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DO YOU HAVE A DENTIST?
13/7/03: Have you had problems geting seen by a dentist? Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson says you shouldn't have. He also says he's completely fed up with constituents complaining that their dentist is leaving the NHS.
In a letter to local people he points out that there is a new access centre in Morecambe, points out that new legislation has been welcomed by the British Dental Association, that there are 2,500 more dentists across the country since 1997 and speculates that some dentists could be putting their own financial well-being before the interests of patients who have contributed to the NHS through the tax system and should be able to expect a service.
• What do you think? Have you had problems being seen by a dentist?

FREE MULTI-SPORT ACTIVITY SESSIONS
13/7/03: Lancaster City Council's Leisure Services are working in partnership with Morecambe's West End Community Centre to provide free multi sport activity sessions for young people throughout the school summer holidays.
The multi sport activity sessions will be held at Regent Park in the West End of Morecambe. These are for all young people of all abilities aged between 8 and 16. The first session will be held on Tuesday 5th August at 5.30pm - 7.00pm. Following this other activity sessions will be on Thursday 7th 2.30pm - 4.00pm, Tuesday 12th 5.30pm - 7.00pm, Thursday 14th 2.30pm - 4.00pm, Tuesday 19th 5.30pm - 7.00pm, Friday 22nd 2.30pm - 4.00pm, Tuesday 26th 5.30pm - 7.00pm and Wednesday 27th 2.30pm - 4.00pm. No prior booking is needed for the above sessions just arrive at Regent Park at the stated times. The sessions will be enjoyable for all involved with the opportunity for the young people to sample a variety of different sports.
Three outdoor activities are also available for young people in the West End. These activities are also free of charge and all transport to and from venues, and equipment is provided. The first activity is indoor climbing at Ingleton, to be held on Wednesday 6th August 10am - 2pm. Young people who wish to participate in this activity must be aged between 10 and 16. There is also Mountain Biking at Gisburn Forest on Monday 18th August 10.30am - 4.30pm, young people for this activity must be aged between 11 and 16. And finally, Orienteering at Williamson Park on Thursday 28th August 5pm - 7pm, again young people must be aged between 8 and 16.
All outdoor adventure activities need to be booked prior to the start date. This can be done either by telephoning Leisure Services on 01524 582826 or the West End Community Centre on 01524 410331. If you are interested you need to book as soon as possible as places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. All these activities are supported by Sport England.

STINK STOPPED IN ITS TRACKS
11/7/03: Years of misery for Lancaster residents from the stench emitted by Nightingale Hall Farm may now finally be over. The government's Environment Secretary, Margaret Beckett, has affirmed a qualified "odour boundary condition" on the animal rendering plant.
Lancaster City Council received the final decision of the Secretary of State in relation to an appeal by Fats & Proteins (UK) Ltd against certain conditions imposed under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 on Wednesday. In it, Secretary of State Margaret Beckett has applied the condition protecting the local community against offensive odours by ordering the company not to emit offensive odours beyond the process boundary. Otherwise, the company will be in breach of the condition unless it has taken 'all reasonable steps' and exercised 'all due diligence' to prevent the release of such emissions.
This condition was originally included in the company's authorisation to operate its animal rendering process back in 1997, but the company appealed against the condition. As a result, there was a lengthy public enquiry with four public hearings in 1998. The final decision of the Secretary of State was delayed, however, by the issue of national guidance notes on the regulation of air pollution from the rendering industry and further delayed by a legal challenge to these guidance notes by the UK Renderers Association.
In May 2002 the Court of Appeal dismissed the challenge allowing the Government to implement its new policy.
The ruling applied other conditions, including a restriction on the amount of materials the company can produce, and requirements for the company to implement its own odour monitoring scheme and for certain emission limits for exhaust gases.
"This is really good news and the end of a long, long process," says Council Leader Ian Barker. "The Council has worked closely with the residents of East Lancaster and helped them stand up for their right to live in homes untroubled by the nauseous smells emitted by Nightingale Hall Farm. We are delighted with the result."

