aged 8-14 to try a variety of sports in their
activity days on 25th July and 15th August from 10am-3pm.
For just £6 children will be able to spend the day
practising Tri-Golf as well as other fun sports!
Gymnastic
classes will be held every Friday, with a two-hour session
for both beginner and intermediate gymnasts.
The
schools Sports Hall and Swimming Pool are open to the
public at evenings and weekends year round and will be
available throughout the summer holidays.
The
complete Timetable of Events is available as a pdf file
- CLICK
HERE
For bookings and enquiries for all activities, please
call Steve James on 01772 817907
SKEM
POLICE STATION OPEN DAY
05/07/05
Have
you ever wanted to look inside a police cell or sit inside
a police car? If the answer to these questions is yes,
local Police will be giving you the opportunity to do
just that at their Open Day, which will be held at Skelmersdale
Police Station this Sunday 10 July from 11am until 4pm.
Amongst
the attractions this year will be Police Dogs an Armed
Response Vehicle, a Police Motorcycle, a Traffic Car,
along with the Automatic Number Plate Recognition System
– one of the latest pieces of equipment that the
police are using to catch criminals. The Lancashire Partnership
for Road Safety will also be attending along with their
“Billy Bee” mascot.
Adults
and Children will also be able to have a look round the
police cells and custody office where they will be able
to have their “fingerprints” taken.
Various
information and advice will be available on a range of
issues from Crime Prevention, Neighbourhood Watch as well
as Recruitment for joining the police on a full time basis
or on a part-time basis as a Special Constable or a volunteer.
Local Bobbies along with Community Beat Managers will
also be available to speak to. There will be various attractions
for children including a magician and balloon modeller,
competitions as well as the opportunity to try on some
items of police uniform.
Inspector
Ian Blackburn, Acting Area Commander for Skelmersdale
commented, ”This is a great opportunity for adults
and children to come along and learn more about their
local police, what they do and the equipment they use.
The event will be a fun day with various attractions on
offer for children. Everyone is welcome to come along
and have a chat with local officers about the work they
do.”
Anyone
requiring further information or details should contact
Skelmersdale Police Station on 01695 566134. It is requested
that children under 13 are accompanied by an adult.
If
you have any issue you wish to raise with your
local police officer don't miss the PACT SURGERY
Wednesday 6th July 5:30-6.30
pm
Tarleton High School Police
And Communities Together Website
HESKETH
BANK HORTICULTURAL SHOW REVIVAL
04/07/05
If
enough helpers can be found, the famous Hesketh
Bank Horticultural Show may well be staged once
more.
It
is now several years since the show was last held
and whilst still very popular with exhibitors, insufficient
help behind the scenes forced the annual event to
close.
At
the P.C.C. meeting last week the committee agreed
to endeavour to resurect the show for September
2006 - if sufficient support can be found to assist
in the running of the event. Some
of the previous organisers have agreed to help and
pass on their knowledge.
Commitment to holding the show must be made soon
enough to allow potential entrants preparation time
before the start of the next growing season. If
you can help in any way then please contact the
Rector on 01772 814798.
Man
polishing his onions
NSPCC
Midsummer Ball tops £7,000
25/06/05
Despite
the heat, the Midsummer Ball held at Mere Brow Institute
last Saturday proved to be a great success with
all those attending, the
sponsors and also the NSPCC
who will benefit from the massive £7,000 raised.
The evening commenced at 6pm with a champagne reception,
followed by dinner, fundraising and then dancing
late into the night.
Norman Walker took on the role of auctioneer and
proved to be a very worthy one, pushing the auction
funds alone to a staggering £3770.
Event organisers, Karen, Gill, Janet and Cathy would
like to say a very big thank you to all those who
sponsored the Midsummer Ball, donated prizes, offered
help and advice along the way.
Holly,
Tom, and Chloe helped out at the Midsummer Ball
by selling Teddy Bears and also saying Grace before
dinner.
After
a well earned rest the girls will need to begin
thinking about next year as the clamour for tickets
and tables at the 2006 Midsummer Ball has already
begun!
HANGING
BASKET BOOST FOR VILLAGE
24/06/05
Duncan
& Dorothy admire the Post Office Hanging Basket
Local
Traders Arden Lea Nurseries and Alty's
Horticultural Supplies have backed the Parish
Council's efforts in the Best Kept Village competition
by supplying and planting out some fifteen hanging
baskets now displayed on the front of commercial
premises within Hesketh Bank - and all
for free.
The
Parish Council had previously fitted all the buildings
with purpose made brackets, with shopkeepers making
a contribution to the cost.
The picture shows Mrs Dorothy Hinde admiring the
basket outside the Post Office on Station Road
with Mr Duncan Taylor of Arden Lea and also also
Chairman of the British
Bedding and Pot Plant Association.
ROUND
HOUSES DISCOVERED AT MARINA SITE
13/06/05
Unconfirmed
reports suggest that the archaeological remains of two
iron age or bronze age "Round Houses" have been
found during the excavations at St. Mary's Marina, Rufford.
Lancashire
County Council Archaeological Servcies are said to be
involved and a full report including carbon dating is
anticipated over the coming months.
WALK
OF WITNESS PHOTOS
13/06/05
Iain
Dutton has kindly provided photographs of the parade Hesketh
Bank & Tarleton Ecumenical Walk held on Saturday the
11th of June. Click
here to see the photos
HwB
PARISH COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE
10/06/05
Despite
being found in breach of the “Code of Conduct”
on numerous counts, the Standards Board for England has
concluded that ‘no action’ need be taken against
ex-Parish Councillor Raymond Ball, apparently on the basis
that he “is no longer a member of the Council and
has no intention of becoming a member in future”.
Members were originally given to believe that Mr Ball
would face disciplinary Tribunals on several counts.
At
their monthly meeting last Monday, Hesketh with Becconsall
Parish Council roundly condemned the decisions of the
Standards Board as being totally incomprehensible, believing
that their conclusions sent out a wholly unacceptable
message on standards to the general public. The Council
resolved to make the strongest of representations to the
Standards Board and the Office of the Deputy Prime-Minister
as well as the Standards Committee and Monitoring Officer
at West Lancashire District Council.
Commenting
after the meeting, Councillor Richard Plant, Chairman
of the Parish Council said, “It would appears from
this that a Member can break all the rules, but if he
is subsequently leaves the Council, there is no redress”.
Cllr Plant went on to say, “The high public profile
given to many of the unacceptable activities of Mr Ball
at that time made it essential that justice was seen to
be done, this has not been the case. The Standards Board
for England advertise themselves as offering “Confidence
in Democracy”, and go on to say “Confidence
can only be achieved when elected and co-opted members
of local authorities are seen to live up to the high standards
the public has a right to expect from them”. Such
decisions as we have seen today make this a farce. It
would appear that Mr Ball, if he so wished, could still
stand for election on four or five adjacent Parish Councils
as well as Hesketh; this surely cannot be acceptable”.
“Fortunately
the Council has now moved on and is actively carrying
out its duties and functions as well as instituting several
new initiatives.” Commented the Parish Clerk.
