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MAKING POVERTY HISTORY
19/5/05: Our Lancaster and Morecambe Area Make Poverty History pages have been massively updated and we're hoping to keep adding more and more content about what is happening locally.
"In the recent General Election campaign there was very little discussion about world poverty," feels local campaigner Stephen Hoyland. "The reason for this is primarily because it is not high on the agenda of most voters. If British citizens were starving or malnourished it would be a major issue, and quite right too.  Surely, though, the time has come when we have more concern for the global population. "At present, 30,000 people die every day because of their poverty," says Steve. "They are not poor because they are feckless or lazy but because the world is unfair. Crippling debts and unfair trade are most to blame for the poverty which kills so many.  If enough people support the Make Poverty History campaign, perhaps we really can make history, and put an end to world poverty."
Click Here for our Make Poverty History Pages If you can spare five minutes to visit it we would greatly appreciate it.

BRIDGE LANE STILL BLOCKED
19/5/05: Three weeks after the pavement on Bridge lane was closed, the Council still has yet to move repairs to a "dangerous wall" much further forward. The closure makes it very difficult for anyone to walk between St. George's Quay and China Street, and many pedestrians are risking life and limb to cross Lancaster's busy one way system (see original story).
"There's a meeting next week," Local councillor Jon Barry told Virtual-Lancaster. "A structural engineer says wall is too dangerous to open the footpath. The Counci's Estates department are apparently trying to get them to lower the wall so that footpath can be opened."
Apparently, after that there will be some pretty serious remedial work needed.
How long are pedestrians going to have to put up with this nonsense? If the wall was dangerous to road users we bet it would have been fixed within hours.

BYPASS PROTEST EXHIBTION SUCCESS
19/5/05: Over 500 people vsited the Transport Solutions for Lancaster and More cambe Alternative "Monster Road" Show on Tuesday. The event offered an excellent guide to what the area would lose if the Northern Bypas gets built. For more on the campaign visit: www.heyshamm6link.info

CELEBRATING LEARNING
19/5/05: Looking for something to do with the family this weekend? This Saturday (21st May) the Department of Continuing Education at Lancaster University will be celebrating 25 years of lifelong learning.   
A celebratory event will take place in the Conference Rooms at Lancaster University, and you are invited to drop in between 10am and 3pm to find out about the many different learning opportunities available for adults.  Free events including taster sessions in psychology, geology, archaeology and history, learn a language in 30 minutes, various workshops (including drumming and Pilates), and activities including painting with acrylics, test your sense of smell, and family history will be available.  
There will also be some superb examples of student work on display.  For children there will be face painting, arts and crafts, games and story-telling (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult).  In the evening at 6.30pm there will be an awards ceremony for the Creative Writing and Poetry competitions organised to celebrate the 25th anniversary.  
• Full details of the event can be found on www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/conted and click on Events for 25th anniversary celebration, or telephone 01524 592623/4.

ADVENTURES OF LOKI T-SHIRTS ON SALE
19/5/05: Local band The Adventures of Loki now have black t-shirts available -- boys t-shirts and girls fitted styles both in small, medium and large -- at £10 a piece. You can get them at gigs or e-mail them directly at: loki@the-adventures-of-loki.org. One of their latest numbers, 'Feminine Side', will be released as a download at www.shiftydisco.co.uk on Friday 27 May, priced 99p.

MURDER IN MORECAMBE
19/5/05: BBC News reports that a man who was found dead at a flat in Morecambe may have been killed up to a week ago.
Derek Lees, who was 52 and unemployed, was found by his landlord at the flat he rented on Sefton Road on Monday.
A post-mortem examination carried out on Tuesday revealed every rib in his body had been broken and he had severe injuries to his head and face. Read the full BBC News item

