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Market Street and News Street -- work starts soon on new paving.

CHELVERTON - COUNCIL HAS NO PLANS FOR DISPOSAL
30/9/02: Lancaster City Council has this week reiterated that it has no plans for disposal of its landholdings - all the car parks and several buildings - within Lancaster's Brewery area.
The Council's Head of Property Services has also recommended, via Cabinet, that none of its holdings should be considered for disposal at this point in time.
In a statement the Council says "Whilst the council is aware CR Chelverton is working on proposals for the Brewery site, and part of Kingsway development which the council doesn't own, the company has not submitted any formal proposals or a planning application. Officers have been instructed to work with them to try and ensure any proposals they might put forward do comply with council policies.
However, campaigners will remain on their guard in the coming months, since as a major landowner in the area the Council does have a duty to consider all aspects of future developments, should they be deemed to be in the interests of the district and the public interest in general.
"All proposals would need to go through the due planning process with opportunity for all interested parties to comment," said a spokesperson. "However, as stated earlier, there are no plans for disposal of this particular site."
The announcement came on the day that Simon Morgan of CRC had another meeting with Council officers at the Town Hall.
"We welcome that the City Council have responded to the public's concerns, but feel their statement doesn't go far enough," commented Sally Banks of the Stop Chelverton Campaign. "There may be no plans at present to dispose of the land owned by the council - but we're not worried about today. We're worried about the time when Chelverton come and try to get planning permission to build a development that will destroy the heart of our city.
"We're concerned that Officers have been instructed to work with Chelverton. What's really needed is for the council to commit to turning down all proposals that are damaging to Lancaster, and to understand that Chelverton's current proposals are unacceptable."

KALIMBA GAGGING ORDER CHALLENGED
30/9/02: Lancaster City Council has been compared with a Soviet politburo and challenged over its ruling that councillors cannot speak publicly about the settlement of the legal dispute with Kalimba over the summer 2000 festival programme in Morecambe.
Kalimba had claimed that leading MBI councillors had entered into a verbal contract to provide three festivals - a claim the council disputed. The Cabinet agreed to settle the dispute with a payment from the Council to Kalimba, the cancelling of a debt of £7500 owed by Kalimba for payments made in advance of the cancelled Summerbreeze festival and an agreement not to comment further. There was no admission of liability.
In a letter to the Council's Head of Legal Services, Councillor Ian Barker (pictured) has strongly disputed her advice that the Cabinet can make a decision that silences all other councillors. The letter says:
"The implication of your advice for individual Members and for the democratic process is very disturbing. The Cabinet, as the executive of the City Council has made the final decision about how the case should be settled. I am not part of that executive. My role as a councillor is to represent my electors and to scrutinise the actions of the executive. In this case, I believe very strongly that the Cabinet has made the wrong decision. In this I believe I am reflecting the views of a number of people who view the Cabinet decision on Kalimba with some unease. The imputed power of the Cabinet to prevent further public comment by Members would prevent me from carrying out my scrutiny and representative role. If your advice was to be accepted it would enable the Cabinet to suppress debate and scrutiny on any decisions it chose. This cannot be in the public interest."
"The Council's Constitution says that there should be a 'presumption in favour of openness in decision making.', Mr Barker further explained in a press statement. "It says that its purpose is to 'create a powerful and effective means of holding decision makers to public account.' It certainly does not give the Cabinet the right to silence all other councillors on matters of public concern.
"If this gagging order is allowed to stand the Constitution will be about as much use as that of the former Soviet Union in protecting the democratic rights of councillors and citizens. This ruling has to be challenged and I intend to do so."

CRITICAL MASS AGAINST CHELVERTON
29/9/02: Over 100 cyclists, skateboarders and pedestrians gathered in Lancaster City Centre on Friday 27 September to demonstrate to Chelverton that their destructive developments are not wanted.
The demonstration, which went through the town centre and ended up beside the threatened Music Co-op in Lodge Street, was not organised by any particular group, but represented a spontaneous turnout by local people concerned about Chelverton's plans for the city.
One cycling demontrator, Will Richmond, said: "I only came because I saw a flier. I thought - I don't want these 'Big Box Retail units' in town - the canal could be a really nice area - a park, coffee shops, affordable housing, place for kids to do their skateboarding - anything. I'm really glad I came, car drivers have been really supportive when we've told them why we're doing this."
Sally Banks, who arrived on her bike, said "people are saying no to the new road, no to the new supermarket and no to the big box retail units. Chelverton's plans will drive local retailers out of businesses here in Lancaster, and the sheer scale of the development threatens the viability of businesses in Morecambe too. People here realise that these plans will mean the end of our city. We want to protect our city, and protect our jobs. Chelverton want to take both of these away from us."
"Every time a supermarket opens, the local area loses nearly 300 jobs," she added. "Chelverton want not only a supermarket, but large retail units - like the Curry's and Halford's estate behind Phoenix St. We need to stop these plans. People need to contact their councillors, and to contact Chelverton to tell them 'No! You can't do this!'"
The demonstration followed on from a public meeting called by MP Hilton Dawson the previous night.

Local resident Alistair Kirkbride has arranged a follow up meeting where locals can discuss what they want to see happening as a canalside development. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday 10 October 7.30pm The Green Room, The Gregson Centre in Moorgate.

