Previous stories: 1- 15 January 2008
Next stories: 1 - 15 February 2008

ARCTIC GALES BLAST UK
31/1/08: Severe gales are battering the UK and a man died when his lorry was blown over on the M6 near Tebay services on the M6 earlier today.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for parts of the UK.
Spokeswoman Helen Chivers said the cold weather was coming "straight from the Arctic" and everywhere across the UK would have a chance of seeing snow over the coming days.
"The air will be a lot colder, with sleet and snow showers working their way across the whole of the UK by Friday morning."
Northern areas could see snowfall between 10cm (4in) and 20cm (8in), while southern England is likely to see 2cm (1in) to 5cm (2in) of snow."
Blizzards and snow drifts, due to the high winds, were likely in northern parts, she added.
A travel warning has been issued. People are warned to stay indoors and avoid any but essential travel. Anyone planning to travel by sea or air should check with their travel operators before leaving home, as delays are inevitable.

YOUNG POLITICIANS NEEDED
31/1/08: Young people aged between 11-25 are being recruited for local youth committees which will contribute to consultations and campaign on local and national issues. Some of the members will also go on to represent this area at the United Kingdom Youth Parliament (www.ukyp.org.uk).
Youth and Community worker Jan Marshall told Virtual-Lancaster; "We are looking for enthusiastic young people to help plan change (or oppose it!) on issues such as what services should get public funding, ID cards - the young people decide their own agendas and run the meetings themselves."
The meetings take place regularly on Tuesday evenings and this Tuesday, 5 February, will be an open 'briefing' meeting to which all are invited just to find out more about what is involved. The venue is the Info-centre, 6-8 Kensington Road, Morecambe. But if you can't make that meeting, no worries, just contact the Youth Participation Team on 07919 227 447 or email: pam.pickard@ed.lancscc.gov.uk.
Young people are also asked to consider standing as member and deputy member of the UK Youth Parliament for the Lancaster District and also as local Youth Councillors. Elections take place between 11 - 14 February.

COUNCIL STAFF: PAID NOT TO USE BIKES?
31/1/08: Welcoming news of new government funding for cycling, national transport expert and local councillor John Whitelegg says there are things that could easily be done to encourage more cycling in what is already a Cycling Town – but local politicians lack the will to implement them.
The North West could soon join a national cycling revolution, after Secretary of State for Transport, Ruth Kelly, invited towns and cities across the region to bid for a record £140 million fund to help a generation rediscover their bikes.
The government hopes its ambitious new drive to boost cycling over the next three years as part of the Government's forthcoming Obesity Strategy will create more opportunities for exercise as well as helping to tackle road congestion and improve air quality.
“This is good news," said Cllr Whitelegg, “but government at all levels still does not get the main point about cycling. If we really want to encourage cycling in Lancaster, there are several things we could do but the highway authority, Lancashire County Council, will not do them.”
His suggestions include a blanket 20mph speed limit on every residential road - already agreed but not fully implemented councy council policy - and make sure the police enforce it.
Locally, “you could also make make Common Garden Street a contra flow cycle path so cyclists can get through town and on to the Middle Street/ Fenton route to the railway station and Marsh area," Cllr Whitelegg proposes. “The one-way system is an enormous turn-off for cycling.
“People should also stop parking on cycle lanes. The cycle lane on King Street is occupied by parked vehicles at many times in the day.”
He also suggests the County Council should build safe and segregated cycle routes to all our secondary schools (nationally, the government’s new funding will help build another 250 Safe Links to Schools, connecting around 500 more schools to the National Cycle Network).
National government should make it possible to take bikes on buses and trains.
And, most contentious of all; “We should also stop the ridiculous system of giving city council staff and councillors a free gift of about £500 per annum (parking permit allowance) if they use a car but nothing at all if they cycle,” he argues. “This is a job for the City Council.”
The new money will create up to a further 10 Cycling Demonstration Towns in England, as well as the first large Demonstration City. In just one year the six current Cycling Demonstration Towns, including Lancaster and Morecambe, achieved an average 20 per cent increase in cycle trips.
This new programme of funding has been influenced by the very good value for money which the current Cycling Town projects exhibit, according to economic research by Cycling England (www.cyclingengland.co.uk).

