Previous stories: 16 - 31 August 2007
Next stories: 16 - 30 September 2007

COUNCILLOR'S TRIP TO BRUSSELS SAVAGED
14/9/07: A local transport pressure group campaigning against the County Council's proposed northern bypass scheme has condemned a councillor's plans to go to Brussels to make a presentation on sustainable transport when she is one of the key supporters of the costy road scheme.
County Councillor Jean Yates, champion of the Heysham M6 Link Northern Route, will be going to Brussels to give a presentation on 'sustainable transport solutions' for Lancaster at the first PILOT conference on 19 September. PILOT is a European project, which aims to demonstrate the preparation of sustainable urban transport plans (SUTP) in four European cities: Braila, Evora, Lancaster and Tallin.
Transport Solutions for Lancaster and Morecambe describe the appearance of Yates at the conference as a 'wolf in sheep's clothing' given her promotion of the 'unsustainable' £156 million dual carriageway across the district to the ferry port.
The Conference advance programme boasts that "Lancashire's transport policies (Lancashire County Council is the transport authority for Lancaster) are aimed at delivering sustainable transport solutions across the whole county area, with packages of measures designed to encourage more responsible car use, improvements in public transport and encouragement of cycling and walking. The County Council has key targets for increasing public transport patronage, moderating growth in private car traffic, and for road safety." "There is no mention here of Lancashire County Council’s number one transport priority, of which Jean Yates is a principal supporter: the building of the massive £156 million road," commented David Gate, chair of campaign group TSLM, who favour alternative solutions to road building. "This lorry route to Ireland has been calculated to increase emissions of carbon dioxide by 24,000 tonnes each year into the atmosphere, making it far and away the worst new road scheme in the Country for increasing CO2. It is also set to destroy 173 acres of land, the vast majority within the North Lancashire Green Belt. Yet it fails to solve the congestion problems in the district. All new roads have been shown to increase traffic significantly rather than moderate it.
"The double standards practiced by Councillor Yates and Lancashire County Council are sickening," feels David and the very idea that she feels able to promote sustainable transport is "not credible.
"She is actually a wolf in sheep's clothing," feels David. "What the County Council wants to spend on sustainable transport measures, compared to what it is spending on this massive road scheme, is peanuts. Their greened-up sustainable message is just window dressing; the real agenda is the sacrifice of the countryside for commercial speculation.
"Councillor Yates has an unsustainable travel record of her own, preferring to drive her car to County Hall rather than using public transport. If the conference delegates knew the truth about her and her Council they would be laughed off the platform."

CAUGHT ON CAMERA
14/9/07:Ever fancied being a filmmaker, but not sure where to start? Well here's the answer! In an exclusive competition being organised by the region's screen agency, 18-24-year-old mobile phone users are being encouraged to get creative - and get caught on camera. But you'll have to be quick, because the deadline is looming fast!
"Lots of people take clips on their mobile and don't even realize they're making films. But our Short Sharp Shots competition gives them the opportunity to show off their skills, and learn new ones," says Helen Bingham, Head of Production for Northwest Vision and Media, which works on behalf of the TV, film, radio and digital content industries.
With 10 cash prizes of £250, film training and top-of-the-range videophones on offer, anyone who has ever wanted to make a movie is being encouraged to get involved.
"You don't have to be brilliant – we're searching for raw potential, not a polished finished product," explains Helen.
"What we're looking for are clips that show wit and speed, snippets that hint at your style and your voice. If you've got that, then we'll be able to help you develop your filmmaking skills even further."
Mobile phone filmmaking is all about action and an eye for a good shot. "If you've got a good idea, then now is the time to create a short film, documentary, or animation. Just keep it short, keep it moving and get it seen!" adds Helen.
Short Sharp Shots is a competition for Northwest 18-24-year-olds. Clips of three minutes or under are needed, shot on mobiles to be screened on mobiles. The best 10 submissions will be awarded funding of £250 each, and a place on a mobile filmmaking bootcamp to help them produce their next movie. They'll also be given a top-of-the-range video mobile, to help them produce even better films in future.
"The ten short-listed films will be screened on the Short Sharp Shots website, and made available for audiences to download to their own mobile phones so people can vote for their favourite," explains Helen.
• Full submission information, access to other filmmakers and mobile filmmaking tips on how to shoot, edit and send mobile video clips, can be found at www.shortsharpshots.co.uk or via Northwest Vision and Media's website www.visionandmedia.co.uk
• Deadline for submissions September 21 2007.