POST OFFICE SNUBS PUBLIC OVER CLOSURES
11/7/03: Post Office officials have declined to attend public meetings to discuss the closure of Post Offices in Lancaster and Poulton le Fylde but will be meeting Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson privately on 30 July - the very end of the consultation period on the closures in Scotforth and the Marsh.
"This is completely unsatisfactory," says Mr Dawson, "but I can't make people attend public meetings if they don't wish to do so.
"I am committed to keeping Post Offices particularly where they serve a vital social need and I'll do my best to persuade officials to engage properly with the public and those campaigning for the decent local services."
Residents can object to the proposed closures by writing to: Eddie Herbert, National Consultation Team, PO Box 641, St Albans, AL1 5XN.

VILLAGE MOURNS MURDERED MAN
11/7/03: Police have charged a teenager over the murder of 78-year old Richard Hodgson, who was murdered -- and then buried -- in his own garden in Nether Kellet last Thursday.
The murder of as man described as both kind and gentle has left family and friends devastated. He had lived in Nether Kellet with his wife Muriel for 54 years -- their entire married life.

SAVE THE WINTER GARDENS
11/7/03: There's a meeting to discuss the future of Morecambe's historic Winter Gardens on Monday (14 July) at 6.30 in the building itself. Representatives from schools, bands and many other local entertainment organisations have been invited to the meeting.
The Gardens building is open to the public on Sundays throughout July and August - and you can take a virtual tour on the Friends of the Winter Gardens web site.

BARTON BLOCKADE
11/7/03: Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson joined a blockade of Barton Road this morning (Friday), organised by parents protesting at the lack of a safe crossing for their children
Hilton agreed to join the parents who formed a safe corridor for children going to school and to protest against the failure of the authorities to provide even a temporary crossing patrol on one of Lancaster's busiest roads.
It looks as though the County Council may have come up with a solution to the problem but the demonstrations and protests will continue until the issue is sorted out.
"There is nothing more important than protecting children," says Hilton.

DO THE CAT WALK!
11/7/03: If you haven't been on one of Janet Nelson's "Ghosts and Murderers" walks, we recommend it. The one and a half hour walk takes in many familiar Lancaster centre locales such as Lancaster Castle, the Covell Cross and Sugarhouse Alley but puts them in a new light, her informative revelations supported by some humorous improvised theatre. Did you know author Robert Graves was stationed here in the First World War, for example, or that one room in the Three Mariners is always clean as if invisible hands dust it every night?
There were at least two locations on the walk Lancastrians must walk past every day but never notice - and yet they have a fascinating story behind them.
• The next walk is on 24 July - give it a try! (7.30pm from the Castle gate. Adults £3, 50p children)

ROAD RAGE
11/7/03: When is a sign not a sign? When it's ignored, in the case of clear signs for the pedestrian zone on Church Street which deny access at any time to all except vehicles loading and unloading. So why are so many cars using this street in the early evening without being prosecuted - and the drivers cursing pedestrians for being in the way? Perhaps it's time the Council considered adding barriers to the entrances to the pedestrian area which can be locked after a certain time at night and then opened (perhaps by street cleaners, who are at work from 5.00pm onwards) so delivery lorries are unimpeded?
• What do YOU think? Express your views on this issue in our forum!

WHAT'S ON, WHAT'S WHERE, WHAT'S NEW?
11/7/03: Lancaster City Council launches its first City, Coast and Countryside Leisure Guide today, which offers an overview of the facilities provided by Leisure services and wish to thank everyone for their contribution and support.
The guide gives a flavour of the wide range of services and facilities that Leisure Services has to offer. To many of us Leisure Services are a reflection of the quality of Life within the district.
Customers and users may pick up a copy of the guide from any of the following locations: Community swimming pools namely Heysham, Hornby and Carnforth, Happy Mount Park, Tourist Information Centres and reception areas at the town halls and Salt Ayre Sports Centre. Alternatively you can call the Leisure Services Department on 01524 582836 and we will post one to you.
• If having read the guide you have any comments please do not hesitate to contact us on the above number or email


WHOOPS!
10/7/03: A delivery lorry rearranges a lamp post on St. Georges Quay this morning. Maybe it jumped out in front of the driver...