RECYCLING FIRM WITH PLENTY OF BOTTLE
30/1/08: Lancaster's pubs and restaurants generate tons of glass waste every week - and until last month it was all going to landfill, as the council business glass collection isn't recycled.
However that is all changing now, thanks to locally-based recycling company ENVIROfirst, a company dedicated to diverting commercial waste material from landfill and facilitate its reuse in various commercial processes. In addition to recycling building waste ENVIROfirst is the company that takes on all our recycled plastic bottles from the council collection.
In December ENVIROfirst launched a service called ENVIRObin. This is a glass recycling scheme for licensed retail establishments (LRE's) in the Lancaster area.
Patrick Matheson, Commercial Recycling Manager for ENVIROfirst told us:
"We provide pubs, clubs and restaurants with 240L wheelie bins marked "glass only" and collect their mixed glass waste weekly.
"We offer a month's free trial of the service to gain a better idea of how much glass a particular venue generates and after the trial we ask for £2 a collection. I am pleased to say that after our first trial period 95% of participants have continued the service.
"We also offer a "Free Tip" service for Lancaster businesses where by they can drop off their recyclable material such as cardboard, cans and paper at our plant at Lune Industrial Estate.
"I feel our customers are using our service because of a concern for environmental issues."
And one satisfied customer, Manager Carol of Squires Snooker Club told us:
"I recycle at home and it's a good thing for the environment. We get through a lot of glass here and we believe it's right to recycle."
Other establishments that have had the bottle to take up the glass recycling challenge to date include:
The Three Mariners; John O Gaunt; Royal Oak(Skerton); Skerton Hotel; The Queens; The Royal Station (Carnforth); The Shovel Inn; The Eagles Head Hotel; George & Dragon; Horse & Farrier; Black Bull Hotel (Bentham); Punch Bowl; Black Bull Inn (BrookHouse); Lansil Sports & Social Club; The Lord Ashton; Bowerham Hotel; Fox & Goose; New Inn; Dalton Arms; Mood; Collegian W M C; The Gregson Centre ; Britannia 101; Moorlands Hotel; The Pub; Robert Gillow; Reform Club; Pizza Margherita; Quite Simply French; The Park; Bamboo Garden; Bistro 26; Whitewalls; Game Cock Inn (Austwick); Dalton Arms; Victoria Inn (Glasson); Fortune Star; Marco's; Wagon & Horses; Moor Hospital Social Club.
You can find ENVIROfirst at The Old Power Station, Lune Business Park, Lancaster LA1 5QP or tel: 01524 844334.
Mob:07806 761117.

LANCASTER CARNIVAL OF CULTURE

Spring 2008 – Be part of it!
24/1/08: The Carnival of Culture is intended as a celebration of all that's good and distinctive about Lancaster and a protest against the corporate takeover of Lancaster by Centros Miller and other developers, against the wishes of the community.
The Carnival organising team tell us: "From Centros Miller, the Northern Link road and out-of-town supermarket plans, Lancaster is subject to a barrage of proposed developments designed to benefit large companies, yet threaten the fabric and liveliness of our communities.
"We are tired of the lack of any say for the residents of the city as to the direction that the planners are taking us. The Carnival is about giving Centros, the Council and any other developers a taste of the strength of our communities and of our opposition. It's also about making links and creating lots of exciting and fun events!
"What's the Carnival of Culture doing? We want to inspire everyone who is against the Centros proposals and similar corporate driven development to join together in a colourful and loud Day of Carnival on Saturday 1 March. There will be a colourful procession around the city centre, street performances, a buskers’ congregation, gigs and a party in the evening.
" All will be fun, safe, and inclusive. The date was chosen as it is shortly before a new planning application from Centros Miller is expected.
"So far there are around 40 people involved in organising and preparing for the Carnival. They range from local musicians and artists, concerned residents, students, office workers and local shop owners. We are not associated with any political party. We have close links with It’s Our City, who have been spearheading the campaign against the Centros Miller plans for the past two years.
Several events will take place in the run-up to the 1 March, also under the Carnival of Culture banner: a photo competition, a street performance and benefit gigs. And, they tell us, more events and ideas are welcome.
"We hope that the Carnival will create an ongoing platform that brings people together who share the love of our city, our communities and cultural life and who also oppose developments such as Centros Miller’s that threaten to destroy just these things."
So if you have ideas for future events get in touch.
What you can do:
• Write it in your diary: 1 March Carnival of Culture!
• Subscribe to the carnival email list for updates and news: carnivalofculture@googlemail.com
• Tell everyone about the Carnival. Leaflets and posters are available.
• Help with leaflets/posters and press work.
• Pledge your support by sending an email to carnivalofculture@googlemail.com
• Help make the Carnival colourful and exciting: make banners and placards, costumes, props, masks, colourful things to bring.
• Get involved in street theatre and performance.
• Come along to the next meetings and bring your ideas -
Wed 6 Feb, Wed 20 Feb, 7.30pm Meetings Room, Gregson, Moor Lane.
• Workshops: help with workshops for adults and kids in the run-up: mask making, singing, costume making, dance etc.
• Put on a fundraising event
• Write poems, stories, straplines for posters and leaflets.
• Be part of it!
So, if you are concerned about what’s happening in Lancaster and want to get involved – the Carnival team want to hear from you. They say: "There is something to do for everyone! Remember, the Carnival is not just a one day event, but an ongoing project to see our city developed in the way the community wants."
Email: carnivalofculture@googlemail.com
Phone: 01524 383012
Website: www.carnivalofculture.org.uk
All are invited to come along to the next meetings and to bring your ideas.
Wed 6 Feb, Wed 20 Feb, 7.30pm Meetings Room, Gregson, Moor Lane.

