24th December 2008 YOBS GET SCHOOL BUS AXED Source: Liverpool Echo
The 909 bus service from Tarleton to Ormskirk has been axed due to the persistent unruly behaviour of its young passengers.
Pupils from St Bede’s Catholic high, in Ormskirk, were accused of throwing paint out of windows at passing cars, running around and opening the emergency door of the bus.
The route, run by Southport-based Cumfy Bus Ltd, goes between Tarleton and the school, described by managing director Marshall Vickers as “the worst we have ever had to deal with”. He said he was left with no option other than to terminate the contract with Lancashire county council after fears about safety.
Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards service is warning householders about leaflets recently pushed through letterboxes in the Ormskirk area, which claim to be collecting clothing and bedding on behalf of The Children's Welfare Foundation. This is no longer a registered charity (it was removed from the Charities Commission register on 24 October 2008), and the collection company named on the leaflet has confirmed it is no longer involved with the enterprise. It is therefore believed that the leaflet distributors and bag collectors are likely to be paid employees working for one or more private companies.
The leaflet asks for help and support for terminally ill babies and their families and claims to be a registered charity. It also features a photo of a tiny hand in an adult one and discusses poorly babies.
This is only one of several such collections this year, although it is the most emotive one. Other leaflets we have found in Lancashire typically ask for donations of clothing, shoes and household items claiming that they will be sent to third world countries to help the poor.
Many of these collections are not being made by charities, but by commercial operators, who may only make a small (if any) donation to charitable causes. It is very difficult to confirm where the items are likely to end up and that any charitable causes will actually benefit. Similar 'charitable' doorstep collections in the past have been linked to traders who have re-sold the items for profit.
Please refer any complaints or information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506.
22nd December £65,000 for HESKETH BANK Village Hall Facilities Source: Hesketh with Becconsall Parish Council
Hesketh with Becconsall Parish Council have been successful in securing “BIG Lottery” funding of £58,000 for the provision of a Multi-Use Sports Facility in Hesketh Bank; the Parish Council fought off the other twenty Parish Councils in West Lancashire to win this significant grant for the benefit of the Village.
Parish Clerk, Ian Cropper commented “We are extremely grateful to West Lancashire District Council for giving us the opportunity to be partners in their Play Lottery project portfolio.”
“It has been part of the Village Hall Committee’s long term plan to provide such a facility on the land between the Front Hall and the Band Room on Station Road and it is hoped that through the partnership of West Lancashire District Council, Hesketh with Becconsall Parish Council and the Village Hall Committee, this can now be realised.”
As well as informal sessions, Play Workers from the West Lancashire Sports Development Team will visit on a regular basis to assist in managed sessions and also train local volunteers to continue the work. The Parish Council believe that this is a unique opportunity to provide facilities for all ages which at present the Village does not have.
Following the success at the Shore Road Park and Station Road Play Area, the Council would also provide £7,000 of CCTV equipment to monitor the site.
A Consultation process with local residents is being carried out before any work proceeds.
18th December DIANNE SLATER ELECTED Source: Dave Rydings
An election for a Parish Councillor took place in the Central Ward of Tarleton today following the resignation of Nadine Ashcroft.
The results of this election were Dianne Slater 364 votes; Gavin Simpson 137 votes. Dianne Slater was therefore duly elected to serve on the Parish Council until 2011.
17th December LIFE SENTENCE FOR TARLETON MAN Source: Southport Visiter
A TARLETON man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the murder of his wife at Preston Crown Court.
David Mulholland, 58, of Heritage Way, Tarleton, admitted the charge at a hearing on Monday, December 8. The judge at Preston Crown Court told him he must serve a minimum of 11 years and 300 days before he is eligible to apply for parole.
11th December TEA TOWEL TRADERS WARNING Source: Lancashire Trading Standards
Residents are advised that canvassers were in the Penwortham area on 9 December selling tea towels and other items door to door, the group consists of several staff being driven around in a White Transit van. They are all believed to be from Mansfield, currently staying in the Blackpool area, and may be in Lancashire for some time.
Please be warned that these people are believed to be targeting the elderly and that they should not be allowed into houses on any pretext.
We strongly advise consumers never to deal with cold callers. However, consumers who do should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period for any purchases made at the door costing over £35. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing. Please refer any complaints or information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any loss of money the matter should also be referred to the police.
8th December Farmers' Market FINE THREAT Source: Hubmaker Media
Plans for any future Farmers' Markets in Mark Square, Tarleton, are under review after it was discovered that the necessary permissions to hold the markets have not been put in place.
The introduction of Tarleton Farmers' Market was facilitated by Tarleton Parish Council earlier this year but, without proper authorisation for a Farmers' Market, WLDC have pointed out that stall holders could be treated as Street Traders and liable to fines of up to £1000 each.
With the market presently being located in the centre of Mark Square, it is unllikey that WLDC would grant individual street traders licences to stall holders as it is a condition of the licence not to trade within 50 metres of shops selling similar goods. Local shops have already complained to the Parish Council about the adverse impact the Markets have had on their trade.
The market organisers have been advised to cancel any planned future markets until such time as approval is applied for and granted.
6th December WLDC try to ban Motorbikes on Leisure Lakes Source: Southport Visiter
MOTORCYCLISTS are being banned from using land at Leisure Lakes by WLDC council officials after the planning department issued an enforcement notice stopping them from using the area.
The notice alleges a breach of planning control where the land has been used for ‘recreational motor activities, including bikes and cycles, and for motor vehicle racing activities, including bikes and cycles’.
Officers claim having motorbikes using the land for this purpose is inappropriate and that there is ‘the potential for noise generation adversely affecting the amenity of local residents’.
Tarleton Parish Councillor Dave Rydings said: “The parish council has raised an objection to the use of this land as a cycle track. Residents are fed up of the noise.”
Philip Whitter, boss at Leisure Lakes, has appealed against the decision on behalf of the people who organise the activities.
17th November IMPORTANCE OF RIBBLE ESTUARY Source: BBC
The Ribble Estuary has been named as a site of international importance for water birds in winter in a new report.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) report said the Lancashire estuary is a crucial home for 14 species of birds.
It is named as the most important site in the UK for the wigeon, a duck whose population has fallen by one-fifth nationally and an important place for wintering birds such as whooper and Bewick's swans, pink-footed geese, knots, dunlins, sanderlings, bar-tailed and black-tailed godwits.
11th November GANGMASTER LICENCE REVOKED Source: Preston Citizen
A Preston based gangmaster firm which supplied workers to Golden Acres Petfood Partners Bretherton factory has had its licence revoked after being investigated for illegal activity.
