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LETTERS
Our letters page is finally up - so if you've incisive comment, steam to let off, news to share or just want to prattle on, address your emails to The editor reserves all the usual rights with respect to publication. The page will be updated weekly - usually on Mondays. Deadline for Monday is 12 noon Sunday.
• Check out the letters page

SCOPE MOBILISES THE TWEENAGE POUND
30/1/04: Scope, the national disability charity, is encouraging young people to rummage through their bedrooms and dig out any old mobile phones to help raise money for people with cerebral palsy and their families.
Scope is launching a mobile phone recycling scheme in partnership with Lancaster based ShP Solutions with the aim of raising money from unwanted mobile phones in good condition. ShP will make a donation for each handset deposited at one of Scope's high street shops, and in turn will ensure that the phones are disposed of responsibly.
Su Towne of Scope commented, "We are asking young people to help us tap into the valuable mine of unwanted mobiles lying around at home and school. Lucky youngsters receiving a new mobile phone for Christmas should save themselves the extra clutter of outdated handsets and bring them in to a local Scope shop; their contribution could make a real difference."
Scope is also encouraging businesses to liberate any redundant phones they may have in drawers; not only will essential funds be raised from the initiative, but the potentially harmful environmental damages of disposing of mobiles into landfill sites will be limited. ShP's ultimate aim is to completely eradicate the disposal of mobile phones into landfill sites.
Elvin Willgrass of ShP Solutions said, "Although our main aim is to raise money for a good cause, we also hope to raise awareness of the benefits of recycling mobile phones - we are hoping that younger generations will embrace the scheme and realise the importance of this environmental issue."
Scope is hoping to recycle a total of 4428 mobile phones by the end of 2004. Collection points are already in place across the network of Scope shops, call 0870 120 4120 from a landline for details of your nearest store.

The Northern Bypass proposals: a pot of gold for developers?

NORTHERN BYPASS PLANS RAISE CONCERN
30/1/04: Skerton residents have raised the alarm about plans now being reconsidered for a northern bypass from the M6 to Morecambe.
Virtual-Lancaster reported earlier this week that Lancashire County Council were considering an as yet undisclosed "major revision" to the Northern Bypass proposal which planners clearly hope will make it more accetable to government and other bodies that would ultimately green light any bypass.
"Local people should be aware that the long running bypass issue has not gone away and this time people need to watch out for a push for the Northern route," North Lancaster resident James Seddon warns.
• Read his arguments against a Northern Bypass here

WINTER GARDENS DEAL
30/1/04: Morecambe's derelict Winter Gardens theatre -- one of the biggest in the region -- has been sold to the organisation trying to reopen it.
Current owners Barnfield Construction have sold the theatre to the Friends of the Winter Gardens in a deal that will be part financed by the Architectural Heritage Fund and from money raised by the Friends in a 75 - 25% proportion.
Evelyn Archer who is chair of the Friends told the Morecambe Visitor she is delghted by the deal, which will be finalised over the next few weeks.
"The greatest thing will be when I see people coming out of that building having enjoyed a wonderful evening of entertainment," she told the paper.
Restoration work will begin on the ground floors initially to restore the building and it is hoped it will be selected to be part of the third series of the BBC's Restoration programme, which offers viewers the chance to vote for their favourite building they think should be restored.
The Friends of the Winter Gardens, who have been campaigning for the restoration of the Winter Gardens for many years, will be the focus of a BBC2 programme, Bee in Your Bonnet, which is due to air on 23 March.
The Winter Gardens is one of the largest theatres in the north west and its re-opening would not only provide Morecambe with a major attraction for travelling theatre shows and music but also offers the potential to attract conferences to the resort -- which could be a major economic bost to the town.
• If you would like to help the Friends of the Winter Gardens in any way with the restoration of the Winter Gradens contact Evelyn Archer on 01524 422180 or e-mail .
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.

MIDLAND HOTELS PLANS GO AHEAD
30/1/04: Lancaster City Council has greenlit ambitious plans for Morecambe's Midland Hotel proposed by property group Urban Splash.
The group, which has a two-year exclusive deal to develop the aea surrounding the Midland, plan to restore the building as a hotel and add new features to further enhance one of the country's most prestigious art deco buildings.
Planners said the proposals would set a benchmark for further development plans for the Lancaster and Morecambe area.

