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NATIONAL CYCLING CONFERENCE IN LANCASTER
23/5/03: Lancaster City Council welcomed over 70 delegates to a national cycling conference held in the Ashton Hall on Tuesday 20 May 2003.
The conference was the fourth organised by the Local Authority Cycle Planning Group to provide an opportunity for cycling enthusiasts and professionals to exchange ideas and keep abreast of new developments.
The key policy speaker was Larry Martindale of the English Regions Cycling Development Team, set up by the Government to increase cycle use. A significant part of the Team's role is to audit the cycling policies and infrastructure of all local authorities and recommend improvements. The outcome of the audit is due in July, when Lancaster and Lancashire will be able to compare their performance with the rest of the country. He described proposals for a Demonstration Sustainable Towns Project and confirmed that Lancaster has been nominated as one of a number of possible locations, which will be developed to show how conditions for cyclists could be improved.
Jim Robson, Head of Engineering Services, chaired the morning session in which Jason Kennedy, the City Council's Project Planner, outlined new cycle schemes in the city, including the Marsh Safer Walking and Cycling Route which includes a proposed cycle path into Lancaster station.
Barry Cole of Cyclepoint, a recently opened cycle centre on the station, described the cycle hire service provided for visitors to the area, and cycle storage for rail commuters and city centre workers.
Richard Tulej, Head of Corporate Strategy, presented a summary of River Lune Millennium Park including the Millennium Bridge from inception to construction.
"Lancaster City Council had shown a strong commitment to cycling with the building of the Millennium Bridge and cycle paths," commented Alasdair Simpson, Lancashire County Council Cycling Officer, "and as a consequence there were signs that cycling was increasing."
He added that there was a need to bring cycling facilities in the rest of county up to the standard of those in Lancaster. "It's important that cycle facilities continue to be improved to encourage greater participation in cycling," commented the leader of the Council, Coun Ian Barker. "Cycling is a healthy and sustainable form of transport, which provides beneficial aerobic exercise as well as being fun. For many people who live and work or attend school or college in Lancaster and Morecambe, cycling is becoming a very real alternative form of transport to the private car."

DIESEL LEAK IN LUNE
23/5/03: Work was due to continue today to limit the environmental damage caused by a major diesel leak into a Lancashire river.
BBC Radio Lancashire reports that about 37,500 litres of the fuel were released into the River Lune when thieves tried to steal it from a storage tank at the industrial estate in Middleton Road, Heysham, causing the fuel to be released into the river.
The leak affected about one mile of the river and its tributaries near Heysham. Police are still hunting the thieves.
It's not yet known whether there has been environmental damage, although an Environment Agency spokeswoman confirmed several dead fish had been found in the river. The leak will be a blow to the Agency after good news last week about improved water quality, which has seen a marked increase in the number of otters on the river.

SUMMER TRAINS: LANCASTER LOSES OUT
23/5/03: Train users are up in arms over cuts in services to Lancaster introduced in Virgin Trains' new summer timetable. Several services now no longer stop at Lancaster.
Local resident Kevin Richards is furious at the changes, describing them as "an insult to Lancaster," and is hoping action will be taken to reinstate the trains. "The trains haven't been cancelled," he says, "they simply do not call at Lancaster any more.
"My partner commutes from Lancaster to Preston every day," he reveals. She's dismayed to learn that every train she uses no longer services Lancaster. "I understand that there is a need to rationalise services in order to improve punctuality but the times that these trains have been cut seem ludicrous to me," says Kevin. There are now no trains for an hour from Preston to Lancaster in the busy 4-5 o'clock period - but there are four trains from Lancaster to Preston in the same hour. "How can the train companies and the government possibly say you are making public transport more attractive to the commuter," asks Kevin, "when getting back in the car is now a cheaper and more convenient alternative to the train?
"My partner is now considering whether to stay in her job or to look for work nearer to or in Lancaster. It is a very sad situation when it is impossible to commute to a town 20 minutes down the road."
Councillor John Whitelegg told Virtual-Lancaster "I wrote to the Chief Exec of Virgin trains on the first day of the timetable change demanding that the trains removed from the timetabled stop at Lancaster be reinstated. I did this in my capacity as a City Councillor with a request for an explanation of the reasons why Virgin have downgraded
Lancaster."