STRAW VISITS LANCASTER FARMS
14/9/07: As the costly repairs to the extensive damage caused by nearly 100 young prisoners at Lancaster Farms was nearing completion this morning, Secretary of State for Justice Jack Straw and entourage made a brief visit to the establishment; his first in 12 years.
On his previous visit he had remarked to an officer that the Labour Party would never support private prisons… On this occasion Mr Straw spent a short while touring the prison escorted by the Governor and members of the management teams, met the odd prisoner, and found time to take part in a Citizenship lesson in the Juvenile education block.
A purpose of his visit to Lancaster was to meet with prison officers to discuss the recent strike action which had preceded the wave of destruction at the Farms. Monday will see the return of many of the young offenders shipped out after the violence, and the prison is due to be working at normal capacity once more.

HOVIS IN WONDERLAND AT SPOTLIGHT
14/9/07: Next Friday's Spotlight Club event at ace venue the Yorkshir House includes ashowcase for a new performance work, comedy from Mark Ellis and poetry and prose from popular open mic performer Simon Baker.
Hovis In Wonderland is a 20 minute showcase for a new performance work adapted by Dave Morgan from 'Poetic Off-licence' and other musings of the late Hovis Presley (Richard Henry McFarlane 1960-2005).
The respect accorded to Hovis Presley as a social observer, writer and performer was only really made clear following his tragic death in 2005. The briefest enquiry on the web yields dozens of tributes, which reflect the esteem accorded to him by friends and fellow professionals. Recognition was something Hovis found problematic, and there could never have been a more congruent act than that crafted by the self-effacing Richard and his enigmatic alter-ego. His unnerving ability to cross-over from the stand-up comedy, alternative cabaret, and performance poetry scenes, with equal acknowledgement, belied his diffidence but emphasised that quality will out.  
Now, with the consent of his family, and with the support of close friends Natasha Wiseman and Kevin Bates, Dave Morgan has created a surreal insight into a day in the life of Hovis Presley.
Making a welcome return to the Spotlight is funny man Mark Ellis. The word 'comedian' does not adequately describe Mark. He considers himself an old fashioned teller of tales, a weaver of dreams. His friends, he says, consider him a pain in the arse. Fresh from sell out gigs in the kitchen, hallway and landing... join him at Spotlight for a 10 minute roller coaster of emotion.
Simon Baker has become a regular performer at Spotlight over the last few years. Starting tentatively at the Open Mic he has progressed to become acknowledged as a witty and erudite observer of the quirks and foibles of modern times through his prose and poetry. At Spotlight this month he takes that boldest of steps - into the realms of the comedy stand-up.
The event also includes music from Chris Watkins, erstwhile singer of occasionally successful noise-jazz / alt-rock hyphenation experimentalists mobCURIOUS. Mr Watkins returns ahead of the reasonably imminent crash-testing of their forthcoming latest incarnation, with some unsettling acoustic interpretations of new material, a song about dead sailors and probably a tiny miserable waltz. Allow your ears a nurturing soundbath at:
Compered by John Freeman, the event kicks off at The Yorkshire House, Parliament St. Lancaster at 8.30pm  Open Mic 8.45 - 9.15pm. Admission:   £3/£2 (Conc.).
Web Link: www.spotlightlancaster.co.uk

COUNCIL REVIEWS POLLING ARRANGEMENTS
14/9/07: Local voters are being asked to comment on recommendations for future polling arrangements in the Lancaster City Council area.
The city council has been reviewing its arrangements for voters on polling day by reviewing polling districts and places.
The Returning Officer has now published a set of recommendations which can be viewed on the council's website at www.lancaster.gov.uk/elections.
Members of the public have until 3 October 2007 to comment on the proposals.
All observations will be taken into account when considering the future arrangements.
For further information contact Alison Braidford, Lancaster City Council's elections officer, on 01524 582058.

