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SPORTS UPGRADE FOR MORECAMBE HIGH?
9/4/03: Poulton Neighbourhood Management is commissioning a feasibility study into an exciting new proposal involving Morecambe High School and Morecambe Football Club.
The Club and the School have got together with a view to developing the school's playing fields which have suffered from wear and tear and an outdated drainage system.
The proposal is to build a new indoor sports facility at the school and upgrade all the grass pitches. Use of this indoor pitch will take some of the pressure off the outdoor facilities and mean that there is capacity available for Morecambe Football Club's training needs.
This partnership between the football club and the school will have tremendous benefits for the community at large. A central part of this proposal is to increase the availability of the school's sports facilities for local people.
Poulton Neighbourhood Management has already funded a new member of staff for the school whose role is to develop community involvement in sport and recreation.
"This is a great opportunity for Morecambe High School, Morecambe Football Club and the people of Poulton," commented John Deacon, Poulton Neighbourhood Manager. "It shows what can be achieved by bringing together a successful club and a successful community." "This could be an exciting development for Morecambe Football Club, Morecambe High School and the people of the town," added Rod Taylor, Chief Executive of Morecambe Football club. As the football club has progressed, the need for a quality training facility has been recognized and this partnership could be the way forward. We are also keen to develop our Football in the Community Scheme and this facility would be beneficial for that use."

PHOTOS DO MATTER
9/4/03: Lancaster City Council is about to reveal its top 40 photographic entries in their very own exhibition called "Our District's Photographers Matter".
The competition which was featured in the Winter/Spring issue of YOUR District Council MATTERS asked the District's amateur and professional photographers, both young and old to send in their favourite shots of the area and attracted over 270 photographs.
The Council's Director for Regeneration John Donnellon, who acted as one of the judges, said "the quality of the entries was outstanding and it was encouraging to see such a high standard of photography from our local youngsters too. This exhibition is our opportunity to thank all those who took part and for contributing to the success of the competition."
The exhibitions are to take place as follows:
• Lancaster Town Hall Reception - 14th - 25th April
• Morecambe Town Hall Reception - 28th - April - 9th May
• Lancaster's Maritime Museum - 12th May - 6th July

OUT TO SKATE
9/4/03: Local skateboarder Matt Canty has written a feature for our site on plans for new skate parks in Lancaster and Morecambe ­ and has some advice on where you can skate locally now. Read More...

AIDING THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
9/4/03: Lancaster City Council is responding to the findings of the recent Access Audit of Lancaster City Centre by ensuring that one of the barriers for visually impaired people is removed.
White bands are being added to the many black painted bollards throughout the City Centre so that visually impaired people can perceive them more clearly.
"It's vital to ensure that all street furniture is perceivable by people with low vision so they can avoid injury," explained City Council Access Officer, Rob Bracewell. "Black painted bollards tend to disappear into shadow and can present a painful barrier to those who can't see clearly". "Although it is essential for visually impaired people, it has a positive 'knock on' effect for everyone else," he added, "as the bollards now stand out clearly from their background, making them more visible for everyone." (We're sure many of the late night pub and club crowd will be grateful!)
Bollards running the length of Penny Street and other locations in the Centre have received the treatment and soon all bollards in the district will carry the stripe.
Members of the local visually impaired community have responded warmly to the adjustments. "sometimes it is the smallest change that can have the most profound effect," says Rob. "In the access world much can be achieved with a pot of paint, it isn't always the most expensive solution that works best".

• Rob is available for consultation on all matters relating to access and can be contacted directly on 01524 582372.