COUNCIL PROSECUTES BALFOUR BEATTY
24/1/08: Big business is not immune from local planning enforcement. Lancaster City Council has successfully prosecuted one of the country’s largest companies for failing to comply with a planning enforcement notice during work in Halton.
On Thursday 17 January, representatives from Balfour Beatty Utilities Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching an enforecement notice when they appeared at Lancaster Magistrates Court.
The court heard that the company had used land near the village of Halton as a construction compound without the necessary planning permission.
Acting on complaints, the council investigated the case and served an enforcement notice on the company.
Although the company eventually complied with the notice, the council still decided to take action as the notice had not been complied with by the specified date.
The council also felt that a strong message needed to be sent out to the community that it is not just small builders and private individuals who will be challenged for falling foul of planning laws.
Following the guilty plea, magistrates fined the company £10,000 and ordered payment of the council’s court costs.
“The community often gets frustrated because planning enforcement action is discretionary - many offences are minor and can be resolved by negotiation," said Coun Eileen Blamire, chairman of the city council’s planning committee. “This sometimes gives the impression that the city council is reluctant to take on difficult cases.
"This prosecution should demonstrate to the public and large development companies that we will only be tolerant to a point. When significant harm occurs, and our requests to resolve the problem are ignored, we will have no hesitation in enforcing the law.“

LOCAL POST OFFICES CLOSURE PLAN ANNOUNCED
24/1/08: Many local Post Offices may face closure in the latest round of cuts announced today by the so-called "People's Post Office".
Lancaster and Morecambe has already suffered massive cuts to its sub post office network in recent years, but complaints were met with a "use it or lose it" response from then sitting MP Hilton Dawson.
The six-week public consultation period for this Plan begins on 22 January, 2008, and all representations should be received by 3 March, 2008.
To express their views, people should write to Richard Lynds, Network Development Manager, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM, email: consultation@postoffice.co.uk or call the Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44.
Locally, one more post office - Bargain Booze on Greaves - is additional to the post offices outined in a leaked list of post office closures published by various local newspapers earlier this month.
Local councillors have already responded angrily to the proposals. Commenting on the proposed closure of the Ridge post office Councillor John Whitelegg described the plans as a kick in the teeth for Ridge residents.
"Local post offices are an essential part of the community and do much more than sell stamps," he says. " The closure of Ridge Square post office will seriously hurt elderly people, those without a car and all those who need to use local services. This closure is a despicable attack on vulnerable people and local green party councillors will do all in their power to fight it.
“I have contacted the chief executive of the Post Office and invited him to join me with two small children and pushchairs to walk from Ridge Square Post Office to the nearest alternative Post Office (Ullswater Road) This is the only way to appreciate how ridiculous it is to close a valuable local facility.”
Local Offices under threat:
Lancaster
Higher Greaves, Bargain Booze, 2 - 4 Greaves Drive, Lancaster, LA1 4UD
The Ridge, 14 Ridge Square, Lancaster, LA1 3HR
Morecambe
Middleton, 5 Carr Lane, Middleton, Morecambe, LA3 3JQ
Carnforth Area
Kellet Road, 114 Kellet Road, Carnforth, LA5 9LS
Nether Kellet, Halton Road, Nether Kellet, Carnforth, LA6 1ES
Yealand, Village Hall, Footeran Lane, Yealand Redmayne, Carnforth, LA5 9SU
The following local Post Office branches are proposed for replacement by an outreach solution:
Glasson Dock, 14-16 Tithbarn Hill, Glasson Dock, Lancaster, LA2 0BY
Quernmore, Temperance Hotel, Quernmore, Lancaster, LA2 9EH
Meanwhile the Rev Mike Peatman, Senior Chaplain for the University of Cumbria tells us “I have started a facebook group to try and get some support for the Greaves Post Office. Any registered facebook user can join and add their voice. Group contains info on how to write. See www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2304254709.