COUNCIL SEEKS VIEWS ON SCHOOLS CLOSURES
14/9/07: The City Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee seek views on proposed school closures, as part of its review of secondary education provision in the district.
The review is in light of proposals by Lancashire County Council to consult on the possible closures of Hornby and Skerton High Schools next year and their amalgamation with Central Lancaster High.
It will be undertaken by a special task group set up by the committee.
But to ensure it has the full picture the task group would like to hear from people who could be effected by the county council's proposals.
Coun Stuart Langhorn, chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said it was essential that the task group hears from as many people as possible.
"Lancashire County Council's proposals will have far reaching consequences if they are implemented," he said.
"It is vital that the issues are questioned in a public forum and the establishment of this task group will allow that to happen.
"But to ensure we produce a report that is as comprehensive as possible we need people to give us their views."
• Will your child be entering secondary school within the next year or two?
• Is your choice likely to be affected by the possibility of imminent closure of Hornby and Skerton High?
• Are you considering sending your child out of the county to receive their secondary school education?
• Have you any thoughts on plans to establish an academy in the district?
• Are you a school governor, teacher or concerned parent or student?
The task group is eager to hear your views. If you would like to comment telephone (01524) 582047, or email scrutiny@lancaster.gov.uk.
Alternatively write to: Democratic Services, Town Hall, Lancaster LA1 1PJ.

ARE YOUR ANTIQUES THE REAL DEAL?
14/9/07: Saturday 29 September is set to be a real bobby dazzler as David Dickinson and his TV show descend on Lancaster.
Dickinson's Real Deal, the popular ITV show, is scheduled to film an episode from the Ashton Hall in Lancaster Town Hall. Between 9.00am and 5.00pm members of the public will be able to take along their antiques and choose between money from an antiques dealer or gambling at an auction.
David will be keeping a close eye on the deals and will be on hand to offer advice to the public.
"I'm pleased that we have chosen Lancaster as one of the locations to film at," says David Dickinson. "It's a historic city and the town hall is a fitting venue for the programme. This programme will level the playing field between dealers and auction houses."
Admission is free to the event but members of the public wishing to bring antiques to the event should contact Steve Peet at Dickinson's Real Deal on 0117 970 7621 or steve.peet@rdfmedia.com so they can be put on a priority list. For people with larger antiques help could be at hand, contact Steve to see whether they can help you.
"It 's fantastic that such a popular TV show has chosen Lancaster Town Hall to film at," commented Coun Evelyn Archer, cabinet member with responsibility for property services. "I'm sure the people of the district will be dusting off their antiques to try and make some cash."

CHRIST CHURCH CELEBRATES 150TH BIRTHDAY
14/9/07: Anyone with any connection to a Lancaster Church is being invited to join worshippers at Christ Church's 150th birthday celebrations.
Sunday 23 September is 150 years to the day after Christ Church, Wyresdale Road, was first opened. A special family service is being held at 10.30am to celebrate – and anyone with a link to the church is warmly welcomed. Perhaps your child went to Christ Church School, or you have held family christening, weddings or funerals there.
"Anyone is welcome to this service and we particularly want to invite back anyone who has a link with Christ Church or Christ Church School," said Father Phil Hudd. "Any link, however tenuous people think it is – if their grand-parents were baptised there – we would really like to see you on the day."
Also that weekend, on 22 Saturday September at 7.30pm, the second performance in Lancaster of the Cantata by David Prescott, head of music at Lancaster Royal Grammar School, will be performed at Christ Church. The piece is a large scale original work for orchestra and choir, and was premiered at the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Lancaster last year. Tickets are £5 on the door.

