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SCOTFORTH CLEANS UP
31/10/05: Scotforth residents are doing their bit next weekend to tidy up their neighbourhood.
A community clean up on Saturday 5th November is the latest initiative from the residents' group People of Scotforth Together (POST), formed earlier this year to try and tackle problems of anti-social behaviour and to be a voice for residents, making it a better place to live for everyone.
Supported by the area's new street wardens, residents hope to remove as much rubbish as possible.
"Since the group formed we've worked closely with the council and the police," says POST's secretary, Peter Corke "The idea of the clean up is to show we can make changes ourselves."
"There's been a big improvement in the anti-social behaviour problem," he added. "but we know we all have to work hard to keep things going in the right direction." The clean up will start at 10.00am at Palatine Bowling Green, off Durham Avenue.

FIRE AT NIGHTINGALE FARM
31/10/05: Over 30 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have been tackling a large fire at the Nightingale Hall food processing plant in Lancaster.
BBC News reports that workers at the fats and proteins plant in Quernmore Road, reported hearing an explosion on Monday morning.
A cloud of thick acrid smoke was billowing from one of the processing buildings of the plant, with locals telling Virtual-Lancaster ash was falling as far afield as the cycle path.

TREES FOR PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE
31/10/05: Would you like to encourage more wildlife into your garden by planting trees and hedgerows?
Lancaster District Wildlife Forum experts will show you how to turn your back garden or allotment into a haven for butterflies, bees, birds and other wildlife at an event at Lancaster Town Hall.
This wildlife friendly gardening event is free and takes place on Thursday 3rd November at 7.00pm (for 7.30pm start) in the Banqueting Suite at Lancaster Town Hall.
There will a talks, displays, a photography exhibition of favourite native trees, information about tree species suitable for gardens and allotments, advice on how to plant them and an opportunity to order your very own fruit tree.

LANCASTER LABOUR PARTY BACKS GEORGE FOX SIX
27/10/05: At a packed branch meeting Lancaster Labour Party members gave solid support to the George Fox Six's ongoing campaign for justice.
After a lengthy debate members passed the following motion deploring the conviction of the George Fox Six, students who made a peaceful protest at a conference at Lancaster University earlier in the year; and declared support for the right to freedom of speech and peaceful protest. The Labour Party also supports the appeal of the George Fox Six.
"The University's decision to seek prosecutions against some of its own students for trespass - on the students' own campus - showed a worrying lack of respect for freedom of speech," says Michael Gibson, Chair of Lancaster Labour Party. "It's also handed the University a PR disaster - and rightly so."
Added Dr James Groves, Treasurer of Lancaster Labour Party, a University graduate and member of the University Court, "At its worst, this was a minor disruption which could - and should - have been dealt with through the University's internal disciplinary procedures.
"The offence of aggravated trespass was designed to deal with significant and serious criminal disruptions to lawful activity. Using it to prosecute six people for wandering into a meeting, shouting disapproval, blowing some whistles and leaving - in under three minutes - is, we believe, a serious abuse of procedure which may have violated the Human Rights Act."
"We wish the Six well in their appeal."

NEW LINK PLANS BLASTED
27/10/05: New plans for the proposed Heysham M6 Link Road have been given a roasting by Torrisholme residents.
Lancashire County Council presented revisions to its already ridiculed plans, which would see the Torrisholme community split by a subway, at a low key exhibition in Torrisholme last Wednesday. The new plan is to increase the height of the road at Torrisholme by a further three metres (to around 26 ft in total) which would allow buses and lorries to pass underneath, but as a result traffic would be even higher in the sky, passing by people's bedroom windows.
"No amount of fencing and shrubbery can disguise this monster dual carriageway powering its way through the centre of the community. 1,074 homes are situated less than 200 metres away from the road along its route," says David Gate chair of independent residents group Transport Solutions for Lancaster and Morecambe. "Thousands of people will suffer exhaust fumes, noise, vibration, and light pollution." "It's a shame the exhibition was focused only on Torrisholme," he added. "Affected people from Slyne, North Lancaster and Halton did not get a look in. The previously unseen computer simulations were stark, and didn't show the many houses that will be close to the route. But you could see how destructive the road would be."
Of those who attended the last exhibitions, 76 per cent said they were against building the road. They know it won't solve Lancaster's congestion problems, because 80 per cent of traffic is local, travelling between Lancaster & Morecambe. "I talked to people at the exhibition, and their views haven't changed," says David. "They're still against the road."
TSLM has received well over 200 written protests to the road in the last few days and these will be passed on to local MP Geraldine Smith, who also objects to the project.