STANDARDS
BOARD SHAME
09/06/05
After
a lengthy, thorough and no doubt costly investigation
into the shenanigans at Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish
Council, the Standards Board have now published all their
findings. The allegations being investigated by the Standards
Board primarily related to the events surrounding the
dismissal of the Parish Council Clerk and the infamous
Football Club Tree saga (see the 2003
and 2004 news archive
for more details):
Case
no. SBE4628.03 Date received: 09 Jan 2003
Member: Councilor Antony Murphy
It
was alleged that Councillor Antony Murphy, a member
of Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish Council, bullied
and intimidated the parish clerk between February
and August 2003. Councillor Murphy allegedly failed
to communicate with the clerk, questioned his advice,
and ignored the clerk’s minutes of council
meetings. It was also alleged that Councillor Murphy
did not give the clerk the chance to respond to
a list of allegations about his performance, and
seconded a proposal to dismiss the clerk. In addition,
Councillor Murphy allegedly sent an email to West
Lancashire District Council saying that the clerk
had been dismissed prior to the parish council having
decided to dismiss him. It was further alleged that
Councillor Murphy invited a county adviser to attend
a confidential session of a parish council meeting,
and required the clerk to hand financial documents
and chequebooks to the adviser.
On
the available information, the Ethical Standards
Officer considered that Councillor Murphy, as Chair
of the council, played a role in the council’s
actions leading up to the dismissal of the clerk.
However, the Ethical Standards Officer considered
that there was no compelling evidence that Councillor
Murphy breached the Code of Conduct by failing to
treat the clerk with respect.
The
Ethical Standards Officer found that no action needs
to be taken in relation to this matter.
Case
no. SBE3101.03 and SBE3223.03
Date received: 03 Mar 2003
Member: Councillor John Hunter
The
complainant alleged that Councillor John Hunter
failed to declare a personal and prejudicial interest
while discussing matters affecting Hesketh Bank
Football Club at parish council meetings on 10
and 31 March 2003. One of Councillor Hunter's
relatives is a senior figure at the club.
The
complainant also alleged that Councillor Hunter
was disruptive at both meetings, which brought
his office or authority into disrepute.
The
Ethical Standards Officer considered that the
council's decision would have affected Councillor
Hunter's relative more than others in the parish
and that his relative's interest was so significant
that it would have prejudiced his judgment of
the public interest. The Ethical Standards Officer
therefore found that Councillor Hunter failed
to declare a personal interest and failed to withdraw
from the meeting on 10 March 2003 where he had
a prejudicial interest.
The
Ethical Standards Officer noted, however, that
there was no evidence that Councillor Hunter deliberately
ignored the Code of Conduct and that he would
not benefit personally from a council decision
about the club.
The
Ethical Standards Officer also considered whether
Councillor Hunter had been disruptive at the meeting.
The Ethical Standards Officer found that on the
available evidence, if Councillor Hunter did disrupt
the meeting, it was during a robust political
debate.
In
these circumstances, the Ethical Standards Officer
found that no action needs to be taken.
Case
no. SBE3100.03 and SBE3222.03B
Date received: 31 Mar 2003
Member: Councillor Paul Sergeant
It
was alleged that Councillor Paul Sergeant failed
to declare an interest a discussion at a Hesketh-with-Becconsall
Parish Council meeting on 10 March 2003.The council
debated the removal of Leylandii trees from a sports
ground used by a football club. Councillor Sergeant
was the Vice President of the football club, but
did not declare an interest, remained in the meeting
and took part in the debate. It was also alleged
that Councillor Sergeant had a prejudicial interest
in the discussion and should have withdrawn from
the meeting.
The
Ethical Standards Officer referred this matter to
the Monitoring Officer at West Lancashire District
Council for determination by the Standards Committee.
Councillor
Sergeant told the Standards Committee hearing that
he had breached the Code of Conduct, but that he
had taken part in the meeting as a mediator in favour
of the parish council.
The
Standards Committee decided that Councillor Sergeant
had a personal and prejudicial interest in the discussion
at the meeting. The Standards Committee therefore
concluded that Councillor Sergeant failed to comply
with the Code of Conduct by failing to declare a
personal interest and by failing to withdraw from
the meeting.
The
Standards Committee took into account the fact that
Councillor Sergeant's actions were not malicious.
It also welcomed Councillor Sergeant's admission
of his failure to comply with the Code.
The
Standards Committee decided to censure Councillor
Sergeant.
The
Standards Committee recommended that members of
Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish Council attend West
Lancashire District Council?s training on the Code
of Conduct on 24 November 2004.
Case
no. SBE3100.03 and SBE3222.03A
Date received: 31 Mar 2003
Member: Councillor Paul Sergeant
The
complainant alleged that Councillor Paul Sergeant
failed to declare an interest in the discussion
at a Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish Council meeting
on 31 March 2003. The council allegedly discussed
the removal of Leylandii trees from a sports ground
used by a football club. Councillor Sergeant was
the Vice President of the football club, but did
not declare an interest and remained in the meeting
room. It was also alleged that Councillor Sergeant
had a prejudicial interest in the discussion and
should have withdrawn from the meeting.
The
Ethical Standards Officer noted that the meeting
was a short one that only seems to have discussed
the accuracy of draft minutes for a previous meeting.
The council did not discuss the merits of the council's
decision to remove the trees from the sports ground.
The Ethical Standards Officer therefore concluded
that Councillor Sergeant did not have a personal
or prejudicial interest at the 31 March 2003 meeting.
The
complainant also alleged that Councillor Sergeant
failed to treat another member with respect by calling
them a "liar" at the meeting.
The
Ethical Standards Officer considered that Councillor
Sergeant's remark was part of a robust political
debate. The Ethical Standards Officer accepted that
Councillor Sergeant believed the other member had
lied to the council. The Ethical Standards Officer
concluded that Councillor Sergeant did not fail
to treat the member with respect.
The
complainant made a further allegation that Councillor
Sergeant brought his office or authority into disrepute
by disrupting the meeting on 31 March and another
meeting on 10 March 2003.
The
Ethical Standards Officer was not satisfied on the
available evidence that Councillor Sergeant disrupted
these meetings in a way that brought his office
or authority into disrepute.
Finally,
the complainant alleged that Councillor Sergeant
failed to register his involvement in the football
club in his register of financial and other interests.
The
Ethical Standards Officer did not consider that
the position of vice-president of an amateur football
club was a registrable interest under any of the
sub-paragraphs of paragraphs 12 and 13 of the Code
of Conduct.
The
Ethical Standards Officer reached the overall finding
that no action needs to be taken in relation to
these matters.
Case
no. SBE3274.03, SBE4338.03 and SBE7146.04
Date received: 17 Apr 2003
Member: Councillor Raymond Ball
The
complainants alleged that Councillor Raymond Ball
gave inaccurate advice about the proposed removal
of Leylandii trees from a sports ground in Preston
at a Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish Council meeting
on 10 February 2003. Councillor Ball also allegedly
insisted on a vote on the issue without first
obtaining quotes for the work or discussing the
allocation of council funds. The complainants
believed that Councillor Ball had a personal and
prejudicial interest in the issue because he lived
near the sports ground. The complainants also
alleged that Councillor Ball arranged for the
removal of the trees by a contractor the next
day and asked the contractor to charge the council
using four separate invoices.