NEW TERM FOR MUSIC MAKING
14/9/07: There's plenty of chances to make music in More Music in Morecambe's new Autumn programme of classes.
The new term starts on Monday 24 September with the Hothouse Singers and Guitar Classes – and all sessions are open to new people wanting to learn or improve their musical skills.
Among the sessions on offer are guitar classes aimed at beginners and improvers, the Seagull Café for over-55s, Clapping Song sessions for the under-5s and their carers, and Stages for young people aged 12-18 wanting to work towards their own gigs.
Orbit will be playing the best jazz tunes, and the Baybeat street band will be mixing drums and percussion with carnival dancing.
A new Chinese Ensemble will be starting at the end of October teaching people how to play traditional Chinese instruments.
So if you are aged one or 101, a regular visitor or a first timer, an old pro or a complete beginner, ring More Music on 01524 831997 and get hold of a programme!

NEW CLIMATE CHANGE GROUP LAUNCHED
13/9/07: A new climate change and energy advice project called 'LESS' launches in Lancaster on Saturday 22 September, at a day to celebrate renewable energy.
LESS will be one of several organisations coming together for a celebration of renewable energy at Lune Business Park, off Quay Road, Lancaster, on Saturday 22 September. They will joined by wood pellet stove retailers E&S Fuels, Wind turbine manufacturers Woosh Energy, and solar power specialists Alian Energy Solutions.
LESS is a new project set up to help people in Lancaster, Morecambe and surrounding areas live more sustainably, and save energy and money. The project will give free energy-saving advice to the public at markets and community events around the district. Advice is also available online via the group's website (www.lessuk.org) and phoneline.
LESS staff can give advice and energy saving tips on simple ways to reduce your energy use in the home, by insulating, draughtproofing and using heating appliances more efficiently. This advice enables people to maintain the level of warmth and comfort they require in their home while using less energy and saving money at the same time.
"Almost half of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions come from energy we use every day," explains Project worker and adviser Jane Fletcher, "at home and when we travel. By saving energy we can keep our fuel bills down and help to prevent climate change too.
"There are lots of simple things you can do to save energy right now, from turning your thermostat down by 1°C to insulating your home. For example, fitting one low energy lightbulb can save up to £9 a year on your electricity bill and around 40kg of carbon dioxide."
"We can advise people on cost-effective steps to save energy in the home, taking account of their budget and other circumstances. We can also provide information about renewable technologies such as domestic solar and wind power; and to help people start making changes we are also giving away free low energy lightbulbs."
The project will also be promoting the benefits of local food, and will produce a guide to local food producers over the coming months.
• For free advice on how to save energy and money, see the LESS advisors at a market near you soon, or take a look at our website www.lessuk.org or contact us on 01524 66100.

TRAIN STATION UPGRADE ON THE CARDS?
12/9/07: Is Lancaster railway station in line for £1 million funding from government?
At a meeting of the Local Government Association in London on 11 September, attended by City Councillor Whitelegg, senior Department for Transport officials announced a new fund for the modernisation of 150 "medium sized” stations. £150 million will be made available by government to carry out this work.
Immediately following this meeting Councillor John Whitelegg wrote to the Secretary of State to ask that Lancaster station be included in this list of 150 stations.
"I am delighted that government has made available £150 million to modernise 150 stations," says Councillor Whitelegg. "Lancaster fits the bill perfectly. It is a medium sized station and an improvement in its facilities, especially for public transport users, pedestrians and cyclists, is long overdue."

FOODWORKS OUTING FOR COUNCILLORS

Above: Admiring the homemade black pudding are the tourist board's vice chair County Councillor Niki Penney, chief executive Mike Wilkinson, chair Lesley Loyd, the hotel's sous chef Dan Williams and general manager Tim Bell.

Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board directors paid a visit to Lancaster House Hotel's new Lancashire themed restaurant The Foodworks this week, after holding its annual general meeting and regular board meeting on 11 September.
The Foodworks opened for business last month and specialises in quality local produce including Lancashire hotpot, local cheese, Goosnargh chicken, fish from Fleetwood and Morecambe Bay shrimps. It has already won acclaim for its homemade black pudding.
Foodworks' fun and modern design pays homage to Lancashire with tea cups for chandeliers, a wall with outlines of men in cloth caps and women wearing headscarves, photographs of old Lancaster copied from Lancaster City Museum's collection and dark wood tables that can be laid out to resemble an old cotton mill.
Mike Wilkinson, chief executive of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board said: "With the tourist board set to launch the Taste Lancashire 08 year of food and drink next month, this was a timely visit to support one of our great advocates of Lancashire produce.
"Foodworks is an exciting venture and we are sure it will be a big hit with diners keen to enjoy our tasty local food and drinks."

PREPARING FOR THE WORST
11/9/07: The odds of a unexploded bomb being parked outside the entrance to Lancaster Town Hall are probably similar to those of winning the lottery.
But it is exactly the sort of situation that Lancaster City Council has to make sure it is prepared for.
Last week officers from across the council met at Lancaster Town Hall to run through an exercise to ensure the district does not grind to a halt in the face of an emergency.
Exercise Brantbeck was held in the Banqueting Suite at Lancaster Town Hall on Thursday September 6. Almost 50 members of staff took part representing every service.
They were formed into five groups - council housing offices, Lancaster Town Hall, Palatine Hall, Morecambe Town Hall and White Lund Depot and finally a Business Recovery Group.
During the afternoon a scenario unfolded involving the discovery of wartime munitions, evacuation of buildings and then an extended loss of access to those buildings. Officers were unable to gain access to buildings over several days and then had to deal with issues surrounding reoccupation.
The scenario was based on a real life event that affected Gloucestershire council a few years ago. Only the night before the exercise, BBC News reported that a wartime shell had been found used as a doorstop and this resulted in an industrial estate being completely evacuated and closed for 24 hours.
The exercise fully achieved its aims in that it tested the plans and identified a number of areas where they might be improved. A review of all Business Continuity plans, based on the exercise, will now follow.
"The council has responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act to create and test business continuity plans and takes these responsibilities seriously," commented Coun Eileen Blamire, cabinet member with responsibility for emergency planning. "It is only by testing the plans that the council will improve them. I would like to thank the other Lancashire council's that helped to facilitate the event."

SETTING COUNCIL PRIORITIES: LOCAL VIEWS SOUGHT
10/9/07: Lancaster City Council would like to hear from its citizens on a set of draft priorities which it will concentrate on delivering over the next three years.
The council is currently in the process of updating its Corporate Plan, which prioritises council activities and, therefore, how money will be spent.
As a result the council’s cabinet has drafted a set of priorities which it believes meets the needs of local communities in the Lancaster district.
Because resources are limited and the council cannot do everything, cabinet is keen 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.

To answer these questions cabinet needs the help of as many people as possible.
"I'm pleased that despite differences between the five political groups in cabinet that are highlighted from time to time, we have been able to come together on this occasion in support of this draft document," commented Coun Roger Mace, leader of the council. "In giving unanimous approval to the document, cabinet is showing its confidence that the proposals are broadly appropriate. In sending the document out to public consultation, cabinet is not asking in ignorance what it should do, but is seeking confirmation that the consensus it has reached is a reasonable basis for establishing the council's programme for 2008-9.
"When the consultation is complete, the next challenge for the council will be to translate our collective intentions into an agreed action plan which can be financed within our available resources. Budget constraints are severe - and the task will not be easy.”
For more detail about each of the priorities, and to contribute, please visit the Council's website, www.lancaster.gov.uk/consultation.
Alternatively send your responses to Jennifer Williams via email to jwilliams@lancaster.gov.uk or by post to Jennifer Williams, Floor C, St Leonard's House, St Leonardgate, Lancaster, LA1 1NN.
The deadline for responses is 2 November 2007.
All responses received 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 2008/9 draft 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.