TORIES SCUPPER COUNCIL WATCHDOG?
19/5/05: Lancaster City Council's Leader has criticised the Council's Conservative group for withdrawing from leading the local authority's new watchdog, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
At the City Council meeting last Thursday, the Tories removed Councillor Roger Mace, the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee from the committee and did not nominate any other Tory for the chair.
" Overview and Scrutiny is an important part of modernised council structures," says Ian Barker. "Its function is to provide a constructive alternative view that is independent of the executive. The three Coalition parties were agreed this could be best done by a senior Conservative and Independent chairing the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Budget and Performance Panel. By removing Roger Mace from the Scrutiny Committee and failing to make a Tory nomination for Chair, the Conservatives have scuppered this."
"Everyone agrees that over the last year Roger Mace made scrutiny more effective. Several of the committee's suggestions were adopted by the Cabinet. He introduced pre-scrutiny and one-to-one links between Scrutiny Committee members and the Cabinet."
"This makes the decision of the Tories even more incomprehensible. Why remove someone who was making a success of the job? I can only conclude that it was the constructive approach of Councillor Mace that grated with his colleagues and that they prefer a less well-informed and more oppositional approach. They have done themselves and the Council a disservice by removing him."

ANIMAL "OBSESSION"
19/5/05: BBC News reports a Silverdale woman who was obsessed with collecting animals kept 271 creatures crammed in her cottage in "dismal and depressing" conditions, a court heard.
The pets, mostly dogs, were emaciated and suffering from infections and injuries, Preston magistrates heard. Nine of the animals had to be put down after RSPCA inspectors took them from the house in Silverdale, Lancashire.
Rosalind Gregson, 55, denies 49 charges of failing to provide the animals with necessary care and attention. Read the full BBC News item...

RECYCLING GUIDE RELEASED
19/5/05: The new Lancaster district Recycling Directory is out this week, and aims to help reduce the amount of rubbish we throw away.
So if you have an old fridge, or a shambolic garden shed, a bicycle you've grown out of, or too many plant pots you don't know what to do with, get a copy of the new, improved Recycling Directory.
From 'Aerosols to dog-eared Yellow Pages', if you want to know where to exchange old lamps for new genies, the new environmentally-friendly recycling guide has the answers.
This handy booklet, written by the Lancaster District Recycling Forum, will be launched at the Community Festival in Williamson Park, Lancaster, this Sunday (May 22). If you enjoyed the first edition of 'Not Just a Load of Old Rubbish' why not come along and pick up a free copy?
The Recycling Forum is also putting on a display of many different 'Environmentally Friendly' bags for the day. Visitors will even have the opportunity to print a cotton 'Bag for Life' with their very own design.
After the event, the Recycling Directory will also be available at libraries in Lancaster District, Morecambe and Lancaster Town Halls, and other venues across the district. It is also available on online on the Lancaster City Council website: www.lancaster.gov.uk (search for 'RD').
"This directory is even better than the last one," says Alison Page, chair of the Recycling Forum says. "It's full of up to date information on where you can recycle anything from batteries to wallpaper. There's also information on how to apply for funding for environmental projects and where to buy recycled products."
The Recycling Forum is a topic group of the Lancaster District Sustainability (LA21) Partnership, a group of committed individuals who aim to encourage waste reduction and recycling locally. The Forum is open to all who live or work in the Lancaster District.
For more information about the Recycling Directory or how to join the Recycling Forum, please contact: Dr Joy Grayson, Lancaster Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster, Tel: 01524 582061 or email sustainability@lancaster.gov.uk.

Gill Hague, Chair of the Lancashire Criminal Justice Board and Area Director for Her Majesty's Courts Service presenting a PlayStation to Chris Cragg, Witness Service Manager at Preston Magistrates' Court. Julie Young (at left of image), Chief Executive of Victim Support Lancashire, looks on.