The Gangmaster Licencing Authority (GLA) stressed Golden Acres Petfood Partners has done no wrong. Paul Whitehouse, chairman of the GLA added "We are determined to catch the rogue gangmasters, this time it is not the food on your plate but the food in the bowl of your pet that has been processed by an exploited worker."
10th November SAN MARCO FIRE Source: Lancashire Evening Post
The popular San Marco Italian restaurant at Much Hoole has been left heavily smoke logged after a fire broke out in a stock room at the restaurant. A passer-by raised the alarm after spotting smoke shortly before 5.30 am this morning.
7th November FARMER FINED FOR CARAVAN FIRE Source: West Lancashire District Council
A farmer from Mere Brow has been hit with a massive fine for setting fire to caravans and burning dangerous waste.
Ormskirk Magistrates gave Timothy Edwards, of Banister House Farm, the maximum fine of £5,000 on 30 October after they found him guilty of allowing dark smoke to be emitted from his land.
Officers from West Lancashire District Council were called to Mr Edwards’ farm on the 16 May 2008 after a fire the previous evening. Upon their visit they found the remains of what looked like a caravan and other materials that would have given rise to dark smoke.
Dark smoke is a clear indicator that serious environmental pollution is being caused and under the Clean Air Act 1993 it is an offence to do this.
Magistrates were so incensed by his activities and the fact that he failed to turn up in court they dished out the maximum fine allowable. Together with court costs, Mr Edwards will have to pay a total of £5,225.
Cllr Geoff Hammond, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: "This is an excellent result for us and demonstrates the seriousness of the offence. The magistrates clearly recognised this, which is why they dished out the maximum fine to make an example of his irresponsible behaviour. This should act as a warning to others thinking of burning waste in this hazardous manner and of detriment to the environment. I hope this case will encourage other people to dispose of their waste properly."
Over the last couple of years, the Council has successfully prosecuted a number of people for dark smoke cases, particularly on farmland.
7th November DOORSTEP CRIME UPDATE Source: Lancashire Trading Standards Service
Residents are asked to be wary about three separate traders currently operating in the Preston, and Chorley areas at the moment.
We have reports of a tree service company cold calling and leaving leaflets in the Chorley area (6 November 2008), the trader is believed to use insufficient safety equipment and precautions, and does not give required cancellation rights. He has recently dumped grass cuttings on the consumer’s drive when payment for work was refused.
There is also a trader with an Irish accent driving a plain white 55 registered van, working in the Fulwood, Preston area (6 November 2008) approaching and cold calling consumers and using pushy selling practices to sell allegedly left-over tarmac. He gives out a Liverpool (0151) landline number.
Finally, we have a roofing contractor in a white transit van cold calling elderly residents in the Ribbleton, Preston area, handing out paperwork with a 0800 number and a mobile number, and offering to replace or install plastic guttering and fascias. Again written cancellation rights are not provided and the traders appear to be uncontactable on the numbers we have.
Residents should be aware that several roofing companies are currently using the 131 Friargate address on paperwork, this is simply an accommodation address where mail may be collected from time to time, no roofers are actually based there.
Consumers agreeing to deal with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer’s home should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing.
We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting.
Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
2nd November A Real Treat Source: Diane Earles
50 people gathered in Hesketh Bank’s village hall on Friday night for a Trick or Treat event and to find out whose picture had got into the 2009 Hesketh Bank Calendar.
Those that attended were treated to local acts in the Hesketh Bank’s Got Talent slot: Sarah - a belly dancer, Colin - who sang and told mother-in-law jokes (with her in the room!) and the Hesketh Bank Silver Band.
The Community Facilities Action Group (CFAG) who organised the event and calendar would like to thank all of the those people to took part for giving up their time for free, those that took pictures of Hesketh Bank for the calendar and in particular everyone that came to support the event.
Congratulations to those that got their pictures in the calendar:
Mark O’Rourke
S. B. Johnson
Rosemary Rigby
Tom Pickering
Helen Barnes
Steve Kirby
Tom McKean
Chris Hesketh
Finn Allison
P. T. Watkinson
The calendars are now on sale at £3 each from Top Shop Newsagents and both Post Offices in the village. Proceeds from the calendar will go towards future community activities.
28th October BOOTHS TARGET 2010 OPENING Source: Retail Week
Booths chairman Edwin Booth has said the retailer still intends to open the Hesketh Bank store in the spring of 2010.
Locals had feared that the economic downturn may impact Booths plans for the development of the Hesketh Bank store but, although recognising that the economy was tightening, Mr Booth said "Now that the effect of the global economic slowdown is being fully realised, we are ensuring that our business is being kept in good health for what will be a testing period of trading."
He added that the construction of its Ripon and Garstang stores is under way, with openings planned for summer and early autumn 2009. The Hesketh Bank store will open in spring 2010.
28th October MORE GLORY FOR BIG PUMPKIN Source: Chester Cronicle
A Chester restaurant has commissioned some spooky artwork using one of the Mere Brow Giant Pumpkins.
Chris Baker, owner of an Italian restaurant, bought the 535lb pumpkin from Josh Whiteside, from Hesketh Bank. The mammoth pumpkin was placed outside the front of the restaurant for all to see. Chris commissioned tree surgeon and wood carver Simon O’Rouke from Wrexham to carve the monster pumpkin into a spooky face.
Chris added: “It’s fantastic - we are really pleased with the end result, it makes a great feature for the restaurant and will hopefully get people popping in to have a look.”
27th October RIVER DOUGLAS BRIDGE DESIGN ANNOUNCED Source: Lancashire Evening Post
Picked from seven shortlisted designs, the impressive bridge will span the River Douglas at the site of the old railway bridge between Hesketh Bank and Much Hoole.
The winning design, chosen out of hundreds submitted from around the world, is by London-based JDA Architects with consultants Arup.
Cezary Bednarski, RIBA architectural advisor for the competition, said the bridge combined "innovation" and "elegance" and "should become a high quality landmark."
The bridge is intended to provide a link for people wanting to travel and explore West Lancashire and South Ribble and will also be a focal point for access to the Ribble Coast and Wetlands Regional Park and the proposed River Douglas Linear Park.
27th October ACTION TO HELP LOCAL SMALL SHOPS Source: Press Release
Lorraine Fullbrook the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Tarleton, Banks, Hesketh Bank and Rufford has launched a campaign to help small shops in the villages save money by claiming Small Business Rate Relief.
Roughly half of eligible local businesses do not claim the relief, according to the Conservative Party. The reason is that many of them simply don't know it exists. Yet it could save local shops up to £1,100 per annum. So the Conservatives have created a simple online tool to help firms check their eligibility and print off the form.
If a business is eligible it can then print out a form, fill it in and send it to their local council.
Lorraine comments,
Our local shops and businesses are facing tough times but they are the life blood of our economy and our community. I want to help them and this new online tool is simple way I and the Conservative Party can help firms survive."