LANCASTRIANS JOIN THE LARGEST NATIONAL ANTI-WAR DEMO IN UK HISTORY

28/9/02 Over 70 Lancastrians travelled down to London with the Lancaster & District Coalition Against the War (and many more went down earlier in the week) to march with the National Coalition protesting against making war on Iraq. Hyde Park was full before half the marchers had even got past the starting point at the Embankment - the streets between were solid with people singing and chanting anti-war slogans. Passing traffic hooted their horns continuously in support.

• National day of Action - October 31 more
• It's all about the oil - read Steve Booth's oil breakdown

NO TO A CITY WITHOUT SOUL
27/9/02: Local residents -- including many local musicians -- spoke out to protest at CR Chelverton's plans for Lancaster at a public meeting organised by Hilton Dawson MP yesterday (26 September). Labour Councillor Ian Barker condemned Chelverton's plans for a new supermarket on Caton Road and link road. "It will ruin the city centre," he decried, fearing some councillors were seeking to overturn a recently-agreed strategy for urban renewal, which includes a new Arts Quarter for Lancaster. "This is a development totally without soul or respect for the city."
Labour's apparent change of heart about Chelverton -- who they previously supported over Liberty, now developing the north end of Kingsway -Ð was welcomed, although concerns were raised at Labour's continued non-participation in the City Cabinet, which has the power to authorise all land council sales.
Green councillor Gina Dowding urged concerned residents to write to councillors on both City Cabinet and Planning committees, to ask them to support the adopted City Centre Strategy which calls for housing and "Arts Quarter" development. Critical Mass will demonstrate against the proposals for a new link road and supermarket today at 4.30pm in Dalton Square.

Here's a list of all councillors on both Planning and Cabinet as of 27 September 2002, sourced from information in the public domain: Go

BAN SPRAWL THREATENS GALGATE
27/9/02 If you see a green field there's a plan underway to build on it. Read Steve Booth's article on how developers have plans underway for building through from Whinney Carr, South Lancaster to the Jarvis PFI construction at the University. Read More...

FIND YOUR WAY
27/9/02: Just arrived in Lancaster? There's a map of "Alternative Lancaster" available on the web to download and print out: Go

CO-OP BENEFIT GIG BY LANCASTER JAZZ BANDS
27/9/02: Three popular local bands will join forces at the Gregson Centre, Lancaster on Wednesday 23 October to raise funds for Lancaster's Musician's Co-op. The line up includes the New Riverside Jazz Band, the Bob Moffatt Quartet and the Sue Parish Allstars.
"We want to show our support for the Musician's Co-op," said one of the organisers. "It's a vital part of Lancaster's amazing music scene, and offers affordable space for all kinds of players to develop their skills.
"The evening is also a celebration of local jazz talent, offering a chance to hear a variety of high quality music as well as supporting this important cause."

Tickets for the event, which starts at 8.00 pm are priced at £5, (concessions £3) , with all proceeds going to the Co-op. Tickets are available from the Musician's Co-op on Lodge Street, John O'Gaunt on Market Street or the Wagon and Horses on St George's Quay. For further information, please telephone 01524 66062.

HAIR RAISING
27/9/02: Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the annual David Alexander Awards which recognises the personal development of employees and their contribution to their employers' businesses. Creativity and skills in hairdressing have won local hairdresser Lyndsey Stewart, an employee of David Frank of Lancaster the Trainee of the Year Award for individual achievement in the workplace.

STONE ME!
27/9/02: One of the UK's leading tribute bands, the Complete Stone Roses, will be playing Morecambe Dome on Friday 11 October. They're the only Stone Roses tribute band in the world who can claim the services of former bass player Gary 'Mani' Mounfield who regularly appears as a support DJ for the band and on occasions has been known to leap up on stage, whip the bass from the tribute band member and play 'She Bangs The Drums' to an ecstatic audience Tickets are selling fast and cost £8 full price, £7 concessions from the Box Office on 01524 582803 also Lancaster or Morecambe Tourist Information Centres and Robinsons Newsagents at Lancaster University.

AGAINST THE WAR
27/9/02: CND Kendal has organised a vigil event this Saturday (28) from 10.30, meeting up at the BirdCage in Kendal, followed by a meal and workshops at the Friends Meeting House. The event should appeal to people concerned at war plans mooted by US President George W. Bush who are unable to get to London for the planned peace rally there.

RACK IT UP
27/9/02: Cycling security has received a boost this week with news that Lancaster City Council has received funding for 30 new cycle racks for the district. The Council had applied for the £4,500 funding from the Government towards the costs of providing the racks at a variety of venues heavily used by cyclists. These include Lancaster Railway Station, the University and St Martins.

BYPASSING THE BYPASS
27/9/02: If you want to object to the inclusion of the Heysham-M6 Link (aka Western Bypass) in the new Lancashire Structure Plan (or make any other representations) you have until next Wednesday (2 October). This is easy to do on-line HERE. It is Policy Number 8.

MASTERS OF SPIN?
27/9/02: "It's very difficult to deal with the Council," advises local businessman David Gillespie, whose garage is under threat of redevelopment if CR Chelverton get their way. "They never give you a yes or no answer to a question. They say, "That's problematic."
We have to wonder, are council officers secretly being trained in spin by New Labour?