PLAYSTATIONS IN COURT!
17/5/05: Support for victims and witnesses in Lancashire has been stepped up again, thanks to the work of the Lancashire Criminal Justice Board.
From today (17 May 2005) Witness Service Managers at several courts across the county will take delivery of TVs and PlayStations, which will be used to ease the wait of witnesses as they prepare to give evidence at court.
Separate waiting areas for witnesses are already available at all courts across the county. Each court is also served by dedicated Witness Service staff and volunteers, managed by the charity Victim Support Lancashire, who provide personal support for witnesses as they come to give evidence at court.
But recently, representatives from different agencies on the Criminal Justice Board -- including the police and Her Majesty’s Courts Service -- spent time at different courts to find out from the Witness Service what changes could be put in place to improve the experience of witnesses.
The result has been the provision of seven PlayStations and four TVs for witness waiting rooms at courts across the county, and at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court, a TV-style makeover of the waiting room itself -- including new plants, mirrors, pictures, coat racks and reading material.

LANCASTER'S COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
17/5/05: Sunday 22 May sees Lancaster's first Community Festival in Williamson Park. Lancaster & District YMCA are celebrating 125 years of service by inviting all the local Community Groups to join in a community festival with displays, stalls, activities and games for all the family and friends.
Confirmed activities to date include: Climbing Wall and Display unit from the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, a ton of hairy butch stuff from the army, a Paintballing Range, Hand Gun Range, Fire Brigade Home Safety Display, Treasure Hunt, Arts, sports and games, Multi-media activities, Stop frame animation, Frisbee-playing, pottery, all sorts of things for the little kids, meet your councillors - we just can't go on, the lists keep getting bigger and bigger. We're not kidding -- it's going to be great, there' ll be things to interest and please everyone and the weather has been booked too, so expect glorious sunshine. The Diversity FM Roadshow will be providing sunshine sounds too so bring your picnic and enjoy. The festival runs from 10.00am - 4.00pm with different sections of it all over the park. Info tel: 01524 32737 or email: ymcalancaster@btconnect.com.  

LOCAL RIGHT-TO-LIFE CASE STIRS DEBATE
17/5/05: A judge's ruling on the rights of terminally-ill patients could put doctors in an "impossibly difficult" position, the GMC has told a court.
BBC News reports that Lancastrian Leslie Burke who has a degenerative brain condition, won a landmark ruling last year to stop doctors withdrawing food and drink when he cannot speak.
• Read the full story on BBC News: Click Here
• Read the national Guardian story (requires registration): Click Here

BARKER BACK AS COUNCIL LEADER
17/5/05: Lancaster City Council re-elected its Leader,
Councillor Ian Barker for a further term of office at a meeting last night. His Coalition Cabinet of nine Members comprising Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green Members was also re-elected unchanged for a further year.
There were some changes to the Overview and Scrutiny membership however with Councillor Emily Heath taking over as Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, having formerly been Vice-Chairman (see separate story).
Other Council Committee Chairman were also re-appointed last night without any changes from the previous year.
PDF Lists of Council Posts
• City Cabinet 2005 - 2006 Members: Click Here
• Council Chairs of Committee: Click Here
• Licensing Committee Members: Click Here
• Overview and Scrutiny/Budget Committee Members: Click Here

FLOOD DEFENCE PLANS REVEALED
17/5/05: Residents on St George's Quay, Lancaster are being consulted about whether they want improved flood defences.
The Environment Agency are proposing two possible alternatives: the building a stone-clad wall that will vary in height between 0.3 and 1.5 metres at different parts of the quay. If the scheme is introduced, the Environment Agency say that flood risk will be reduced from one every five years to one every seventy-five years.
The other scheme offers to provide householders with flood resistant products to protect their properties when floods occur. These include items such as barriers to external doors to provide a tight seal, covers for external vents, and flood skirts to prevent water seeping into properties.
"Obviously it is up to Quay residents which, if any, flood prevention measures they want," says Councillor Jon Barry. "However, I and my fellow local councillors will fully support flood defence measures if that is what residents choose.
"This is a unique opportunity to get some form of protection and, with rising sea levels, things don't look like they will be getting any better in years to come."