20th October Spade attack pensioner is jailed Source: Press Association
A 72-year-old spinster who broke a neighbour's arm with a spade in a row over a fence has been jailed for 24 weeks.
Terminally ill June Iddon was led away from the dock by two burly security guards and down to the cells still shouting "I'm innocent" as she was jailed at Preston Crown Court.
Iddon had been convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on her neighbour, Jeffrey Grundy, 62, after hitting him with a spade in November last year.
The neighbours, of Hesketh Lane, Tarleton, Lancashire, had had a long-running dispute over a strip of land separating the two properties.
Passing sentence recorder Lesley Anderson QC said: "Notwithstanding your age and physical frailty a message needs to be sent to you that your behaviour cannot be acceptable."
The judge told Iddon she had ignored a civil court ruling in favour of Mr Grundy over the boundary dispute.
Jailing Iddon for 24 weeks, half of which she will serve in jail, she added: "I make the order with significant regret, to send a woman like you to prison is a significant waste of public resources. But in my judgment you need a sustained period in which to reflect on your behaviour."
19th October MERE BROW GIANT PUMPKIN COMPETITION A whopping 717lb was enough to secure the NFU Mutual All England Shield for Clive Bevan who travelled up from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire with his pumpkin. The Mere Brow & District Shield was won by Josh Whiteside who's giant pumpkin weighed in at 535lb.
Clive Bevan
2008
Winner of the
NFU Mutual Insurance All England Shield
Josh Whiteside
2008
Winner of the
Mere Brow & District Shield
14th October 2008 STADIUM GIG FOR JAMES LUKE Submitted by Southport Football Club
Hesketh Bank guitarist and singer James Luke will be performing at The Grandstand Bar, Southport Football Club, Haig Avenue, Southport on Friday 21st November. James plays rock, pop, and RnB classics.
Southport Community Radio dj Glendrix will be playing tunes around the live music.
Doors open at 7.30pm and admission costs £3 in advance available from Southport Football Club.or £5 on the door. Further info tel 01704-544981
13th October 2008 John Sutton To FAce FEBRUARY Murder Trial Source: Lancashire Evening Post
81 year old John Sutton has had a provisonal date of February 16th 2009 set at Preston Crown Court for his trial. Mr Sutton has been charged with the murder of his 71 year old wife Anne Sutton.
10th October 2008 TRICK OR TREAT EVENING Source: CFAG Press Release
Residents of Hesketh Bank are in for a family fun time on Friday 31st October with a ‘Trick or Treat’ event at the village hall.
The evening of music, karaoke, games and competitions will also feature entertainment by local acts in a revival of the open mic session ‘Hesketh Bank’s Got Talent’ from the Easter Eggstravaganza held earlier in the year.
Organisers, Hesketh Bank Community Facilities Action Group (CFAG), promise this will be even better than the Easter event as they have so much more in store – including a fancy dress competition! Maureen Baldwin, spokesperson for the group said “We want villagers to come along, get into the community spirit and enjoy each others company on what is likely to be a cold winter evening.”
She went on to explain: “In 2007 we conducted a survey of Hesketh Bank residents for a Parish Plan. The results of which showed that a high percentage of the respondents wanted a wide variety of community facilities available to them in the village.
To date the group has compiled a list of events taking place in the village up to the end of the year and is putting together a full colour calendar for 2009, which will be unveiled at the Trick or Treat night. The calendar will feature pictures entered by villagers in a photo competition held during the summer. The Hesketh Bank ‘Trick or Treat’ takes place on Friday 31st October, the Village Hall 7-11pm, entry is £2 for adults and £1 for children and bring your own picnic!
Advertise your village events for free on the Local Events page!
2nd October 2008 MAN ARRESTED AFTER THREATS TO KILL Source: Southport Visitor
A 42-YEAR-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, threats to kill and dangerous driving after a road accident in Tarleton.
Police received a report of a man who appeared to be asleep in a Ford Fiesta on Southport New Road near Blackgate Lane.
They were called at 11.20pm Tuesday evening and found the man had injuries to his face from being involved in a traffic collision. An ambulance crew took the man to Southport Hospital with superficial injuries.
He was later released from hospital and taken into custody after being arrested for the above offences. Police investigations are on-going.
26th September 2008 SHADOW CHANCELLOR LUNCH INVITE FOR LOCAL BUSINESS Source: Press Release
Local Business in Tarleton, Banks, Rufford and Hesketh Bank will have the opportunity to join the Shadow Chancellor George Osborne MP for lunch on October 17th. Mr Osborne will be giving his thoughts on the Conservative’s plans for the economy during a speech which will be followed by questions. The lunch will take place at Shaw Hill Golf Club outside Leyland, and tickets are available to local businessmen and women for £40.
Mr Osborne’s visit is in support of the Tarleton resident and Conservative Candidate for South Ribble Mrs Lorraine Fullbrook. Commenting on Mr Osborne’s visit, Lorraine said “It is a great honour to have the Shadow Chancellor supporting me. I often hear from local business that the current Labour Chancellor never listens and doesn’t understand them. I hope that every local businessman and woman who wants to know what a Conservative Government will do for them comes along to hear first hand how my Party intends to set them free”
21st September 2008 Last few days to enter photography competition! Source: CFAG
Time is running out for residents of Hesketh Bank to enter an exciting photography competition to complete their own 2009 calendar. The calendar will be unique. Not only will it feature images of the village by the villagers it will also include events happening in Hesketh Bank throughout the year.
This is the idea of Hesketh Bank Community Facilities Action Group (CFAG), which was set up to improve facilities and bring a community spirit to the village as a result of the 2007 Parish Plan questionnaire. “We want our community to show us what their village means to them,” said Maureen Baldwin spokesperson for CFAG. She went on to explain: “For 2008 we did a basic calendar of events happening in the village as we discovered that many people did not know what was going on literally on their doorstep and so were missing out. To build on that for 2009 we came up with the photographic competition, which can get everyone involved and show off what our lovely village has to offer.”
The group has pulled together an esteemed panel of judges to cast the final vote on which pictures get into the calendar. They are Sara Cuff, freelance photographer, Tony Skinner, Editor of Lancashire Magazine, John Daly, Chief Photographer for Liverpool Daily Post and Martyn Snape, Photographer for Champion Media Group.
‘Picture This’ Hesketh Bank Photography Competition is open to Hesketh Bank residents of any age. Application forms are available from the two post offices in the village and Top Shop newsagents, the closing date is 30th September 2008. Winners will be announced at the Village Trick or Treat event on Friday 31st October 2008 - more details available shortly or contact Diane Earles on 07850 802899 diane@dianeearles.co.uk
17th September 2008 SEA DEFENCES BREACHED FOR HESKETH BANK BIRD RESERVE Source: BBC
Hesketh Out Marsh has now been flooded to return it to wildlife-friendly saltmarshes in one of the biggest projects of its kind in the UK.