NEW ROAD 'ESSENTIAL' TO DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Report by Josh Calvin

25/9/02: CR Chelverton has told Virtual-Lancaster that their development plans for north Lancaster could be submitted to Lancaster City Council as early as Spring 2003.
Chelverton's £40 million plans -- which include a supermarket on Caton Road -- are still in a 'spatial exercise stage', according to their Development Director Simon Morgan. He told Virtual-Lancaster that proposals for a new canal road were "essential" to the development of a supermarket and "mixed development" around the old Mitchells Brewery site owned by Chelverton.
The developers are currently consulting with senior officers from Lancaster City Council to establish whether there is a need and capacity for a retail development of this size. Several councillors -- both Labour and Green -- have already expressed concern at the proposals reported following a meeting organised by Lancaster's Chamber of Commerce back in June.
In an exclusive interview for Virtual-Lancaster, Morgan said that the highway issues are going to be key to how this area of land is going to be developed. He reiterated that the new supermarket would be used to help fund the canal bypass. The supermarket chain behind the plan has yet to be revealed.
"Issues of congestion are causing economic problems to the city," argued Mr. Morgan. "The new road will ease the city centre pressure and radically improve the situation by taking away an enormous amount of traffic."
Morgan stated that he wants as wide a consultation as possible with the local community, and is willing to meet with local groups - as he already has done with the local Chamber of Commerce. However, at this early stage in the proposals he feels "Local concerns are premature - people don't know what their concerns are about".
Local resident Sally Banks is however quite clear about which aspects of the development she is worried about.
"It isn't about how nice the architecture is, or whether the buildings have slate roofs - we don't want another supermarket and we don't want a road along the canal - full stop.
"Chelverton have admitted that the new road is essential to the supermarket - they want this road so that people can drive to it.
"It's not about relieving the one way system - the canal bypass will actually create more traffic and congestion."
Campaigners point out that a new road -- which would run along a route similar to the rejected Eastern Relief Road plan of the early 1980s -- should hardly come as a surprise. One of Chelverton's major backers is Tarmac (now called Carillion), one of the biggest road builders in the country.

Simon Morgan assured Virtual-Lancaster that there would be a wide consultation and the
project -- which threatens the current location of the Musicians' Co-op -- could only go ahead if Chelverton could get community support.

• Development proposals by both CR Chelverton and the Liberty group for north Lancaster -- which focus on redevelopment for the Kingsway and Mitchells Brewery areas will be the focus for a meeting this Thursday (26th) at St. Thomas' Church, Penny Street at 7.30pm. The meeting has been arranged by Hilton Dawson MP.
• On Friday 27th Critical Mass plan to demonstrate against proposals for a new link road and supermarket. That demo starts at 4.30 in Dalton Square.
• Chelverton's Proposals in detail: Go
• Why the Musicians' Co-op must be saved: Go

REVIEW BOARD ECHOES COUNCIL'S REASSURANCE TO MUSICIANS' CO-OP
21/9/02: Members of Lancaster City Council's Regeneration Review Board have echoed the council's earlier reassurances to supporters of the Musicians' Co-op.
Earlier this month Lancaster City Council wrote to the organisation to clarify the current situation regarding the building. The Council said then that it recognised the valuable contribution the Co-op has made to the area's cultural scene and that its Head of Property Services has already recommended, via Cabinet, that the premises should not be considered for disposal at this point in time. In addition the council stated that as a major landowner in the area the authority needs to consider all aspects of future developments, should they be deemed to be in the interests of the district and the public interest in general. It told the Co-op that should this ever happen the Council is keen provision be made to enable use by organisations which have a wider community and cultural benefit to continue and that this would include the Musician's Co-op.
At their meeting this week members of the Regeneration Review Board, which is responsible for Cultural Services, discussed the issue and added their support to retaining the organisation.
"The Council has already written to reassure users that it values the contribution the facility makes to the cultural diversity of the district," said Pat Quinton, chair of the Review Board."The Review Board strongly endorsed that view. The Review Board also expressed its commitment to ensure that should any development take place in that area at any time in the future, the council guarantee a suitable venue be made available to enable the facility to continue in a central Lancaster location."

DEVELOPMENT OR DESTRUCTION?
21/9/02: Development proposals by both Chelverton Properties and the Liberty group for north Lancaster -- which focus on redevelopment for the Kingsway and Mitchells Brewery areas will be the focus for a meeting this Thursday (26th) at St. Thomas' Church, Penny Street at 7.30pm. The meeting has been arranged by Hilton Dawson MP.
On Friday Critical Mass plan to demonstrate against proposals for a new link road and supermarket. That demo starts at 4.30 in Dalton Square.
"Supermarkets destroy the local economy," argued a spokesperson. "Small retailers go out of business, delivery lorries clog up town centres, profits are siphoned out of the local area.
"The proposed Canal Road will destroy the tranquillity of the canal enjoyed by Lancastrians and visitors alike. We do not need another road bringing more cars, pollution and congestion into our city centre."
The "Yorkie Weekender" three-day festival for the endangered Musicians' Co-op, threatened by Lancaster development plans, raised 1,111. The event at Lancaster's Yorkshire House saw performances from top name bands including Angelica and Seraphim. Further campaign gigs are being considered in several venues. Meanwhile, the Co-op has been discussing its future with Peter Courtie, the City Council's new Arts Officer.