SWAPSHOP CONDEMNS WORKING CONDITIONS
29/1/04: Local computer recyclers "Lancaster Computer Swapshop" have welcomed a report by CAFOD criticising the "harassment, discrimination and intolerable working conditions" in major computer manufacturers factories.
"This report underlines the fact that when we buy a computer here in the UK we are directly responsible for conditions close to slavery in countries such as China, Mexico and Thailand," said Jane Williams, one of the organisers of Lancaster Computer Swaphop. "We really need to be looking at recycling and re-using hardware rather than buying new. And that's why we set up Lancaster Computer Swaphop."
Lancaster Computer Swapshop is a non-profit service run entirely by volunteers. It was set up to help people in the Lancaster and Morecambe area to find computer things they need, and to recycle the things they don't - thus keeping toxic waste out of the landfill.
Concerns about poor working conditions and low wages are well understood but Cafod's Clean Up Your Computer report shed light on other less reported but arguably more distasteful work practices, such as discriminatory recruitment procedures and routine humiliation of female workers in some factories.
Complaints, union membership and even pregnancy in the workplaces are not tolerated. Meanwhile wages are pitifully low.
One unpleasant anecdote Cafod uncovered comes from Monica - a worker in Guadalajara, Mexico.
"Monica told Cafod about her recruitment by a contract manufacturer for an assembly line in a company making printers for Hewlett Packard," Cafod said. "Monica says she was forced to strip, including taking off her underwear, then touched in sensitive areas by medical examiners that said they were looking for tattoos. She was made to take a pregnancy test."
But this isn't the only place with strange goings on.
"Cafod saw interview lists used by recruitment agencies supplying workers for an IBM production line. Reasons for rejection included: 'Homosexual, more than two tattoos, father is a lawyer, has brought labour claims, worked for a union, pregnancy, does not agree with IBM policies.'"
In Thailand, a worker making hard drives for Dell is paid the equivalent of £2.50 per day. Michael Dell, the CEO of Dell, earned £134,000 per day last year.
The agency wants IT giants to adopt codes of conduct based on UN standards. Hewlett Packard, IBM, and Dell have seen the evidence compiled by Cafod, which has welcomed their initial responses.
• Cafod's report can be found here
• Lancaster Computer Swapshop can be contacted on 01524 840028, or at www.seedsforchange.org.uk/compswap


MPS SPLIT IN TOP-UP VOTE 29/01/04: Rebel MP Geraldine Smith stuck to her guns and voted against the Government over university top-up fees, saying the proposed new system was "flawed and unfair", heavily biased towards high profile universities. the Citizen reports.
The Higher Education Bill, which could see students paying £3,000 in fees each year, was backed by 316 votes to 311 on Tuesday evening.
The Morecambe and Lunesdale MP was one of 72 Labour MPs to vote against Tony Blair despite pressure to toe the party line, but Lancaster's Labour MP Hilton Dawson supported the Government.

HOLOCAUST REMEMBERED
28/04/01 by Michael P. Nunn: Around one hundred people braved freezing conditions in Lancaster City Centre last night to attend a candle-lit vigil and act of commemoration of the holocaust, which saw the execution of up to ten million Jews and others who were deemed unsuitable by Hitler's Third Reich in Germany before and during World War II.
The event here in Lancaster focussed on the diverse groups that were the victims of Hitler's atrocities. Representatives of specific community groups lit candles to commemorate their dead, and committed themselves to continuing the fight against prejudice, intolerance and oppression.
After the Mayor of Lancaster John Gilbert read the Home Office's Statement of Commitment, various groups lit candles. Former Lancaster MP Stan Henig offered two Jewish Prayers for Peace on behalf of the Jewish Community, while wheelchair user John Speed made a moving call for respect for the Disabled. Billy Page reminded us that Hitler's Nazis closed the trades unions down and that the Third Reich's political opponents were sent to concentration camps. A representative of the Lancaster Gay Youth Group commemorated those who wore the infamous 'pink triangles' in the death camps, and the Gypsy, Roma, Sinti and Travelling Communities, who were also the victim of the purges, were also remembered. Josie Dunn spoke on behalf of all those who were persecuted on account of their religious beliefs, including Jehovah's Witnesses.
After the ceremonial candle-lighting, a lantern-led procession headed up Moor Lane to The Gregson for much-needed food and other refreshment, a 'culture share', peace dancing and music.
• Read a review by Michael P. Nunn

CARE IN THE COMMUNITY?
28/1/04: In November 2003 the BBC broadcast a Panorama programme called A Carer's Story. This was a galling and appalling account of one woman's undercover experiences working for local authority domestic care services for the elderly at home. Moved by the programme, Michael P. Nunn subsequently had an exclusive interview with Chris (not their real name), a care assistant in a private-sector nursing home in the local area. You can read his report by clicking here...