• Lancaster Rail Users Group: Telephone Mike Machin on 01524 68327 or Laurence Canty on 01524 33077 for info on meetings
• Rail time tables: www.nationalrail.co.uk

SOMETHING IN THE WATER?
Is there something wrong with tap water in Lancaster City Centre? One of our readers thinks so. "It's begun to taste mouldy in the last week or so," reports Richard Twine. "You can even smell it on the steam when you have a shower.
"It's really undrinkable, and I've heard from friends who've noticed this too. I would like to know what is causing this, whether it is a health risk, and how long it will last since I'd like to be able to drink it again!"
We contacted United Utilities who told us they were not aware of any complaints from the area and stressed that they take water quality matters very seriously. Water samples are taken on a daily basis. They advise customers to contact them with any problems: call 0845 746 2200.

• How to complain about water problems: Go

MACABRE TOUCH TO DUKES NEW SEASON
23/5/03: Classic comic theatre, gothic horror and fairy tale drama will provide the line up for this autumn's theatre season at The Dukes. The theatre has chosen Joe Orton's final play, What the Butler Saw and Bram Stoker's Dracula (adapted by Jane Thornton and John Godber) to begin the season, which starts in September.
"These are both plays I've wanted to do for a long time," says director Ian Hastings. "Orton only wrote seven plays -- his reputation and death overshadow the fact that he's such a great writer. 'What the Butler Saw' is as good as any of his other works - it's unashamedly comic." Tragically, Orton never saw the play on stage - he was killed by his lover, Kenneth Halliwell, before it was first performed in 1969.
Ian told Virtual-Lancaster he looked at over a dozen versions of Draculabefore setting his sights on the Thornton/Godber stage adaptation. "I wanted a version that tells the famous story, but doesn't turn it into a psychodrama," says Ian. "This keeps faithful to the original work but recognises the needs of theatrical production."
The Dukes will also be mounting a production of the fairy tale The Snow Queen for Christmas. "This is one of the best stories of its kind," says Ian. "There are lots of opportunities for major visual impact to complement the storytelling."
The Dukes says each production run will include one "Pay What You Can" night. "Anyone in any circumstance can some and see what we do," says Kennedy.
As well as the Dukes' own theatre productions there will be the Litfest taking place at the Dukes in November plus the regular schedule of films including the top three as voted best by Dukes filmgoers.

Details:
• What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton: Friday 26 September - Saturday 18 October. Please note What the Butler Saw is considered to be adult humour.
• Dracula by Jane Thornton and John Godber: Friday 31 October - Saturday 22 November
• The Snow Queen adapted by Neil Duffield from the story by Hans Christian Andersen: 27 November 2003 - Saturday 3 January 2004 Box Office: 01524 598500.
• Further information about all three plays on our web site or The Dukes site at: www.dukes-lancaster.org

REFERENDUM CALL
23/5/03: Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson joined a lobby of the Prime Minister last Thursday to call for a referendum on regional government in the North West. The Government are expected to announce which regions will be allowed to go ahead with referendums in Autumn 2004 any day now. A positive announcement would also prompt proposals for the re-organisation of local government.
Dawson supports the abolition of Lancashire County Council and the establishment of unitary authorities across Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde and the Morecambe Bay area.

RAPSCALLION RETURNS
The second issue of indy mag Rapscallion is due to hit the streets on 2 June, offering an alternative slant on local happenings, a comic strip and events guide provided by Virtual-Lancaster.

STREET STARS
23/5/03: University theatre studies student will be taking to Lancaster's streets on 29 May, presenting a street performance (an examined performance for their course) in Market Square. "It's a fun, physical peice of theatre," says performer Bryony Doughty, "which aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and abuse, and the facillities that are available in town.

TAXI SHELTER AT LAST
23/5/03: Work will finally begin on the long-promised shelter at the bus station taxi rank at the beginning of June. Virtual-Lancaster first reported on plans too build a shelter in August last year! We only hope that work in Skerton, putting in speed bumps on Barley Cop Lane, Noel Road and Baker Street, doesn't take as long as this did - Baker Street and Noel Road have already been dug up and have left for a week without further work being done!

GRANTS TO VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
22/5/03: The City Council has funds available within the various Grants Budgets, and the Council is now inviting applications. The types of grants available are:

• Welfare Grants: The Council makes contributions to the funds of voluntary organisations whose activities consist of, or include, the provision of recreation or meals for aged persons. Those organisations concerned with the provision of meals for those in need will be give first priority. After these have been considered, organisations making claims for other needs, particularly for disabled persons will be considered.
• Miscellaneous Grants: The Council makes contributions to promote voluntary work in the community for the benefit of the residents. The Council is particularly keen to award grants to organisations/groups, which provide a service to the more disadvantaged groups of people in the community. The aim of the fund is to enhance the work of existing local groups and charities and to help new groups and organisations get started. The maximum grant allowed from the fund is £500.
• Sport and Recreation: The Council makes contributions to organisations, which promote sport and recreational activities. Priority is given to assist Clubs, whose membership is wholly, or mainly, comprised of young members up to the age of 18 years. The maximum grant allowed from the fund is £500.

