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FASCISTS SEEK LANCASTER SEAT
25/5/06: The British National Party has put forward a candidate in the upcoming council by election for Skerton West.
Only three people are campaigning for the seat vacated after the death of Labour Councillor Janet Horner in February: Conservative Debbie Jane Buck, BNP candidate Christopher Lawrence Hill and Labour's Robert Paul Smith.
The BNP has canvassed Skerton in the past without fielding candidates, and BNP offshoot England First has fielded candidates in Morecambe.

MP IN NEW MOVE TO STOP BYPASS SCHEME
23/5/06: Morecambe MP Geraldine Smith is to meet new Government Ministers in Whitehall and representatives from the Government Office for the North West to try to kill off the much criticised plans for the controversial Heysham M6 Link road.
In her most forceful statement to date she says that the Northern route scheme should not be allowed to go ahead.
Transport Solutions for Lancaster and Morecambe reports that Geraldine believes that the massive road, linking Heysham Port to the M6, will not solve the chronic congestion problems of the Lancaster district and in fact the building of the road would make a solution to the problems virtually impossible to achieve.
Smith aregues that instead, a bridge should be built at the southern end of Lancaster to improve access and connect with Heysham. If the Northern route were built, it would rule out a southern bridge in the future.
In a letter setting out a long list of objections (click here for a PDF of the letter), Smith argues that to justify the cost a road, it would have to make a significant contribution to solving the congestion problem and enhance the economic, environmental and social prospects of the area. Unfortunately, she says, the Northern Route fails to meet the needs of the district in these respects.
She also highlights the fact that the key Luneside regeneration area remains isolated and inaccessible under the present plan.
Geraldine argues that the initiative has revealed an apparent lack of concern for the people whose lives will be blighted by the air, noise and visual pollution. This, the MP states, is totally unacceptable, as is the pollution which people in the centre of Lancaster would continue to experience if the scheme went ahead.
Ms Smith also points to the lack of public consultation, and that she is not surprised by the outrage in the communities of those affected.
Transport Solutions for Lancaster and Morecambe, the independent group who favour non road building solutions, broadly welcomed the MP's initiative.
"We don't support the building of any new road; so much can be achieved by alternative ideas. But Geraldine Smith has exposed how inadequate and destructive this third rate scheme is," says David Gate, chair of the group.
"Our MP is one of over 500 formal objectors; we hope that she can cut through the petty politics in Preston. There are new faces in Whitehall; we hope that they will take a more objective view."
TSLM says the County Council is now running well behind schedule with its Link Road proposal, as it attempts to redesign the plans to satisfy the concerns of other major objectors like the Environment Agency and English Heritage, and major increases in the cost of the scheme are anticipated.
A large number of people are demanding a public inquiry into the controversial scheme which destroys the North Lancashire Green Belt.