The Environment Agency and RSPB scheme is aimed at enabling the 168 hectare Hesketh Bank saltmarsh reserve to absorb the energy of high tides as well as providing the habitat will become a breeding ground for waders such as lapwing, avocet and redshank.
Whooper swans and golden plovers are also expected to be attracted in the winter.
11th September 2008 RIVER DOUGLAS BRIDGE CONSULTATION TO BEGIN Source: Lancashire County Council
Seven short listed designs for the proposed bridge over the River Douglas have been made available by Lancashire County Council in advance of the public consultation beginning. Please view the following .pdf files:
1st September 2008 Countdown to photography competition! Source: CFAG
Time is running out for residents of Hesketh Bank to enter an exciting photography competition to complete their own 2009 calendar. The calendar will be unique. Not only will it feature images of the village by the villagers it will also include events happening in Hesketh Bank throughout the year.
This is the idea of Hesketh Bank Community Facilities Action Group (CFAG), which was set up to improve facilities and bring a community spirit to the village as a result of the 2007 Parish Plan questionnaire. “We want our community to show us what their village means to them,” said Maureen Baldwin spokesperson for CFAG. She went on to explain: “For 2008 we did a basic calendar of events happening in the village as we discovered that many people did not know what was going on literally on their doorstep and so were missing out. To build on that for 2009 we came up with the photographic competition, which can get everyone involved and show off what our lovely village has to offer.”
The group has pulled together an esteemed panel of judges to cast the final vote on which pictures get into the calendar. They are Sara Cuff, freelance photographer, Tony Skinner, Editor of Lancashire Magazine, John Daly, Chief Photographer for Liverpool Daily Post and Martyn Snape, Photographer for Champion Media Group.
‘Picture This’ Hesketh Bank Photography Competition is open to Hesketh Bank residents of any age. Application forms are available from the two post offices in the village and Top Shop newsagents, the closing date is 30th September 2008. Winners will be announced at the Village Trick or Treat event on Friday 31st October 2008.
28th August 2008 TARLETON YOUTH GROUP LAUNCH MEETING Source: Tarleton Parish Council
Tarleton Parish Council, with the support of Lancashire County Council’s Youth and Children’s Services, are considering the setting up a Youth Group for the benefit of the 13 to 17 year olds who live in Tarleton.
Tarleton Youth Action Group was set up some years ago and unfortunately, due to various circumstances, has not been active for some time. The New Youth group will be run on similar lines – being managed by local residents, supported by the Parish Council, who have been suitably selected and trained and who are keen to help young people appreciate life skills.
The initial steps being taken are for the Parish Council and Lancashire Youth Services to talk to local residents who are willing to offer their time to setting up and running this vital service.
With this in mind a public meeting has been arranged for Monday 8th September at the Pavilion on Carr Lane, Tarleton commencing at 7.30pm.
If you would like to help in this vital project please come to the meeting where the Parish Council and Lancashire County Council Youth and Children’s Services will be pleased to answer you questions and listen to your views.
If, at the end of the discussions you feel you would like to help, details will be arranged to assist those residents willing to help in this vital service.
27th August 2008 POLYCLINICS NOT IN PATIENTS' BEST INTERESTS SAYS LORRAINE Source: Press Release
Local resident Lorraine Fullbrook, the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for the South Ribble constituency that includes Tarleton, Hesketh Bank, Banks and Rufford is concerned about the prospect of polyclinics opening in our area.
Lord Darzi, a Labour Health Minister, recently conducted a review of the structure of the NHS and in his interim report he said that every Primary Care Trust in the country will have to open a polyclinic in their area. These 'supersize medical centres' will combine standard primary care with facilities for minor operations and on-site pharmacies, and they will open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
While Lorraine a resident in Tarleton acknowledges that there may be a case for establishing a polyclinic when local patients and clinicians agree on a proven need in their area, she does, nonetheless have serious reservations about the scheme.
Lorraine is concerned that:
These large impersonal polyclinics mean that patients would rarely see the same GP twice, which could jeopardise the continuity of care that many patients, particularly those with long-term conditions, currently receive from their traditional GP
Many patients will have to travel further to see a GP
Polyclinics could divert resources away from other local GP practices and hospital services, leading to their demise.
The 'one size fits all' approach will lead to polyclinics opening in areas where there is no clinical need. At present, there is no option for patients or clinicians to argue that a polyclinic is unnecessary in their area - all PCTs will be required to procure a health centre regardless of the local need for one.
Lorraine Fullbrook is not the only one to have qualms about polyclinics. A recent survey by the British Medical Association suggests that many NHS consultants doubt the merits of them too. Some 60% either disagreed or strongly disagreed that polyclinics would improve patient care, and 42% were not convinced they would improve access to treatment. More than 70% said they would destabilise hospitals and GP practices.
The BMA also presented a petition to Downing Street in June, containing the signatures of 1.2 million patients who support the current system of general practice.
Despite these misgivings, PCTs have been told to put the wheels in motion to open a polyclinic in their area. Lorraine promises to monitor the situation closely and ensure that she keeps those she hopes to be representing in Parliament after the General Election are kept up-to-date on any developments.
6th August 2008 HIGH SCHOOL REUNION - CLASS OF 1998 Source: Nicola Cubbin
A school reunion for the Tarleton High School class of 1998 has been organised.
If you attended Tarleton High School from 1993-1998 then you are invited to the 10 year reunion which will be held at Mere Brow Village Hall on Saturday 27th September.
Tickets cost £5 each, and are available from Sarah Bridge at Chameleon (the printing shop), Church Road, Tarleton or via Nicola Cubbin at nic_noc1 (at) yahoo.com. More details and the latest information can be found on Facebook.
31st July 2008 NO WATER - NO INFORMATION The tempers of residents are begining to fray after a day without water has been compounded by a lack of information from the provider, United Utilities.
As at 3pm there is still no running water (or any other provisions) and the last update on problem was made at 11:08am when the engineers were still trying to locate the burst.
To check for any later updates please check the United Utilities website problem page click here. Readers may also wish to complete the short survey on the usefulness of the information provided.
29th July 2008 River Douglas BRIDGE Design Shortlist Announced Source: Kevin Day / (RIBA)
The Royal Institute of British Architects has announced a shortlist of seven designs for the River Douglas Crossing at Hesketh Bank.
The international design competition attracted an outstanding response, with 110 designs received worldwide. Entries were received from architects in Hong Kong, Japan, USA, Australia and Malaysia as well as the UK and Europe.