GOING PUBLIC
17/5/05: The City Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee will step up public involvement after the Committee appointed a new Chairman last week.
Councillor Emily Heath, member of the Green Party and representative of Scotforth West, was elected as the new Chairman at Thursday's Annual Business Council meeting.
I'm delighted to have been appointed," says Emily, "and I want to use this opportunity to invite the public to take an active role in Overview and Scrutiny as it's a function that needs their participation if it is to work effectively.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is part of the Council's modernised decision-making arrangements and exists to provide a 'critical friend' challenge for the Council, ensuring that decisions are in the best interest of the district.
" I would like to hear any suggestions from members of the public for areas which they feel we need to consider in our work programme for the current year," says Emily. "After the success of both the Poulton Area Renewal and West End Activities Task Groups, I also want to encourage more smaller working groups to deal with a wide range of scrutiny topics."
Councillor Heath is no novice to the Scrutiny process at Lancaster. She spent the previous year as Vice-Chairman to the Committee and chaired the successful Allotments Working Group which made recommendations to Cabinet for increased support to the District's allotments.
The first 2005/06 meeting of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee will take place on 8th June 2005, 6pm at Morecambe Town Hall where the Vice-Chairman will be appointed.

NUKE PLANT TO CLOSE FOR GOOD?
17/5/05: The Observer reported at the weekend that the owner of the Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, wants its main reprocessing facility to shut forever following a leak of highly radioactive liquefied nuclear fuel containing plutonium and uranium. Read The Observer story (registration required): Click Here

RECYCLING GURUS NEEDED
17/5/05: Lancashire County Council is looking for volunteers to help with promotion of recycling in the areas that got the new wheelie bin/recycling system in 2004/5 (in the Lancaster District it will focus mainly on Scotforth and Bowerham).
This will involve being trained up by the Council to knock on doors in late Aug/Sept/Oct and encourage people to sort their waste properly to improve recycling rates.
It's not entirely clear what kind of time commitment will be needed, but we expect it will be fairly intensive for at least three weeks, possibly 6-8 weeks if you are willing to help in another district as well as in Lancaster. The scheme has been piloted in Fylde and Pendle, where volunteers worked from 2.00 until 7.00pm on weekdays and 10-4 on Saturdays, getting round about 17 households per hour (including those that were out). Travel expenses will be paid, but time will need to be given voluntarily. If anybody is interested in helping, please email Jenny Loydall on jloydall@lancaster.gov.uk by Friday if possible (expressions of interest wanted at this stage - not necessarily a definite commitment).

RECYCLING GURUS NEEDED
17/5/05: Lancashire County Council is looking for volunteers to help with promotion of recycling in the areas that got the new wheelie bin/recycling system in 2004/5 (in the Lancaster District it will focus mainly on Scotforth and Bowerham).
This will involve being trained up by the Council to knock on doors in late Aug/Sept/Oct and encourage people to sort their waste properly to improve recycling rates.
It's not entirely clear what kind of time commitment will be needed, but we expect it will be fairly intensive for at least three weeks, possibly 6-8 weeks if you are willing to help in another district as well as in Lancaster. The scheme has been piloted in Fylde and Pendle, where volunteers worked from 2.00 until 7.00pm on weekdays and 10-4 on Saturdays, getting round about 17 households per hour (including those that were out). Travel expenses will be paid, but time will need to be given voluntarily. If anybody is interested in helping, please email Jenny Loydall on jloydall@lancaster.gov.uk by Friday if possible (expressions of interest wanted at this stage - not necessarily a definite commitment).

WESTMORLAND & LONSDALE ELECT LIB DEM
17/5/05: Liberal Democrat Tim Farron was elected the new MP for Westmorland & Lonsdale constituency, with a majority of just 267 votes. Tim stood in the previous election too and, undeterred by defeat, worked hard to win the local votes finally taking a seat that had been represented by the Conservatives for the previous 99 years. (Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat 22,569 45.5; Tim Collins, Conservative 22,302; John Reardon, Labour 3,796; Robert Gibson, UKIP 660; Anthony Kemp, Independent 309). Collins' majority in the 2001 election was 3,147 - with a similar total. Most of Farron's new votes appear to have come from Labour.