WHOSE LITTER IS IT ANYWAY?
27/10/05: Fed up of waiting for the City Council and the Duchy of Lancaster to decide who should clear up the mess alongside the cycle track between the Millennium and Carlisle bridges local Green groups took matters into their own hands last weekend and organised their own litter pick last weekend.
The litter pick was a joint operation by Green Spirit, a multi-faith group, and the Green Party. On Sunday morning (23 October) volunteers turned out in force and 35 bags of rubbish were collected, most of which was plastic drinks bottles.
Lancaster City Council clear the litter from the cycletrack, but the tidal foreshore is the responsibility of the Duchy of Lancaster who have refused to take any action despite numerous complaints from local residents and councillors. Castle Ward Councillor Chris Coates said " I have been trying to get someone to do something about this for nearly 12mths now and all I get from the Duchy is a vague promise to look into it. In the end people got fed up with the mess and decided to do something about it themselves!"
On Thursday 20 October Green Councillor Catriona Stamp attended the AGM for Morecambe Bay Partnership where she heard presentation from Beach Care, who co-ordinate beach litter picks around the bay. She commented "We were made aware of the particular dangers of plastic litter to marine creatures like whales and turtles who die of starvation because their stomachs are full of indigestible plastic. Plastic pellets are also eaten by birds who mistake them for fish eggs."
The litter around the Millienum bridge had been building up for over 12 months. Much of it is discarded by people using the bridge. It is made worse by the Autumn and Spring High tides.

LANCASTER CYCLES TO SUCCESS
27/10/05: Lancaster is to become one of six towns to lead the way in boosting pedal power across England thanks to a £3 million cycling investment.
Transport Minister Derek Twigg has announced six Cycling Demonstration Towns that will share in a total of £8.4 million Government funding which will be matched by local authorities.
The funds will be used to encourage people to use pedal power by making the environment more cyclist friendly, offering safety training and promotion.
For Lancaster this means that Department for Transport funding of £1.5 million, to be spent over the next three years, will be matched by the local authority.
In Lancaster and Morecambe the council will improve cycle access to city centre, schools and main employment areas; improve links from Lancaster to Heysham, Bare, West End and Lancaster; carry out marketing, including personalised travel planning and promoting new routes; work with major employers such as Lancaster University and Lancaster Hospital to promote cycle use; and promote cycling as a healthy activity on routes to education and employment and leisure routes to the Lune Peninsular and Lune Valley.
Coun Gina Dowding, who is Chair of the Sustainability Partnership on the Council and gave a presentation to the judges for cycling England when they visited Lancaster said:
"This is absolutely brilliant news for everyone in the district. We now have the funding to really invest in measures that will increase cycling rates - to make better prevision for existing cyclists and to improve facilities for those many people who are thinking of taking up cycling as a method of transport. This money will particularly benefit students, young people and commuters as well as those people who will enjoy cycling for leisure.
" I firmly believe we were awarded this significant status and money due to our strong partnership with other organisations such as Dynamo, the County Council, Pedal Power and the health service.
"The benefits of increased cycling rates will be felt by all of us in some way or another. The benefits will include reduction of pollution, improving health, and reducing travel to work times."
"I'm delighted to announce this new funding for Lancaster, which will now be a forerunner in encouraging local people to take up cycling," commented Transport Minister Derek Twigg. "Cycling is a fun, healthy and environmentally way to travel. Research has shown cycling can improve fitness and reduce obesity, which can cause serious health problems.
"This investment shows Government is committed to encouraging more people to use pedal power and cycle all or part of their journeys."
The other five Cycling Demonstration Towns are: Darlington, Derby, Exeter, Brighton and Aylesbury. They were chosen following recommendations by Cycling England which is an independent, expert body set up by the Department for Transport last March.

PUTTING AMERICA UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
27/10/05: A Lancaster University Politics Professor has written a groundbreaking new book on what it means to be American, exploring the post 9/11 questions many Americans asked. Not only "Why do they hate us"' but "What does it mean to be a moral American?"
Looking at ten major films Cynthia Weber, Professor of International relations, explores the relationship between American film and politics, charting the cinematic representations of American morality, family, nation and globalisation in the films Pearl Harbor; We Were Soldiers; The Quiet American; Behind Enemy Lines; Black Hawk Down; Kandahar; Collateral Damage; In the Bedroom; Minority Report and Fahrenheit 9/11.
The book explores how American identity is being constructed and looks at the moral values that inform US foreign policy.
Professor Cynthia Weber, herself an American, is the author of numerous articles on US foreign policy and US hegemony, as well as several books about international relations.
• Imagining America at War Morality, politics, and film By Cynthia Weber is published by Routledge, November 9 2005, Paperback, ISBN 0-415-37537-1, Price £18.99

WILLIAMSON PARK NEEDS YOUR VOTE!
27/10/05: £50,000 is up for grabs for two new playgrounds in Lancaster's Williamson Park. Watch Granada Reports at 6.00 p.m. on Wednesday 2 November and support the Park's bid, by telephone or text vote, for £50,000 from the People's Millions - a Big Lottery Fund.
The Friends of Williamson Park have made a bid for £50,000 to the People's Millions to provide two new playgrounds at the Park. This bid, along with seven others, will be considered on four consecutive nights on Granada Reports. Each night two bids will go head to head. Success will depend on a public vote.
Take time out to watch the programme and give Lancaster's park your vote.