JAZZ IT UP
21/9/02: The annual jazz festival is in full swing this weekend -- check out our events listings for details of all events. Go

GET THE MOJO WORKING
21/9/02: Mojo, the Dukes first production for its 2002 Autumn season, opens on 4 October. This darkly comic murder mystery is set in 1958, in the second-rate Atlantic rock and roll club with vague gangland connections. A performer named Silver Johnny is their ticket to the big time. The boys have been seduced by the speed and optimism of a glittering American future. When Ezra, their boss is found murdered, the motley crew are desperate to avoid the same fate. It's not so easy to keep it together when your heart is racing from the pills, the weather is hot and sweaty, and you can't trust anyone...
The play stars William Ely, Howard Gossington, Andrew Moss, Paul Pariser, James Puddephatt and Justin Sheviin, recreating the brutal, pill popping, gangsters' low-life world of 1950s Soho. Mojo by Jez Butterworth runs until Saturday 26 October.
Box Office: (01524) 598500. E-mail:

SWAPAROUND AT SPOTLIGHT
21/9/02: Due to unforeseen circumstances, both Oliver Turrell and Andrea Jamieson are unable to read at the hugely popular Spotlight live-writing event tonight (Friday) at the Yorkshire House. Two story writers, Richard King and Iain Colley take their place. Richard will be reading his new short story July In Cornwall a tale of the consequences of illegal indulgences in a caravan, while Iain will be reading Fender The Offender, the latest instalment in his series of hysterical stores of life in the soft underbelly of Morecambe.
Original, funny and full of surprises Marian Hughes will be delighting the audience as she makes another welcome Spotlight appearance with a new monologue. Also joining Marian on the bill will be Sarah Hymas. Currently litfest writer in residence at HMP Preston, Sarah returns to Spotlight reading from her recent publication, Troll Tongues, a series of translations of Trollish carvings, found on the crags at Over Kellet.
Music this month comes from two Lancaster based singer/songwriters. Firstly Bronek Szerszynski returns to The Spotlight performing his own dark and emotional songs of love and spirituality and giving a new spin to songs by Tim Buckley and Bjork. Final music spot goes to Spotlight regular and audience favourite Mollie Baxter whose performance coincides with the launch of her own web site.

• Spotlight web site: Go
• Local Ficition Pages on this site in association with Spotlight: Go

EVEREST AND AFTER
A key member of the 1953 Everest expedition will be making a presentation at Lancaster Royal Grammar School on Thursday 26 September. George Lowe was a key member of Sir John Hunt's 1953 Everest expedition and Chairman of the Sir Edmund Hillary's Himalayan Trust. He will be speaking about the 1953 ascent of Everest and the humanitarian work of the Himalayan Trust over the last 40 years.
Tickets for "Everest and After - 50th Anniversary Celebrations 1953-2003", which runs from 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm in the Main Hall, cost £5 for adults and £2 for children and concessions. Proceeds to the Himalayan Trust with 20 per cent to LRGS Everest Base Camp Expedition.
Tickets from Katherine Beale, email or telephone 01524 37858.

LITERARY LINE UP!
21/9/02: Lancaster Literature Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a huge range of literary talent in October (12 20th) with a week that includes contributions from poets Lemn Sissay, Fleur Adcock and Liz Lochead plus novelists Patrick Neate, Alicia Stubbersfield and Tony Harrison.
The Festival is also stepping into the future by offering stories direct to you mobile. Simply send a text message reading "litfest" to 84133 to receive 25 short stories, one for every year of the festival, on your mobile phone throughout festival week. Total cost 1.50.
The stories have been selected by Lune Fiction editor Jomar de Vrind with the help of Litfest's Artistic Director Andy Darby.
• Full details of all events from the LitFest site: Go

NAME CHANGE REJECTED
21/9/02: Morecambe Bay Independent proposals to change the council name to Lancaster, Morecambe and Lunesdale City Council were thrown out at a council meeting this week with 29 councillors against, 16 for. The name change could have cost up to 200,000 to implement. The MBIs were accused of a political stunt by the Labour group.

PUSHING PEDALS
21/9/02: Pedal Power, the new Lancaster cycle recycle scheme could do with a hand. They're looking for Volunteers to help at the Centre and are also offering the City & Guilds in cycle maintenance and repair. If you're interested please phone either Nick on 01524 427300 or Pedal Power on 01524 65328
Pedal Power is based at Unit 28, Lake Industrial Estate, Ladies Walk, Caton Rd. Lancaster, Near the TA barracks, next door to Hartley Hire.

POLL FOR PEACE
21/9/02: What would be your message to Tony Blair on the question of war on Iraq? MoveOn.org (formerly 9-11peace.org) has launched an innovative discussion forum on this topic, specifically for people in the United Kingdom to share their messages and to identify those with the strongest appeal. You can post your own message, and read and respond to messages posted by others. You can also rate the messages you see, and the most highly rated messages will rise mathematically to the top of the list.
MoveOn.org is one of the world's leading Internet-based civic and grassroots advocacy organisations.