Application forms and further information are available from Lancaster Town Hall, by telephoning 01524 582082 or 582058. The closing date for applications is 31 July 2003. Cabinet will make decisions on applications in early September.
The point of contact within the City Council for Grant queries will be Claire Wardle - telephone 582058 or email:

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP - FUN ON THE MERRY-GO-ROUND
22/5/03: Following the departure of Lancaster City manager Tony Hesketh the club have announced that the new man at the helm will be ex-Southport, Stalybridge and Leek boss Phil Wilson. Wilson has an excellent record in the Unibond League having taken both Leek and Stalybridge up to the Nationwide Conference. Ironically Wilson was until recently the manager of Southport, the club where Hesketh is now Assistant Manager. In another move Lancaster's leading striker Andy Whittaker has moved to - surprise, surprise - Southport.
Meanwhile Morecambe FC have announced the signing of right back Chris Lane. 24-year old Lane is a former Everton reserve player and has been a target for Morecambe for some time. He joins the club from where else but Southport after his contract came to an end. Also on the move, this time leaving Morecambe, following the ending of his contract is (oh I'll mention them again) ex-Southport winger Lee Elam. Despite an excellent season at Morecambe the Yorkshire-based player decided not to renew his contract and has joined Conference rivals Halifax. In a separate move the club announced that Keith Hill, Alan Morgan, Perry Taylor and Lee Colkin (now with Burton Albion) have been released.
Report by Michael Gibson

SUMMER CONCERTS ANNOUNCED
22/5/03: The 2003 series of summer lunchtime concerts in St John's Church, Chapel Street, Lancaster will start on Thursday 5 June.
The concerts take place every other Thursday in the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of St John The Evangelist Church. Once again the programme is mixed and varied with some unusual ensembles.
All concerts start at 12.45pm and last for approximately 45 minutes. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
The concerts are presented in association with the Royal Northern College of Music and the Churches Conservation Trust. Lancaster City Council is pleased to acknowledge Dale Pianos for their continued support of the season.
• Full details on our What On pages

ARE YOU BREATHING CLEAN AIR?
21/5/03: Lancaster City Council has completed a thorough review of air quality across the district including Lancaster, Morecambe and the Lune Valley.
The report by the City Council's Environmental Health Officers, which is now available for public consultation, predicts that all the Government's mandatory limits will be achieved with one exception. Worryingly, however, levels of the traffic exhaust pollutant Nitrogen Dioxide in Lancaster city centre will probably exceed one of the mandatory targets coming into force in 2005. Whilst more work is needed in order to be certain, this will mainly concern residents living in the city centre.
"It's important that we know how polluted or clean our air is," explained Cabinet member with responsibility for Environmental Health Coun Joyce Pritchard. "If air quality is poor it can trigger or worsen asthma attacks, make it more difficult to breathe and affect people with heart conditions. It is particularly worrying to know that road traffic in Lancaster may be exposing some local people to unacceptable levels of air pollution. The City Council has wide-ranging responsibilities to monitor and improve air quality, and this year we will be carrying out a great deal of work to tackle this important issue."
The Government has seen a copy of the report and has confirmed that the City Council will need to declare a formal Air Quality Management Area to tackle the anticipated air pollution problem. More difficult will be deciding how to solve it.
Suzanne Lodge, the Council's Head of Health & Strategic Housing Services said: "In the coming months environmental health officers will be providing further monitoring, modelling and assessment of local air quality. This will confirm just where air pollution is really a problem. Then the City Council, together with other agencies and the local community, will be able to formulate an Action Plan for reducing air pollution to acceptable levels."
The study covers the entire District and it provides some comfort that the vast majority of residents are unlikely to find themselves located in an environment where the air they breathe breaks the national targets. However the report also finds that we all breathe polluted air.
The Council would like people to comment on its report during the consultation phase which runs until 21 June 2003. The formal review and assessment report is available in public libraries and on the City Council's website: www.lancaster.gov.uk. Copies have been sent to authorities and agencies with a particular interest in local air pollution. If you would like a summary of the report, call the Environmental Health service on 01524 582935.