LIB DEMS ATTACK COUNTY POLICY ON FREE SCHOOL BUSES
27/10/05: Changes to the way Lancashire County Council give free school bus passes have resulted in parents and children loosing out, according to local Liberal Democrats. The changes, made in September, mean that children who do not attend their local school are no longer entitled to a free school bus pass.
" Parents have contacted me worried about how they will get their children to school, " says Councillor Stuart Langhorn. "A county pass could cost about £400 for the year. This is ridiculous. Some parents have found that it is cheaper to get a Stagecoach bus pass than the County Scheme. Others are seriously considering the impact that this will have on where they send their child next year.
"Parents feel that Tony Blair is talking about choice - but really what he means is choice for the rich and well off."
Lib Dems warned that Free School buses could be lost during the general election campaign and say it's sad to see the effect and concern it is causing in the Lune Valley "I'm sure that this is being repeated across the district," feels Coun Langhorn.
if parents have any concerns they can get in contact with Stuart by e-mail langhorns@dsl.pipex.com. He will compile them and pass them onto County.

HAVE YOUR SAY TODAY ON OUR PARKS OF TOMORROW
27/10/05: Lancaster City Council is to establish a Parks and Open Spaces Liaison Group to assist in direct consultation with local communities about parks and open spaces.
The Council's Leisure Services will be working closely with external organisations to secure funding for improvements to facilities to ensure that residents have their say on how parks and open spaces will take shape in the coming years and remain a place where people want to be.
It is anticipated that the new liaison group will be made up of council officers, a ward councillor, two community "park user" representatives and where applicable an interested business partner for each park.
Parks that will initially be included in the group are Regent Park and Happy Mount Park, Morecambe; Douglas Park, Heysham; and Ryelands Park and the Palatine Recreation Ground, Lancaster
The group will meet at regular intervals throughout the year at either a Lancaster or Morecambe venue.
"Our parks should provide enjoyment, protect and enhance the environment and signify community pride," explains Ron Sands, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Leisure. "However, it is vital that the spaces reflect the needs of the communities they serve. Communities generally know what they want and don't want so it is vital for us to understand and involve them in creating and regenerating our green spaces".
Individuals who would like to be considered to be part of this forum should express their interests, in writing to: David Owen, Chief Leisure Officer, Leisure Services Department, Morecambe Town Hall, Marine Road, Morecambe, LA4 5AF.
Details should include any specific interests in particular park areas and representations on behalf of a community group.

TOP MARKS FOR ARSON TEAM
27/10/05: A recent report issued by the Government Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) into the national problem of fly tipping, has praised the Lancaster District's use of arson reduction teams for tackling rubbish dumped in towns.
Since April, 2004, Lancaster City Council employed a successful arson reduction team in the Poulton and Morecambe areas to remove fly-tipped waste before vandals have the chance to set fire to it.

LIB DEM CONCERN OVER POLICE REORGANISATION PLANS
27/10/05: Local Lib Dems are urging people to comment on the forthcoming changes to be made to the area's policing structure after the Home Office recommended the merger of County Police Constabularies, saying there are too many currently in the country.
The Home Office argues this does not allow the police to operate effectively in the modern world - particularly against new terror threats - but Lib Dems feel a larger police force won't necessarily serve local communities better.
"Now is the opportunity for local people to make their views clear," says Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Lancaster and Wyre Coun Stuart Langhorn, as local forces begin to discuss how to reshape local services. "Bigger is not always better.
"People are concerned that the proposals will lead to a loss of Lancashire Constabulary as it becomes amalgamated with another force or forces.
"This could lead to a loss of commitment to local policing in some areas as priorities change," feels Stuart. "Lancashire Constabulary is an effective and value for money organisation that has a good reputation amongst the people of this area - it would be disastrous to loose that reputation. "It's our belief that if Police forces need to work more closely in order to combat national crimes and terrorism then it can be done without amalgamating the County constabularies.
Various models for the new look police force are being considered for the region, including joining with Cumbria; while another sees Lancashire and Cumbria join with Merseyside.
"This may be good for the South of Lancashire - but would be seen as a poor move by this area," says Stuart. "We have little in common with Merseyside in this part of the world!
"I would hate to see all our rural police resources dragged down to Merseyside." Lib Dems are urging everyone to make their views clear to the Home Office and local MPs now.

COMMENDATION FOR SAL'S PLACE SUPPORTER
27/10/05: Adele Piddington, a member of Lancaster City Council's Community Safety Team, is to be presented with a divisional commendation by the Police for her contribution to a local victim support centre in Lancaster.
Earlier this year, Adele worked alongside representatives from the Community Safety Partnership and voluntary groups to design and implement an improved service for people experiencing domestic abuse in the district, namely Sal's Place.
Sal's Place (Safe at Last) opened in May to offer both men and women experiencing domestic abuse access to all the information, advice and support needed in one place.
"Adele worked tirelessly on the project and without her dedication and commitment, the scheme would not have been implemented,'' commented Ch Supt Gary Stephenson.
"The bringing about of Sal's Place required a lot of commitment, determination and hard work from a lot of people, so I see my award as recognition for all the local agencies who contributed to the implementation of Sal's Place," says Adele. "Supporting the Lancaster District Community Safety Partnership as an employee of Lancaster City Council is all about working together to reduce crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour. Domestic Abuse is an excellent example of an area in which a lot of local organisations have a shared vision and so by working together we have provided a more positive and effective service than by working alone."
Adele will be awarded a Divisional Commendation from the Senior Management Team of Northern Division Police at a presentation ceremony at Myerscough College, Billsborrow on Friday, 28th October, 2005.
For free and confidential advice, information and support for people experiencing domestic abuse you can contact Sal's Place: tel 01524 61747; e-mail info@salsplace.co.uk; text 07800 002272 or in person at St Leonard's House, Lancaster weekdays 10:00 am - 14:00 pm