• Forum Link: Go

CARNFORTH VISIONS
18/9/02: Carnforth Market Towns Regeneration Initiative is holding a meeting titled Create A Vision for Carnforth on Saturday 28 September at Carnforth High School, from 11.00am - 2.00pm.
The event will give local people the opportunity to participate in workshops to seek solutions to the problems they see in the town.
"This is a unique opportunity for local people to design and create the future of Carnforth" said Rick Paterson, Lancaster City Council's Regeneration Officer for Carnforth. "We need as many people who live, work or play in the town to come and give their views and ideas for how Carnforth should develop during the next six months to 10 years. If people have ever wondered 'if only someone would do... then that would make things much better', then don't miss this chance to have that idea transformed into action".
"We are especially keen to hear from as many different types of people as possible. If you are unsure or would not even consider coming then you should think again. Never before have the people of this town been given a better chance to change things."

¥ For further information contact the Carnforth Regeneration Officer on 01524 730474 Email:

MORE TROUBLE FOR HEYSHAM?
17/9/02: The Financial Times reports today that the Government may allow British Energy to go into administration. This could have an impact on jobs at Heysham Power Station, although it would not close.
The FT claims that the full extent of the company's debts, now emerging, has persuaded the government to contemplate allowing it to go under. Administration would carry significant costs for the state, according to British Energy. The company could not be simply wound up since nuclear power stations Ð which contribute about 20 per cent of power to the National Grid -- would have to be kept going. Instead, the administrator would have to run some form of holding operation, pending possible changes in the government's long-term strategy for nuclear energy.

ARSON IN MORECAMBE
17/9/02: Morecambe Fire Station attended two fires in Morecambe's West End last night. Both were set deliberately and both are believed to be related.
The first involved a Blue Ford transit parked in Brunswick Road. The driver compartment was damaged by fire when the seat cushion was ignited by a cigarette lighter. The fire was easily extinguished by fire crews when they arrived shortly after.
The second fire gutted a caravan parked in a back garden on Windsor Road. A fire had been deliberately set within the caravan around 11 o'clock last night. Firefighters were quick on the scene and tackled the blaze with two water jets. Unfortunately the fire had quickly spread through the caravan and destroyed the internal furniture.
The fire service are urging local residents to phone the crimestoppers confidential hotline on 0800 555111 if they have any information relating to either incident.

• Information on preventing fires: The Fire Protection Association

BUSH PROTESTS IRAQ'S ACQUIESCENCE
17/9/02. As George W, Bush protests that Iraq cannot be trusted, having agreed to weapons inspections, we offer you with this quote: "I shall give a propagandist cause for starting the war. Never mind whether it is plausible or not. The victor will not be asked, later on, whether he told the truth or not. In starting and waging a war, it is not Right that matters but Victory. Have no pity. Adopt a brutal attitude... Right is on the side of the strongest."
-- Adolph Hitler, 22 September 1939.
• Lancaster and District Coaltion Against War

THE ETHICS OF FOOD
17/9/02: There's a public meeting this Thursday, 7.30pm at St Martin's Black Box Theatre, organised by the Food Ethics Council and the Society of Applied
Philsophy, on Ethics and Agriculture: after foot and mouth disease.
Speakers will be Ben Mepham, from the Food Ethics Council; Doris Schroeder (formerly a philosopher at Lancaster University) and Ruth Chadwick, Institute for Environment, Philosophy and Public Policy, Lancaster University. Admission is free.

SEWERAGE TO GO!
See also follow-up story 3/10/02: Go
16/9/02: Lancaster and Morecambe's sewerage network will be run by a private company from the end of September.
From midnight on 30 September 2002 responsibility for managing the sewerage network in the Lancaster City Council area will transfer from Lancaster City Council to United Utilities Plc (UU Plc), one of the largest such businesses in the North West.
After the transfer date, United Utilities Network Operations teams will control all day to day maintenance and operations including supervision of sewers on new developments subject to Adoption Agreements under S104 of the Water Industry Act 1991 and Capital Investment Projects.
"Both Lancaster City Council and UU Plc intend to make the change seamless," said a council spokeperson," and remain fully committed to continuing to provide excellent service to our customers."
United Utilities Service Delivery, formerly NorthWest Water, owns and operates electricity distribution and water networks in the north west of England. It manages and maintains more than 600 wastewater treatment works and over 100 water treatment works, together with 80,000 kilometres of pipes and sewers. The company has been an active supporter of the charity WaterAid, set up to help change the lives of poor people in Africa and Asia by providing clean domestic water supplies, since 1982. It has also won awards for its financial information programme for employees.
The change will only affect the public sewerage system. For help and advice on highway drainage, private drainage or land drainage problems you should continue to contact Lancaster City Council on 01524 582000 during office hours and 01524 67099 at all other times.