The
Ethical Standards Officer considered that Councillor
Ball had a personal interest in the issue because
he lived near the sports ground, and the removal
of the trees would have affected the view from
his property. The Ethical Standards Officer also
considered that Councillor Ball’s interest
was so significant that it was likely to prejudice
his judgement of the public interest. The Ethical
Standards Officer concluded that Councillor Ball
breached the Code of Conduct by failing to disclose
a personal interest, failing to withdraw from
the meeting and improperly seeking to influence
a decision on the matter.
The
Ethical Standards Officer also considered that
Councillor Ball breached the council’s Standing
Orders and its decision to defer payment for the
removal of the trees. Councillor Ball told a contractor
to start work without obtaining the required two
quotes and later signed a council cheque to pay
the contractor without the council’s approval.
The Ethical Standards Officer concluded that Councillor
Ball failed to act in accordance with the council’s
requirements for the use of its resources and
so breached the Code of Conduct.
The
Ethical Standards Officer considered that Councillor
Ball behaved inappropriately in failing to give
advance notice of the agenda item and engaging
the services of the contractor. The Ethical Standards
Officer concluded that Councillor Ball brought
his office and authority into disrepute.
The
Ethical Standards Officer noted that Councillor
Ball is no longer a member of the council and
has no intention of becoming a member in the future.
In all the circumstances, the Ethical Standards
Officer found that no action needs to be taken.
Case
no. SBE9467.04 Date received: 08 May 2003
Member: Councillor Raymond Ball
The
complainant alleged that Councillor Raymond Ball
disclosed confidential information about the employment
of the parish clerk at a council meeting on 21 July
2003. The council considered the clerk’s employment
during a confidential session of the meeting. When
the open meeting resumed, Councillor Ball asked
whether the parish council was going to be advertising
for a new clerk.
The
Ethical Standards Officer considered that Councillor
Ball’s question was not specific enough to
disclose what had been discussed during the confidential
session of the meeting, as Councillor Ball did not
reveal why the vacancy had arisen. The Ethical Standards
Officer noted that, in any event, the details of
the council’s decision to end the clerk’s
employment were made public shortly after the meeting.
The Ethical Standards Officer concluded that Councillor
Ball did not disclose confidential information and
did not bring his office or authority into disrepute.
The
Ethical Standards Officer found that there was no
evidence of any failure to comply with the Code
of Conduct.
Case
no. SBE4378.03 Date received: 08 May 2003
Member: Councillor Raymond Ball
The
complainant alleged that Councillor Raymond Ball
aggressively swore and shouted at several members
during a Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish Council
meeting on 21 July 2003. Councillor Ball allegedly
used highly offensive language to a member, stuck
two fingers up at him and told him to “f***
off”. The complainant also alleged that Councillor
Ball was asked to leave the meeting on a number
of occasions but refused to do so.
The
Ethical Standards Officer considered that Councillor
Ball’s comments went beyond the bounds of
acceptable political debate and were unnecessary
and highly offensive. The Ethical Standards Officer
concluded that Councillor Ball breached the Code
of Conduct by failing to treat other members with
respect and by bringing his office and authority
into disrepute.
The
Ethical Standards Officer noted that Councillor
Ball is no longer a member of the council and has
no intention of becoming a member in the future.
In all the circumstances, the Ethical Standards
Officer found that no action needs to be taken.
Case
no. SBE5015.03, SBE5034.03 and SBE5670.03
Date received: 10 Oct 2003
Member: Councillor Raymond Ball
The
complainants alleged that Councillor Raymond Ball
failed to treat others with respect and brought
his office and authority into disrepute at a Hesketh-with-Becconsall
Parish Council meeting on 6 October 2003. Councillor
Ball was allegedly disruptive and argumentative.
According to the complainants, Councillor Ball shouted
and swore at councillors and members of the public,
threatened the Chair and the Vice Chair of the council
with physical violence and failed to leave the meeting
room when he was asked to do so.
The
Ethical Standards Officer considered that Councillor
Ball’s behaviour at the meeting was entirely
inappropriate. The Ethical Standards Officer noted
that Councillor Ball was generally disruptive. Councillor
Ball made personal comments about a member from
the gallery and insulted and threatened members
at the meeting. The Ethical Standards Officer concluded
that Councillor Ball breached the Code of Conduct
by failing to treat others with respect and by bringing
his office or authority into disrepute.
The
Ethical Standards Officer noted that Councillor
Ball is no longer a member of the council and has
no intention of becoming a member in the future.
In all the circumstances, the Ethical Standards
Officer found that no action needs to be taken.
Case
No. SBE9473.04 Date received: 16 May 2004
Member: Councillor Raymond Ball
Allegation
1 The complainant alleged that Councillor
Raymond Ball improperly authorised payments worth
more than £3,000 on behalf of Hesketh-with-Becconsall
Parish Council, including £32 to pay for his
attendance, with his partner, at a civic dinner
hosted by West Lancashire District Council.
The
Ethical Standards Officer found that Councillor
Ball did not obtain the council’s approval
before co-signing eight cheques totaling more than
£3,000. The Ethical Standards Officer did
not regard any of these payments as urgent. Moreover,
the Ethical Standards Officer noted that one of
the payments, for the cost of the civic dinner,
directly benefited Councillor Ball and his partner.
The Ethical Standards Officer concluded that Councillor
Ball failed to act in accordance with the council’s
requirements when authorising the use of its resources.
The Ethical Standards Officer also concluded that
Councillor Ball improperly secured an advantage
for himself and his partner and brought his office
and authority into disrepute.
Allegation
2 The complainant also alleged that Councillor
Ball improperly obtained a loan of £100,000
on behalf of the council and improperly transferred
half of the money to be used by a secondary school.
The
Ethical Standards Officer found that Councillor
Ball acted without the council’s specific
approval when he authorised the transfer of the
funds to the school. The Ethical Standards Officer
concluded that Councillor Ball brought his office
and authority into disrepute.
Allegation
3 Finally, the complainant alleged that Councillor
Ball improperly closed council meetings on 31 March
and 1 May 2003 and improperly cancelled a council
meeting scheduled for April 2003.
The
Ethical Standards Officer considered that Councillor
Ball ignored members’ reasonable requests
to criticise his performance as the Chair of the
council on two occasions. The Ethical Standards
Officer considered that by closing the meetings,
Councillor Ball frustrated the democratic process
and tried to avoid being held accountable for his
actions. The Ethical Standards Officer also considered
that Councillor Ball’s decision to cancel
the meeting planned for April 2003 was arbitrary
and prevented members from dealing with the ordinary
business of the council. The Ethical Standards Officer
concluded that Councillor Ball brought his office
and authority into disrepute.
The
Ethical Standards Officer noted that Councillor
Ball is no longer a member of the council and has
no intention of becoming a member in the future.
In all the circumstances, the Ethical Standards
Officer found that no action needs to be taken.
Case
no. SBE9476.04 Date received: 19 May 2004
Member: Councillor Raymond Ball
The
complainant alleged that Councillor Raymond Ball
failed to declare a personal interest in a discussion
about the construction of a wall at a sports ground
at a Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish Council meeting
on 9 February 2004. Councillor Ball allegedly had
an interest because he lived near the sports ground
and because his partner had sent a letter to the
council objecting to the wall.