BONKERS BUS STOP!
20/5/03: A 'new' bus stop has been created at the Bowerham Hotel and whoever is responsible needs to be certified, reports Terry Howse. Now when a bus stops, its rear end juts out into the road so much it is a real hazard to motorists and pedestrians alike.
Between 8.00am and 9.00am chaos reigns! Many times there are not just one but two buses parked at the stop, complicated still further by a 7.5 tonne breadvan double parked directly opposite the bus stop, trying to deliver to the Spar shop.

Potholes: Cartoon Comment here

This leaves just enough room for a "wobbly" cyclist to navigate his precarious way through what has become known as "The Bowerham Pass" (if you dare!).
Another hazard is proving a major concern for Scotforth Road users. The road on the townbound side of the Park Hotel is a disgrace. "It's got more holes than Turnberry!" says Terry. "I'm sure one day a vehicle will disappear down one never to be seen again!"
• Greatcoat Cartoon Comment: Go

STREET STARS
20/5/03: University theatre studies student will be taking to Lancaster's streets on 29 May, presenting a street performance (an examined performance for their course) in Market Square. "It's a fun, physical peice of theatre," says performer Bryony Doughty, "whichaims to raise awareness about domestic violence and abuse, and the facillities that are available in town. "

TERN PROJECT PRAISED
19/5/03: Prestigious national bodies have again commended Morecambe award winning TERN art project. The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) and English Heritage have undertaken jointly a major study of regeneration in English seaside towns. Following a visit to Morecambe earlier this year by consultants undertaking research for this document, the Tern project was selected as an example of good practice. It will now be included within a forthcoming document entitled Shifting Sands: Design led Regeneration in Seaside Towns.
The publication is due to be available next month (June 2003) and will be widely distributed. It will be followed by a series of regional seminars featuring a selection of case studies. Both Shifting Sands and the accompanying seminars are likely to attract national publicity that will significantly boost Morecambe's profile with a wide audience.
This latest boost to Morecambe's profile comes just as the City Council is beginning the process of implementing the Morecambe Action Plan and Urban Splash are progressing their plans for restoring the Midland Hotel.
On 6 June, there will also be a major event to celebrate completion of the Flock of Words (Poem Path) that will also bring positive publication to the town.
"The TERN project has been acclaimed nationally as an example of how to incorporate innovative public art into the regeneration process," commented Abbott Bryning, the council's cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration. "Since its inception in the mid 1990s, it has attracted millions of pounds in grant aid and private investment. It has proved excellent value for money.
"Projects such as the Eric Morecambe statue and the Flock of Words have raised the profile of Morecambe and received national acclaim. This latest recognition is further confirmation of the importance of continuing to promote high quality regeneration schemes in Morecambe."

MAY HALF TERM HOLIDAY PROGRAMME 2003 ANNOUNCED
19/5/03: Lancaster City Council's Leisure Services are offering a selection of activities for all ages during May Half Term (Tuesday 27 - Friday 30 May).
The programme includes sessions at the impressive Ingleton Indoor Climbing wall, Archery, Fencing, a four day Water Polo course and Trampolining at Salt Ayre Sports Centre. Favourite activities including Wet 'N' Dry day, Fun Factory, Kids Party / Sports Day, Stunt School and Football Fever complete the programme line up at the Sports Centre. Places are limited so book early to secure your place and avoid disappointment. Note places must be booked and paid for in advance, some age restrictions apply. For further information or to pre book your chosen activities telephone Salt Ayre Sports Centre on 01524 847540.
On Tuesday 27 May at Happy Mount Park, an Orienteering course will be set up from 10.30am - 12.30pm for all ages (under 8's must be accompanied by an adult), costing £1 per person. Sports fun sessions for 8-14 year olds will take place on the multi-area every hour starting from 10.30am - 3.30pm. Each hourly session will cost £1 with a different activity each consecutive hour, or stay all day for £4.
Get along to Regent Park on Thursday 29 May for a day of sporting activities. From 10.30am - 3.30pm a sports fun session will take place every hour for 8 to 14 year olds on the multi games area. Each hourly session will cost £1 with a different activity each consecutive hour, or stay all day for £4.
At the parks activities will include basketball, football, cricket, rounders, team games, tennis, bowls, petanque and orienteering depending on numbers. Note, pre booking is not required for the park activities, just turn up although numbers will be limited.

• Virtual-Lancaster Childrens' Events Guide

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