CLIMATE PROJECT TO COMPILE LOCAL FOOD GUIDE
24/1/08: Lancaster-based Climate Change project LESS is seeking food producers and businesses in North Lancashire and South Cumbria to appear in a new free guide to local food.
The guide will be the first of its kind to help North Lancashire shoppers reduce their carbon footprint and support local food businesses by buying local food.
LESS (Local & Effective Sustainable Solutions) Climate Change and Energy Advice project is a new voluntary project, set up to help people in Morecambe, Lancaster and surrounding areas live more sustainably, save energy and money, and to help reduce climate change.
LESS is compiling the directory and wants to hear from people who produce, sell, or manufacture locally grown food, as well as restaurants or pubs which source food locally for their menus.
LESS want to hear from farmers, gardeners, people producing meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, honey, preserves, locally brewed beer, as well restaurants serving this kind of food.
The guide will take in food produced within a 30-mile radius from the Lancaster district, which extends to Penrith, Skipton, Clitheroe, and includes Chorley, Burnley, Southport, Nelson and the Fylde area.
Jennifer Lauruol of LESS, said: “LESS is a climate change project, and one way we can reduce our carbon footprint and impact on climate change is to buy and eat food produced locally instead of food that’s been shipped large distances.
“It’s not always easy to find locally produced food. This guide should make it easier and enable people to reduce their carbon impact by supporting local rural business and to enjoy some great food.”
Entries in the directory are free, and to appear in it food producers should get in touch with LESS now on 0845 478 6368 or fooddirectory@lessuk.org. Or see the website www.lessuk.org. LESS will be sending out questionnaires at the beginning of February.
LESS is also organising a festival to celebrate local food, the Local FOOD ‘FEASTival’ will be at the Platform, Morecambe, on bank holiday Monday, 26 May 2008. Contact Simon on 01524 888641 or email events@eatlocal.org.uk if you are a local food producer or outlet interested in attending.
LESS a voluntary organisation and entirely grant funded by the Lancaster Local Strategic Partnership, the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Forest of Bowland AONB.

CANAL CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
24/1/08: Update: Miller Developments have sold their share in Centros Miller to Delancey, who has now become the sole shareholder in Centros Miller after buying Miller Development's 50% stake in the firm.
Centros Miller now becomes just Centros - Delancey taking over a development programme worth more than £900 million. Delancey and Miller have been joint shareholders in the development firm since 1999.
The transaction comes just a week after The Miller Group announced that its full year profits, which are to be announced in March, are expected to be slightly down on last year.
23/1/08: Earlier this week Bulk Ward councillors met with planning officer Andrew Dobson for an update on Centros Miller’s plans. This was an informal meeting, going over current thinking, and the updates below are all open to alteration.
• There are significant problems with the original traffic assessment carried out by Centros and the Council have asked other traffic consultants to review any new traffic work by Centros.
• Retail consultants White Young Green are not happy with Centros’ retail study and the planning office does not think that it demonstrates the need for so much extra retail.
• Centros appears to have floated the possibility of removing the bridge linking with St. Nicholas Arcade in response to concerns from English Heritage and others. The planning office is concerned that without the bridge very few people will cross from the canal corridor development to the existing city centre.
In light of these problems and current economic circumstances, with all sides forecasting a recession and drop in retail demand, Centros Miller are rethinking the whole design concept and details of their plans. This will result in a substantially revised application in May 2008 followed by a further period of consultation.
On current thinking the new plan would include:
• A 40,000 sq feet new food store occupied by Booths which will be on the lower car park with a frontage on St Leonardsgate and going up to the Grand.
• Debenhams would move to the opposite end of the site almost fronting on Moor Lane.
• The road layout and layout of the square would change.
• The streets now would become "eclectic streets" with more small shops.
• The height of the whole development would be reduced to the minimum or below the minimum in the original plans
This is only a statement of latest thinking, not a firm set of proposals.
It's worth noting, however, that without the significant work and scrutiny put in by local campaign groups such as It's Our City, Lancaster could well have been saddled with an inappropriate and environmentally costly development creating traffic chaos, destroying local business and failing to deliver any economic advantages to the area.
This wouldn't have been a problem for Centros Miller though - their secret development agreements with local councils generally ensure that it is the council, not Centros, that takes the financial strain when problems arise.
And with Tim Bowdler, Chief Executive of Johnstone Press which owns the Lancaster Guardian, also sitting on the board of Centros Miller, they must have been fairly confident that no-one would even get to hear the full story.