The
Ethical Standards Officer considered that Councillor
Ball had a personal interest in the discussion because
he lived opposite the site of the proposed wall
and because his partner had objected to the wall.
The Ethical Standards Officer also considered that
Councillor Ball’s interest was so significant
that it was likely to prejudice his judgement of
the public interest. The Ethical Standards Officer
concluded that Councillor Ball breached the Code
of Conduct by failing to disclose his personal interest
and by failing to withdraw from the meeting.
The
Ethical Standards Officer noted that Councillor
Ball is no longer a member of the council and has
no intention of becoming a member in the future.
In all the circumstances, the Ethical Standards
Officer found that no action needs to be taken.
The
Standards Board for England is responsible for promoting
high ethical standards and investigating allegations that
members' behaviour may have fallen short of the required
standards; "Confidence in local democracy is a cornerstone
of our way of life. It can only be achieved when elected
and co-opted members of local authorities are seen to
live up to the high standards the public has a right to
expect from them".
It
would thus seem that despite the findings of the investigations
and the previous censure of a councillor, the suggestion
that Cllr Ball has "no intention"
to become a member of Hesketh-with-Becconsall
Parish Council is good enough for the Ethical
Standards Officer. If you witnessed the appalling behaviour
frequently on display at the Parish Council meetings has
your confidence in local democracy now been restored?
You
also may have noticed that according to their own reports,
the Standards Board on two occasions were fortunate enough
to receive the complaints in advance of the incident taking
place (See SBE9467.04 and SBE4378.03
above) - perhaps not the best way to restore our confidence
in the robustness of the process!
Readers
may wish to ponder the role and purpose of the Standards
Board, the Monitoring Officer at WLDC and the point at
which action should be taken against our elected representatives
when they fail to adhere to basic standards of behaviour.
What do you think? Have your say on the letters
page.
Trading
Standards have today warned residents to be wary of anyone
ringing up and offering to postcode their valuables for
free. In an attempt to gain access, the caller claims
that your home insurance will be invalid if items are
not postcoded.
Dawn
Robinson, Senior Trading Standards Officer at Lancashire
Trading Standards Service, advises "Under no circumstances
should residents allow representatives of this company
into their homes".
Whilst
the complaints received to date have mainly been from
the Fulwood area of Preston, all should be aware of the
potential problem and refer any complaints to Lancashire
Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston,
Lancs tel 0845 6001352 / 01772 533573.
If
you have feel there is any threat or fear of burglary
contact the police at once.
Neighbourhood
Watch News
14/05/05
One
type of car crime that is concerning many owners of Ford
Cars and in particular Mondeo’s, is the theft of
the vehicle’s CD player from the dashboard. It seems
that the original factory fitted player is easily removed
and as it is of good quality can be quickly sold on by
the thief. To combat this it is suggested that owners
of these cars go to the Ford main dealer where special
screws can be purchased to secure it to the dashboard.
These screws are called “grub screws” and
need a special tool to remove them.
Although
not a common problem, the theft of vehicle numberplates
is on the increase. This is due in the main to the fact
that when ordering a new numberplate from an accessory
shop you have to produce the vehicle’s logbook.
What has been happening is that thieves steal say, a white
Transit van; they then steal the number plates off another
white Transit van and swap the plates. It can be some
time before the police can identify the stolen vehicle
especially if it is moved to another part of the country.
This can also cause a considerable headache for the legal
owner if the stolen vehicle is involved in an accident.
The advice from the police is to ensure your numberplates
cannot be easily removed and if they are report the loss
of them immediately to the police.
Vehicle
tax discs are worth a lot of money especially if you renew
yours every 12 months. When a thief steals your tax disc
he will carefully alter the registration number. (Doesn’t
need to alter anything else if the vehicle he wishes to
use it on is the same make and colour). A simple thief
proof tax disc holder can be purchased for £1.27
in Tesco's
It is called the “Secur-i-disc and is worth every
penny. Details on www.secur-I-disc.co.uk
The
Lancashire Neighbourhood Watch Forum has just set up a
new web site www.lnwf.co.uk
and they are looking for ideas on crime prevention to
pass on to others.
And
finally,
On a different theme there are extremely good forged £20
notes circulating in Lancashire. The serial numbers begin
with 6 or 8. Check your wallet!!
The
rain held off on Saturday just long enough for Tarleton
High School to complete it’s 25 year old traditional
Gala day. Despite being held indoors, the locals rallied
once again to raise money and to beat last year’s
total. The annual event is part of the Friends of Tarleton
High School (FOTHS) continual fund raising programme.
The
new community Sports Hall, completed last year, was used
to host a penalty shoot out, a bouncy castle, a Gladiators-style
jousting game and two new trampolines - paid for by previous
FOTHS fundraising events.
Youngsters
also enjoyed a 30ft slide, a coconut shy and plenty of
cakes! A classic car display and fire engine in the car
park proved a big hit, as well as a model boat display
in the Swimming Pool.
A
spokesman said ‘‘We would like to say a big
thank you to all those that supported the school this
year, to the volunteers manning all the stalls and to
the local businesses for their continued backing’’.
NEW
BROWNIE & RAINBOW UNIT OPENS
12/05/05
To
help cater for the many people waiting for places, a new
Rainbow and Brownie Unit has opened in the Hesketh Bank
& Tarleton Area.
The
new unit meets on a Tuesday night at the Christian Centre
on Moss Lane. The Rainbows meet between 5pm and 6pm and
the Brownies 6.15pm - 7.45pm.
More
information will be available at an 'Open Night' which
will be held at the Christian Centre between 6pm and 8pm
on Tuesday 24th May.
If
you wish to join, get your name on the waiting list or
can help in any way please contact Sue on 07754 203701.
FIRE
STATION LOG ON FOR NEW RECRUITS
08/05/05
Tarleton
Fire Station has launched its very own website
this weekend - designed and paid for by the Station commander
of Tarleton Fire Station, Tom Cookson.
The
extensive site is intended to provide local people with
all the information they need relating to fire safety
and includes some interesting facts about the history
of firefighting locally but its main purpose is to be
a key tool in encouraging new recruits to work at the
Tarleton Station.
Tom
said "Due to increasing problems in recruitment of
firefighters working the retained duty system, the site
is designed to give local people an insight in to how
the station and retained duty system operates. If anybody
has any questions or would like to contact us please use
the contacts page on the site."
In addition, Tarleton Fire Station will be holding an
Information evening on Wednesday 18th May commencing at
7pm. The evening is for anyone who is interested in joining
the crew at Tarleton to meet the team and discuss any
questions you may have.
Tarleton
High School have today launched a questionnaire aimed
at asking as many local people as possible what they think
of the new Community Sports Hall and refurbished Swimming
Pool over the next few weeks.
Hopefully
the answers will allow activities to be tailored to the
needs of the local people and act as a reminder that both
the Sports Hall and Pool are open to the public at evenings
and weekends.
The
questionnaire will also be available at the School’s
Gala Day on Saturday 7th May, for which preparations are
going well and the School anticipates the largest ever
show of support from the local public.