The seven shortlisted practices are:
Amin Taha Architects, London
Guy Nordenson & Associates, USA
JDA with Arup, London
Nick Hancock Design Studio, London
NPS North West Ltd, Cumbria
Ramboll Whitbybird with Priestman Goode, London
t-hoch-n Architektur, Austria
Competitors were set the challenge of designing a suitable cycle and bridleway crossing of the River Douglas at Hesketh Bank. A new crossing of the River Douglas will improve access within the proposed Regional Park allowing more visitors to enjoy the area. It is anticipated that the crossing will function not only as an access route but also as a flagship attraction within the Regional Park. The bridge will also provide a safe off-road sustainable travel and leisure route for use by local residents, schoolchildren and cyclists commuting between Southport and Preston.
The seven designs are preliminary concepts at this stage and will be modified and developed over the coming weeks ahead of a public consultation in September.
The shortlisted teams will meet with the judging panel in October to discuss their concepts further.
Images of the shortlisted designs have not been released but will be made available once the winner has been announced.
25th July 2008 MOSS LANE DEVELOPMENT DECISION DEFERED West Lancs Planning Committee decided that insufficient information had been provided to justify the need for the development of a site on Moss Lane, Hesketh Bank.
The decision was deferred primarily to allow the applicant to demonstrate the need for further "Affordable Housing" amongst local people.
Planning Officers had recommended the development should be approved at the meeting of the Planning Committe last night.
23rd July 2008 Police Seize Cannabis Plants A green fingered local will be disappointed this evening when he finds that the Police have discovered his makeshift allotment and removed ten well tended cannabis plants.
The healthy young plants were being grown outdoors in a secluded corner of a field to the rear of Hesketh Bank's Station Road cricket ground.
Community Support Officer Andy Curry removed the plants and equipment as evidence.
23rd July 2008 POST MORTEM REVEALS ANNE SUTTON WAS STRANGLED Police have now named the woman found dead at her home on Hesketh Lane yesterday as Anne Sutton. A post-mortem examination has revealed that she died from strangulation.
Her husband was arrested at their home in Hesketh Lane and is being assessed under the Mental Health Act, Lancashire Police said.
23rd July 2008 81 year old held over death of wife
Source: BBC Lancashire
An 81-year-old man is being questioned over the death of his 71-year-old wife, police said.
Lancashire Police were called to the couple's address in Hesketh Lane, Tarleton, yesterday. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene and her husband was arrested.
Police have not released the names of the couple.
A spokeswoman said: "On arrival at the house officers discovered a 71-year-old woman who was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. "The death is being treated as suspicious and investigation is under way. "An 81-year-old man from Tarleton was arrested and is being questioned over the death of his wife." Click here for the latest BBC report
This latest incident occurs less than two weeks after David Mullholland was charged with the murder of his wife whose body was found in a fire at Heritage Way Tarleton.
13th July 2008 MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER OF WIFE
Source: BBC Lancashire
A man has been charged with the murder of his wife, whose body was found in a fire at Heritage Way, Tarleton. A post-mortem examination has revealed she died from stab wounds.
David Mulholland, 57, who was rescued from the house, has been charged with murder and is due to appear before Ormskirk Magistrates' Court tomorrow. Click here for the latest BBC report.
The body found by firefighters yesterday in the blaze at Heritage Way was today named as Pamela Mulholland, 52. Detectives at Leyland are continuing to question a man rescued from the fire. Click here for the latest BBC report.
11th July 2008 MAN ARRESTED OVER FATAL FIRE AT TARLETON
Source: BBC Lancashire
A 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a woman with stab wounds was recovered from a house fire in Tarleton.
Detectives are investigating the fatal fire which broke out just before 3am this morning at a house in Heritage Way, close to the centre of Tarleton Village. The man was rescued from the blaze and taken to Ormskirk Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and was later arrested on suspicion of murder. Click here for the full BBC report.
5th July 2008 CHAIR BASED EXERCISE FOR THE OVER 60's
Submitted by Margaret Saynor
Would you like to increase your mobility, agility, muscular strength and cardio-vascular function? Or would you just like time out with music, fun and a cup of tea?
I am a qualified leader of Chair Based Exercise, and want to start a group in Hesketh Bank. Possible days would be Tuesday and Friday afternoons, times to be arranged.
If you would like more information and a chat about what we would be doing, please ring Margaret on 01772 816992.
3rd July 2008 11 PUPS For dalmation SUPER MUM Submiited by Gemma Trafford
First time mum Coco the dalmation is seeing spots before her eyes with a first litter of 11 pups. The pups are now six weeks old, full of character and are all doing well.
24th June 2008 The Lancashire Online Parish Clerk Project The Lancashire online parish clerk project is an ever expanding resourse for those researching ancestors in Lancashire with a dedicated section for both Tarleton and Hesketh-with-Becconsall.
The website aims to extract and preserve the records from the various parishes and to provide online access to that data, FREE of charge, along with other data of value to family and local historians conducting research in the County of Lancashire. An OnLine Parish Clerk should not be confused with Parish Clerks, who work for parish or town councils. All the data provided through these pages has been compiled and transcribed by volunteers.
Data and records are presented from the earliest records that can be found up to approximately the end of the 19th century. At that time there were almost 400 parishes within the pre 1974 county boundaries of Lancashire.
Data is gathered from a multitude of sources, including, though not limited to, parish registers, census records, cemetery records, churchwardens accounts, overseers accounts, land tax records, wills, business directories, postal directories, church and village histories, etc.
22nd June 2008 HB AFC TO keep first Division place Following the West Lancashire Football Leagues Annual General Meeting last week the first team have once again been saved from relegation.
The league have decided that the 1st Division must have at least 14 teams in it and this has meant that only one team was relegated with Milnthorpe Corinthians and Crooklands Casuals being promoted from Division Two. Near neighbours Fleetwood Hesketh and Wyre Villa join them from the Premier Division.
The season kicks off on Saturday 9th August and the new ‘Medals’ competition will begin about 3 weeks earlier.
14th June 2008 MBE FOR ALAN Alan Johnson has been awarded an MBE in the 2008 Queen's Birthday Honours List. Alan received the award "for Services to Vintage and Veteran Vehicle Restoration and Heritage."
11th June 2008 FUN & GAMES PROMISED AT PARISH PLAN LAUNCH Hesketh Bank Parish Council is hosting a ‘Fathers Day Fun and Games’ to launch their Parish Plan which will be on display. The free admission event is open to all Hesketh Bank residents, who the Council hope will come along to enjoy each other’s company and find out more about their village.
