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Latest news stories at top of page LANCASHIRE SPAWNS NEW DOCTOR WHO 20/3/04: Lancashire -born actor Christopher Eccleston has been announced as the BBC's new "Doctor Who". The Scotsman and other news sources confirmed rumours circuating for days on the Internet that actor Christopher Eccleston is to be the new Doctor Who when the cult sci-fi show returns to our screens next year. Eccleston, star of Flesh and Blood and The Second Coming, will appear as the TV Time Lord in the 13-part BBC1 series to be shown in 2005. The BBC said the Salford-born 40-year-old would take the famous doctor into the 21st century in a "fresh and modern approach" involving travelling through time and space and fighting monsters on all fronts. • Read more about the new series on Outpost Gallifrey and the BBC's Doctor Who pages.
Latest update 19/3/04: Bernd Konemann, the Swiss proprietor of the Greaves Park-based Fiddey + Co, has been charged with three threats to kill, including one against council leader Ian Barker. Mr Konemann was arrested at his premises at Parkfield House, Greaves Park, Lancaster earlier this week. Neigbours were amazed to see a number of police personnel enter the building and take Mr Konemann into custody. He appeared before Lancaster Magistrates yesterday (Thursday) and entered a plea of not guilty to three counts of making threats to kill Coun Barker and council employees Neil Emery and Property Services Head Graham Cox. Mr Konemann was remanded on bail to appear at Lancaster Crown Court on at 9.30 13 May. A condition of bail was that he would not contact, or attempt to contact through a third party, the three alleged victims. Last year, local residents launched a successful campaign against the IT entrepreneur for fencing off parts of the public park to make a patio and garden for his private use. This was after a number of incidents between Mr Konemann and park users who claimed to be afraid to use the park as the businessman vehemently objected to their proximity to his house while using the public park. The council was unable to come to an agreement with Mr Konemann to rent this land and, despite his threats that he would make 52 employees redundant if Lancaster City Council pursued the matter, the council stepped in and obtained a County Court judgement to reclaim it. This was put into effect last Friday, clearing his alterations for re-turfing. Mr Konemann subsequently erected a barrier made of garage doors on the park boundary. It is alleged that the threats occurred as a response to the council's removal of Mr Konemann's patio and flowerbed. Update 22/10/04: The case now due to be heard on 7 December 2004 with a pre-hearing mention on 8 November in Ct 4, Preston Crown Court. • See previous stories from our news archive: Claiming back the canton: 23/1/04 Read it Greaves, trees and cheese: 12/12/03 Read it TRUE WEST'S TRUE GRIT 19/3/04: Virtual-Lancaster theatre critic has heaped praise on the Dukes latest production, which runs until 3 April. Calling True West a "well-crafted and fascinating study about how human beings relate to each other," Michael P. Nunn describes Sam Shepard's play centring on sibling rivalry as a play not to be missed, with full marks for both direction by Ian Hastings, cast and set design. BNP ARRIVE IN LANCASTER 19/3/04: The British National Party have begun campaigning for the European elections in June, making their first appearance in Lancaster this week. BNP supporters leafleted the whole of the Ridge estate, campaigning early for the Elections. It's expected that they will target the rest of Lancaster over the coming days and weeks. Although the BNP does not support Britain's membership of the EU, if it wins seats in the European parliament this will give the party a huge financial boost. The party's leader, Nick Griffin, estimates that as much as £200,000 a year will be made available to each MEP the anti-fascist magazine Searchlight reported earlier this year that he has announced that most of it would be directed to building the BNP. "We'd have full time regional organisers, full time campaign team leaders, training courses for local authorities and media spokesmen," he recently wrote, though he somewhat optimistically ignored the restrictions on how funds for MEPs may be used. The BNP canvassing comes hot on the heels of another far right party, England First, polling 191 votes in the local Heysham South council election. "Like many I'm sure this a worrying, if not entirely surprising, development," says Michael Gibson, Vice-chair of Lancaster Labour Party. In a letter to this week's Citizen EFP chairman Mark Cotterill - a former member of the BNP - says their success has led to the start up of a local branch of the EFP. The BNP denies being racist despite their strong views about immigration. • Local anti-fascist forum: http://82.69.12.18/afforum/ • Searchlight feature on the BNP and Euro elections: www.searchlightmagazine.com/stories/012004_story04.htm FOUNDATION CONSULTATION 19/3/04: Should Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust Become a Foundation Hospital Trust? A series of Public Consultation Meetings -- which