TORIES RENEW CALL FOR M6 LINK
9/7/03: On the same day the Labour Government has announced a massive £6 billion road building programme -- the biggest in a decade -- local Tories have renewed calls for an M6 link to Heysham port, calling on the Council to make it a "priority". But local Greens have described claims in their statement as being "unsubstantiated nonsense," while Council Leader Ian Barker says action on congestion is needed now, which is why the council is currently developing smaller scale schemes to alleviate congestion, improve road safety and provide alternatives to the car.
James Airey, Prospective Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Morecambe and Lunesdale says the link plays a strategically important part in planning for the district's future economic prosperity at a time when the area is reeling from more job losses.
The renewed claim has been linked to the plans of the Northern European Trade Axis which has been set up to promote international co-operation in opening up trading routes between European Union countries.
The Tories say Heysham and Liverpool are crucial to the development of the northern routes which will increase in importance when the new accession countries join the EU. Trade with Ireland has already dramatically increased by 10 per cent per annum and trade with northern Europe is expected to double by 2015.
"We must ensure that Heysham does not lose out on this global opportunity through the lack of an M6 Link," the Tories say in a press statement. "The benefits in terms of regeneration are immense, not only because of shipments straight into the industrial centre of the region, but also because of the export potential from the North West to America.
"The M6 Link and the Port are crucial to the strategic planning which must be addressed by all agencies working towards the future prosperity of our region."
The Tories say Lancaster City Council should put economic development initiatives at the forefront of policy making. "The former MBI administration was too keen on fighting petty local battles," the Tories claim, "pitting Lancaster against Morecambe to grasp the importance of uniting the whole district to press Heysham's case on the national stage.
"Heysham Port is an asset which the District cannot afford to lose," says James Airey, Prospective Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Morecambe and Lunesdale. "We must take full advantage of the trading opportunities which the enlarged EU will offer. The M6 Link is vital to developing these opportunities."
City Councillor Sarah Fishwick, a member of the M6 Link Committee says that "at least one major local company has been looking at the possibilities offered by bringing their goods in via Heysham Port but at present the infrastructure and investment are not there. The City's cabinet should be making this a priority."
There are two routes proposed for any M6 link to Heysham and an environmental assessment is currently in progress. Labour, the MBIs, many Independent city councillors support the Western Bypass but it has been opposed for many years. The local Liberals favour a northern route.
The Greens oppose the M6 Link entirely and describe the Tories' latest claims about the value of such as link as "unsubstantiated nonsense."
"Bypasses do not create jobs," argues Councillor John Whitelegg, "and if anything they 'suck them out' of the local economy (the 1999 report of the Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road assessment, a government body, makes this very clear). I am surprised at the Conservatives for recommending something that will lose jobs and cost the taxpayer a lot of money. "If the objective of the exercise is to develop the port of Heysham then we should explore rail based options for servicing the port," he adds. "The port could become a shining example of a rail linked sustainable port and when all our roads and motorways are jammed up as they surely will be as a result of failed Labour transport policies, Heysham will keep moving and be very successful."
If we really want to boost the local economy, says John, our main objective as a district should be to create secure, well paid jobs in areas that benefit the community and benefit the environment. "To achieve this objective we need to get cracking on renewable energy, recycling and waste management -- especially plastics and electronic products -- local food production and distribution; and high quality public transport."
"I'm glad that Councillor Airey recognises that the new coalition cabinet, unlike its predecessor in which he served, is committed to working for the whole area," comments City Council leader Ian Barker. "We want to encourage both inward investment and to grow local enterprises and community businesses. The Port of Heysham is a key part of this.
"The Labour Group is committed a Heysham M6 link and we will pay strong regard to the environmental impact assessment over the choice of route.
"However, any link road is several years off," he adds, "and action on congestion is needed now. That is why the coalition cabinet is committed to working on smaller scale schemes to alleviate congestion, improve road safety and provide alternatives to the car."
The NETA project, whose partners include the North West Development Agency, the Yorkshire & Humber Regional Assembly, many Dutch development agencies and organisations and others, seeks to develop and promote a West-East Eurocorridor, extending from Northern and Southern Ireland across the Irish Sea to the Transpennine Corridor of Northern England and thence via the Humber ports and North Sea to the Netherlands, North Germany, Poland and beyond. 
Situated immediately to the north of Northern Europe's highly congested central core, the project aims to improve economic and social cohesion -- but the organisation says aims to do this "within a positive environmental context through more sustainable modes of trade and transport", to enhance both prosperity and quality of life.
• Northern European Trade Axis
• Western Bypass: What we would lose if it was built