The Hesketh Bank Parish Plan Launch is on Sunday 15th June between 2pm and 5pm at
the village Bowling Club on Station Road. There is no charge to attend but you may want bring some money to have a go at the Coconut Shy, Beat the Buzzer and a round or two of Bingo plus other stalls. If weather permits there will also be penalty shoot outs and quick cricket and then, especially for Fathers Day, there will be a spoof ‘Miss Hesketh Bank 2008’ competition for Dads to enter and a Portrait of Dad competition for the children. Refreshments will also be on sale, which are kindly being provided by the Village Bowling Club, Robinsons Ice Cream van and Janet Brookfield Outside Catering.
“It will be a good fun day,” said Maureen Baldwin, Parish Councillor, resident and one of the launch event organisers, who went on to explain “The Plan is the culmination of hard work undertaken by a steering group and direct input from residents who completed a questionnaire in 2007. The issues that most concerned residents of Hesketh Bank were identified and four Action Groups set up, Community Facilities, Environment, Youth and Transport, to start working on what the villagers want. As a thank you to residents for their input, Hesketh Bank Parish Council asked the Community Facilities Action Group, who ran the very successful Easter Eggstravaganza earlier in the year, to organise this launch as part of their activities. As it was needed in June we thought it would be a nice idea to hold it on Fathers Day.”
All four action groups will have displays and team members on hand to talk about their activities. Each Hesketh Bank household will receive a copy of the Parish Plan shortly after the 15th June. If residents are interested in reading the community audit report, from which the Parish Plan has been written, this can be found at www.hwbpc.org.uk or a hard copy is available at Tarleton Library.
The Times Online website today reports that local MEP Sir Robert Atkins used his parliamentary expenses to fly to his son’s wedding in America. Sir Robert Atkins has claimed that the wedding “coincided” with an official invitation, making it possible for the taxpayer to pick up travel and hotel bills.
Atkins has insisted that he has fully complied with parliamentary rules for the wedding trip. He said the event coincided with an invitation from the Republican National Committee and in a statement this weekend emphasised that his expenses were approved by the parliamentary authorities.
Molly, a 2 year old Jack Russell bitch, white with one brown ear. Home is along Shore Road, Hesketh Bank. She had a red collar on with a name tag and telephone number. She is a very timid dog, with very short legs. She has three puppies at home.
Please contact Chris on 01772 812530 or on 079322 77025.
Would you be interested in joining a Creative Writing Group which would be held at Tarleton Library? The sessions will be free of charge and held in the morning; the actual day is yet to be decided.
If you are interested or would like more details please contact the Library on 01772 815179 or call in and speak to a member of staff.
TARLETON
HIGH MOVES TOWARDS TRUST STATUS
17/05/08
Submitted
by Shirley Rooney, Tarleton High School
On
the 9th April 2008 Tarleton High School’s Governing
Body made the decision to consult parents, pupils, staff
and the community about their plans to become a Trust
School. Tarleton High is the first Lancashire secondary
school to take this step. The implementation of these
plans will result in Tarleton High being a pathfinder
within the County for the Government’s flagship
education programme that sees schools harnessing the energy
and experience of external partners to raise standards.
What does this mean for Tarleton High School?
Trust
Schools are maintained foundation schools supported by
a charitable Trust. They:
• are part of the maintained family of schools with
funding on the same basis as other local authority maintained
schools and subject to the same accountability regime;
• are similar to Voluntary Aided (VA) and existing
foundation schools with foundations – the Trust
holds the school’s land and buildings, the Governing
Body employs staff and sets admissions arrangements (in
accordance with the law and the Admissions Code);
• must adhere to National Curriculum / School Teachers’
Pay and Conditions document.
There
are now 42 Trust Schools up and running. Tarleton High’s
decision brings the number of schools currently working
towards Trust Status to over 390, exceeding the Government’s
aspirations and proving the popularity of the scheme with
schools and local authorities.
Representatives
of Runshaw College, the International Aid Trust, Preston
and Lancaster University’s Department for Educational
Research will form the Trust in partnership with the school.
They will work together to build on the current successes
of the school and develop further the quality of education
within it.
The
school will also form a Parents Council to seek the views
of parents about important decisions in relation to school
matters. These may include school uniform, healthy eating,
enabling parents to have realtime reports about their
children’s progress and further developments in
pupils’ learning.
Headteacher
Anthony Hardiker said “This is an exciting development
for our school. Our Trust partners will offer their encouragement,
expertise and support in helping us to offer the best
education for all our pupils. We hope that the consultation
process will gather widespread agreement with our proposals
and enable us to build on our past achievements and fulfil
our ambitious vision for the school.”
The
Reverend Bernard Cocker, CEO and Founder of International
Aid Trust said “Since the tsunami in December 2004
Tarleton High School and International Aid Trust have
successfully worked together on various projects, so we
at IAT are both blessed and excited with this latest initiative.
Indeed,
it is a privilege to be in partnership with the students,
governors and staff, who so obliviously follow with a
passion the lead and example of their Headmaster.
We
look forward to an exciting and challenging time of supporting
and encouraging Tarleton High to reach these ambitious
but achievable targets.
Working
alone we are all very limited, but when we bring our gifts,
talents and resources together we can make a huge difference,
not just to our own particular organisations, but also
to the ever growing needs in the world around us. May
God bless this venture “
The
school is having an Open Meeting at Tarleton High School
on Wednesday 21st May for discussion on the school moving
to become a Foundation with Trust School. The meeting
will commence at 7.00pm in the School Hall. All are welcome.
RIVER DOUGLAS WEBSITE LAUNCHED
16/05/08
Submitted
by Michelle Holroyd, REMADE Project, Lancasire County
Council
The
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
have now set up a dedicated website for the River Douglas
bridge competition [see local news 13/05/08}.
Please
also note that the Ribble Coast & Wetlands Regional
Park information can also be accessed through a link on
the new website. See www.riverdouglas.co.uk.
LOCAL POLICE NEWSETTER AVAILABLE
15/05/08
Submitted
by PC Corrigan - The
latest Newsletter from the local police team is now available
to download. Click
Here
RIVER
DOUGLAS BRIDGE COMPETITION LAUNCHED
13/05/08
The
River Douglas at Hesketh Bank is to become the focus of
attention for some of the country’s best architects
as Lancashire County Council launches a search for an
inspirational bridge design.
The REMADE
in Lancashire land reclamation programme has commissioned
the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
to run an architectural design competition for a new landmark
bridge to span the River Douglas at Hesketh Bank.
Architects
are being invited to submit designs for a bridge for use
by walkers, cyclists and horse riders which will be located
at the site of the former Preston to Southport railway
bridge.
The original railway bridge over the River
Douglas at Hesketh Bank was demolished after the 'Beeching
Report'
The
design competition, funded by the Northwest Regional Development
Agency, will result in six designs being short listed
by the judging panel in July 2008 with a final winner
being chosen in October 2008. The public and key stakeholders
will be invited to express their views on the short listed
entries during the summer.
County
Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, Cabinet member for Environment
and Transportation, said: “We are looking for something
really special that will make a big statement about the
area.