OFF THE WALL
8/4/03: As part of a series of concerts across the north of England 'Off The Wall', one of the UK's leading Pink Floyd tribute shows is coming to the Platform on Friday 25 April. The band, who's members all come from the Yorkshire area, rose to prominence after touring the country last year, culminating in a spectacular outdoor concert at Halifax Piece Hall which was attended by over 2000 people. Shows this year have gone extremely well with one of the high points being joined on stage by world renowned sax player Snake Davis for a concert at Harrogate International Centre.
With the real band having no plans to tour again in the foreseeable future, the only chance to get the live Floyd experience is to see a show of the standard that Off The Wall put on. All the members are top class musicians who have worked incredibly hard to not just create exact copies of the original songs, but also inject their own energies, so whilst clearly recognizably, the music contains things that take the audience beyond the experience of just listening to a record. From 'Arnold Layne' to the 'Division Bell' Off The Wall play pieces from most Floyd albums, including the classics as well as a few surprises.
Off The Wall also try to do justice to the spectacular nature of the original Pink Floyd shows. A huge moving light show and two huge projectors which fill the back of the stage with stunning imagery create the visual aspects of the show, whilst professional sound, lighting and projection engineers take care of all the technical aspects that make the concerts into a complete Pink Floyd experience.
The band is really looking forward to playing The Platform. The quality and reputation of the venue means it should be a tremendous show. Tickets are priced at £10.50 and are available form the box office or by phone on 01524 582803.

CHALLENGE YOUR COUNCILLOR!
8/4/03: Lancaster Chamber of Commerce has organised a special Question Time for local councillors, taking place this Wednsday (9th) from 6.00pm - 8.00pm The Lecture Theatre, Storey Institute, Lancaster. The free event has been organised primarily for local business people to ask questions about council support for local business and cross-examine some current councillors on their policies.
Hosted by Trevor Bargh of Charter Solutions the panel comprises Couns Patricia Heath (leader of the Council and the Morecambe Bay Independents); Abbott Bryning (Labour); James Airey (Conservative); Pat Quinton (Liberal Democrats); and Emily Heath (Green Party). Further information: 01524 381331

STAGECOACH BLUNDERS -- AGAIN
7/4/03: On 1 April anyone over 60 became eligible for a half fare Bus Pass (see last week's story). Unfortunately, no-one seems to have told many Stagecoach bus drivers, who knew nothing about it, thus causing fun and games. Perhaps they thought they were being Fooled?
"Some refused to accept -- others did after heated dialogue," reveals irate local bus user traveller Terry Howse. "When is Stagecoach ever going to get anything right?"
For Terry this is the latest in a line of Stagecoach woes, including buses that don't to stick to their correct routes or stop in the designated red area not five metres either side...

WEST END SCHOOL GETS TRAINING STATUS
7/4/03: A Morecambe school has been awarded Training School status as part of a new initiative for teacher training in the North West.
Westgate Primary in Morecambe was one of five North West schools awarded Training School status by School Standards Minister David Miliband today, along with schools in Knowsley, Bolton, Cheadle and Sale. Altogther, 80 more schools have been awarded Training School status, as part of a major expansion of the programme, bringing the total across England to 166.
Under the programme the school will receive £45,000 per year, for a period of four years, in a national bid to increase the quality and capacity of initial teacher training and other bring other education improvements.

MORECAMBE TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE INITIATIVE STARTS WITH NEW CONSERVATION AREA
7/4/03: After a successful bid for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Lancaster City Council is now ready to launch the Morecambe Townscape Heritage Initiative.
This will bring up to £1.5 million of lottery money to the town, which will be used to aid the restoration of key historic buildings, such the Midland Hotel, and to help regenerate the Poulton and town centre areas. It is a key element in the Morecambe Resort Action Plan.
The first step will be to designate a new Conservation Area covering the Poulton and central promenade areas of Morecambe. It will build upon the existing Poulton conservation area designated in 1991. Within the conservation area, there will be additional controls over demolitions, higher building standards and grant aid will be targeted on proposals that enhance the character of the area.
"The Townscape Heritage Initiative presents a great opportunity to build on Morecambe's heritage as it seeks to regenerate the town," commented John Donnellon, Corporate Director (Regeneration).
Plans showing the proposed new conservation area will be displayed in the following locations from 11 April 2003 during normal opening hours:

• Morecambe Town Hall
• Strategic Housing Office, New Town Square
• Poulton Neighbourhood Management Offices, Euston Road
• Palatine Hall, Lancaster

In addition, details will also be available on the City Council's web site www.lancaster.gov.uk
Any comments on the proposal should be returned by Friday 9 May to the Head of Planning and Building Control at Palatine Hall, Lancaster.