CANAL CORRIDOR PLANS DEBATE
13/5/06, updated 19/5/06: The City Council's Cabinet will discuss the "Canal Corridor" development on 20 June, discussing the proposal from preferred partner Centros Miller, who have responded quickly to residents' recently-voiced concerns about a huge retail development for the city which includes a department store and mult-story car park. The discussion is part of a "key decisions" meeting of Cabinet, discussing various strategies for the Lancaster and Morecambe area.
The Corridor plans, a bold initiative to redevelop land around Mitchells Brwery and Edward Street in Lancaster, include new premises for the Muscians Co-op but centre on a large department store to anchor the massive development.
The initial outline (see this page for more information) has been met with fierce criticism from some local residents, voiced through the It's Our City pressure group, who made their first pubic statement about the proposals last week. In it, they expressed disquiet at the manner in which the proposed re-development of Lancaster City Centre was proceeding, and fears over increased traffic, the nature of the development and the tiny green space featured in the proposals.
"We very much welcome the continuing input of interest groups such as the local residents organisation, 'It's Our City'," Centros Miller's Associate Director, David Lewis, told virtual-lancaster. "We will soon be meeting them again in our third round of consultations at the end of this month and we very much hope that many members of the public will also come along to find out more and comment on the progress we are making.
"The main issue that 'It's our City' has identified-- the concern about traffic-- will be the major subject in this next round of consultation," David reveals, "and also much further consultation in the months leading up to the planning application. Other fears they are raising-- including aspects of the actual design and their worries about the impact of the development-- are simply premature at the moment as we are still only at the masterplanning stage of this project. Therefore speculation about such issues at present is unnecessarily negative and really only serves to raise some quite unfounded fears in the minds of the public.
"In the next few months, we expect to start all the detailed design work with the aim of submitting a planning application early in 2007. That process will involve at least another six months of consultation and a huge amount of work on the economic, transport and environmental aspects of the development. This will all be part of the public planning process during which we aim to fully engage in discussions with the public - so 'It's Our City' really has nothing to fear about there not being enough consultation."
The proposals Centros Miller unveiled earlier this year could also be in trouble after the Council's own research for the city -- still not discussed by either cabinet or full council, despite being published for some months now -- suggested that two new food super stores for Lancaster and Morecambe, more quality shopping and careful consideration of "edge of town" retail developments would better serve the area. That was the finding of a 106 page report on Retail Needs in the Lancaster and Morecambe area (PDF document), which has been published by the Council.
"The huge report must be buried as it has certainly not been discused to my knowledge," one councillor told Virtual-Lancaster. "It will probably turn up at a planning meeting!"