A QUESTION OF PRIORITIES; COUNCIL SEEKS VIEWS
27/10/05: Lancaster City Council is currently updating its Corporate Plan, which prioritises council activities and, therefore, how your money will be spent over the coming three years.
The Coalition Cabinet, made up of the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green groups of the council, is responsible for proposing those priorities to Council and has produced a first draft. But, to be sure they reflect what local people really want, they want input from as many local people and organisations as possible.

They want to know:
• whether or not their proposals are the right ones
• and whether they reflect the needs and aspirations of the district.
Resources are limited and the Council cannot do everything, so the Cabinet also wants to know:
• whether it has got the order of the priorities right
•and whether anything should be added and if so, should anything be left out.
This is the first time Lancaster City Council has offered local people a chance to have such a direct input into shaping what it does and how it spends its money. This reflects its absolute commitment to open and accountable government and to not only keeping people informed but also giving them an opportunity to shape what it does.
As well as the public in general, Cabinet will also be contacting representative groups including the Local Strategic Partnership which includes business, voluntary and individual representatives, parish councils, a residents panel, the district's major employers and, of course, other councillors.
The draft ranks proposals in three groups in order of priority: Overriding, High, Secondary
The draft also lists all existing priorities where significant progress has already been made but needs sustaining, plus certain activities that will not be supported.

Overriding (or Most Important) priorities include:
• Keeping council tax increases to 5% or less and improving the financial management of the council
• Improving the cleanliness of our streets and public places
• Modernising the way we deliver all our services and ensuring accessibility to all users

High (or Very Important) priorities include:
• Rolling out further phases of the recycling and waste management programme to all homes and improving recycling of commercial waste
• Reviewing the street warden scheme with a view to making it financially sustainable and linked to other agencies
• Working with partners to reduce alcohol related problems in the district
• Continue to progress regeneration in Lancaster, Morecambe and the rural areas
• Work with county council to consult on and where appropriate implement residents' parking schemes
• Work with county council on road safety improvements and reducing car travel
• Improving the way we consult with all groups
• Rationalising and renewing toilet provision

Secondary (or Important) priorities
• A new integrated tourism strategy for the district
• Further integrate the council's leisure, sporting and cultural services to improve financial performance and access
• Continue working with housing associations and partners to reduce homelessness
• Extend Houses in Multiple Occupation registration to Lancaster and review private sector enforcement strategy
• Seek to provide affordable housing
• Ensure all council policies consider impact on rural areas and needs
• Clarify the council's role in providing facilities for young people and community development
• Take a tougher line on enforcement
• Take action on climate change
• Pursue Sustainability Partnership initiatives
• Examine the case for extending Closed Circuit Television
• Examine how cemeteries can be improved
Other issues include:
• Continue to mainstream equal opportunity and diversity issues
• Consolidate improvements to benefits service
• Continue to work in partnership with county to deliver a museums service
• Continue to ensure the viability of the 30 year business programme for council housing
• Continue to use appropriate powers to retain shops and post offices in villages
• Continue to press for broadband connectivity in our villages

Please send your responses to Janet Barlow, via email: jbarlow@lancaster.gov.uk. Or responses can be posted to Janet Barlow, Directors' Suite, Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ. For more detail about each of the priorities please visit our website, www.lancaster.gov.uk, or contact Janet Barlow as above.
Results from the consultation exercise will be fed into the Cabinet that meets on 15 November and it would help if responses could be received by Friday 11th November. Responses received after this date will be fed into the Cabinet's December meeting. Cabinet will then agree a revised set of priorities that will be the basis for preparing the 2006/7draft budget.
In January, once the resources available to the Council have been finalised, the Cabinet intends to publish its recommended Corporate Plan and Budget proposals for the three-year period commencing 2006/07 when a further limited consultation exercise will take place.
" We have worked well together in the Cabinet for the last two years and we intend to set ourselves some ambitious targets for 2006/07," said Coun Ian Barker, (Labour); Coun Pat Quinton, (Liberal Democrat); and Coun Jon Barry, (Green) in a joint statement. "We think local people want us to improve the cleanliness of their streets and environment; they want us to improve the way we deliver services to them, but they also want us to keep council tax rises down. But we also want to check if we have got that right. That's why we are asking them to comment on the Coalition Cabinet priorities before we draft a Budget and a Corporate Plan for the Council. We hope as many people as possible will participate."