“This
design competition forms the first stage of a REMADE proposal
to create a new linear greenway linking the villages and
communities of West Lancashire and South Ribble districts.
“However
the designs look, the simple aim of the river crossing
will be to provide a safe off-road sustainable travel
and leisure route for use by local residents, schoolchildren
and people commuting between Southport and Preston.
“I
hope to see some inspirational designs that will help
us when it comes to seeking the necessary funding to turn
the ideas into reality.”
The
Ribble Coast is a popular location for enjoying the landscape
and the important wildlife of the estuary. The proposed
greenway will provide a key access route to attractions
within the emerging Ribble Coast and Wetlands Regional
Park including Martin Mere Wetland Centre and the RSPB
Hesketh Outmarsh reserve which is currently under development.
Peter
White, Executive Director of Development at the NWDA,
said: “Building a bridge at this location would
be an important first step in opening up the area for
walkers, cyclists and riders. This scheme will explore
the potential to create a fantastic new facility for local
people and visitors to enjoy. It will be a clear signal
of our intent to see the coordination of NWDA funded land
regeneration programmes in implementing regional park
aspirations.”
Bob
Allen, Executive Director of Groundwork Lancashire West
and Wigan and member of the Ribble Coast and Wetlands
Regional Park Steering Group, said: “The Douglas
Bridge crossing is seen as a flagship project for the
Ribble Coast and Wetlands Regional Park that will make
a substantial contribution to our access strategy. The
design competition is an exciting opportunity to develop
a high quality structure in keeping with the natural environment.”
VOICES
SOFT AS THUNDER
12/05/08
Submitted
by John Nairne
“But
the tigers come at night. With their voices soft as thunder.”:
even as Leyland Male Voice Choir sang that slightly puzzling
lyric from “Les Miserables”, daytime thunder
rumbled loudly overhead and a squadron of storms rolled
round the estuary. Whatever point Gaia sought to make,
the men of the choir, conducted by Dr John Wilson and
driven from the keyboard by Robin Stopford, missed not
a beat.
We
should have known, of course, that, despite the sunny
skies and optimistic forecast, there would be rain or
worse … It was Village Walking Day, after all. Despite
that rival attraction, a gratifyingly sizeable audience
had turned out to enjoy a typically varied programme of
hymns (“We only warm up after some good amens,”
Dr Wilson noted), show tunes, popular ballads, a couple
of well-achieved solos and a seasoning of classics: a
Puccini duet, some lovely Fauré and a rare
piece of early Vaughan Williams from Robin Stopford.
So,
another season of events begins at The Old Church. The
next concert is not until 31st August, when Tarleton Brass
will set the rafters ringing and feet tapping once again
– so there’s plenty of time to note that in
your diary. In the meantime, The Old Church will be open
from 11am on Sunday 29th June, which is Gardens Open Day
in the village.
This
is quickly followed by Old Church Sunday at 10.30am on
13th July, when the All Saints congregation follow the
Hesketh Bank Silver Band in splendid procession down Becconsall
Lane for Morning Service. And then, on Sunday 27th July,
from 2.30pm, there is an exhibition of work by local artists.
There’s plenty happening, then, to keep the old
building alive.
Residents
are alerted to concerns about a high pressure sales team
selling carpet cleaners.
The
company is contacting residents and offering to clean
carpets for free in return for comments on the cleaning
performance. However, once in the house to provide this
free service, the salesmen refuse to leave until they
have sold one of the cleaners. In one house they stayed
for over two hours until the sale was finally agreed.
They
are believed to be targeting elderly and vulnerable consumers
with hard line sales techniques.
Be
warned that if you or your neighbours deal with this company
you may end up paying £2000 for an unwanted vacuum
cleaner.
We
advise residents never to deal with cold callers.
Anyone
who does deal with a tradesman who cold-calls will have
a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed
to, or any purchases made over £35, although if
the trader has already begun to carry out any job when
you cancel, you may have to pay for the work carried out
so far.
Also
be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against
the consumer unless information about this right to cancel
is given in writing.
Please
refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service,
56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct
tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary
contact the police at once.
MOBILE
LIBRARY UPDATE
07/05/08
Submitted
by Helen Sephton
THE
MOBILE LIBRARY VAN comes to Hesketh Bank every
second Thursday. Manned by Jerry Thompson, the van offers
an excellent cross section of reading matter - from children's
to gardening, crime fiction, best sellers, general reading
and reference. Your Lancashire library card allows you
to take books out - or you can join on the van itself.
Books can be especially ordered, or indeed returned from
other libraries in the Lancashire area.
For
a friendly door to door service, it is a wonderful facility
for the rural parishes. Times and dates for May and June
are given below. Why don't you try it? It is here to be
used by all members of the village.
The
next visits are: 8th May; 22nd May; 5th June:19th June.
STOPPING
PLACES IN HESKETH BANK
30
Boundary Lane 10.20 - 10.40
Unadopted road next to Computer shop 10.45 - 11.00
Sidney Avenue 11.05 - 11.25
Briar Dene, Guide Road 11.30 - 11.40
Chapel Road/Charles Close junction 11.45 - 11.55
8 Delta Park Drive 12.50 - 1.05
153 Chapel Road 1.10 - 1.40
Wedgwood, Shore Road 1.45 - 2.00
Douglas View, Station Road 2.05 - 2.15
168 Station Road 2.20 - 2.35
Village Hall, Station Road 2.40 - 2.55
TARLETON
HIGH SCHOOL UKRAINE CHALLENGE
06/05/08
A
group of six pupils from Tarleton High School are working
with International Aid Trust to produce a video on the
disadvantaged children in the Ukraine. The aim of the
trip is to produce a video to help promote the work of
International Aid Trust and inform people of the rescue
work they do in the Ukraine. The video will be shown to
a range of audiences.
International
Aid Trust is a UK Charity, based in Much Hoole. It has
charity shops throughout the UK and helps underprivileged
people, in Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia. Much of the
work International Aid does is in Eastern Europe; they
have created orphanages for street children and rehabilitation
centres for adults. Tarleton High School’s student
Council decided to adopt International Aid Trust as one
of the two school’s charities. Previously the school
has provided shoeboxes for the charity, created publicity
material and helped out at the local warehouse.
More
recently there has been a rigorous selection process from
320 years 9 and 10 pupils. 21 pupils applied for the trip
with a letter addressed to the Head teacher who together
with Mrs Sides (senior at Tarleton High School), Mr Bernard
Cocker (IAT Founder) and Mr Stringfellow (Chair of Governors)
whittled it down to just 6 members of the team, and further
roles were decided with an interview process. The six
selected members were:
Joel
Briscoe – selected candidate to go to the Ukraine
Rachel Goulding – selected candidate to go to the
Ukraine
Chris Meadows – reserve to go to the Ukraine
Ruth Malcolm – reserve to go to the Ukraine
Claire Tetlow - press officer
Natalie Firth-Cook – press officer
Tarleton
High School is working with International Aid Trust to
create a video to highlight the plight of European countries
trapped in extreme poverty. The two pupils will travel
to Kiev to film the footage and talk to families in desperate
need of help, children living in orphanages and also children
living on the streets.