Hesketh
Bank's very own UK record holding pumpkin growers, Liam
Cupit (9) and James O'Hanlon (11) were yesterday invited
down to Berryfields to help Monty Don launch the Gardeners'
World Pumpkin Challenge.
The
children were made very welcome by the whole Gardeners'
World production team who went out of their way to accomodate
them, despite the need to get next weeks programme filmed
whilst the weather held.
They
were treated to a tour of the Berryfields garden and an
outdoor lunch before getting down to the business of the
day; helping Monty with his pumpkin sowing.
Monty
tried desperatly to extract the secret of how to grow
record breaking pumpkins but the kids were having none
of it and stood their ground - the secret remains safe.
However, once off camera they did each exchange some valuable
tips about growing pumpkins and Monty gave them both a
signed copy of his new book, Gardening
From Berryfields.
The feature is scheduled to be part of the Gardeners'
World TV programme next Friday but you can find full details
of the competition on the BBC
Gardeners' World Website. If you are considering having
a go at the Gardeners World Pumpkin Challenge, then beat
the crowds and get your 'Hundredweight' pumpkin seed now.
The
time for the annual “Parish Assembly” has
come round again in Hesketh Bank. This is a separate meeting
from the Parish Council; the only connection being that
the Chairman of the Parish Council also chairs the Assembly.
The
meeting is an open forum for parishioners to hear reports
from the County, District and Parish Councils as well
as the Village School.
The
village’s Emergency Support Officer Jan Dobson will
bring villagers up to date with progress and Tracy Jacobs
will be there to listen to problems regarding health matters
and discuss any item which affects the Parish.
Members
of the Parish wishing to place Propositions before the
Assembly must put these in writing to the Parish Clerk
no later than the 22nd of May 2004.
The
Parish Council AGM follows immediately after the Assembly
In
what has been a slow start to the election campaign trail
it is Malcolm Barron who today breaks cover to lead the
local charge with his
election message to local voters. Malcolm is the local
Conservative’s candidate for the 'West Lancashire
North' seat on Lancashire County Council, vacant as a
result of the death of Cllr Robert Hodge.
The
prospective Ribble South parliamentary candidates are
also likely to begin active campaigning for your vote
over the next few days. David Borrow holds the seat for
Labour and had a majority of 8% in 2001. The seat is however
high on the Conservatives' target list and with Lorraine
Fullbrook on the case it is likely to be a very close
call. Local teacher Mark Alcock is also standing for the
Liberal Democrats.
As
always, we offer a free
platform for all official candidates to share their
message to their electorate and we have also opened a
new election thread for letters.
FREE POOP SCOOP BAGS
04/04/05
The
amount of owners who allow their dogs to foul footways
and other pedestrian areas in Tarleton is of great concern
to many residents and Tarleton Parish Council have been
working in partnership with West Lancashire District Council
to help provide additional distribution points for free
poop scoop bags.
They
are now available from Tarleton
DIY on Church Road, The Spar Mark Square are available
from Glassbrooks Vets, Hesketh Lane, and Tarleton library.
To
also aid the disposal of dog waste there are 13 dog bins
which are situated in Carr Lane, River View, Southport
New Road, Trinity Walks, Highfield Close, Meadway, 2 on
Rectory Gardens, Plox Brow, Mark Square, Sutton Lane/Gorse
Lane, Fermor Road and Plox Brow/Coe Lane.
Nadine
Ashcroft commented "There is no excuse for dog owner
not to dispose of their dogs waste sensibly so please
make use of the free poop scoop bags and dispose of them
in the dog waste bins or take it home."
A
Dog Fouling Enforcement Officer regularly patrols in Tarleton
in an unmarked vehicle, specifically looking for the irresponsible
minority of dog owners who do not clear up after their
pets. Whilst he will normally issue £50 Fixed Penalty
Notices, non-payers or repeat offenders will be taken
to Court, where the maximum penalty is actually £1,000.
Following
the success of last years boundary of Tarleton sponsored
cycle ride Banks Piv Posse and Tarleton Youth Action Group
are joining forces to do it bigger and better this year.
The
boundaries of Tarleton and Banks form the route for this
years event which will take place on Saturday 16th April.
The cycle ride will start at Mark Square at Tarleton and
follow a route to Banks and meet up with youngsters from
Banks at Hesketh Avenue Pavilion, the two groups will
complete the leg from Banks to Tarleton together where
the Tarleton Group will finish and the Banks group will
cycle back to Hesketh Avenue.
The
groups are hoping to raise funds for a variety of things
including an activity holiday to Normandy, new equipment
for the Banks Youth Drop In and for the proposed Tarleton
Youth Drop In, football kits and for summer activities.
The
cycle ride will leave Mark Square at 11am, a briefing
will take place at 10.45am, and Hesketh Avenue Pavilion
at midday.
Local
residents are welcome to join the groups on the cycle
ride either just for fun or to raise funds for their chosen
charity.
For
further information please contact
Helen Randle on 01772 816648 or 07971 527520
Nadine Ashcroft on 01772 811552 or 07973 701585
or email Banks PIV Posse
or Tarleton
Youth Action Group
NATWEST
PARKING PUZZLE
20/03/05
Natwest
Tarleton - Disabled Parking Puzzle
Mystery
surrounds the yellow painted area on the car park
outside the Natwest Bank on Church Road in Tarleton.
At
first glance it would be natural to think that it
is a disabled parking spot. But wait, where is the
familiar disabled logo - person in a wheelchair
- it's not there!
So the questions are: why has the area been marked
up and who is it marked up for?
Our
intrepid reporter ventured into the Bank to find
out. 'Is it for disabled people to park their cars
on when visiting the Bank?' The answer was 'Well
it could be'.
Our
reporter tried a different approach; ' Is the disabled
logo still to be painted within the area? 'Oh no!'
came the emphatic reply 'it might offend disabled
people'.
Rumours
suggest the painter refused to paint the logo and
cited the Disability Discrimination Act as the reason
for leaving it blank.
So there you have it. Is it for disabled drivers?
Is it for non disabled drivers? Is it just a waste
of yellow paint? Answers on a post card.....
YOUTH SHELTER REMOVED
11/03/05
After
only three months of use, workmen today removed the Youth
Shelter at Hesketh Bank on the instruction of the Parish
Council.
At
the Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish Councilmeeting held last Monday, the councillors
resolved that it was no longer equitable to put
up with the continuing damage, nuisance and noise
that had occurred most weekends since it’s
installation. In addition, the amount of litter
and evidence of alcoholic drinking had proved to
be unacceptable.
The
£8000 Youth Shelter was jointly financed by
the Parish Council and West Lancashire District
Council as an initiative to provide a meeting place
for teenagers. The location of the facility was
decided between the Parish Council and the teenagers
themselves and was supported by the Police.
“Users
were warned initially that if the facility was abused,
then it would go. Regrettably the warning has not
been heeded” said the Parish Clerk.
When
asked if this was the end of the road for the Youth
Shelter, the Clerk said “If the Parish Council,
Village Hall Committee and Police can be truly convinced
that our local teenagers can properly manage the
facility, then there is the possibility that a Shelter
could return to the Village”.