COUNTY: NO ACTION ON SPEED LIMITS - ONE YEAR ON
23/1/08: Despite supporting the introduction of a district-wide 20mph speed limit on residential roads early last year, little seems to have been done to implement it by local politicians.
Last January, a joint committee of County and City councillors (Lancashire Locals - Lancaster) debated a proposal from Green councillors to adopt a 20mph speed limit on every residential road in Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham. The proposal was amended by Labour councillors and passed unanimously - and all councillors from all political parties agreed to the 20mph limit.
It is now one year since that decision was taken and Lancashire County Council has done nothing to put it into practice and nothing to put it out to public consultation.
“The County Council has shown that it cares nothing for local democracy and even less for the safety and welfare of thousands of children and elderly people who are exposed to traffic danger on a daily basis in this district," stated City councillor John Whitelegg, also an internationally-regarded expert in transport matters. "So today I've sent a birthday card to County Councillor Hazel Harding (leader of the County Council) reminding her that this decision is one year old and that we are still waiting for action”.
There are currently around 3,200 road deaths annually in the UK, compared with more than 7,000 a year in the 1960s.
Last November, the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (Pacts) issued a report arguing that reducing speed limits in towns would help save lives. A survey by the Transport Research Laboratory of 20mph zones across the UK and in other European countries found child road accidents fell by 67%, cyclist accidents by 29% and traffic flow by 27%. The report claimed a default speed of 20mph in built-up areas would help halve the number of deaths on Britain's roads within the next few years.
The "Beyond 2010" report also called for greater enforcement of 20mph zones through a new generation of speed cameras.
Response to the report was mixed with some arguing better road design and less regulation but better driver education would have better results than imposing more speed regulation.

WANTED:
PARTICIPANTS IN A STRANGE CITY-CENTRE SPECTACLE
22/1/08: A group of Lancastrians are preparing to stage a large-scale spectacle in the city centre this month involving a huge maggot, plus a legion of extras, and they are inviting you to come and take part in the show!
The performance will take place around lunch-time on Saturday 16 February (and/or possibly the 1st March as part of the Carnival of Culture parade). It is intended to be a celebration of the fun and creativity of the people of Lancaster and a protest against bland corporate-controlled 'culture'.
One of the street-happening team, Su Garner, told Virtual-Lancaster: "We need about 50 people (we have about half this number so far) of all shapes, sizes, ages and persuasions to play themselves ‘being lured’. It is a very simple part(!), requires no acting and will take about an hour. You will wear a mask which you could make yourself if you wish (see below for Mask-Making sessions). We also require more people who would like to do a little simple acting."
As part of the carnival preparations there will be a Mask-making and General Carnival Creativity Session on Saturday 2 February, 11 am to 5pm at the Gregson - upstairs. This will be a fun day for all the family! So come and make masks or help create the maggot for the city-centre spectacle. Or make something for the parade in March.
The session is free but any donations would be greatly appreciated to cover materials and room hire.
Contact su_garner[AT]yahoo.com for details.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!
17/1/08: Happy New Year - Chinese New Year that is!  The Chinese New Year celebrations for 2008 will be taking place next Saturday 27 January from 11am to 4.30pm at Lancaster & Morecambe College. Come join our local Chinese community in celebrating  the Year of the Rat with Martial Arts performances, Music, Dance, Arts activities and food from around the world and visit the Chinese Festival Market as well. Organised by the Hua Xian Chinese Society there’s an extensive and varied events programme which you can check out at - www.lancasterchinesenewyear.co.nr.