GREENS WIN RUSH HOUR TRAINS CAMPAIGN
9/7/03: Green Campaigners and Lancaster residents working in Preston are celebrating a victory today, after Virgin agreed that two rush-hour trains are to resume stopping at Lancaster when the next new rail timetable is introduced in September.
The number of services from Preston to Lancaster between 4.00pm and 5.00pm had been slashed from three to one after Virgin cut the Lancaster stop from two consecutive services. One of these trains, the 1641, was in the bizarre position of stopping at Lancaster to let people on, but not off (see earlier story). The changes resulted in severe overcrowding on the only remaining service, the 1657 operated by First North Western.
Green Councillors had protested to both Virgin and First North Western. They argued that First North Western should either provide an adequate service between the two cities, or persuade Virgin to reinstate the withdrawn stops.
In a letter to Green County Councillor Jonathan Sear, a First North Western spokesman revealed that the company had raised the revised stopping patterns of the 1606 and 1641 northbound services from Preston with Virgin Trains during the compilation of the Summer 2003 timetable and requested the reinstatement of the Lancaster stop on the 1606 service, and the reversion to open stop (pick up and set down) at Lancaster on the 1641 service.
"I am pleased to say that they have agreed to our requests for the Winter 2003 timetable," said the spokesperson, "but I regret that they have declined to alter the timings during Summer 2003."
"I'm obviously pleased that the Train Operating Companies have sorted out this problem in time for the new timetable," commented Green County Councillor Jonathan Sear. "However there are lessons to be learnt from this. If timetable changes are planned, rail users should be consulted first. There also needs to be recognition that although Virgin is a long distance operator, the reality is that it provides important local services for Lancaster residents and these need to be protected."
"This is a victory for common sense and for green politics," added City Councillor John Whitelegg, who highlighted Lancaster's plight on BBC Radio 4's You and Yours. "Green councillors have fought long and hard on this one both locally and nationally and are delighted that this has paid off."

ARSON ATTACK AT ACORDIS
9/7/03: Police and fire chiefs are investigating a suspected arson attack at Acordis on Sunday which caused thousands of pounds of damage.
The Morecambe Visitor reports that 42 officers from six fire crews battled to put out the fire at the factory on Caton Road, which began around 7.15pm when 100 boxes of cellulose acetate were set alight.
The fire resulted in a major hold up for road raffic as firemen dealt with the blaze which saw clouds of black smoke which could be seen for miles and smelt terrible.
The Acordis factory will close in September.

VILLAGE MOURNS MURDERED MAN
9/7/03: Both family and villagers in Nether Kellet are mourning for 78-year old Richard Hodgson, who was murdered -- and then buried -- in his own garden last Thursday.
The murder of as man described as both kind and gentle has left family and friends devastated, who had lived in Nether kellet with his wife Muriel for 54 years -- their entire married life.
Police were questioning a teenager over the death at the weekend.