• Any problems on or caused by the public sewerage system should be reported by telephoning United Utilities Plc Service Enquiries on 08456 020406 or writing to United Utilities Plc., Service Delivery, PO BOX 453, Warrington WA55 1SE

FALLOUT OVER HEYSHAM
13/9/02: Investigations by Greenpeace reveal that the Heysham 2 nuclear plant is facing the same technical problems that have shut both reactors at its sister plant in Torness, Scotland. Local campaigners are now asking for the plant to be closed down, asking if troubled energy giant British Energy is putting cash before safety.
Greenpeace has discovered that Heysham 2 has a history of technical problems with gas circulator impellers - exactly the same problem which has shut Torness. The organisation claims Heysham's problems have been developing over the past decade.
The closure of Heysham 2 would cause a further financial shockwave to British Energy which has already suspended trading of its shares and is currently seeking a massive cash injection from Government.
"'The Lancaster and District Green Party will be writing to the Government to urge that Heysham 2 should be shut down," says spokesperson Gisela Reynolds. "Instead of the Government bailing British Energy out of a financial crisis of its own making, it should be helping British Energy divert its funds and technical expertise into the development of wind farms off the Lancashire coast."
Heysham 2 bosses refute the Greenpeace claims and told the Lancaster Citizen safety will remain a priority.
British Energy have commented that Torness Reactor 1 was taken out of service on 12 August to investigate vibrations on one of the gas circulators; a programme of inspection work has commenced. As reported in previous BE monthly output announcements, Torness Reactor 2 was similarly shut down in mid May due to the failure of a gas circulator. "The remedial work is well advanced," says British Energy.
"The gas circulators at Heysham 2 are of a similar design to those at Torness. British Energy is undertaking a review to determine whether there are any implications of the Torness shutdown. Meantime Heysham 2 continues to operate safely."

Web Links:
• Heysham Power Station - Local Views
• British Energy
• Heysham 2 Information from British Energy
• The findings of NII's assessment of British Energy's periodic safety review (PDF file): Go
• Lancaster and District Green Party

OPENING UP
13/9/02: 14-15 September is National Heritage Weekend and Lancaster City Council is again offering free guided tours of Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls to complement the numerous other events and buildings which will open their doors in the City over the weekend. Details on our Whats On pages.

HEGLEY HEADS IN
13/9/02: Dog-loving poet John Hegley is just part of the Nuffield Theatre's line up for its coming season which includes performances from the brilliant Forced Entertainment and the ATC. Early booking for Hegley's event, in the Great Hall, is strongly recommended.
John Hegley's Official Site: Go


YORKIE WEEKENDER
Almost every local band Ð including Seraphim and Angelica -- will be playing the Yorkshire House this weekend in support of Lancaster's Musicians' Co-op. (Full rundown in our listings section). The Co-op remains under threat of relocation if development plans proposed by property developer Chelverton -- which include a massive new supermarket, link road and retail units Ð go ahead as proposed. Now musicians fear that despite a Council commitment to support the facility, there is no guarantee it will remain in Cable Street, a perfect city centre location for musicians of all ages to access it easily.
Letters have poured into every local paper in support of the Co-op and its down-to-earth ethos of promoting music. "Minneapolis [home to Husker Du, Prince and The Replacements] has nothing that compares to Lancaster's Music Co-op," David Gray wrote from the US. "My musician friendsâ jaws drop here when I tell them that in my hometown of Lancaster, there is a place where bands can walk to, to rehearse and record by the hour for less than the price of a pitcher of BudweiserÉ By continually generating the bands that have brought people into the cityâs pubs and clubs week-in week-out over the years, the Co-op has actually encouraged people to go out and spend their money."
Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson has arranged a meeting to discuss proposals for the Lancaster Canal corridor north area, its implications for local business organisations and the Musicians' Co-op, for 7.30pm on Thursday, 26 September at St Thomas' Church, Lancaster.
"Hopefully, the public meeting will assist with a massive public campaign to ensure the future of Lancaster Musicians Co-op," Dawson told the Lancaster Guardian, "and to promote a use of this whole site in the best interests of the community"
Critical Mass are holding a protest about the developments plans, which will start at 4.30 from Dalton Square on 27 September.

Support the Co-op with our "Save the Co-op Poster"
• Black • Grey
• Why the Co-op should be saved: Go

MONEY MAKING
13/9/02: The City Council may be doing well with its money but perhaps it's losing out by not charging non-residents of Lune Street for using it as an unofficial car park, who then walk into town across the Millennium Bridge. At about 25 cars a day, five days a week, our back of a beer mat maths suggests the potential income could more than pay for a free badge scheme for residents cars so they could park without charge.

FAIR TRADE SET BACK
13/9/02: Lancaster's Global Link reports that last week's full council meeting didn't help to further the issue of Fair Trade in Lancaster, as they had been expecting. "The latest on the 'Fair Trade District' status, at least as far as the council goes, is that a report needs to be prepared (tendering and finance issues etc.)," says Global Link's Walt Holland, "For submission to the Review Board (again), which is meeting next in October." Global Link will be keeping up the pressure for Council approval.
Garstang is already a Fair Trade zone, supporting the sale of goods which mean the workers in Third World countries making them receive decent wages and conditions.
The following cafes in the district serve Fair Trade goods: Lubins and Lewis in Morecambe; the Gregson and Sun Street CafZ, Lancaster. Several shops sell Fairtrade goods including Labyrinth in Lancaster's Market Street.
The next FT group meeting is at 6.00pm, 9 October, at Global Link in China Street Lancaster and all are welcome.
Website: http://www.globallink.org.uk

JOB MAKERS
13/9/02: Recent free courses run by Lancaster City Council's BEST Centre have helped 11 unemployed clients find work. The BEST Centre in Euston Road in Morecambe, which has only been open for eight months, is now running new courses to give even more people the opportunity to improve their employability.
For more information or details about the BEST Centre and the courses they are offering please ring Anne at the BEST Centre Euston Road, 01524 831721.