BRIEFLY...
+ 17/5/05: Margaret Chadwick (Labour) was elected as city councillor for John O'Gaunt ward.
+ 17/5/05: Wasted, the annual Morecambe Punk festival will kick off with a party at the Carleton this coming Wednesday, and run through til the Sunday. Read a review from 2003. (From someone outside working on a food stall that is - they won't give us review tickets - we're not posh/old enough!). Full details at www.holidaysinthesun.net.
+ 17/5/05: Lancashire County Council's Home Composting Team will dump five tons of prime compost on the festival Market Car Park on Thursday 26 May for you to help yourself to for your garden along with advice on home composting for those who can't lift it as far as the bus stop! Children can plant sunflower seeds in hand-made newspaper plant pots.
+ 17/5/05: Ridge residents who took part in a public consultation have voted for a brand new children's play area which will be funded from the Lancaster Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) and a contribution from Crowther Homes, who have allocated a sum of £30,000 to the project. It is currently at the consultation stage and will probably be built on Thirlmere Road, which is where most locals want it. The playground design is currently being displayed on the notice board outside Ridge Community Centre.
+ 17/5/05: Firemen raced to rescue a little duckling that fell down a storm drain on Cyprus Road, Heysham. RSPCA officers were unable to lift the drain cover but with the help fo the Fire Brigade the fluffy little chick was saved and reunited with its mum - who had waddled off with the rest of the brood unconcernedly. Tut, tut.
+ 17/5/05: The Fire Brigade were called out again after arsonists set fire to waste at the back of Comet and Halfords last Sunday and later in the week to a gate at the rear of the Buddhists Centre on King St. Fortunately no-one was hurt and damage was contained.
+ 17/5/05: Lancaster City Council's Environmental Health Service are requesting small retailers to cross check their stocks in a bid to ensure no products using chilli powder which has subsequently been found to contain a non permitted colour Para Red, which may be a genotoxic carcinogen, are sold locally. There's a regularly updated list on the Food Standards Agency website (www.food.gov.uk/parared) which now includes some 66 products with the contaminated powder including cooking sauces, curry sauce, pate, pizza and chilli crisps.
+ 17/5/05: Lancaster University has opened a £10m centre to pioneer research and train the business leaders of the future. The Lancaster Leadership Centre is a joint initiative between the university and the Northwest Development Agency.
+ A five year-old playing with a cigarette lighter is believed to have started a fire on the Ryelands Estate. Read the BBC Report

Lisa Jackson handing over the official robes of the Mayor's Sergeant to Jenny Kay

SERGEANT IN ACTION?
17/5/05: Congratulations to Mrs Jenny Kay, a Democratic Support Officer for the Council, who has become Lancaster's new Mayor's Sergeant - the first time the post has been filled for 10 years.
Jenny and the Town Sergeant, Mr Thomas Harrison, who both live locally with their families, were officially appointed to the historic posts at the Council's Annual Council Meeting earlier this week.
Apparently, both posts have been in existence since 1193 and although now ceremonial posts, they did originally serve a purpose. The Mayor's Sergeant's main purpose was to protect the Mayor, and the Town Sergeant was to protect the Aldermen and Councillors from the wayward public and rabid dogs. The Sergeants each carry a small silver gilt mace and it was intended that these would be used to beat off anyone who tried to attack the processing party. These maces are still carried by the two Sergeants, who are easily identified by their ceremonial robes, brown cloaks and appropriate hats.
Given the number of people who complain about some aspect of the Council, we're surprised these posts are still ceremonial! Perhaps the Council should also consider reviving old jobs such as Gong Farmers, latrine pit emptiers who could be employed to clean up our ever diminishing number of public toilets?