LIBRARY GETS LOTTERY WINDFALL
17/1/08: As part of its desire to develop libraries as modern cultural hubs, Lancashire County Libraries has been granted its Big Lottery bid of £1.43 million. £640,000 of this will be spent on Lancaster Library. So an upgrade is on the way! Plans for your new look library will be on show in Lancaster Library throughout the week of January 28th along with the new promotional film.
Two forums will take place on Wednesday 30th January at 5.15 and 7.15 pm.
It's an opportunity for you to have your say, discuss views, and look forward to the proposed changes.

LUNE FICTION: CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
17/1/08: Calling all Cool Cats and Hip Kitties: Lune Fiction, Lancaster’s literary magazine (and Britain’s finest flash fiction journal), needs volunteers to keep it going.
Lune Fiction’s sphere of interest is flash fiction, the zeta-like fusion energy of 21st Century literature, and it is published on-line several times a year. And not only does it promote flash fiction, it also promotes local writers, quirkiness and free & critical thinking.
Lune Fiction –or LF as they call it in the biz – currently needs:
Editorial people; Proofreaders; Website maintainers and People who like to socialise on-line.
Interested? Then please contact them via the website or send an e-mail to Humble Sam, the executive editor. His address is humblesam@lunefiction.com.
Sam says: "Please do join us happy few, us band of brothers & sisters, on this journey towards literary perfection through minimalist effort and maximum expression.
PS. Funding through donations and literary and artistic contributions are, of course, always welcome."

BRITISH ENERGY LOBBIES FOR NEW HEYSHAM REACTOR
17/1/08: The Government has backed plans to build a new round of nuclear power stations and British Energy, which owns and runs 6 reactors in the UK, including the two (pictured) at Heysham, is lobbying for a slice of the action, proposing the Heysham site as a contender. Issues that they will have to deal with are the poor performance of their two current reactors. Heysham 1 is due for closure within the next 10 years and, going off the nuclear track record it is likely to be out of commission for a significant proportion of that time. (Currently they have both been out of service since October 2007).
Another issue is plans for regenerating Morecambe - the town's presentation as a regional leisure resource has improved as the power stations have run down. A new round of nuclear building would bring a temporary influx of construction workers, but would put an end to any hopes the town might have of attracting visitors or the aspirational young families regeneration planners were hoping to attract to the area.
This would leave the town back in the same doldrums it experienced throughout the 70s and 80s when construction of the two current reactors ended. For very obvious reasons, the British middle classes prefer, as a rule, to raise and entertain their families elsewhere than in the shadow of nuclear reactors.
Green groups are angry that the government has caved in to lobbying by the nuclear industry rather than placing more resources into developing renewable energy sources, which present less of a risk than nuclear energy both in terms of accidental meltdown, long-term environmental damage and from terrorism. At present the UK is at the bottom of the league of developed countries for its use of renewable energy.
Environmentalists are calling for regulation of feed-in tariffs for energy microgenerators such as those in Germany which have led to significantly increased uptake of domestic solar and wind energy.
The idea is that if you install a solar cell (or ten) any surplus electricity that you produce can be sold to the electricity utility at a fixed rate (this is called the feed-in tariff) - and they must connect it to the grid and buy it. The goverment fixes the rate to make it economically viable for individuals and small companies to install solar, wind or water energy generation systems and it would become economical for the utilities to install and run these systems for us.

IT'S A TREE HUGGER'S FANTASY COME TRUE
16/1/08: Yes, now you can sponsor your very own tree in Fairfield Green. About 15 are to be planted, and will be a great natural asset to the local community in enhancing the area. For £30, you can choose between a fast-growing but
shorter lived species like Silver Birch, or a slow-growing species like Oak. Fairfield Green is maintained by the Fairfield Association, (registered charity 1058030).
You will be sponsoring a specific tree and can help planting it (if you want), you can visit it anytime and will get a certificate - which you can treasure, or give to someone who you think would like it. It's a thoughtful way to commemorate a person or animal you loved. Just call Simon Gershon on 01524 542742.

FIELD OF DREAMS?