AWARD WINNER
13/9/02: Former Lancaster resident and co-publisher of the weekly events listing Something Completely Different has won a prestigious John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer of 2000 or 2001 at this year's SF Worldcon in San Jose, California.
Jo Walton, a popular figure in Lancaster SF circles for many years accepted the award with a sonnet! The John W. Campbell Award for the best science-fiction novel of the year is one of the three major annual awards for science fiction. Writing from Canada, Jo told Virtual-Lancaster she's presently writing a novel of manners "in which all the characters are dragons with a tech level of about 1850, to be called Tooth and Claw."
Read Jo's sonnet here
Jo's Web Site: Go

WAR WITH IRAQ "IRRELEVANT?"
13/9/02: Local county councillor Jonathan Sear has had a planned question he wanted to ask the full County Council on the possibility of war with Iraq ruled out of order. He hoped to challenge the council Ð as have other councillors on other councils around the country Ð to take a stand against government pressure for an attack on Iraq. The question was ruled out of order on grounds that it does not relate to "matter which is within the responsibility of the Cabinet." So going to war isn't anything to do with Lancashire. It'll be all those southern folks fault when it goes pear-shaped, thenÉ

911 REMEMBERED
9/9/02: Staff and members of Lancaster City Council will observe a minute's silence at 1.46pm on Wednesday, in memory of the tragic events of 11 September last year. Many local businesses -- including WH Smiths -- are also observing a silence.
Shortly after 2.00pm Lancaster City Council's Mayor, Coun Eileen Blamire, will also lead a minute's silence at the start of the previously arranged Full Council meeting in Morecambe Town Hall.

Related Link: 9-11 Peace.org

GREEN GATHERING
9/9/02: St Martin's College in Lancaster is the venue for this year’s Autumn conference of the National Green Party, 12th –15th September. Around 250 Green Party members from around the country will be gathering at the college for four days of debates and discussions on social, environmental, economic and peace issues.
A major reason that Lancaster has been chosen as this year’s venue is because of the recent successes of local councillors – the group of six City councillors and one County councillor is the largest green group in the country.
"I'm delighted that we will have this opportunity to show Lancaster to our Green colleagues," said Green group leader Emily Heath, "and talk to them about our experiences and successes on the City Council. All of Britain’s top Green politicians will be present including our two Euro MEPs and the Green member of the Scottish parliament."
Two of the themes of the conference are food and transport. On transport there is a session on The Future of Rail with Bob Crow, General Secretary of the Rail Maritime and Transport Union and local transport expert John Whitelegg. Bob Crow is also giving a keynote speech.
Conference Web Site: Go

UNI BUILIDNG PLANS HALTED
9/9/02: The Government Office of the North-West has referred Lancaster University's planning application for a massive 2,500 unit expansion to the Secretary of State. The plans would mean a huge builidng programme on greenfields towards Galgate.
The decision came after Green Party councillor Jon Barry and Galgate residents wrote to the Government Office explaining that Lancaster City Council had not adhered to the Government's 'Greenfield Directive' that all new housing developments over five hectares should be referred to the Secretary of State. The council is believed to have argued that student residences didn't count as housing. However, the Government Office appears not to have accepted this argument.
The Secretary of State has 21 days to decide whether to 'call in' the application. This would involve a new planning inquiry that would be heard by an independent inspector. This would be similar to what has happened to the proposed Whinney Carr development, where a further inquiry is to be heard in October.
"It's absolutely vital that this decision is called in by the Government," commented Councillor Jon Barry, "as important new planning policy was ignored by the city’s planning committee.
"In addition to the planning issues, I believe that the proposed PFI development is a bad deal for students. They are likely to have to pay rent of over £60 a week and the rent levels would be controlled by the developers, Jarvis. Many students simply cannot afford such high rents."
We specialise in providing state-of the art student accommodation that maximises functionality and minimises the whole life-cycle cost to universities.
Responding to the news, a spokesperson told Virtual-Lancaster the Green Party claims about the development were "generally incorrect."
Jarvis has been building student housing as part of the University Partnerships Programme for 11 years. It is one of the UK's leading providers of student accommodation. Jarvis currently manages, have under construction or has been named preferred bidder for some 18,000 student rooms.
"It is incorrect to assume that Jarvis would control the rent levels as these are set in partnership with the university," the Jarvis spokesperson added. "This is the unique nature of the UPP deal – everything is agreed between both parties. Also, UPP uniquely gives the accommodation estate back to the university after the period of the partnership – something that the Green Party probably were not aware of – which of course means the institution finds itself in ownership of a valuable asset after 25 years.
"Since UK universities are invariably short of financial assets, the benefits of these deals logically filter down to the students in the long term, who benefit from better equipped universities with more resources available for teaching and research."