GREENS WARN ON FLUORIDE PLANS
9/7/03: As Parliament prepares to debate a proposal intended to lead to the fluoridation of the whole of the UK water supply, the Greens in Lancashire are calling on local authorities to reiterate and strengthen their opposition to the government's mass-medication agenda.
The Green Party's anti-fluoridation proposals will be debated by Lancashire County Council on 17 July, and Lancaster City Council on 23 July.
"Water fluoridation contravenes the European Convention on Human Rights and Medicine, which says people must not be medicated without their consent," says Lancaster-based Councillor John Whitelegg. "Most countries recognise this. There are now only five countries in the world that fluoridate to any extent. Only a few weeks ago Switzerland became the latest European country to stop fluoridating. Tony Blair's mass-medication agenda is taking us backwards."
"There are mass studies from Canada, New Zealand and the USA that indicate fluoridation doesn't reduce tooth decay. In Europe, Ireland is the most fluoridated country, but it doesn't have Europe's best teeth. In England, fluoridated Gateshead has the same level of tooth decay as non-fluoridated Liverpool. Even the government's own review found 'little evidence' that fluoridation would reduce dental health inequalities.
"We all know that tooth decay is caused by too much sugar and too little care of our teeth," adds John. "Fluoridation doesn't address either of those problems. But fluoride is linked to a wide range of health problems -- from irritable bowel syndrome to thyroid trouble and cancer, as well as brittle bones. The jury's still out on absolute proof, but in the fluoridated Republic of Ireland you're 40 per cent more likely to get bone cancer than in non-fluoridated Northern Ireland, so there is genuine cause for concern.
"In any case, fluoride is classed as more toxic than lead -- yet fluoridation involves allowing 20 times as much fluoride in drinking water as the permitted level of lead.
"And what most people don't know is that the 'fluoride' added to drinking water is hydrofluorosilicic acid -- a hazardous toxic waste product from the phosphate fertiliser industry. It's the pollution scrubber liquor from the factory chimneys, and it's simply re-labelled a 'recovered product'. It has never been safety tested on humans, it's illegal to dump it at sea, it's registered under the Poisons Act 1972 but the government wants it added to everyone's drinking water.
"Fluoridation is an attack on medical ethics and civil liberties, with potentially severe health impacts," John concludes, "and it's not even proven to stop tooth decay. It's been rejected by most other European countries, and we shouldn't allow it here."
Parliament is set to debate amendments to the Water Bill on 9 July, including a provision to change the law to require water companies to fluoridate if a health authority so requires.
• For further information, please see Truth Decay: Challenging New Labour's propaganda on water fluoridation: Go

THEATRE IN THE PARK A TRIUMPH FOR THE DUKES
8/7/03: Grimm Tales - this season's production by the Dukes Theatre in Williamson's Park was reviewed by PJ for Virtual-Lancaster - it's great to review something as good as this - The Dukes has really returned to top form. The playlets are fresh and enchanting, the actors full of life, wit, and spark, and the effects engagingly clever and creative. If you only see one theatre in the park production - it should be this one! GO!
• Read the review

Police and fire crews on the scene at Elliots Restaurant, Lancaster. Photo © John Freeman

Elliots waitresses look on as the fire crews in action to deal with the blaze in the restaurant. Photo © John Freeman

TRAFFIC CHAOS AS RESTAURANT BURNS
8/7/03: Fire crews acted swiftly to contain a fire in the kitchen of Elliots Restaurant on Market Street earlier today, bringing Lancaster traffic to a near standstill.
The emergency services worked quickly to deal with the fire. The police closed upper Market Street to traffic while firefighters, some in breathing gear, contained the blaze. Nearby businesses were evacuated for a time.
The cause of the blaze is currently unknown but the restaurant kitchen is badly damaged, according to a nearby shop worker.
Elliots is a popular local restaurant and we hope it will be back in business soon.