HERITAGE GALA SUCCESS
10/9/07: THOUSANDS of people converged on Morecambe at the weekend for a two day feast of seaside fun.
Organised by Lancaster City Council, the resort's annual Heritage Gala attracted people from far and wide with its period atmosphere and seaside entertainment.
A packed programme of traditional seaside fun and frolics, music and daredevil antics was complemented by old favourites like the RAF Battle of Britain aircraft displays and the Bradford to Morecambe historic vehicle rally.
Among the acts wowing the crowds were The Great Artizani with his daredevil dexterity and slackrope walking, escapologist and sword swallower David Straightjacket, and Punch and Judy from the Perfect Little Puppet Theatre.
City Councillor June Ashworth, cabinet member with responsibility for tourism in Morecambe, said: "The revamped Heritage Gala has proven to be one of the highlights in our events programme and this year was no exception.
"Holding it over a full weekend for the first time has proved to be an outstanding success and I was delighted to see happy, smiling faces enjoying the full range of activities on offer to them.
"Hopefully those people who attended the festival who are not regular visitors to Morecambe will have seen what we have to offer and come back on a more regular basis."
One particular highlight was the free fireworks show on Sunday which brought the weekend to a colourful and explosive conclusion.
The sight of vivid colours bursting to the strains of classical music brought 'oohs and arrs' from all around.

SEPTEMBER GUIDED CYCLE RIDES
10/9/07: Lancaster City Council is inviting cyclists to join them on their two last guided rides from their 'Go by Bike' programme of events for 2007.
To celebrate 'In Town without my Car Day' (Saturday 22 September) the council's Cycling Demonstration Town Project Team have organised a pleasant meander to the historic site of Cockersands Abbey in the beautiful village of Cockerham.
Founded in the 12th Century, the Abbey was also used as a leper hospital and later became one of the richest houses in Lancashire.
The ride kicks off from the St. George's Quay end of Lancaster's Millennium Bridge at 11am and will take cyclists along traffic free paths to Glasson Dock for a café break before taking to the road for the last leg of the journey to Cockerham.
On Sunday 30 September, more energetic cyclists can enjoy the open spaces and views of the stunning Lune Valley as the last guided ride takes to the high roads of the Forest of Bowland.
Starting in Lancaster City Centre, the ride quickly leaves the hustle and bustle of the town behind as it heads along quiet country lanes towards Littledale and the awesome presence of the windmills on Caton Moor.
Participants will be rewarded by a long glide downhill towards Caton itself before heading back to Lancaster along the River Lune shared use path.
A refreshment break will be taken en route so bring along a snack.
The riders are asked to meet in Dalton Square at 10.45am.
• For all events and rides in September and rest of the year visit the 'What's On' section of www.celebratingcycling.org. All guided rides are free.

CRIME RATES DOWN IN LANCASTER AREA
4/9/07: Despite media hype that appears to indicate that crime levels are going through the roof, real crime figures in the Lancaster and Morecambe area are again down on last year's figures.
Latest figures issued for the Lancaster District Community Safety Partnership taken from April and July
2007 show that criminal damage, car thefts, burglaries and wounding have all decreased significantly when compared to the same time last year.

• Criminal Damage is down 24 per cent, with 972 incidents for the period compared with 1273 between April to July 2006
• Other Wounding is down 28 per cent with 411 incidents compared with 573
• Burglary is down 15 per cent with 146 incidents compared with 172
• Theft from a Vehicle are down 48 per cent with 192 incidents compared with 366 last year.

Overall the figures show an estimated 19 per cent decrease in crime levels over the last three years with the Partnership beating the tough targets set in conjunction with Government Office North West.
The chair of the Partnership, Coun Eileen Blamire, said she was delighted with the figures.
"The Partnership is pleased to see such dramatic reductions in crime locally," she said. "The aim of the Community Safety Partnership is to help make the district a safer place to live and work and that is undoubtedly the case.
"We are really pleased at these reductions which can be put down to a number of reasons with several key projects having a positive effect.''
Coun Blamire highlighted schemes such as Operation Cleansweep where Lancaster City Council, police and other agencies target key areas to remove rubbish and improve the environment in an effort to give people more pride in their area and, as a result, reduce criminal damage. She added: "It is so heartening to know that the work we have put in is making a difference in our community.
"When we accepted our target to reduce crime by 17.5 per centby April 2008 we knew that it was a tough task. But to know we are now meeting that target is a moment for which the whole partnership can be proud.'' Members of the Community Safety Partnership are; Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council, the Police, and the Health and Fire services.
• Further information on the Partnership can be found on Lancaster City Council's website under "Community Safety".