appear to have gone unreported elsewhere -- have been set up and cynics on the VL team suggest that if this has got to the stage where the public are being 'consulted', then it's probably a foregone conclusion. However, everyone is welcome to go along and hear the proposals and have their say. A consultation document outlining the proposals can be obtained from the Foundation Trust Project Office tel: 01524 583210 Dates: 22 March 7pm. Lancaster Town Hall. 23 March 7pm. Morecambe Town Hall. 14 April 6.30pm Garstang High School 26 April 6.30pm Drama Studio, Heysham High School 27 April 6.30pm Carnforth High School GROUNDWORK HITS LANCASTER 19/3/04: The Lancaster Single Regeneration Budget (SRB), administered by Lancaster City Council, is providing funding to bring the services of Groundwork into the district. Groundwork aims to be the UK's leading environmental regeneration charity, working through partnerships to create communities in which people are proud to live and work. The charity will assist communities in the SRB target areas to develop and deliver regeneration projects within their community. It will promote work being developed under the SRB Community Facilities and Environmental Improvements Programmes and support the target communities in making their projects happen. In 2003 a new Groundwork trust was launched in Lancashire, aiming to extend the services of Groundwork into the West of Lancashire, an area that has not previously benefited from its services. "Groundwork will offer communities knowledge of additional funding opportunities available for regeneration schemes," explains Senior Project Officer, Tom Fyson from Groundwork, "as well as an expertise in helping community-based groups develop and deliver their ideas." There are over 40 Groundwork Trusts throughout the UK, each helping local communities deliver their own regeneration projects. Lancaster SRB programme covers the wards of Castle, Bulk and North Lancaster impacting over 30, 000 residents and provides funding to support regeneration initiatives carried out by local partnerships with the local community. LUNCHTIME LECTURES 19/3/04: The next lunchtime lectures series at the Storey Institute, entitled "40 Years On", begins on 23 April. Celebrating Lancaster University's 40th birthday this year, the series will look at events over the last 40 years. Details are published on the University web site: http://www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/conted/lunchtime.htm or contact Gill or Mary on 01524 592623/4. TORY TOP BRASS VISITS CARNFORTH 19/3/04: Theresa May MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Environment and the Regions has visited Carnforth this afternoon (Friday), meeting with conservative Councillor James Airey. She also visited Carnforth Station to see the site of the "Brief Encounter" film, and look at the regeneration work that has already been implemented at Carnforth. James planned to talk about a range of transport matters relevant to Morecambe and Lunesdale, in particular the need for mainline trains to stop at Carnforth. "This is a project which has a great deal of local support," says James. "A feasibility study has identified that two new platforms would be required, and has drawn attention to the complementary benefits of the easy links from Carnforth to the motorway system." Theresa May will also meet members of the local Conservative Team and local party supporters. COCKLERS TRAGEDY -- FUND RAISING EVENT 19/3/04: The Gregson Community Association has organised a Chinese Remembrance Festival in conjunction with North West Chinese Council, which will take place on Friday 2 April. All money raised will be used to support survivors of the recent cockler tragedy and families of dead. Tickets cost £10 the price includes a series of performances by outstanding Chinese Artists and musicians from Manchester and a Chinese buffet. DJ Donald will provide a great world music Disco to end the evening. HILL TOP FAVOURITE! 19/3/04: Trail, the UK's best selling hill walking magazine, says Lancaster District is the sixth best place for all hill walkers to aspire to live. Coniston scores the poll position in the magazine chart, closely followed by other nearby towns including Keswick and Ambleside. Criteria included house prices, incomes, the hills close by, good pubs, outdoor gear shops, show, sun and traffic. "People living here already know the great secrets of this district," comments Ron Sands, the council's Cabinet member for Leisure, "and its abundance of good walking is just one of them. As well as the nearby Lake District hills we also have the Trough of Bowland, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and, of course, the magnificent Lune Valley. Trail has got it exactly right and we hope this article will encourage even more people to settle in to the area and take advantage of all we have to offer. "The great thing about walking in this district is that even if you are less of a hill and more a flat walker there's an abundance of variety for you too, from the Morecambe Promenade to the River Lune Millennium Park." COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT TAKE-UP CAMPAIGN 19/3/04: Lancaster City Council has started a take-up campaign to encourage people on low incomes to claim help in paying their Council Tax bills. A coupon has been issued with the Council Tax bills sent to everyone in the district who is not currently receiving Council Tax Benefit inviting them to make a claim. Council Tax Benefit is designed to help people on a low income. Any benefit awarded is taken off the Council Tax bill. Although the process involves some form filling and providing evidence of income and circumstances, which some people may find daunting, help is available from the Council to guide people through the process. Just call on 01524 582965. "We're aware of the impact rises in Council Tax have," says Leader of the Council Councillor Ian Barker, "especially on people on low incomes and that many people who would be entitled to receive this help do not claim it. "This is an excellent initiative that has received national recognition and demonstrates our commitment to improve the take-up of entitlement to Council Tax Benefit. I would encourage people to claim their entitlement by filling in the coupon included with their Council Tax bill or by asking for an application form." SAFER STREETS PROPOSALS 19/3/04: The local Community Safety Partnership is actively aiming to reduce crime and the fear of crime within the local community. One way in which this may be achievable is by the provision of street lighting along highways. The Community Safety Team want to hear from people within local communities about street lighting proposals that will have a positive effect on crime reduction. Proposals need to be confined to adopted or unadopted highways amenity lighting such as that used to illuminate parks, play areas, buildings and the like cannot be considered. An application form can be downloaded from: www.lancaster.gov.uk/GeneralL.asp?id=SXE04E-A77FF731 or telephone Adele Piddington on 582006. Deadline for submission of proposals in Thursday 15 April 2004. There's no indication in the press releases for this initiative as to whether the council is moving toward environmentally-friendly street lighting that reduces light pollution: we suggest to writing Jim Robson (in the city engineers department suggesting it be considered. • Dark Skies Campaign: www.dark-skies.org/ STOREY FUTURE IN THE SPOTLIGHT 19/3/04: Two meetings that will outline plans for the Storey Institute take place this week. Last month Lancaster City Council announced a £693,000 Arts Council grant that will help breathe new life into the Storey Institute, one of the district's best loved buildings, and contribute towards the transformation of the Storey Institute into a Centre for the Creative industries. The two public information sessions - which will take place on Thursday 25 March - 12.30pm until 2.30pm and 5pm until 7pm - will provide an opportunity for members of the public to view the plans for the site as well as talk to council officers involved in the project. Plans for the Instiute include the development of workspaces specific for creative industries,the refurbishment of the existing Storey Gallery, and the creation of a new exhibition spaces for Folly and Litfest. "The funding is welcome news and offers an opportunity not only for arts development in the district and beyond but also for the creation of jobs," feels, Lancaster City Council's Cabinet member for Regeneration, Coun Abbott Bryning. "It's important that local people are involved in the project and we hope the information sessions will be well attended." BURGLARY FIGURES FALL 17/3/04: The figures for house burglaries across the Lancaster district are falling. Compared with the same period last year the number of house burglaries have fallen by 10%, whilst the number of repeat victims of house burglary have fallen by 34%. Figures for vehicle crime have also fallen by 28%. Lancaster District Community Safety Partnership, with its wide range of partners, including Lancaster City Council, the Police and the County Council believe that projects such as the Distraction Burglary project, which gives crime prevention advice to older people living alone, as well as work around making car parks more secure and CCTV have helped secure these reductions. Crimestoppers, also a member of the Community Safety Partnership, has reported that in 2003, in the Lancaster area and nearby Wyre, nearly £220,000 worth of stolen property was recovered as a result of calls to Crimestoppers. This resulted in 38 arrests. In addition to this, as a result of calls to Crimestoppers, approximately £114,000 worth of drugs was also seized. The number of Crimestoppers is 0800 555111. "We're pleased to see reductions in crime," says Dr Ruth Henig, Chair of the Partnership, "and that our wide range of efforts to reduce crime are making a difference. Lancaster has had the benefit of CCTV for some time now, whilst the Distraction Burglary initiative is a relatively new scheme. It is good to see the Community Safety Partnership developing over time to include representatives from organisations such as Crimestoppers, and to continue to deliver lasting benefits, while introducing new schemes." SUNDAY PARKING CHANGES 19/3/04: Sunday shoppers can now park at reduced rates in Lancaster City Council car parks on Sundays in a council effort to support Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry's efforts to promote Sunday trading in Lancaster. Sunday parking charges in city council managed car parks will be reduced to a flat charge of 80p, regardless of length of stay, for the period 7 March 2004 until to 6 June 2004, to support the promotion. "The Chamber of Commerce is keen to promote Lancaster as a Sunday trading centre," commented Jerry North, Manager of St Nicholas Arcades and the Chamber's Retail Representative. "I'm pleased by the response of local retailers and the support of the City Council in reducing car park charges for an introductory period. The initial response from customers has been encouraging." "This decision supports the Chamber's initiative in promoting Sunday trading in Lancaster," argues The Leader of the Council Coun Ian Barker. "Successful Sunday trading will contribute to the City Council's vision for a vibrant, varied and viable local economy. The arrangements will be reviewed at the end of the introductory period." BOWLING FESTIVALS AT REGENT PARK, MORECAMBE 19/3/04: Lancaster City Council and Regent Park Bowling and Social Club are joining together to ensure that the May and September Bowling Festivals will continue. Regent Park Bowling and Social Club is now taking over the organisation of the festival. The various competitions to be held are Ladies 'Open Classic', Pre -Festival Pairs, Ladies and Gents Singles, Mixed Pairs, and Ladies and Gents Visitors Singles. The closing date for entries into May festival is Wednesday 31 March 2004. Entry forms are available from Regent Park and those wishing to enter should telephone (01524) 400414 as soon as possible. To date numerous entries have been received for the competitions throughout the May Festival, but there are still places available for those bowlers who would like to enter. DAWSON PRAISES LATEST BUDGET 17/3/04: Local MP Hilton Dawson has praised Gordon Brown's latest budget, which includes help for pensioners with their council tax bills, a further increase in education spending and a package of measures to extend the support and help provided to people on incapacity benefit and lone parents, who want to return to employment. "This Budget shows Gordon Brown is managing the economy skilfully and flexibly," claims Hilton, "adapting borrowing plans and planning for major efficiencies in public services to provided substantial new resources to combat poverty and invest in key priorities. "I am particularly delighted at the major extra investment in early years services and in better support to help young people in work and training. It is vital that the world class hi tech resources of Lancaster receive substantial new money from the new science and innovation framework."  OFF
THE BUSES!17/3/03: Lancaster City Council, Lancashire Police, Stagecoach and Lancashire County Council, amongst others, have got together to stamp down on anti-social behaviour at Lancaster Bus Station. The action comes after an increase in problems with young people causing a nuisance from lunch time onwards, including skateboarding and general rowdy behaviour. The Council says there has also been evidence of drinking and drug taking. It's felt the problems may cause people not to use public transport, so action is being take to ensure that, as much as possible, the bus station -- which was rebuilt in 2001 -- offers a safe environment for its users. A problem solving group, which includes the City Council, Lancashire Constabulary, Stagecoach, Lancashire County Council's Safer Travel Unit and the cleaning contractor Cleanall Ltd has agreed several measure to improve the situation at the station. The moves include more frequent police patrols, CCTV improvements and the banning of individuals who cause trouble from the bus station Dr Ruth Henig, Chair of the Lancaster District Community Safety partnership said "The Partnership, in line with the Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy, is determined to tackle anti-social behaviour. It's unacceptable that passengers feel unwilling to use the bus station because of the actions of a few individuals. "I believe that the measures that have been taken with have a positive impact on the problem and any trouble makers will be dealt with appropriately." The bus station building has had several problems since completion. There is still no clock on the premises and late night revellers regularly urinate against the outside walls, trampling plants in the process. The design of the station means buses also have to circuit the station almost completely on arrival. The bus bays have also had to be rebuilt because of structural problems. The County Council have also recently announced cost-cutting plans to close its travel information kiosk (see story) at the station, which will mean all information on non-Stagecoach local travel will only be available at Tourist Information and the Library -- both quite a distance from the bus station. 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 
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