Update: 17/1/08: The Tender Brief for the sale of the land at Lawson's Bridge in Scotforth was considered by the Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 17 January.  The meeting recommended that the land be put out for tender but that the woodland conservation area at the north of the land be retained and protected – despite assertions from Scotforth West Labour councillor Sheila Denwood that it was nothing more than a rubbish tip where dog walkers left poo! Scotforth residents familiar with the area found her comments inexplicable.
Cllr Susan Bray (Conservative) implied that the local community would be welcome to put in a bid to buy the land for public open space (about £4 million), presumably forgetting that it already belongs to them.
She also seemed a bit confused about rural issues, claiming that land can either be used for grazing or for public access – not both. Her Conservative colleague Cllr Ken Brown seems similarly remote from the soil - stating that the land is ‘white land’, not a ‘green field’ … (possibly meaning that it's not protected as green BELT).
So that was the team of experts fielded by the Lab-Cons.
Several members of the public spoke about what the fields mean to them, about the lack of public consultation and joined-up thinking about the needs of the community, and about the Council being custodian of assets on behalf of the community (including for future generations), so it shouldn’t automatically sell off any assets that are not essential to the Council’s current operational requirements.
Tim Hamilton-Cox raised issues about alternative ways of funding the capital programme, the covenant on the neighbouring land (which may still allow the Council to control the type of development and claim a 40% clawback of any increase in value since the Council sold it) and the legality of the Council not choosing the highest bidder if there is a gap of more than 2 million between that and the winning bid.
The sale was opposed by Scotforth West Green Councillors Jane Fletcher and Emily Heath.
The Green members of the committee proposed that the cabinet should not approve the tender documents and not sell the land. This was defeated 6-3, although Lib Dem Councillor and O&S Committee chair Stuart Langhorn joined them in opposing the sale. Cllr Janie Kirkman (Lib Dem, Scotforth East) also had a statement read out in her absence saying that the traffic impacts of a supermarket would be bad, and she supported looking into designating the land for a town green.
The item will  go to the City Council Cabinet for a decision on 22 January (10am, Morecambe Town Hall). The agenda and reports for the Cabinet meeting can be viewed here.
The land is likely to be advertised in the general property press and local press – not targeted at a specific sector. However, the cabinet will inevitably be influenced by which bids have the most chance of getting planning permission (even though they’re not explicitly taking planning considerations into account) because the Council only gets the full capital receipt upon completion of the development, and has budgeted for this to happen by 2011. (A housing development would be highly unlikely to get planning permission in the foreseeable future because there are strong policies against the release of greenfield sites for housing in this part of the country.)
16/1/08: The Tender Brief for the sale of the land at Lawson's Field in Scotforth will be considered by the Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 17 January at 6pm at Lancaster Town Hall before potentially going on to the City Council Cabinet for a decision on 22 January (10am, Morecambe Town Hall). The agenda and reports (including the draft brief) for the O&S Committee can be viewed here.
The original proposal to put this land out to tender as a potential site for a supermarket was originally kept secret until news was leaked by Scotforth's Green councillors. Local residents objected over the secrecy and lack of consultation regarding such a major development. Speculation that Tescos might be involved behind the scenes was started by a reference in a Council document, although given the Highways Authority recent stipulations that traffic on the A6 at Scotforth cannot sustain any increase, it would appear that the contender with the fewest obstacles to planning permission would be Booths.
It's Our City is backing a vigorous local campaign opposing development on what is currently a very pleasant and vibrant green area serving a wide city suburb. They seek your support and advise residents to come to the meetings, if only just to see how councillors actually make these decisions (it's an eye-opener!). S

CITY OF GOOD CARNIVAL OF CULTURE
(THE FIRST LANCASTER BIG ARTY-PARTY!)
16/1/08: If it wasn't for the constant care and dedication the English feel about the countryside, the whole place would have been paved over by now. As it is, a pitched battle seems to be taking place over every sqare inch of green space around us. Centros Miller, Lawson's Field, Lawson's Quay, Kingsway (aargh!), the bypass, Glasson Dock marina.. it goes on to the point that one begins to wonder if the world has gone mad. But then if you go to Preston, or Rochdale or practically any other town in Lancashire, and see what a miserable, characterless, almost Stalinist feel comes from these soulless commercial development deals, then it is clear that Lancaster has a uniquely human environment, that is absolutely worth keeping.
Centros Miller thinks that a 'Cultural Quarter' means wine bars and a department store. City of Good is all about appreciating our rich resource in human culture and 'designing in' the natural spaces and resources that all living creatures depend on for healthy survival and inspiration.
Lancaster's 'character' has given rise to a uniquely vibrant arts scene - literally hundreds of musicians and vocalists regularly perform professionally and for free locally. There are at least a dozen outstanding local theatre companies, both professional and amateur. We have some of the world's greatest artists and writers resident here. And you only have to look on any dance floor - or head off to Ludus or SacredSalsa to see that we have some great moves.
So on Saturday 1 March 2008 Lancaster will be celebrating its abundance of cultural currency with a huge party!!! It's going to be all over town, all day, and everybody is invited to strut their stuff - or get your modest mate to do that thing they're really brilliant at (perhaps it's just a great hair-style - bring it on!).
Different venues will be picking their themes and getting their arty-party programs together from now til then and there's a planning meeting this coming Wednesday 23 January, 7.30pm upstairs at the Gregson Centre and all are welcome to come along and pitch in.
And this Friday 18 January there's a City of Good Cultural Carnival Fundraising Dance Night at the Gregson - Dance Around the World in 246 Minutes! It's from 8pm - midnight for an insignificant £3. So time to shake that slick little bootie!
Ooooh! What am I going to wear!!!!!!
Click here for the Carnival of Culture website or email: carnivalofculture@googlemail.com or tel: 01524 3838012.