MONSTERMOB GOES BUST
4/9/07: Only months after acquisition of Monstermob by Spanish company LaNetro Zed, the UK arm of the company, once based in Lancaster's Church Street, has gone into administration.
Mobile news site SMS Text News reports that rumours abound that LaNetro has asset stripped the UK company and left it with many debts, potentially to content providers and consumers who either supplied or pre-paid for content and that such creditors will claim that LaNetro fraudulently manipulated Monstermob - as shadow directors (from Spain) to enable them to put Monstermob's woes in one place and cut loose.
Earlier this year Monstermob effectively wound up its Lancaster operation and moved its operations to London, with the loss of several jobs.
Founded by local business man and property developer Martin Higginson in June 2000, Monstermob developed a number of services in the mobile phone entertainment sector, including the development and provision of mobile phone entertainment and personalization services. The Company's main offerings were real music and polyphonic ringtones, java games, colour wallpapers and videos, as well as community chat and gaming products for service providers, retailers and handset distributors, and during its lifetime, claimed some six million customers worldwide.
In June 2006, national newspaper the Independent reported Higginson had been axed from the board of MonsterMob after disagreements over strategy and a poor share price performance. In February 2007 LaNetro Zed, a Spain-based distributor of entertainment content on digital and mobile platforms, announced it had paid $66.7 million for a 52% stake in MonsterMob, dismissed its chairman Hans Snook (who had previously ousted Higginson), CEO Niccolo De Masi and CFO David Marks, and Higginson returned to the company as a Non Executive Director.
In June 2007, the company's share price collapsed and mobile news site MocoNews reported the company had lost control of two Chinese subsidiaries and that Higginson had sold four million of his shares in the company to LaNetro Zed, increasing Lanetro's stake to 66.07 percent from 52 per cent. But the company was already in trouble and canceled its listing on AIM, London's alternative stock market, citing the high costs and administrative burden associated with admission. The company stated there was 'little further prospect' of raising material funds through AIM and the de-listing was approved at its AGM in July.
The Times reported that the sale of shares by Higginson and other big shareholders to Zed angered smaller investors, concerned the private sale at a price per share higher than the listed price, took place on the same day the ringtone downloads group had revealed plans to delist. The concerns were raised by the same backers who had supported Zed's refinancing four months earlier, despite the possibility of a 65p all-share bid from its Chinese peer Linktone. Higginson denied smaller shareholders were being railroaded toward the delisting of the company and encouraged any sellers to negotiate a price with Zed's representatives directly rather than using the open market.
More trouble was to come in July with when MonsterMob began a legal dispute with Philippines company Dragon Impact Assets over its £20 million acquisition of UpperMobile and its unit Information Gateway Inc agreed in 2005. Monstermob staff were locked out of their Phillipines offices.
Higginson, Chairman and CEO of Netplay TV plc, a company specialising in interactive TV gaming, is considered one of the North West's leading entrepreneurs who started his first business at 19, a publishing business that he later went on to sell to IPC Magazines Limited. Since then he has started numerous businesses including Megafone, a business (whose operation include some much-criticsed scratch cards linked to premuim numbers) which he sold to Scottish Power: Monstermob and Cityblock plc, a company providing student accommodation. He is also Chairman of local company First Base Homes Limited, a building company that provides affordable, high quality, homes and apartments for the first time buyer. He was voted North West Entrepreneur of the Year 2002.
Higginson spent a fortune on Monstermob's offices in 76 Church Street when he bought the building from the local Conservative Party. The building was in a poor state of repair in some places and all the renovations had to be made in keeping with the historic nature of the building in which Bonnie Prince Charlie once slept.

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