The
High School Gala Day is set for Saturday 7th May (see
events). If any companies would
like to advertise in the programme / brochure, they should
contact the school on 01772 812644 by the end
of March.
TARLETON ELECTION RESULTS
03/03/05
Dreams
came true for West Lancs Tories tonight as they took
87% of the vote in what could possibly be one of the
last local elections held before the General Election.
West
Lancs District Council Election Turnout 29%
Tarleton
Parish Council Election Turnout 31%
Candidate
Votes
Sian
Annis (Labour)
171
Jim
Kay (Conservative)
1155
Candidate
Votes
Bob
Foster
113
Jim
Kay
673
Councillor
Jim Kay
Jim
Kay stole the show with a resounding win in the
head to head contest for the District Council seat
and also by securing a place on Tarleton Parish
Council.
Jim
thanked all his supporters and promised to stand
by the comments made in his election
message. He vowed to help all those people who
he now represented at both councils and genuinely
hoped to help make Tarleton a better place.
Much
interest also surrounded the postal vote which produced
a massive 53% return, which was over 3 times that
anticipated.
TARLETON ELECTION DAY
03/03/05
Three
polling stations are open between 8am and 9pm today
at: Holy Trinity CE School
Mere Brow CE School
ATC Hut, Tarleton High School
Counting
of votes will start at 9pm this evening. The results of the Parish Council and District
Council election
will be posted on this website tonight
RECYCLING COLLECTION CONTRAVERSY
02/03/05
The Blue Box
Recycling Scheme came under fire today after the collection
was again delayed leaving the unsightly blue bags and
boxes strewn along the footpaths of Tarleton and Hesketh
Bank.
"It is
just not on." said one resident today. "I try
and do my bit, collecting the things that can go in the
box, drag it to the front of the house only to see it
stay there unemptied for days. During the recent storms
the yellow lids and plastic bottles were blown all over
the place. It makes Tarleton look like dump."
"Why is
it just so difficult to collect on the day they told us
it would? They say they have been taken by surprise at
the response but there cannot be more Blue Boxes to empty
than they issued in the first place!"
"Who is
responsible for someone tripping over a box full of glass
left on the pavement - me or the Council?"
Despite the
protracted 'teething troubles' the District Council has
still not rescheduled collections and insist Blue Boxes
should still be put out on the day originally listed.
Tarleton High
School is once again celebrating the fantastic sporting
success of its pupils, who managed to achieve the title
of Under 14’s District Champions at Basketball.
Individual successes in Badminton were also achieved by
Oliver Gyte, who is the Year 11 Boys Singles District
Champion and Vicky Greenwood, who is the Year 10 Girls
Singles District Champion.
Previous attempts
at these titles were hampered as pupils could only practice
the sport outdoors or with limited facilities, which was
less than ideal.
The pupils,
who can now practice various sports from the comfort of
their brand new sports hall, were able to hone their basketball
skills on the 10 hoops now available to them or their
badminton on the 4 full sized courts.
Another benefit
of the hall has been pupil’s willingness to participate
in sports, which was never easy when faced with a cold
and wet day! With the new hall, pupils are not only actively
participating in new and exciting sports but their interest
in exercise has been boosted, a fact supported by the
attendance at after school sports clubs.
The staff and
pupils are excited about the future and anticipate further
sporting achievements in Tarleton High School’s
continued rise to become a ‘centre of excellence’,
a path that has become easier with the new facilities
and equipment now available.
The sports
hall is available for the public to hire at evenings and
weekends for a variety of sports including; 5-a-side football,
cricket and badminton.
In addition, the swimming pool is open to the public at
various times during the week and weekend, so why not
make use of your local sports facilities and drop in for
a timetable or call 01772 817907 for more information.
The
first stage of renovating the Hesketh Bank Village
Hall by replacing the timber cladding with brick
and replacing the existing wooden windows with UPVC
units has now been completed. The southern facing
side of the building (next to the Care Home) was
chosen as the first stage of the project with the
brickwork costing £5,750 and the windows £1,290.
The Village Hall Committee hope to complete the
remainder of the building over the next few years
subject to successful applications for funding.
Currently,
Happy Days Nursery and a number of recreational clubs including
Judo, an Art Class and Slimmers World use the Village Hall,
it is also hired out for birthday parties etc. In an effort
to promote the Hall as a community asset, a survey of the
village is to be carried out to identify other potential
uses for the facility.
The
Village Hall Management Committee would be delighted to
hear from anyone either wishing to start up an activity
in the village, or who would like to become involved helping
manage this valuable community resource. Volunteers are
always most welcome and could be involved in anything
from a bit of painting at the weekend to the management
of grant applications.To enquire about booking the Hall,
please contact Brian Birkby on 01772 813340 or for all
other enquires contact Mike Winrow on 01772 814214.
GANG OF TEN 'CLEARED'
07/02/05
The
Chair of Tarleton Parish Council today acknowledged that
the so-called 'Gang of Ten' did act in the best interests
of democracy by forcing an election and avoiding a co-opted
member being introduced to the council.
His
call for a review of the Standing Orders of the Council
in order to prevent such a situation ever arising again
has been widely welcomed. The full statement from the
Chairman can be found on the TPC
Letters Page
It
is believed that only two people have thrown their hat
in the ring for the Parish Council; Jim Kay and Bob Foster.
For the position on West Lancs DC it is believed that
Sian Annis and Jim Kay are standing. Official conformation
of nominees is expected tomorrow.
Addendum:
A statement received from WLDC this evening regarding
who is responsible for the communication of such notices:
"In
accordance with section 87(2) of the Local Government
Act 1972 the responsibility to give public notice
of the vacancy is the proper officer (Parish Clerk)
of the council. Section 232, public notices, of
the above act states;
(a)
by posting the notice in some conspicuous place
or places within the area, and
(b)
in such other manner, if any, as appears to the
parish council to be disable to giving publicity
to the notice.
This
section shall apply to a public notice required
to be given by the chairman of a parish meeting
as it applies to public notices required to be given
by a parish council."
Whereas
the public have been led to believe that it was the 'Gang
of Ten' who last week, with "disrespectful haste",
called an election, it transpires that it was the Clerk
to Tarleton Parish Council who initiated the process for
filling the vacancy, the day after Cllr Hodges'
funeral.
The
form, completed by Mr Sears on the 29th December, clearly
states that the Council will fill the vacancy by the Co-Option
process unless ten electors from the parish request an
election within 14 working days of the notice. The Notice
of a Vacancy did not appear on the Parish Council notice
boards and no mention of it was made at the Parish Council
meeting held on the 18th of January - less than 24 hours
before the deadline.
The
'Gang of Ten' claim they acted after being made aware
of the situation on Wednesday the 19th at 1:30pm. "Unless
we got ten signatures deposited at West Lancs District
Council by 5pm that day the Parish Council would be able
to co-opt a person of their choosing onto the Council.
In the circumstances, we felt we had no choice but to
act quickly"
An
observer of the Parish Council today commented "It
is hard to believe that the events that are unfolding
do not reflect a cynical and calculated attempt to deny
the public of their opportunity to participate on the
council. No doubt the Clerk and WLDC will have to answer
some pretty awkward questions about the way in which this
whole saga has been handled".
The
deadline for nominations to stand in the election is at
noon this coming Friday.