JOHN O'GAUNT TO REOPEN THIS FRIDAY
16/1/08: The John O' Gaunt is to reopen this Friday under the same management, the problems 
with the tenancy agreement with Punch Taverns apparently resolved and  landlord Robin Edmundson recovered from an illness that laid him low for days earlier this month.
Now back in action - but still a little under the weather - Robin has  told regulars he is acutely aware he has a lot of bridge building to  do with both his customers and the music community, with many bands 
transferring events to the new Robert Gillow public house on Upper  Market Street, opposite the King's Arms Hotel. However, he says he is  very keen to get the live music rolling again, despite the loss of  some of the best loved residencies.
The live music relaunch will begin this Sunday evening with The Swamp Dogs - the band that actually started the Sunday sessions, when they began as Max's Blues Club almost 20 years ago.

THE 20th EASTER MARITIME FESTIVAL - IT'S ON!

16/1/08: Lancaster City Council is delighted to announce that the District’s 20th Annual Maritime Festival will be staged again, at Easter 2008, thanks to the significant sponsorship of Irish Sea ferry company Seatruck Ferries which are part of the Bahamas-based Clipper Group Ltd, with a base in Heysham.
The award-winning festival is internationally renowned as the world’s biggest gathering of sea song and shanty performers. The 2008 Maritime Festival will again be focussed on the small, historic port of Glasson Dock.
Glasson is situated 4½ miles downstream of Lancaster, on the River Lune estuary, where the Lancaster Canal also joins the sea. The Glasson Maritime Weekend will, additionally, feature a vast array of strongly maritime-themed entertainments and activities, including: ships-in-bottles and knot-tying and ropework demonstrations; coracle making and kipper smoking displays; Punch and Judy; nautical dramas and lots more. As usual, visitors will also be warned to ‘Beware the Press Gang’, as an authentic press gang, from the time of Nelson’s Navy, scours the old port, in search of recruits.
In confirming the sponsorship, Andy Askham, Seatruck Ferries Technical Director, commented: “Seatruck Ferries has become well-established in the local community over the past decade. We are now embarking on an exciting phase of growth and we are pleased to be able to support Lancaster District’s 20th Annual Maritime Festival”.
Coun Maia Whitelegg, Cabinet Member for Culture, added: “I am delighted and grateful to Seatruck Ferries for their generous support in respect of the Maritime Festival. It is always a great event for all the family and draws in visitors from around the country and I’m sure this year will be just as successful. I am particularly pleased that the festival is attracting funding from the private sector. This is an excellent opportunity for business to engage with communities, in a creative and positive way.”
The 2008 Glasson Maritime Weekend, most of which is free of charge, takes place over the period Good Friday evening to Bank Holiday Monday, 21st to 24th March, inclusive. Glasson is still a working port and once had a thriving shipbuilding trade. It was here that the tall ship "Ryelands" was built, in 1887, for the china clay trade. Towards the end of her days, she became a film star, appearing in Moby Dick, Treasure Island and The Buccaneers.
A variety of venues and spaces in the old port will be incorporated into the salty celebration, ranging from the Village Hall, through dockside and canalside green areas, to atmospheric traditional pubs and even the village church. Explorations of Glasson, past and present, will be available, through a series of guided walks and tours.
Full information will be available in the free festival programme, available in March from Lancaster and Morecambe Tourist Information Centres ( 01524 32878/582808).

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