Empty Shops numbers grow
Also on the agenda must surely be a recent report by Lancaster-based SCN Consulting, which found that more than one in five business premises in the Lancaster City district are vacant, costing, the group estimates, over £1million in lost business rates last year. Centros Miller has responded to these findings.
Empty business properties in Lancaster City district cost the authorities £1,170,282.21 in the last financial year, but SCN believes the loss of revenue is anticipated to be in the region of £2,500,000 if the Canal Corridor development is given the go-ahead.
The research was commissioned because of concerns over council plans to increase the size of the city centre by 50 per cent. There are widespread fears of a dramatic increase in the number of empty business properties in the district.
The research evaluated the potential effect of the Centros Miller Canal Corridor development on the city centre, and took into account the impact of shops closing down to move to the Canal Corridor site; and looked at how many local businesses might be forced out of business by larger competitors moving into the area.
Initial findings show that 21 per cent of commercial premises are already lying empty, which SCN says contradicts Centros Miller claims in a report to the council that demand for retailing space in the city is high and they want to expand the shopping centre towards the canal.
The survey was conducted as part of an international study on the effect of Empty Properties on Britain's town centres, due to be published by the Locus Group in early in 2007. It also looks at how communities end up as 'Clone Towns', a term describing high streets in Britain which consist of standard 'identi-kit' selections of retailers. These are often in regenerated or new-built town centres with standard architectural features.
"The council want to oversee a major new development of the city centre here in Lancaster, but these findings raise major questions," feels Dr Joel Harman, who carried out the research in Lancaster. "The council will need to take a good hard look at the impact of the plans before giving the go ahead.
"The number of empty properties is an issue that urgently needs to be addressed. Nothing short of well thought out economic policies to support local businesses will stop Lancaster becoming yet another identi-kit clone town."
Lancaster City Council do not keep detailed records of empty properties, and were not able to provide information on their distribution. This meant that researchers had to analyse the statistics to find out which type of properties are affected. What they found was that most of the empty properties are small to medium and are office and retail units.
This confirms surveys conducted by local people over the last few years, including the photographic exhibition of empty Lancaster shops entitled Desolation, featured by local media in September 2002: www.eco-action.org/lancaster/grassroot/Desolation/
Centros Miller has hit back at SCN's report however. "You simply can't conclude that revenue is being lost from businesses that don't exist," argues spokesperson Steve Bryson. "Such negative headlines derived from very shaky research are simply aimed at creating a climate of fear of development and do nothing to examine how Lancaster needs to respond to competing major developments in Preston and elsewhere.
"It would appear that some 'think tank' in Oxford has - out of the blue - decided to commission a local Lancaster firm of IT and training consultants to undertake a survey of business premises in Lancaster. From your coverage and that of the Lancaster Guardian's, the Oxford think tank has left a veil over its background, credentials and motives in this field and, judging by their website, the local consultants do not seem to have any expertise in property at all.
"As any local shopper can tell, Lancaster's prime shopping street - Penny Street - has a very minimal vacancy rate," Steve points out. "Therefore, to create their 'one in five' headline, the researchers must have included properties across the city without distinguishing between relative sizes or locations in prime, secondary or tertiary retail areas. Plus it would seem from the media reports that they have added empty offices and other business premises into the figures while applying their conclusions mainly to retail.
"They then go on to make some wild and unsupported generalisations about loss of income to the city and some completely imagined effects of Centros Miller's development proposals. But there's no proper examination of whether existing empty premises are remotely suitable for current business needs, and you simply cannot conclude that empty properties equate to lost business rates income for the council or even failing businesses. (Indeed, it could even be a measure of success if it turned out that many businesses had actually outgrown small or unsuitable properties!)
"They also conclude - with absolutely no evidence - that Centros Miller's proposed development will have the effect of emptying another batch of unspecified properties and thereby lose the council a further £1.5 million in business rates income," Steve says. "This is simply laughable when, other than a department store, we haven't even got to the stage when the exact mix of uses on the Canal Corridor North site can be determined, let alone any impact be quantified." Steve also points out that to the proposed development will offer a full mix of residential, retail, leisure, cultural, office and local workshop uses, not just retail as the people behind this survey and others misrepresent it as.
"When we do get to the stage of preparing to submit a planning application, then there will be a full retail impact assessment study undertaken by real experts in the retail property field," sasys Steve. "That will be a public document and the evidence provided and conclusions drawn will no doubt be debated in much detail at the time.
"In the meantime, perhaps it might be more constructive for the doom mongers to focus on the 'do nothing' scenario and the potential impact that might have on Lancaster's economy, employment and environment. If the proposed major developments in Preston and other Lancashire towns go ahead, it is quite possible that business and jobs will be sucked out of the city and many shoppers will simply bypass Lancaster because it doesn't provide a comparable attraction. They then might find that their fabricated 'one in five' headline of today may unfortunately have a very unwelcome ring of truth about it!"
• You can read a full response to It's Our City's objections from Centros Miller here - PDF format document

13/5/06: Freewheeling again: the Environment Agency has now carried out the resurfacing of the 'Glass track' on the footpath diversion through Lancaster's Freeman's Wood and it's now safe to use again for cyclists and dogwalkers.
"There's a small amount of the recycled aggregate that contains the glass that was used to fill a puddle on the permanent path through the wood," says Green councillor Chris Coates, one of the prime movers behind a campaign to get the path fixed (see earlier story). "We're trying to get the council to clear this up.
"We're please with the speedy reaction of the Environment Agency in dealing with this potentially serious problem."