LICENSING REFORM UNDERWAY
31/01/05
The
Licensing Act 2003 is due to be implemented in November
2005. This Act transfers responsibility for regulating
licensed premises form magistrates to local authorities
and its implementation will see the end of traditional
licensing hours. From 7 February operators have been allowed
to apply to extend the opening hours of their venues and
by the time the Act is implemented in November 2005, it
is expected that up to 80% of premises operators will
have applied to open for longer.
Police
and local authorities are currently processing applications
from premises and it is extremely important that the views
and concerns of all members of the community are taken
into account when such applications are considered. Chief
Inspector Jon Donnelly, Lancashire Constabulary's Licensing
reform Co-ordinator offers the following advice for anyone
concerned about the prospect of any particular premises
opening for longer than at present from November this
year; "Whilst there is an obligation under the new
legislation for a premises to publicly declare an intention
to apply for longer opening hours, these are easily missed.
Consequently, my advice to any person or groups of individuals
who may be concerned about a particular premises opening
for longer is to approach the management of that premises
and ask them what their intentions are for operating under
the new regime. If the response doesn't allay concerns,
then individuals and groups can register objections with
the local authority. Arrangements have been made for local
police licensing officers to be informed of all objections
as a matter of course as they may assist any police objection."
Chief
Inspector Donnelly continues "The Government's intention
in formulating this Act is very much to relax licensing
laws, but the legislation does create scope for reviewing
opening hours where problems arise. Lancashire Constabulary
licensing officers will be monitoring the effects of longer
opening and intend to move swiftly to review the operating
conditions of any premises that causes an unacceptable
increase in crime, nuisance or disorder following implementation
of any longer opening hours from November 2005."
Each
policing division in Lancashire has dedicated licensing
officers so members of the public wishing to discuss any
issue with them should make contact through their local
police station.
ELECTION RUMOUR CONFIRMED
28/01/05
As
there is only a matter of a few days during which a person
can be nominated to stand in local elections, public awareness
of a forthcoming election is paramount. Yet, unless you
happen to be passing the notice board in the Ormskirk
Council Offices, you may be unaware that the date has
been set for the elections of a West Lancashire District
Councillor and Tarleton Parish Councillor, both arising
from the recent death of Cllr Hodge.
Despite
the official date for publicising the election being yesterday,
the information has still not yet managed to find it's
way onto the Parish Council notice boards and no mention
of an election was made at the Tarleton Parish Council
meeting held only last week.
If
you or anyone you know would wish to stand for either
or both of these positions, nomination forms for both
the District and Parish election can be obtained by telephoning
01695 585013. The election timetable is as follows:
27th
January
Publication
of Notice of Election
Noon
4th February
Nominations
Closes
8th
February
Publication
of persons nominated
3rd
March
Polling
Day
The
lack of communication about the election has already given
rise to speculation that both "sides" may have
little desire to bring the nomination 'window' to the
attention of the masses; both possibly preferring to see
a two horse race fought solely on party political grounds.
However,
there was no doubt in any minds that communication will
dramatically improve once the nomination window closes
and the campaigning begins!
Police
are keen to trace the driver of a green Vauxhall Astra
who they believe may have witnessed a fatal accident which
happened yesterday morning.
A
motorcyclist from Southport died after a collision with
a black Peugot 206 on the A59 near the Black Horse at
Hoole.
If
you have any information please contact Lancashire Police
on 0845 1 25 35 45
COMMUNITY
SPORTS HALL OPENED
26/01/05
Tarleton
High School, a Community Technical College, is delighted
to announce that their brand new Community Sports Hall
was opened on 21st January 2005 by Mr. David Borrow MP,
who was joined by County Councillor Nora Ward, Chair of
Lancashire County Council, County Councillor Alan Whittaker,
Cabinet Member for Education, County Councillor Keith
Riley and Mr. Kenny Dalglish, together with chairpersons
from the local parish councils.
Tarleton
and Hesketh Bank villages are celebrating as the first
class hall is now combined with the existing swimming
pool and the school’s recently achieved Technology
College status. This now provides a real boost to the
local community with new amenities available to all from
Information Technology suites to a full sized indoor 5-a-side
football pitch. With the recently published school league
tables demonstrating the excellent academic success already
achieved, combined with the brand new facilities, Tarleton
High School will continue to grow as a centre of excellence.
Mr.
Borrow MP said ‘’children deserve quality
buildings, such as this sports hall’’ he added
that the local community had changed over the years, along
with its needs, which was also reflected in the schools
investment in the new Information Communication Technology
Suites.
Des
Wadsworth, Longton Community Church Youth Pastor described
the hall as the ‘first base’ on a road to
sporting education and achievement for many pupils.
Mr.
Kenny Dalglish spoke to school football team captains
and representatives from all years represented by the
school about their sporting successes on the football
field and their ambitions for the future.
Head
teacher Tony Hardiker, spoke of his delight at such a
welcome facility now being available to both the pupils
and local community, who have waited many years for the
funding for such a project to be in place.
For
many pupils, this is the first opportunity to partake
in a number of new and exciting sports, which were previously
unavailable. Badminton, Basketball and five-a-side football
have been very popular activities and combined with the
new trampoline, there is an activity to cater for most
tastes.
One pupil beamed ‘’this is the first time
I have really been able to play badminton, I enjoy it
so much I have joined a club here’’
The
funding, planning and construction was completed on time
thanks to the hard work and a solid partnership consisting
of the school, Lancashire County Council, Hesketh Bank
Parish Council, Tarleton Parish Council and building contractor
Clement Dickens.
A
number of local teams and clubs are already operating
sports programmes in the fantastic new hall including;
badminton, football and trampolining. This provides much
needed sporting opportunities for the local children and
teenagers. In addition, a large number of the local community
are already making good use of the facility by hiring
it on a casual basis at evening and weekends for 5-a-side
football and badminton.
On
Friday morning, the school offered parents the opportunity
to view the facilities now available to their children.
Many of whom remarked on how wonderful it was that their
children could learn the principles of sport and exercise
in the comfort of the new hall. In the evening, many members
of the local community grasped the opportunity to have
a guided tour of the new sports hall, where they were
able to see first hand the new facilities now on offer.
HIGH
SCHOOL MAST TO GO
18/01/05
In
a letter to Tarleton Parish Council which was read out
at tonight's meeting, Tarleton High School Headmaster,
Mr Anthony Hardiker, confirmed that the phone masts on
the school will be removed.
Answering
a number of queries raised by the Parish Council (see
"REPORT OPENS HIGH SCHOOL HEALTH DEBATE"
news report on 12th Jan), Mr Hardiker concluded his letter
saying "You may be interested to know that a
joint decision has been made by the school, LCC Legal
Services and the LCC Property Group that we should commence
communication with Orange to remove the phone masts within
our contractual obligations. This procedure will commence
in February 2005."
The controversial telephone equipment was first mounted
on the High School roof in 1994 and has since generated
over £35,000 of revenue for Lancashire County Council.
Whilst
the news was warmly received by all present at the meeting,
it will no doubt be a mixed blessing to local Orange customers
who may feel this will provide little incentive for the
mobile operator to address the local signal problems that
have beset the network since the recent storms.