WITH LOVE FROM BUDAPEST
27/10/05: Lancaster-based folk dance band "Free Reed Band" are to stage a special ceilidh on Wednesday 2nd November 2005 at the Gregson Centre, Moor Lane, Lancaster - and what makes it so special is that the dance caller is coming all the way from Budapest to organise the dancing!
The Free Reed Band has been in existence for nearly 25 years and for 10 of those years they worked exclusively with dance caller, Mark Davies. However, in 1997 Mark left the area to work abroad, teaching English and computing. Since 2000 he has lived in Budapest - where he met his wife and now runs an international school.
Mark and his family are making a short visit to the UK next week and so the Free Reed personnel - Andy Hornby, Charles Ely and Tony Cooke - have booked the hall at the Gregson Centre in which to hold this special ceilidh, with Mark "the star of the show" as Andy Hornby put it.
"This is a public event and everyone is invited, but we are hoping that many old friends and dancers will be able to attend" said Charles. "Mark has been in touch with a load of people whom he used to invite to our dances and most of them have said they hope to be there".
Several people have already contacted band members to ask Mark to lead them in particular favourite dances. "So far the most requested are the 'Tarantella', from Italy, and Mark's own 'Spiral Dance'," commented Tony. "The Spiral Dance is a hell of a concoction that Mark came up with. It is loosely based on traditional dances from various countries, but it evolved over the years into a semi-spontaneous dance which gets increasingly complex as it progresses. It can go on for a long time, too - the longest we ever timed it was 27 minutes, but I don't think we are going to repeat that this time."
Free Reed recognise that a Wednesday evening is not exactly the traditional time to hold a barn dance. However, it was quite a complicated job to coincide the Davies family's train and plane times and the availability of a hall. "Besides" said Andy, "why not on a Wednesday night?"
• The ceilidh at the Gregson is from 8.00pm until 11.00pm (or thereabouts) on Wednesday 2 November 2005.Tickets (available at the door) cost £5 (£3 concessions).

CONSULTING ON CEMETERIES
27/10/05: The Council's Cemeteries Task Group are currently assessing what level of service is provided for bereaved people.
As part of their work programme they are keen to seek the public's opinions and comments on the Council Cemeteries.
Chairman of the task group, Coun David Kerr, said: "I would like to hear the views of the public on how the Council can provide a Cemeteries Service that reflects the requirements of bereaved families in today's multi-cultural society.
"We're keen to set up Friends Groups for our cemeteries so that we can maintain a dialogue with our regular users and be aware of your needs and any concerns."
Anyone wishing to express their views or are interested in being a member of a Friends Group should write to S. Mann, Public Health and Safety Manager, Health & Strategic Housing Service, Town Hall, Marine Road, Morecambe, LA4 5AF or e-mail Smann@lancaster.gov.uk
The Task Group are also looking at best practice and recently visited Carlisle Cemetery which has previously won the Cemetery of the Year Award. The cemetery operates to the highest standards and Lancaster City Council's aim is to be able to offer a similar standard.

UNI BOSSES POWER GRAB SCUPPERED - FOR NOW
17/10/05: Lancaster University bosses have been forced to back down over controversial proposals to greatly reduce democratic accountability.
Plans to strip away student, staff and community representation on the University Council have been put on the back burner until after Christmas following a tempestuous special meeting of University Court at the George Fox building on Saturday.
Despite a 40 minute presentation by Preston-based businessman, Bryan Gray, the University's Pro Chancellor, who is leading the 'working group' which wants to place more power in a 'nominations committee' of which he will be chairman, every single court member who spoke demanded changes to the plans.
Amongst those lining up in opposition to he plans were Blackpool North MP, Joan Humble, former Pro Chancellor, Sir Christopher Audland, Richie Carrothers of the AUT and a string of current and former students.
The biggest round of applause went to Labour peer, Lord Taylor of Blackburn, who suggested that Mr Gray didn't know the difference between a business and a university.
When Mr Gray said words to the effect of 'Either I'll have to change or you'll have to change me' (taken as a threat/promise to resign) Lord Taylor, to further applause, said 'I'll change you then.'
Other speakers point out that the 'best practice' and 'Government guidelines' referred to are not nearly as strict as the university's interpretation of them.
In the end, Professor Stanley Henig and Lord Taylor, both of whom had put forward motions calling for the university to halt its review, agreed to hold off at least until the annual meeting of court in February.
There was a feeling that, had those proposals been passed, as they undoubtedly would have been had they been put to the vote, that Mr Gray would have been forced to resign. Without massive changes to the nature of the proposals he may not be so lucky in February.

LABOUR'S NEW CANDIDATE?
17/10/05: Virtual-Lancaster's spies tell us Blackpool North MP Joan Humble is apparently spending a lot of time in Lancaster at the moment (University Court on Saturday and a meeting with the University Labour club on Friday night for example). Virtual-Lancaster wonders who is pitching to be the Labour candidate for the new Lancaster and Fleetwood seat at the next election?