DOG AND CHIPS -- 378 TIMES!
7/4/03: The Microchipping Roadshow recently held in Lancaster and Morecambe proved an amazing success, with a total of 378 dogs being microchipped.
The Roadshow, which was organised by Lancaster City Council's Dog Warden Service in conjunction with the National Canine Defence League (NCDL), was stationed for 2 days in the Festival Market Car Park at Morecambe, followed by 2 days at Ryelands Park, Lancaster. Queues of assorted dogs and their owners appeared from early morning.
Microchipping, which normally costs around £25, was available free of charge for people in receipt of benefit or pension, and £9.50 for others.
Due to the overwhelming success of the Roadshow, more are proposed for the future, and any dog owner wishing to take part in the scheme should contact Lancaster City Council on 01524 582729 to log their interest.
"Microchipping helps to reduce the number of stray and abandoned dogs in the district, by reuniting dogs and their owners more quickly," said Peter Loker, Corporate Director for Community Services. "Promoting responsible dog ownership is one of the key aims of the Dog Warden Service. I am extremely pleased with the success of the Roadshow."

• For further details please contact Susan Clowes, Senior Environmental Health Officer, on 01524 582740.

HAPPY MOUNT PARK EASTER EGSSTRAVAGANZA!
7/4/03: Looking for something to do with the children on Easter Saturday? If so, why not pay a visit to Happy Mount Park and join in one of the many activities on offer. The fun starts at 1.00pm and activities include:
FREE egg painting workshop for children between 2pm and 4pm in the cafe and face painting;
Easter treasure hunt/quiz around the Park throughout the afternoon with lots of prizes on offer - quiz sheets will be available from any of the Park Concessionaires.
A children's Easter Bonnet Competition will be the highlight of the afternoon with judging taking place at 2.00pm in the multi use sports area. The competition will be judged in 3 age groups -- under 6 years; 7 to 9 years; 10 to 14 years -- with prizes for the most original in each age group.
The multi sports area will also be the location for a series of sporting activities throughout the afternoon hosted by the Cafe in the Park.
All the usual Park attractions will be available throughout the day and they include: The Paddling Pool, Bowling, Putting, Crazy Golf, Miniature Golf, Trampolines, Happy Mount Park Express Train Ride, Swing Boats, Outdoor Play Area, Children's Roundabout and the Pirates in the Park Children's Play Area. All the ingredients for a great afternoon of fun for all the family!

• For more information please contact Leisure Services on 01524 582847 582828

POSTAL AND PROXY VOTING
7/4/03: If you will not be able to vote in person at the polling station on 1 May, you may apply to vote by post or by proxy.
Current legislation now permits any elector to apply for a postal vote without having to give a reason.
To apply for a postal vote simply obtain a form from either Lancaster or Morecambe Town Halls, or by downloading the form from the website. Forms cannot be completed on line, as legislation requires all applications to be signed by the applicant. The closing date for postal votes for the election is 5pm on Wednesday 23 April 2003.
Electors may also appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf.
You may apply to vote by proxy if you are disabled or in ill-health, studying or working away from home, or if there is a particular reason why you cannot vote in person. Again, forms may be obtained from Lancaster or Morecambe Town Halls, or from the Council's website. The closing date for applications for this election is 5pm on Wednesday 23 April 2003.
To apply to vote by proxy, telephone the helpline - 582905 for a form, or download a form from the council's website: www.lancaster.gov.uk. The point of contact within the City Council for election queries is Claire Wardle - telephone 582058 or email

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