CO-OP SAFE?
6/9/02: Lancaster City Council have moved swiftly (for the Council) to calm fears that the Musician's Co-op was destined for oblivion. In a letter to the Co-op, which is holding a three day benefit this week, the Council has calmed some fears for the future. But it's not clear that the current location of the 17-year old community music service is totally safe from the developers.
The Council acquired the building on Lodge Street to the rear of the Grand Theatre in the mid 1980's. The Musicians Co-op was installed as tenants-at-will, to make use of the building, at a nominal rent.
In its letter the city council has written to the co-op acknowledging the valuable contribution they've made to the area's cultural scene. The Council's Head of Property Services has also recommended, via Cabinet, that the premises should not be considered for disposal at this point in time.
This doesn't mean the Co-op is totally safe. As a major landowner in the area, the Council says it "needs to consider all aspects of future developments, should they be deemed to be in the interests of the district and the public interest in general".
Should this ever happen the Council says it's keen that provision be made to enable use by organisations which have a wider community and cultural benefit to continue. This would include the Musician's Co-op – but this proviso suggests that whether it would be on the same site is perhaps another matter...

AIRING THOSE ARIAS
6/9/02: A staged performance of Mozart's sparkling comedy opera "Cosi fan Tutte" has been lined up at Christ Church, Canrforth, for Saturday evening, 19 October.
The opera will be performed by singers from English National Opera and other
companies, with orchestra.
Tickets (including a glass of wine) £8 and £5 concessions (OAP/ NUS/children under 16) on sale at the Whitaker Studio, 43 New Street, Carnforth, Tel 01524 736056, or at the door. All proceeds will be given to support the work of the Children's Society.

PRIORY PIAZZA DOUBTS
6/9/02: A planning storm is brewing over Lancaster Priory's plan for a 25-space car park, purportedly to fulfil the requirements of new Disability Rights legislation. Locals have complained about the application, citing the loss of amenity, questioning the actual need for such a huge expansion in car parking space and challenging the proposal as being in total contradiction to Council parking strategies.
"The whole scheme is clearly cleverly designed to sweeten the pill, emphasise conservation and disability, muddle together irrelevant parts, and smuggle the car park in amongst sweeter things," says Robert Poole. There is apparently significant disquiet about the plan amongst church members and officers.
The agent for the scheme is Charles Wilson, former City Architect and Chief Planning Officer. Wilson is also honorary President of the Civic Society which in the past has been quite protective of the Castle Hill area.
Take action: The planning application number is 02/00941/FUL and can be viewed at Palatine Hall on request. To object, write to Andrew Dobson, Head of Planning and Building Control, Lancaster City Council, Palatine Hall, Lancaster, LA1 1PW.
The application is due to be discussed at a committee on 23 September, so write before then.

BODIES WANTED!
6/9/02: ALF (The Alternative Litfest Fringe) urgently requires a 'mob' - people to hold placards and march in procession through town for its upcoming events.
They're also looking for performance poets, street theatre people ... enthusiastic gophers etc. More info from or pop into Atticus Books on King Street.
Tel no: 01524 389992 (Mollie) or 381413 (Atticus).

SAVING THE MIDLAND?
The City Council and English Heritage have agreed a detailed list of urgent repairs has been identified for Morecambe's troubled Midland Hotel.
This step is the latest move by Lancaster City Council to ensure the building, which is a Grade 2* listed structure on the Buildings At Risk register, does not deteriorate any further. If a positive and viable development proposal is not produced in the next four weeks, the notice will be served requiring the current owners to complete the necessary repairs.
"The serving of a repairs notice is a significant step as it prescribes legally what repairs are required to ensure the building's condition does not get worse," says John Donnellon, the city council's Corporate Director (Regeneration).
"The Council would prefer to see the project develop as planned but needs to ensure this important building is protected.
The Repairs Notice will ensure all statutory means are being used to guarantee the survival of the building". If the repairs are not carried out this could see the building handed over to a Restoration Trust, according to the Morecambe Visitor.

GLOBAL GET TOGETHER
6/9/02: Two public discussions on global issues take place next week, organised by the Green Party, whose national conference is being held at St Martin's College in Lancaster, from 12-15 September.
The US and UK response to global terrorism will be debated at the Gregson on Wednesday featuring speakers Andy Dogshun from the Lancaster & District Coalition Against the War, John Whitelegg and Paul Ingram (a defence researcher and former deputy leader of Oxford City Council) on "Profits, arms and war".
On Thursday, Green MEP Jean Lambert and Billy Pye from the Lancaster Refugee Support Group will be speaking about refugees.
Lancaster Green Party: Go

GIVE ME SHELTER
6/9/02: Good news for rain-soaked cab users. Lancaster City Council cabinet has finally agreed to build a shelter for the Lancaster Bus Station Taxi Rank Shelter. As Virtual-Lancaster reported a couple of weeks ago, it had previously been feared there was no money available for the project but council under spending, along with better financial management, means there's now money for a shelter.
The decision to build the shelter came after reports on Virtual-Lancaster and campaigning for the measure by Green Party councillor Gina Dowding.

MEEJA MATTERS
6/9/02: Budding press or broadcast journalists are being offered a chance to take the first step toward a career in the media at Lancaster's Adult College.
The college, based at White Cross, is offering a 10-week writing for the media course starting 7 October, which will give students a vital insight into the media world. It could also be the first step to a career in either print or broadcast media.
Enrolment for the course is through the Adult College at White Cross or on 01524 60141.

PUPPET MASTER!
6/9/02: Gerry Anderson has just signed a £75 million deal to bring back Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons as a Computer Generated animated series. And yes,we know that has nothing to do with Lancaster but we think it's kind of funky!