WE'LL HAVE SOME OF THAT!
8/7/03: Local Greens are urging Lancashire County Council to put Lancaster and Morecambe forward for a government funded project which could see £7.5 million investeed in local public transport and cycling provision.
The Department for Transport has announced a £7.5 million fund to be spent on radically improving public transport, walking and cycling in a city of 50,000 -100,000 people. The city would become a flagship project, to demonstrate the huge benefits that can be gained by investment in green transport.
An invitation to bid has been sent out to every highway authority, including Lancashire County Council. Local authorities have until the end of September to submit bids to central government for this money.
"This cash has got Lancaster and Morecambe written all over it," said Green Party City Councillor John Whitelegg. "It is just the right thing at the right time, and Lancashire County Council should now put together an innovative and radical plan to improve transport and to fund it with this cash."
"Lancashire County Council needs to pay more attention to people who want to get into central Lancaster," commented County Councillor Jonathan Sear, "instead of concentrating on the minority who want to bypass it. This funding would provide the opportunity to do just that and I hope all politicians will put their weight behind a bid."
• Read the DFT pres release: Go

TOURISTS ARE BACK IN MORECAMBE
8/7/03: The first six months of 2003 are showing signs of increasing popularity for Morecambe as a destination for visitors after a poor season in 2002, according to Lancaster City Council.
Last year the weather was poor and there were many discounted flights to sunnier destinations. In 2002 the results of Foot and Mouth disease were still being felt and visitors to Lancaster and Morecambe were well below their record figures in 2000.
This year the weather has been better, the Punk festival returned and the new features of the Tern public art project have brought good publicity. The council says that overall visitor numbers are up by about two per cent but some recent weekends show a rise of up to seven per cent. Income taken through the two Tourist Information Centres has also risen over last year, partly helped by the Punks who arrived from as far away as Wyoming and Japan.
" I have never personally lost faith in Morecambe," commented Cabinet Member with responsibility for tourism Coun Ron Sands, "and this confidence is well founded. I confidently look forward to a good summer. More and more visitors are becoming regular repeat visitors, often attracted by the festivals, and this is a very good sign for the future."

YOUR District Council MATTERS
8/7/03: The third issue of Lancaster City Council's very own community magazine will be dropping through the letterbox homes in the district over the next few weeks. The Summer/Autumn issue of YOUR District Council MATTERS includes a mini A-Z of council services; a break down of how the council spends your ratesa; guide to a safer, greener place to live - and how you can help it to keep it that way; a What's On Guide from July-November 2003; and more. Comments on the newspaper are welcomed and should be sent to Elaine Stoker, Assistant Communications Manager, Lancaster City Council, Lancaster Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ or email .
• Royal Mail will be distributing the magazine over weeks commencing 14th, 21st and 28th of July.