The
BBC reports that a former Liberal Democrat councillor
who defected to Labour in 1997 has been chosen as a prospective
candidate for West Lancashire.
Labour MP Colin Pickthall, 60, who has represented the
seat for the last 13 years, is stepping down.
Former councillor and Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Rosemary
Cooper, was chosen on Sunday to represent Labour.
ABANDONED
CAR AMNESTY
15/01/05
West
Lancs District Council is about to take part in a high
profile campaign to tackle the issue of abandoned vehicles.
Between the 17th and 28th January one hundred and fifty
Councils across the country will be running a two week
"car amnesty" offering a free collection service
to registered keepers wishing to surrender their vehicles.
It
is estimated that 300,000 cars are abandoned every year
at a cost of over £23 million to local authorities.
POPPY
APPEAL FEEDBACK
13/01/05
The
local administration of the Poppy Appeal has now been
picked up by Ian Cropper (perhaps better known locally
in his role as Clerk to Hesketh-with-Becconsall Parish
Council). Ian is now responsible for the distribution
and collection for the British Legion Poppy Appeal for
Banks, Mere Brow, Hundred End, Hesketh Bank and Tarleton.
Last
November was the first year with Ian in this role and
he has just received feedback on the amounts collected
in this area.
"I
am truly amazed - the total amounted to £3,288.88.
This is simply from the boxes in pubs, shops and schools
around the area and two or three door to door collections."
"The
real star was Tarleton High School who filled six boxes
and raised a staggering £370."
In
recognition of this achievement Ian will be presenting
Tarleton High School with a special "Certificate
of Appreciation" from the Royal British Legion at
the School Assembly on Wednesday 26th of January.
A
study into the potential health risks of phone masts
urged a review of the planning process, which continues
to allow them to be put up near homes and schools.
The
findings of the second report compiled by world-renowned
expert Sir William Stewart will come as a major
boost to locals with concerns over the plethora
of communications equipment mounted both on and
near Tarleton High School.
Sir
William, who is chairman of the National Radiological
Protection Board (NRPB),
spoke just before the official launch of the long-awaited
document yesterday.
Storm
clouds gather over High School Telecom's Masts
He
said: "We will suggest that the planning process
on base stations needs to be revisited and updated.
I think it is a very important issue that has to
be revisited."
Currently
local authorities cannot refuse phone mast applications
on the grounds of health fears but many locals would
prefer no more masts to be sited near homes or schools
until it is conclusively proved they are safe.
The
concern regarding the telecommunication masts on
the roof of Tarleton High School was last raised
in public at the November 2004 meeting of Tarleton
Parish Council. The Parish Council then agreed to
write to the High School requesting details of the
original specification and the specification as
of now, and who benefits from the income provided
by the equipment operators. In turn, the High School
has sought professional advice on the topic and
a survey by Lancashire County Council was conducted
on the 17th December .
The
report by LCC's Environmental Directorate was circulated
to Parents on the 21st December, and concludes that
the average field strengths found were 2.1 % of
the guidelines and went on to say "There
is general misunderstanding in relation to mobile
phone telephony. It is generally accepted that if
any casual link were ever shown with any health
effect, this would be due to handsets rather than
base stations."
On
Saturday night, vandals again targeted the Hesketh
Bank Silver Band Hut, smashing a window and removing
a chair. The chair was later found in the new Youth
Shelter which is sited between the Band Hut and
the Village Library.
Vandalism
in the vicinity of the £8000 Youth Shelter
has surged since its introduction in December. Windows
in the Village Library have also been broken and
panels from the concrete fence to the rear of the
shelter have been removed and destroyed.
For the
second Sunday in a row Tom Johnson, the Silver Band Secretary,
found himself having to spend Sunday morning making emergency
repairs to secure the Band Hut. "There was no public
consultation about the site for a youth shelter but the
council did promise that if there was any trouble it would
be removed. Well there is trouble and I am calling for its
removal."
The
Clerk to the Parish Council responded "I was saddened
to hear that there had been further trouble at the Village
Hall site this weekend; The Parish Council do appreciate
that it must be a cause of considerable annoyance to members
of Hesketh Bank Silver Band."
"We are of course aware that instances of broken
windows and bad behavior have occurred in the past, with
damage to both the Library Building and Band Room and
I am sure that none of us wish to apportion all the blame
for these latest incidents to the new Shelter."
"It
would be wrong to penalise the many decent children who
now regularly use this facility because of the loutish
behavior of a few. We do have some leads and these have
been passed to the police."
The Chairmen of the Parish Council and Village Institute
are to hold discussions as to the way forward and the
action needed to be taken. As a gesture of good will,
the Parish Council Chairman has offered to reimburse the
cost of replacing the broken windows with 'vandal resistant'
glazing.
Leaflets
(see below) are also being circulated to local children
directly and via local schools, basically saying that
if the facility is abused, they will loose it.
The
Clerk added "I hope we can all work together to make
this project a success by tackling the vandalism rather
than letting it win".
HESKETH
BANK YOUTH SHELTER This Shelter is YOUR shelter
The
Parish Council and Village Institute have provided
it for YOU
so you have somewhere to meet . Please look after
it.
Please
don’t leave litter, use the bin or take your rubbish
home.
We
want you to enjoy your new shelter but if abuse takes
place, like the recently broken windows or the lighting
of fires, we will have to remove it.
Some
people didn't want this facility as they said it would
cause a nuisance,
we’ve put our faith in you to look after it and not
be a nuisance
so please don’t let us down.
If
you know people that are causing a nuisance or committing
damage
leave a telephone message in complete confidence on
07941 195150
At
the 10.30 am Sung Eucharist on Sunday 2nd January, the
Wardens were happy to announce the appointment of the
Rev. Nicholas Davis to be the new Rector. He is currently
curate at Darwen St Cuthbert with Tockholes St Stephen
in the Darwen part of the Blackburn with Darwen deanery.
The
date for his institution has yet to be arranged, but it
is hoped it can be before Easter. He will be instituted
as Priest-in-Charge of Tarleton, initially with a five
year license, as is increasingly the practice in the diocese
of Blackburn. This makes no difference to the parish,
as he will be the Rector, a full time priest living in
the parish, with all the same responsibilities as an incumbent.
The
Rev Nicholas Davis is close to 30, and unmarried. Born
and brought up in West Yorkshire (Rawdon, near Leeds),
he says "but I do have a Lancashire grandfather."
After
reading theology at the University of Bangor, he took
a post as a lay pastoral assistant at St Mary, Tottenham.
He then worked in London for Bishop's - an organ builder
- before training for the priesthood at Mirfield.
While
in training, he had an attachment in Darwen and that led
to him being offered the post of curate at St Cuthbert
with St Stephen in 2000. Ordained deacon in 2000 and priest
in 2001, he looked after the parish during a clerical
vacancy which ended in 2004.
A
musician, with considerable experience of piano and organ,
he also sings with choirs, and is a bell ringer. He enjoys
fell walking and caving/ potholing, among many other interests.
He
says: "I'm very excited about coming to Tarleton.
I'm impressed by what I have seen of the parish so far
and am looking forward to meeting more people and working
with them to build up God's kingdom in this part of Lancashire."