MAN KILLED IN ROAD CRASH
28/1/04: BBC News reports a man has died after suffering serious injuries in a road collision on the A586 road at St Michael's-on-Wyre yesterday, after a Ford Escort and a Mercedes were in collision. The passenger in the Escort was pronounced dead on arrival at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, where his wife, who was driving the car, is in a critical condition.
An investigation is underway into the cause of the crash, which left the Mercedes driver in shock but otherwise uninjured.

NORTHERN BYPASS PLANS RESURFACE
28/1/04: After rumours reached Virtual-Lancaster that Lancashire County Council has set money aside and are now moving forward with revised plans for a northern, rather than western by-pass from the M6 to Morecambe, County Councillor Jonathan Sear confirmed that "a fairly significant revision" is under consideration to the current proposals for a Northern Route.
We understand that Council Officers have completed a feasibility study and have begun consulting people in the area who will be affected and discussing firm plans.
"I'm not taking this as any indication that they are favouring the northern route," Jon told Virtual-Lancaster, "although it has long been advocated by Council Officers on the grounds it is more likely to get the go ahead from government than the western."
The shortest connection from the M6 would naturally pass North of Lancaster, but the current proposals for a Northern Bypass would create a huge increase in traffic on Slyne Road into Lancaster through Skerton. The Western Bypass route cuts through several Sites of Scientific Interest and has been vigorously opposed for years.
Environmentalists oppose both proposed routes for a bypass and Skerton Labour Party has previously argued against the Northern route.
• Why we don't need a bypass: Click here

GIVING SANCTUARY
28/1/04: Sanctuary, a local group for people with alternative lifestyles, is to present a cheque for £100 to lancaster's Animal Care to support them in their work.
Celebrating their first year of existence, Sanctuary wish to support Animal Care sanctuary in Lancaster as it is a safe place for animals and other creatures discarded by people. "Many of our members feel an affinity with the work going on at the sanctuary, and are keen to support that work," explained a spokseperson for Sanctuary. "It's hoped that through our small donation and future co-operation we will be able to support Animal Care and be a part of saving and re-housing an abandoned animal."
• If you are interested in finding out more of who Sanctuary are and what they do, then contact our membership secretary at .

RINGS MARATHON
27/1/04, updated 28/1/04, 6/2/04: The Regal, Lancaster, is planning a Lord of the Rings marathon screening -- all three films. Check out our cinema page for latest information on this. We're told that the Apolllo, Morecambe, is also planning a LOTR marathon and the Dukes has announced its LOTR marathon will be on 1 May -- with food supplied by the Whale Tail cafe to keep you going!

BOGUS DAMP PROOF OFFERS WARNING
27/1/04: Lancashire County Council Trading Standards have issued a warning that consumers throughout Lancashire are being targeted by 'cowboy' damp proofers preying on the vulnerability of customers. The rogue traders use a number of ploys including bogus 'price reduction' offers. Contact is usually made first by a telephone call offering a "free damp check"; this is then followed by a visit where customers are subjected to the hard sell. Householders are advised not to deal with door to door salesmen offering household repairs unless you have checked them out. If you receive a cold call or know of someone who has, contact the Trading Standards Consumer Advice Line on 0845 600 1352.

LABOUR SELECTS HEYSHAM SOUTH CANDIDATE
27/1/04: The local Labour Party has selected Darren Clifford as its candidate for the forthcoming Heysham South by-election.
Darren, currently Treasurer of Heysham Neighbourhood Council, a member of the M6 Link Committee and a school governor, was narrowly beaten in the same seat last May. He says he's keen to make sure that the people of Heysham South have a dedicated representative on the local council. "Since May, the people of Heysham South have failed to be fully represented on the council. I want to show local people that they can trust me to work hard on their behalf and deliver real benefits and improvements to Heysham."
Darren's wife Tina is currently a City Councillor in the neighbouring Heysham North ward.
The Heysham South by-election, which was called by the Conservatives, follows the resignation of MBI Councillor Shirley Reid after only attending one meeting since being elected. At the last local elections in May the
Conservatives failed to put up a single candidate in the three-seat ward. The Heysham South ward has now been unrepresented for over a year since the resignation of another Heysham South MBI councillor Debbie Lee in December 2002.