UNIVERSITY BOSS HITS BACK AT CRITICS
13/5/05: Lancaster University's Vice Chancellor has hit back angrily at critics of its recent decision to prosecute protestors of its tacit support of the arms industry.
In a letter in response to complaints about the forthcoming prosecution of the "George Fox Six", six students and graduates who made a peaceful protest at a meeting with companies said to be involved in major violations of human rights on campus, a representative for the Vice-Chancellor continues to claim the protest was a criminal act.
"The University is committed to freedom of speech," says the representative. "This means two things in particular for us: upholding the right of academics to research into issues which might be unpopular and to express their views on them without hindrance; and also the right of others to express their opinions in a peaceful manner. The University will not tolerate criminal activity on campus or harassment and intimidation of members of staff and, where evidence suggests this has happened, we will take action.
"There is a difference between the civil offence of trespass and the criminal offence of Aggravated Trespass, which involves harassment or intimidation of people and deliberate intent to disrupt legitimate activities. The case to which you refer is about criminal activity, not about a legitimate demonstration."
Cllr Chris Coates has written to the University in reply to this attack, saying: “Members of my group have seen the video of the protest and could see no evidence of harassment or intimidation of anyone by the protesters." (Read the full text of his letter below)
It seems Lancaster University is determined to silence criticism of its controversial links with multinational corporations by prosecuting these protestors. They could face up to three months in jail for their peaceful protest at a corporate venturing meeting for large companies last year (mainly involved in the defence industries, but also including GM, electronics and oil interests) and academic researchers. On the plus side it will be interesting indeed to see representatives of Shell and BAE Systems in court testifying about how intimidated they felt by the six peaceful young protesters.
In terms of being heavy-handed the University still has much to learn from its new business chum Shell, a company condemned by Human Rights Watch for its barbaric impact on the Ogoni, Ijaw and other peoples in the Niger Delta, whose land, environment and livelihoods have been devastated by the invading oil company, which has funded Nigerian troops responsible for unprecedented numbers of people being driven off their homeland, harassed, beaten and killed. BAE also have an well-established track record of selling arms to some of the world’s most brutal and oppressive ‘failing’ regimes.
How ironic that the event was taking place in a building named after a leading Quaker, a movement dedicated to peace. Perhaps it should be re-named? One of our readers has suggested it be renamed in honour of Sir Basil Zaharoff, probably the nastiest arms dealer ever, who was responsible for the arms race before World War One, and personally ensured that Britain did not negotiate peace at Christmas 1916 (he shared a mistress with Lloyd George).
For more information on the events surrounding the "George Fox Six" visit:
http://www.free-webspace.biz/GeorgeFox.
A draft letter outlining concerns about the situation has been prepared to assist those who wish to petition the Vice Chancellor to exercise tolerance in this case and you can download it here (PDF format. Get acrobat).

GREENS: VIDEO SHOWS PEACEFUL PROTEST
Cllr Chris Coates has written to the University in reply to their letter attacking the protesters' behaviour as not a 'legitimate demonstration'. The full text of his letter is here:

Dear Ms Aiken,
Thank you for your letter of 19 April. I am writing again on behalf of the Green Group on Lancaster City Council, because we are concerned that the University has taken the view that the peaceful protest that took place on 10th September 2004 constituted 'criminal activity' rather than a
'legitimate demonstration'.
Members of my group have seen the video of the protest and could see no evidence of harassment or intimidation of anyone by the protesters. They were simply trying to raise awareness of environmental and human rights issues which they felt strongly about. The protestors clearly did not use intimidation, but relied on a moral argument, expressed through banners, leaflets and their own voices (with some noise from whistles and drums to draw people's attention to what they wanted to say). After a short speech they were escorted from the conference
room with little resistance.
There was no threatening behaviour, damage to property, or violence of any kind.
Allowing this kind of protest would seem to be entirely consistent with the University's commitment (as stated in your letter) to "uphold the right of others to express their opinions in a in a peaceful manner". If the University does not believe that this was a legitimate protest, then please
could you clarify how you would define a legitimate protest?
We are aware that the prosecutions are being brought under Section 68 (1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. Section 68 (2) of the same Act makes it clear that the offence of aggravated trespass can only be
alleged if the landowner considers that trespass has take place. It is therefore within the University's power to withdraw the prosecutions if it took the view that that the protesters' presence in the George Fox Building did not constitute trespass. Given that several of the people being
prosecuted are members of the University, this would seem an appropriate line to take. Otherwise there will be worrying implications for Trade Union and Students' Union members who may wish to peacefully protest on University
premises in future without fear of prosecution.
We urge you again to put the University's commitment to freedom of expression into practice by withdrawing the prosecutions.
Yours sincerely
Councillor Chris Coates
Green Group Leader on Lancaster City Council