RECYCLING SCHEME CONTINUES TO EXPAND
17/10/05: 5000 more households in the Morecambe and Lancaster district have started on the kerbside waste and recycling collection scheme this week.
Residents from parts of Bare, Torrisholme, Scale Hall, Vale, Beaumont and Skerton will join the 19,000 other households in the district who currently have glass, cans, cardboard, paper, textiles and green garden waste collected from outside their properties, along with their non-recyclable household waste from their grey wheelie bin.
Instead of a weekly sack collection residents of these areas will receive an alternate weekly collection of non-recyclable waste and green garden waste and recyclable waste (glass, cardboard, paper, cans and textiles) from the kerbside.
There will be 5000 more properties going onto the scheme early in 2006, with plans to include the whole district by 2009 at the latest.
"Since introducing this collection method the residents of the Lancaster district have helped the council to triple it's recycling rate and we have met government targets a year early," says Cabinet member with responsibility for City Contract Services, Coun Jon Barry. "In the areas where the new recycling rounds take place around 35% of waste is recycled. This is an enormous improvement on anything we have had before and shows that householders in the district do care about their environment. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who continues to take part in this scheme which has just reached its third anniversary."

ANIMAL CAR(E) STICKER COMPETITION
17/10/05: Do you have a motto that sums up Lancaster Animal Care's work? Can you think of a little ditty to promote responsible pet ownership? Animal Care are running a competition to find the best motto to go on their car stickers. The competition closing date is 31st December 2005 and there will be a prize for the best one plus you get to see your motto on our car stickers. Send your suggested mottos, which should be no more than ten words long, to Animal Care, Blea Tarn Road, Scotforth, Lancaster, LA2 0RD or by email to: vanessa@animalcare-lancaster.co.uk

'THE NINTH ART' EXHIBITION UNVEILS CUTTING EDGE TALENT
17/10/05: Artist Ant Mercer (Widdershins, ENGINE COMICS) is curating an exhibition of cutting edge UK independent comic art in Williamson Park, Lancaster. The exhibition opens later this month.
Built in 1906, the Ashton Memorial Gallery, set in the commanding poisition overlooking the Lancaster City Centre, is usually home to delicate naturalistic watercolours and figuritive pieces, will from Saturday 30 October to Saturday 26 November host THE NINTH ART exhibition.
The aim is to highlight the growing homegrown British talent in a medium often ignored and nderestimated by the mainstream.
"I'm looking for submissions at the moment" says Ant Mercer. "any comic pages, sketches or portfolio pieces that artists or publishers like to exhibit, please get in touch".
Visitors will also be able to sample the graphic novels available and purchase some of the titles featured.
The exhibition forms part of the year long Comics Nation event, where publishers, writers and artists from all over the country are organising workshops, shows, signings and panels within the local community to promote literacy and creativity to the public.
Lancaster has its own fair share of comics creators, including cartoonist Nick Miller, Paul Harrison Davies, illustrator Bob Brown and comics writer and editor John Freeman.
• For further information on the NINTH ART event, please contact antmercer@hotmail.com and editor@enginecomics.co.uk.
For a virtual tour of the parkand its features, go to http://www.williamsonpark.com/Virtual%20tour/index.htm
For further information on the Comics Nation Events and the publishers involved, please go to comicsnation.blogspot.com.

SLAM IT TO THEM!
17/10/05: For those of you still harbouring an interest in the excitements of the first ever Regional Poetry Slam, the final was held at the Frog & Bucket Comedy Club in Manchester on 5 October and hurrah! Congratulations go to Lancaster Spotlight's young blood Byron Vincent, who walked away with the audience vote to take joint first place, a £100 cheque and a publishing deal with Commonword. Congratulations also to Spotlight who alongside Byron provided two more of the finalists, Alan Swift, runner up in the Lancaster heat and Brian Gilham, winner of the Kendal Heat. Not bad considering Spotlight only held our first slam a couple of years ago.

Artist Kevin Dalton-Johnson beside the newly-erected slave trade memorial on the Damside slipway, St. Georges Quay which was officially unveiled on Monday. Photo: John L. Burkinshaw

ULLSWATER ROAD TO BENEFIT FROM OPERATION DEEP CLEAN
14/10/05: Plans are in place for a deep clean of Ullswater Road, Lancaster on the 25th October.
On that day a range of services including street cleansing, gully emptying, bulky waste removal and minor highways repairs will be provided.
All householders will be leafletted by Police Community Support Officers beforehand and requested to not park outside their house for the morning. Police Community Support Officers will also be on hand to ensure that non-residents don't park on Ullswater Road whilst work is in progress.
"On busy roads with lots of parked cars like Ullswater Road, really the only way to make a thorough job of street cleansing and gully emptying is to seek the cooperation of householders by asking them to remove their cars for a few hours," explains Mark Davies, the Council's Head of City Contract Services. "From previous experience of working like this in other areas the temporary inconvenience is worthwhile as it means we can deliver a range of services in one go and the end result is excellent. We're especially grateful for the support of PCSOs and residents of Ullswater Road in helping us to do this."

Above: The George Fox Six after the court case earlier this month. They have appealed against all convictions.