NUKES BACK ON AGENDA
13/5/06: In a move that could see new developments at Heysham and Sellafield locally, one change in the recent shak-up of the national Cabinet was the arrival of pro-nuclear ian Pearson at DEFRA, moving from the Department of Trade and Industry to become the new minister of state "for climate change and the environment". Campaigners against nuclear power have suggested he's clearly been moved to get DEFRA on side with nuclear power.
Pearson, now responsible for the climate change review, emissions energy issues, fuel poverty, and transport and the environment, is a leading nuclear advocate, defender of free trade and the privatisation of water and electricity in developing countries. "My personal view is that we ought to look at a limited new-build nuclear programme," he told the national Guardian. "That strikes me as pretty much a no-brainer. It is the right thing to do."
His views have been met with derision by anti-nuclear campaigners.
"Worldwide, $175 billion has been spent on nuclear power research and development since 1979, which is much more than the total expenditure on all the many forms of renewable energy put together," feels Dr Stuart Parkinson, Director of Scientists for Global Responsibility, speaking at a recent local meeting about nucelar power. "Despite this, renewable energy technologies still supply more energy worldwide than nuclear, and are expanding at a faster rate. Added to this, radioactive waste and nuclear security still pose major problems."
"If we're to tackle global warming, we can't wait the ten years or so it will take to build each new nuclear power station," argued Green Councillor Chris Coates, "especially when their carbon emissions (taking into account uranium mining and decommissioning) are higher than many alternative energy sources."

IS YOUR VOICE HEARD?
13/5/06: Lancaster Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) is looking to involve members of under represented groups in Lancaster (eg LGBT community, women's and youth groups), to volunteer with the CAB service and ensure the community needs are met. Volunteers are at the heart of the Citizen's Advice service. Volunteers not only have a crucial role to play in the service today, but are also crucial to how we develop the service tomorrow.
CAB provides free advice/ information/ guidance/ support and campaigns against unfair social policies and services. We recognise the positive value of diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination. Volunteers at CAB will be able to improve awareness of these issues to the community, which in turn will help to reduce discrimination and social exclusion.
No experience is necessary for volunteers at Lancaster CAB. All volunteers are given free training, all expenses will be paid and continued support is provided. There are at present a variety opportunities for volunteering (advisors, campaigners, administration, Trustee Board members, case support workers). Lancaster CAB has always had a consistently good record of enabling volunteers through their training to move into paid employment.
• For further information please contact: Lancaster Citizen's Advice Bureau, 87 Kings Street, Lancaster LA1 1RH Tel: 08451 264 264 Email: enquiries@lancastercab.org

CYCLING GUIDE LAUNCHED
13/5/06: Lancaster City Council has launched a colourful new guide to tempt both locals and visitors alike to enjoy the wide range of cycling routes through our city, coast and countryside.
Lancaster with Morecambe is just one of six places in the country to be named a 'cycling demonstration town' and boasts the largest cycling network in Lancashire.
The eight-page cycling magazine, will be dropping through every door in the district from next week, and includes competitions to win two bikes.
With £1.5M. of funding over the next three years from the Department of Transport to show how increased investment can encourage more people to get on their bikes and enjoy cycling in the district, Lancaster City Council has produced the Cycle for All Guide to provide at-a-glance information about six great rides for you, your friends and family to enjoy.
Featuring stunning photography by Jon Sparks and his experience as a writer of guides for both ramblers and cyclists, the guide takes you from the bustling heart of the city to the open spaces and stunning views of the Lune Valley, to the breezy shores of Morecambe, along canal paths to Carnforth and tidal trails from Lancaster to Sunderland Point.
For those who enjoy a more demanding ride on mixed terrain, the guide offers the Halton and the Bay route which celebrates cycling in our city, coast and countryside all in one day.
Coun Gina Dowding, member of the Cycling Demonstration Town Project Board said:  "These rides highlight what a wonderful area this is to live in and visit and what better way to see and experience the beauty of the district than on a bicycle - you really get to be part of the environment rather than just looking at it."
• The cycling guide is now available, free of charge, from Lancaster and Morecambe TIC or by visiting the new celebrating cycling website www.celebratingcycling.org

BARKER REMAINS COUN CO0UNCIL LEADER
13/5/06: A Full Council meeting saw the re-election of Coun Ian Barker as its leader for a further term of office on Thursday. 
Barker also proposed the nine members for the Cabinet comprising Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green councillors who were also re-elected for a further year with just one change.  Coun John Gilbert has replaced Coun Joyce Pritchard, who has given up her seat on Cabinet to become the Deputy Mayor this year.  
There has been a change in the chairmanship of the Overview and Scrutiny with Liberal Coun Stuart Langhorn elected as Chairman. Coun Tony Wade is the new chairman of the Licensing Act Committee, and Coun James Airey, who recently stood down as leader of the local Tories, will chair the Licensing Regulatory Committee.
Here's a list of all Council committee chairs:

Overview and Scrutiny: Stuart Langhorn
Budget and Performance Panel: Keith Budden
Licensing Act: Tony Wade
Licensing Regulatory: James Airey
Planning and Highways Regulatory: Roger Sherlock
Personnel: Paul Gardner
Appeals: Sheila Denwood
Audit: Malcolm Thomas
Appraisal Panel (cannot be the Leader): James Airey
Standards: Stephen Lamley
Council Business: Susan Bray
Local Governance: Maggie Chadwick

BABY BABES VANISH
13/5/06: Ivan Opinion couldn't help but notice that there was no advertisement for "Bay Babes" in the Lancaster/Morecambe Guardian this week (see earlier story), although in a way he must register some disappointment because now he will never be able to find out the identity and location of massage parlours No's 2,3, 4 and so on!

THURSDAY LECTURES BEGIN
13/5/06: An exciting new project of Popular Education is starting up in Lancaster under the umbrella of Autonomous University of Lancaster, called the Thursday Lectures. Every second and fourth Thursday of the month there will be a lecture with plenty of time for questions and discussion. The lectures will cover a broad range of topics - see our diary below - and will be presented by people who have been concerned with the issue for a long time and have explored it in depth. However, the Thursday Lectures are based on the principle that everyone can learn from everyone else, and that the division between teacher and student is an unhelpful one. People are free to simply come and listen, and hopefully learn, and everyone can participate in the discussions, which is where most of the mutual learning will take place. The Autonomous University of Lancaster is a concept, rather than a body or organisation. It was developed at the end of 2005 by students and lecturers from Lancaster University, University of Central Lancashire, and others. An initial series of lectures took place last autumn on campus which was successful and people enjoyed but a summer programme has now been arranged, to take place in town, at the Friends' Meeting House.
• For more details of the lectures, see our What's On Pages

The huge pile of rubbish collected from the banks of the Lune last week. Pic: John Freeman

MEET THE CLEAN UP SQUAD!
12/5/06: Eleven volunteers took part in a litter pick along the bank of the river Lune last weekend-- and collected 50 bin bags of rubbish. They will be back in action again this coming weekend -- but more volunteers are welcome to join them.
The volunteers, who were mainly from Skerton and St. Geroege's Quay, scoured the riverbanks from the Millennium Bridge to Carlisle Bridge last Saturday and collected two bikes, estate agents' boards, street signs, metal fencing, traffic cones and a street bollard, in addition to 50 bin bags of general rubbish.
These were sorted into recyclables and non-recyclable rubbish and the recycleable bits were recycled by Lancaster City Council. The council supplied gloves and litter picking equipment.
The litter pick was organised by Couns Jon Barry and Chris Coates after they were inspired by local resident Roger Pearce who has often fished trolleys out of the riverbed.
Following his example, Lancaster City Council worked together with the Duchy of Lancaster (who own the river up to the high water mark) to clean up the river bed in March.
"This was a tremendous effort by the volunteers," commented Jon Barry. "It just goes to show what can be done when people roll their sleeves up and get involved. Let's hope that the area stays clean for some time to come.'
It's just a shame that one bag that was missed by the collection team on the Monday following the pick was subsequently set alight and its contents strewn across the approach to the Millennium Bridge, making the area as messy as ever -- but fortunately, a second litter pick will take place this Sunday (14th) at Carlisle Bridge from 1.30pm.
• To encourage everyone to work together to put litter where it belongs, the council launched its 'Putting Litter in its Place' campaign at the beginning of April. If you would like to organise a litter pick please contact Helena Lewis 01524 582439.

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