Pictured: competitors from Sedbergh Karate Club with medals & trophies.
Back row from left to right: Andrew Joynes, Shelly Whittle, Mark Whittle, Adam Littlewood & Edward Bannister
Front row: Robin Littlewood, Ben Littlewood, Zoe Jones, Luke Whittle, Izaak Tyson-Hirst & Chelsea Woof.

LOCAL KARATE CHAMPIONS
27/1/04 The region's top martial artists took a call to arms recently, to enter the Sedbergh Wadokai Charity karate tournament which was held this year at Casterton School, Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria. The competition was fierce with participants from four karate clubs (Bentham, Sedbergh, Settle and Skipton) taking part.
"The tournament was a great success," says event organiser Mr David Jones "This was the first taste of competition for many of our local people. But it was good to see everyone getting stuck in and having ago, especially the youngsters". All proceeds from the tournament will go to the North West Air Ambulance.
The results were:
Adult Kumite: 1st Karl Airey (Skipton), 2nd Shelly Whittle (Sedbergh), 3rd Mark Whittle (Sedbergh).
Adult Kata: 1st Vicky Heslop (Skipton), 2nd Karl Airey (Skipton), 3rd Mark Whittle (Sedbergh)
Junior Kumite: 1st Vicky Heslop (Skipton), 2nd Edward Bannister (Sedbergh), 3rd Adam Littlewood (Sedbergh)
Cadet Kumite: 1st Amy Wilson (Settle), 2nd James Robinson (Settle), 3rd Chelsea Woof (Sedbergh)
Cadet Kata: 1st Amy Wilson (Settle), 2nd Abigail Beck (Skipton), 3rd Chelsea Woof (Sedbergh)
Competitor of the day was Shelly Whittle
Competition is a small part of Karate. As well as being and excellent form of self- defence it is great for fitness, self-confidence and self-awareness. If you are interested in learning Karate in a safe and friendly atmosphere them please contact your local club instructor.
Sedbergh: David Jones 3rd Dan 07870 530775
Bentham: Mark Harland 4th Dan 01729 823256
Settle: Mark Harland, 4th Dan 01729 823256



26/1/04: Government minister Hazel Blears with MPs Hilton Dawson and Geraldine Smith and others at the launch of the new Anti Social Behaviour Strategy at Lancaster Town Hall on Monday. Blears is seen demonstrating the new grafitti cleaning equipment which will be into use in Morecambe's Poulton area soon.
The Strategy includes new measures to curb rowdy behaviour in Lancaster City Centreat night and will introduces a new accreditation scheme that will give groups such as community wardens more powers to deal with anti-social behaviour and harassment from the end of next month.
Pic courtesy Lancaster City Council.

HIROSHIMA NAGASAKI A-BOMB EXHIBITION COMES TO MANCHESTER
26/1/04: The internationally renowned Hiroshima Nagasaki A-Bomb Exhibition will be shown in the Sculpture Hall, Manchester Town Hall and the Central Library from February 3rd to 27th 2004. This multimedia exhibition includes photographs, atomic bomb survivor's drawings and paintings information, artefacts from the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings in 1945, documentary film footage from the time and information the global effort for nuclear disarmament and peace.
The Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Audrey Jones will officially open the exhibition in the Sculpture Hall at 11am on Tuesday 3rd February. Local dignitaries, personalities and peace campaigners will be invited.
The Imperial War Museum North will be holding a Seminar: Nuclear Weapons: Past and Future, on the 11th February to coincide with this exhibition and offering special tours in the main Museum exhibition space every Thursday in February between 3.00pm and 3.30pm. The tours will be led by museum interactors and relate to the Timeline on the Cold War and the museums collections.
Opening times:
Sculpture Hall, Manchester Town Hall, Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm
Central Library Monday to Thursday 10.00am-8.00 pm, Friday and Saturday 10.00am-5.00pm

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