FIGHTBACK PLANNED AS VC TRIES TO GRAB POWER
13/10/05, revised 1017pm: A protest demonstration at the way Lancaster University is run is being organised, to take place outside a special University Court Meeting on Saturday. Meanwhile, inside the meeting, members of Court (a very effective body of around 300 people whose membership includes local MPs, current and former students, plus healthy representations from local authorities, trades unions and many others) will be trying to prevent changes to the way Lancaster University is held to account by local people.
The demo will highlight the recent prosecution of six protestors -- the George Fox Six -- who took a stand against big business involvement in University affairs. It will also voice disapproval at the way Lancaster University is being run to those attending the Court meeting -- feelings Virtual-Lancaster has learnt are shared by many members of that body.
Contrary to our earlier report, this is not the annual meeting of Court but, in fact, a special meeting which will discuss issues which are not a million miles away from those raised in the recent court case.
The University's management wants to change its charter and statutes in a way which will greatly reduce the influence of the student population, the local community and alumni over the University's ultimate governing body, the University Council.
If the proposals go through, the Court would lose the power to appoint a number of independent members to the University Council, incluing the two Deputy Pro Chancellors, who, in the past, have often provided a powerful voice of dissent against some of the more foolish tendencies in the university management.
Instead, appointments will be made care of a 'nomintions committee' on which the Vice-Chancellor will sit before being rubber stamped by the council and/or the court. There will be no right to vote down the reccomendations of this committee or bring forward alternative nominations. Court members are being told this is being done in the name of 'best practice' and 'good management' not to mention 'diversity' -- although when these committees have been used before they invariably reccomend, err, white, middle aged, hetrosexual men who work in industry in Manchester or East Lancashire.
The Alumni and Lancaster City Council will both lose their right to nominate a representative on the council while, staggeringly, the nominations committee/council will have the right to veto nominations from the Students' Union or the Senate (senior academic committee) for their (vastly reduced) number of places on the council.
"Basically this hands an enormous amount of power to the Vice-Chancellor and his associates," a Court member told Virtual-Lancaster, "while ensuring that they also decide which 'independent' persons are going to 'hold them to account.'
"Lancaster University's incredible success did not take place by ignoring the wider community but by embracing it. This shouldn't change just because this week's dispatch from Whitehall says democracy and free speech are out of fashion."
Voices of dissent to these proposals are being led by Professor Stanley Henig and Lord Taylor of Blackburn.
"This will not go through without a fight," we're told. Although it has been claimed George Fox Six case will not be discussed by the meeting, Court members are determined it will be.
Last month, human rights organisations expressed growing unease as a verdict of guilty was returned after the George Fox trial which has deeply embarrassed the University. Six students and graduates received two-year Conditional Discharges for aggravated trespass at the Corporate Venturing conference they demonstrated at twelve months ago. They are determined to appeal on freedom of speech grounds. (Read our original report)
The demonstration organisers say they see this as a good opportunity to let the university elite know the protestors will not go away.
" This protests is about a lot more than the recent prosecutions," says one of the organisers. "It's about freedom to protest, on campus and in the wider community, the exploitation of research, and of course, about the likes of BAE Systems and Shell making money from the blood of innocent people."
Anyone wanting to support the protest should meet outside the George Fox Building on campus at 10.00am.
• You can find out more about the George Fox 6 and about the issues and the companies involved in the conference at their supporters' website at: www.free-webspace.biz/GeorgeFox

LANCASTER MP SUPPORTS ANTI WAR BILL
13/10/05: Local Conservative MP Ben Wallace is supporting a Parliamentary Early Day Motion to restrict the Prime Minister's power to go to war.
Currently the Prime Minister, by using the ancient Royal Prerogative, can declare war and deploy troops without even seeking the consent of Parliament. Waging Peace, a mainstream, progressive, non partisan advocacy group, based around the internet, argues this is unacceptable and are campaigning to change this situation, by promoting a new law - the Armed Forces (Parliamentary Approval for Participation in Armed Conflict) Bill proposed by Neil Gerrard MP. This would require a vote in Parliament and the legal justification for the proposed war to be made available.
Now, Clare Short, who came third in the recent Private Members Ballot in Parliament, has adopted the Bill, so there is a chance of getting this Bill onto the statute book. The first hurdle is the Second Reading of the Bill, due on Friday 21 October. 100 MPs must support the Bill and also be present in Parliament at the time, in order to move a 'closure motion'; a resolution to end the debate.
"It's vital that we get 100 MPs to this vote," says Paul Greening of Waging Peace. "Getting MPs in the House on a Friday is difficult: most return to their constituencies. We need to persuade them to stay at Westminster; and it is constituents who can do that.
The group is urging people to write to their MP (at House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA) or find their email on the web as soon as possible (before s/he gets booked up with constituency appointments) saying that you want him/her to attend the House on Friday 21 October and vote to ensure that the Armed Forces (Parliamentary Approval for Armed Conflict) Bill gets a second reading and seeking an assurance to this effect.
You can send them a fax from your computer by going to: www.writetothem.com
At the same time, ask your MP to sign Early Day Motion No. 85 in support of the Bill, entitled 'Parliamentary Approval for Participation in Armed Conflict'. Your MPs signature on this does at least show a commitment to the Bill - which will be vital as the campaign progresses.
Lancaster MP Ben Wallace has already told one local peace campaigner he is supporting the bill. "I have spoken with Clare Short," he said earlier today, "and I can confirm that I will be supporting her bill as it goes through the Commons."