SAL'S PLACE
13/5/05: One of the country's top soap stars has given her backing to an innovative new initiative for male and female sufferers of domestic abuse. Coronation Street star Sally Lyndsay, who plays barmaid Shelley in the soap, has given Sal's Place - the new Domestic Abuse Support Centre in Lancaster - her full support. Sally, whose character is suffering at the hands of partner Charlie in a dramatic soap storyline, said she was happy to do anything she could to help sufferers.
She said: "Playing someone who is suffering at the hands of a partner has been very hard for me and I have been surprised just how emotional it has been. "I know from the reaction I have had that this is something a lot of people, men and women, have to put up with in their everyday lives and it must be very hard for them."
"I know that initiatives like Sal's Place can only help them. It is still a 'secret disease' in many ways as many people don't report it but they need to know that help is available if they need it. I am delighted to give Sal's Place my full support.''
The centre, the first of its kind in Lancashire, is the result of a wide ranging partnership involving organisations including the local Police, Lancaster and District Women's Aid, Victim Support, Relate, local family solicitors, Sure Start and the Drug & Alcohol Team. The team will include staff from these agencies as well as support workers skilled in dealing
with all aspects of domestic abuse. The support centre will provide a fast, co-ordinated and comprehensive service including practical and emotional support and legal advice and information for anyone affected by domestic abuse living in Lancaster, Morecambe and the surrounding areas.
Often people are unaware of the many organisations that can help and they may think that a criminal investigation is their only option. Sal's Place will help people experiencing domestic abuse make informed decisions as to the best course of action for their situation and staff hope that the anonymity that the centre can provide will encourage more people to come forward to get the help and support they need to protect themselves and their family from domestic abuse.
Sal's Place opens on Monday 23rd May 2005 and is based on Floor B, St Leonard's House, St Leonardgate, Lancaster, LA1 1NN. Tel: 01524 61747. See www.salsplace.co.uk.

BYPASS EXHIBITIONS
12/5/05: Lancashire County Council has been running its Road Show to exhibit the plans for the Northern Bypass all this week in various community centres (the last one is 3- 8.30pm Friday 13 May at Slyne-with-Hest Memorial Hall).
On Tuesday 17 May Transport Solutions for Lancaster and Morecambe ( TSLM ) are mounting their own Alternative Public Exhibition at the Vale of Lune Rugby Club from 3-9pm.
"The County Council has so far failed to show us any artist’s impressions of this huge project, which would show the public just how destructive and invasive this road would be" said David Gate, Chair of TSLM..
"We decided to take the County Council’s plans and give them to a local artist to interpret. We think the results will make the public think twice about supporting a project which would destroy our countryside and replace it with miles of concrete and tarmac".
"Everyone in the community will be welcome, because everyone would be affected. We will have some very interesting facts and pictures on display".
If you don't know much about the Heysham M6 Link Road, this will be a chance to see what the proposed Link Road will really be like with facts and figures about the road, maps, photos and artists impressions, ecological and environmental impacts and examples of real alternative solutions for the traffic problems of Lancaster and Morecambe. There will be lots to see and do (including helping to build a model of the road!) and plenty of people to talk to. There's also fun things organised for the Kids. Find out what £85m of your money may be spent on. See www.heyshamm6link.info.
Image: An artist's impression of the proposed Heysham M6 Link Road. Broadoak Corner: Lancaster Road is diverted, existing road becomes a subway

….AND STATISTICS
12/5/05: In a letter sent out to all businesses in March the County Council said support for the bypass was 94%. It then corrected this to 79%. However in response to a request under freedom of information legislation made by Cllr John Whitelegg (Green party) the county has revealed that the level of support for the Northern Bypass is:
strongly support 16%
tend to support 28%
It's time somebody did some explaining.
Councillor Chris Coates, recently elected Green County Councillor for Lancaster Central said: "I am very disturbed indeed by this manipulation of statistical results in favour of an already poorly justified project and I will ask that County circulates an accurate summary of the results of the MORI survey."