BEST FOOT FORWARD
8/7/03: One of Lancaster City Council's BEST Centres has been encouraging their clients to get involved with the local community.
Two groups of clients on the current free ECDL course at Euston Road in Morecambe have just successfully completed projects aimed at giving something back to the community.
The clients were given the task of making a difference to the community by volunteering their skills/time and imagination. One group of clients choose to work with Animal Care, a local organisation looking after animals which is based in Lancaster and Morecambe and the other group decided to help The Young Carers based at Signposts, an organisation focused to help young people who have care responsibilities based in Morecambe.
Both groups have exceeded the project aims and have not only volunteered their time but also helped to raise awareness by using their I.T skills to produce new advertising material and raised money through car boot sales, tombolas, raffles and sponsored dog walks - approximately £600 has been raised!
"We run ECDL courses here at the Euston Road BEST Centre with the aim of improving individuals IT skills to give them a competitive advantage in the workplace," explains Caroline Wall, BEST Centre Euston Road Project Leader. "As part of the course I believe it's also important to help build our clients confidence, preparing them for the workplace and ultimately helping them to find employment. "The design of this current voluntary project has encouraged clients to help others and in turn give them a sense of satisfaction by showing them how their skills can be valued.
"Clients have exceeded mine and their own expectations with this current project as it was initially a small taster project primarily aimed at getting clients out into the community and talking to local organisations to see what types of work is available in the local area and offering help. "A great deal of time and effort has gone into the projects; clients are now oozing confidence in their delight at achieving so much. People often say, 'the more you give the more you get' and this has been very much reflected in the attitudes of all the clients involved. "I talked to clients about helping out in the community and suggested that it can give you new skills which in turn may enhance your CV. Voluntary work can be a far more valuable on a C.V. to an employer than the 'hobbies and interests' blurb. "I've encouraged them to believe that everyone has a skill or talent that could help someone else. Whether they were very practical people, good organisers, perhaps great with computers, even a good dog walker or simply a good listener. Whatever the skill, I suggested that it could be put to great use in the local community. Well done to all the clients involved."
If you are unemployed, need some support and would like to gain some qualifications, courses are due to start again the week of the 8 September. The BEST Centre is enrolling now!
Courses that are starting in September include;
European Computer Driving Licence - this is a Europe-wide qualification which enables people to demonstrate their competence in computer skills by covering the main concepts of computing, Word Processing, Databases, Spreadsheets, PowerPoint, Internet, File Management and Basic Concepts.
Business Start Up - Want to start your own business. Then this is your chance to get onto a FREE Course to help you become your own boss. Learn about the business plans, profit and loss, accounts, sales and marketing.
PC Hardware & ECDL - If you want to understand how a computer works and gain recognised qualifications this is the course for you. Learn about PC Components, Stripping/Rebuilding, Fault finding, Building a Web Page and achieve The European Computer Driving Licence Qualification.
The courses run for 15 weeks and are targeted at local unemployed people. All courses are IT and New Media related with the aim of improving individuals IT skills to give them a competitive advantage in the workplace. Clients are supported throughout the 15 weeks with confidence building classes and regular guidance sessions to help in their search for employment.
The BEST Centres are part of the Economic Development service of Lancaster City Council. Courses are free to individuals who are unemployed, seeking employment or who work 15 hoursrs or less a week and are aged between 16 - 65. Daily expenses can be reimbursed and a childcare allowance will be provided for registered childcare. These courses are FREE thanks to funding from European Social Fund and New Opportunities Fund.

HOLIDAY -- ON THE BUSES!
8/7/03: Lancaster City Council, in partnership with the Morecambe Hotels and Tourism Association, is promoting a courtesy coach service this summer, intended for guests staying in accommodation that have registered with the scheme. It's hoped it will offer a wider use of some of the facilities in the district.
The service will run from 20 July to the 5th September, 2003, excluding Saturdays. This service will be for guests wishing to use Salt Ayre Sports Centre, Happy Mount Park, Regent Park and Heysham community Swimming Pool.
Everyday (except Saturdays) a courtesy coach will travel from the Battery along the Promenade, stopping along the way, and travel to Happy Mount Park, then heading onto Salt Ayre and back to the Battery via Regent Road.
This is the first such initiative undertaken by the council.
"This is an exciting and positive partnership arrangement, which will benefit our guests," says the chairman of the Morecambe Hotels & Tourism Association Jim Catterall "It will give them the opportunity to enjoy some of the fantastic facilities within the district. They may enjoy a swim at Salt Ayre, visit the superb setting of Happy Mount Park, suitable for all the family or even enjoy a game of bowls in Regent Park".
"I am extremely pleased that the close working relationship between the association and Lancaster City Council is continuing to prove successful".
Councillor Ron Sands, Cabinet member with responsibility for Leisure and Tourism, is also extremely supportive of the work which has brought about this new scheme. "The City Council has once again demonstrated its commitment to working with partners within the resort," he commented, "and I am looking forward to seeing the success of this new initiative."
This scheme is primarily for members of the Morecambe Hotels and Tourism Association, however any non-members, or other accommodation providers who wish to partake should contact Keith Lamb, Leisure Services, Town Hall, Morecambe or telephone him on 01524 582828 or Email to .

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