PUPIL POWER RETURNS
13/10/05: As part of the Local Democracy week (17-21 October) Lancaster City Council will again be hosting the popular Pupil Power event.
On Tuesday 18 October, councillors and council officers will meet about 100 Year 6 school children from Mossgate Primary School, Heysham, St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, Lancaster and West End Primary School, Morecambe in Lancaster Town Hall and hear their views how the district should be run.
Schoolchildren will get an opportunity to play Pupil Power, a game based on Pokemon cards, except in this game the cards represent council services.
Split into groups the children are given a budget of £12 million to buy a variety of council services, but as in real life, there isn't enough money to buy all the services. A mock-budget meeting is arranged with the youngsters who are required to debate which services they need or want most and which they think they can do without. After the debate, a vote is taken to obtain a majority decision. They are helped in their deliberations to balance the budget by elected members and staff of Lancaster City Council.
As part of the challenging but fun day all the children will also be asked to fill in a card 'What I would do if I were in charge of Lancaster City Council for a Day,' and draw a picture of the Mayor, followed by a tour of the Town Hall by the Beadle, Tony Whitehead.
During the week, the Mayor and other councillors will also take the event into the community by visiting St Helen's Church of England Primary School, Overton and Yealand Primary School to play the Pupil Power game with them.
Commenting on the forthcoming event the Mayor of Lancaster, Coun Joyce Taylor said: "I am delighted that we are continuing with this excellent initiative in my mayoral year. This is a most enjoyable and rewarding event for both councillors and children. As in previous years, we are offering a variety of activities and are taking the game into schools as well as inviting schoolchildren to the Town Hall. I am looking forward to it enormously."

LICENSE CHANGES FORCE FEEDBACK MOVE
13/10/05: Local club night organisers Feedback have just learnt they will be unable to use the Farmers Arms, Lancaster as a venue for feedback until after the new license laws come into force on 24 November. As a result they are now using alternative venues across town starting tomorrow. Tomorrow night's event will take place at the Collegian Social Club in Gage Street. (Do they know it reputedly haunted? That should liven things up).
The Cherryade Records launch on Saturday will now be at the Yorkshire House. Keep watching www.feedbacklancaster.co.uk for further venue news.
"Apologies for the short notice of all this," one of the Feedback team told Virtual-Lancaster. "It's all totally out of our control -- but it will be fun trying out a few new venues and returning to the Yorkshire House."

MOBILE PHONES TIE-IN FOR VIRTUAL-LANCASTER
13/10/05: Virtual-Lancaster now has its own mobile phone products site, in partnership with Lancaster-based Fonepark. You can now buy ringtones, java games, wallpapers and other stuff for your mobile and help support VL. Thanks!
Web Link: lancasterfonestuff.fonepark.com

DUFFY AT THE DUKES
13/10/05: Carol Ann Duffy -- widely acclaimed as Britain's leading female poet -- is headlining Lancaster Litfest this year with her first ever collection on the subject of love.
Litfest this year runs from 9 ­ 13 November at the Dukes, and the festival will end with a reading from the multi-award-winning poet's brand new collection, Rapture.
Described by the Independent as "'One of the most important, and rightly loved, poets of our time" Carol, who now lives in Manchester was born in Glasgow but grew up in Stafford and then attended the University of Liverpool, where she studied Philosophy. A highly accomplished writer, she's now a professor at the Manchester Metropolitan University. In 1999, she was almost appointed the British Poet Laureate (after the death of previous Laureate Ted Hughes), but lost out on the position to Andrew Motion. She has written for both children and adults, and her poetry has received many major awards. On of her many acclaimed collections, The World's Wife, was shortlisted for both the 1999 Forward Prize and the T.S. Eliot Prize. Rapture is her seventh major collection.
The full litfest festival programme features a wide range of new novels, poetry, and screenwriting among the events, although the full line up has yet to be announced.
For a brochure call litfest on 01524 62166 or visit www.litfest.org. Tickets for the Carol Ann Duffy event are on sale now ­ call the Dukes box office on 01524 598500. For a detailed bio of Carol Ann Duffy visit: www.contemporarywriters.com

FRUITY FUN AT FESTIVAL MARKET
13/10/05: Morecambe Festival Market is celebrating National Market Fortnight by inviting its youngest customers to take part in a 'Find the Fruit' competition.
Kids have the chance to search the stalls at the Festival Market for pieces of hidden fruit, and the lucky winner will get to turn their bounty into a brand new bike, while mums and dads have the chance to enter a national draw to win £5,000.
Budding Picassos can also enter the colouring competition to win voucher prizes of £30 for each winning entry.
Entry forms for the prize draw are available from the market office, and the closing date for entries is 29th October 2005. The draw for the festival market's winning entry into the national draw, along with winning entries to the Find the Fruit and colouring competitions will take place at 4pm on Tuesday 3rd November outside the market office.
For further details contact the festival market office on 01524 414251.

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