SHIFTING SANDS
12/5/05: This weekend sees a new kind of music coming to the Platform in Morecambe. Shifting Sands is a musical evocation of Morecambe Bay - its history, scenery, characters, tragedies, sounds and moods of the sea, all told through a unique musical tapestry of sounds. Featuring Howard Haigh & Lava, Off The Rails, The Lancaster and District Choral Society, Dot Crotchet and the Quavers, members of Cats Chorus, pupils of Dallas Rd, Ryelands, and Central High schools, and the extraordinary Orkestra Vox - a "choir" of 20 non-singers who wail, moan, groan, shout, hiss, and produce totally expressive and utterly compelling sounds. Conducted by the internationally renowned David Temple (probably currently best known among us less culturally erudite mortals for his work on the Dr Who theme). For the last 25 years Howard has regularly composed music for voices with an emphasis on creating unconventional vocal techniques in conjunction with more traditional approaches. He has performed all over Europe with his band LAVA and as a guitarist and composer for companies like English National Ballet, WOMAD, and Saddlers Wells. He told us: “Morecambe Bay offers the starting point for inspiration, using sounds, words and music to evoke images of how the physical geography and history, in its broadest sense, can create a kaleidoscope of emotions and compositional stimuli. Morecambe Bay, known its heyday as The Naples of The North, is rich in character and full of surprises. One overriding theme in the composition is looking at the Bay as an entry point., whether it be for slaves (I make the contraversial link between the terrible hardships of the cocklers and slavery) landing after their long journey from some warm and tropical country or the migratory birds that live off the rich pickings of the fertile mud banks of the estuary. Morecambe Bay has been the breeding ground and inspirational destination for many artists over the years.” The concert is at 7.30pm on Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 May. Tickets cost £6/£5. Box Office tel: 01524 582803.

RAISE A STINK
12/5/05: As good weather finally begins to break, the inevitable possibility of Nightingale Farm's foul-smelling emissions increases. If you smell the over familiar and much hated pong, please email the Council offices at this address: environmentalhealth@lancaster.gov.uk immediately or phone them on 01524 582935. "It's very important that the Council receives complaints on every single occasion when the smell is bad," says local councillor John Whitelegg, who is among many councillors trying to bring an end to the problem emissions from the Fats and Proteins rendering plant which have blighted Lancaster for years.

G8 PROTEST PLANS TAKE SHAPE
12/5/05: Around 20 people met together in the Friends Meeting House on Mon 9th May to discuss transport for going to Scotland to protest at / against the G8 summit. Nearly all present expressed an interest in being in Scotland for more than the Make Poverty History event on July 2nd.
For those who wish to go and return on the 2nd there are a number of coaches already being organised and contact details for the organisers will be posted on our G8 news page as soon as possible.
For those wishing to stay in Scotland for longer it was suggested a mini bus would be best as these would be of great use whilst in Scotland for getting around (from the convergence space to actions etc). It is hoped that mini buses can be booked soon. Please get in touch as soon as possible if you are interested in the minibus transport and if you could help with driving etc. It is hoped that deposits will be taken at the next meeting on the 25th and that this will be between £10 -15. There was a lot of enthusiasm for those coming from Lancaster to travel, eat and share accommodation together and generally provide support for each other whilst in Scotland.
Contacts: email - goingtoscotland@linuxmail.org. Tel: 01524 383012. Mob: 07919 587485
The William Stout Room in the Friends Meeting House has been booked for 8pm on Wednesday 25 May for the next meeting.
There will be a day of workshops for people going to Scotland on 18 June at the Friends Meeting House. More details to follow.
Please also visit http://www.dissent.org.uk/content/view/90/66/ for information on how to donate to the convergence space set up and see our G8 pages for future updates.

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