All
six members will be working as a team to create the video
when the chosen two candidates return from the trip. The
edited video will then be used by International Aid Trust
to show people of all ages the work International Aid
does helping the children of Ukraine.
146%
TURNOUT QUERIED
02/05/08
If
WLDC are to be believed, Hesketh Bank really did buck
the trend in voter apathy with a massive 4519 ballot papers
issued - 1429 more than there are people eligible to vote!
The
returning officer at West Lancashire District Council
is currently reviewing the official declaration of the
poll results for errors. An announcement on the actual
turnout is expected soon.
The
Parish Council in Tarleton has today launched their new
web site www.tarletonpc.co.uk
The
Chairman of Tarleton Parish Council, Dave Rydings said
"Tarleton Parish Council has had a website for many
years but it was discontinued due to a regime change in
the Council. A new one has now been launched and it is
hoped to provide the residents of Tarleton with as much
information as possible about the Parish and in particular
the Local Council. In common with most other websites
it also provides links to other sources of local and national
information. If a resident has an issue that concerns
them that they think a Parish Councilor can help them
with, they can make contact by sending an e-mail via the
website to the clerk - it’s as simple as that. Broken
kerbs, street lights not working, fly tipping, potholes
in the road are just some of the examples that you can
report to ask for the council’s help”.
He
continued “Young people especially are turned off
by politics and it is a fact that they use the internet
for their news and information. Having a parish website
is a way of reaching out to them on local issues and with
the “contact us” section we can listen to
their views on what concerns them”.
All
the planning applications submitted in Tarleton are available
for viewing on the website as well as dates and minutes
of Parish Council meetings. News items that involve the
Parish Council are covered as well as local environmental
issues. Leisure and recreation as well as local information
are in the process of being developed so the website becomes
a living document.
Dave
concluded, “Tarleton is a great village and, via
the website, we hope to engage more with the residents
who elected us”.
David
Borrow MP for South Ribble recently visited Hesketh Bank
Pharmacy to discuss the 'Medicines Matter’ promotion
which focuses on the Minor Ailment Scheme and Medicines
Use Reviews which have been launched to help patients
with their healthcare issues.
NO
CONTEST FOR CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATE
05/04/08
With
no other nominations for the WLDC Hesketh-with-Becconsall
Ward, celebrations can begin early for Martin Forshaw
who will be duly elected without contest at the 1st May
Local Elections.
However,
it will not be as easy for prospective Hesketh-with-Becconsall
Parish Councillors with 13 people seeking election to
the 11 available positions. The Parish Council has recently
come under criticism on the Letters
Page for failing to offer any justification for having
the highest Council Tax precept in West Lancashire.
The
1st May vote will also see Tarleton residents selecting
their WLDC councillor from the two nominees who are standing
for election to the Tarleton Ward.
As
always, this website offers a free service to ALL candidates
to convey their electoral message to the local community.
See 2008
Local elections for more details.
Hesketh
Bank’s Easter Eggstravaganza was eggcellent, that’s
the verdict from villagers that attended the first event
of its kind on Saturday night.
Billed
as an evening of entertainment and family fun, the night
went according to plan and the organisers, Hesketh Bank
Community Facilities Action Group (CFAG), were “Very
pleased.” Spokesperson for the group, Maureen Baldwin,
said “We wanted villagers to come along and enjoy
each others company, so we picked Easter Saturday because
it is when families have a little bit more time together.”
She went on to explain: “In 2007 we conducted a
survey of Hesketh Bank residents for a Parish Plan. The
results of which showed that a high percentage of the
respondents wanted a wide variety of community facilities
available to them in the village. With this in mind CFAG
was set up with five local residents. To date the group
has compiled a list of events taking place in the village
up to April for the Parish newsletter, to highlight what
is already going on, and put together a calendar for the
rest of the year, which we launched at the Easter Eggstravaganza.”
The
event drew in local talent, all of whom gave their
time for free to make the evening a success. Starting
with Colin Barnes, who warmed the crowd up making
balloon models, then progressed to his juggling,
guitar and singing act.
“I
took up juggling 8 years ago to relieve stress
from work when I moved to Hesketh Bank,”
he explained.
“Now
I find myself getting booked for church fayres
and children’s parties, which is great,
and I was cast as Muggles in the Hesketh Bank
panto this year!”
Andrew
Sephton and Susan Iddon gave a ballroom dancing demonstration
for the audience, including Susan’s sister and brother-in-law
who came along to support her. Andrew has lived in Hesketh
Bank since 1982 and has been dancing since his teens,
starting with Rock ‘n’ Roll, and ballroom
for the last 15 years. He teamed up with Susan 3 years
ago and now hosts monthly ballroom dancing evenings at
the Hesketh Bank church hall with a loyal following. Susan
has lived in Hesketh Bank for 27 years and has been dancing
for just 3, but she and Andrew gave a professional demonstration.
Susan, also a pianist of 7 years, plays the organ and
keyboard for weddings and played five pieces on the village
hall piano on Saturday night.
Singer
songwriter, Krystina Dodd, 21, has been singing all her
life and now travels Lancashire performing, but was delighted
to support the event along with her mum and boyfriend.
She came fresh from an audition for The Liverpool Institute
for Performing Arts and if the reception her set received
on Saturday was anything to go by, we will be hearing
more from her in the future.
Paul
Sylvester, award winning member of the Magic Circle,
is well known at Chester Cathedral as the Naked
Magician, which he has been doing for 12 years.
He has worked with Cannon & Ball, Tony Hadley
and Russell Watson but on Saturday was just as
happy supporting his local community. “It’s
very rewarding to do something in my own village
for a change,” he said after he closed his
half hour set to rapturous applause.
Paul’s
glamorous assistants: Joanne Iddon, Diane Riley,
Alison Jackson, Andrew Livsey and Gemma Turner,
were picked from the audience and proved they
were game for a laugh.
Then
the karaoke, gave Amy Evans, 16, an opportunity to sing
Edelweiss. She told us that she won a Tarleton High School
talent contest with her angelic voice and, once she has
completed her A levels at Runshaw College, she would like
to pursue a singing career.
Tony
Earles, who was the DJ and MC for the evening, moved to
Hesketh Bank from Manchester three years ago, and was
also part of the organising group. “It was good
to help out and see the community come together for this
event, as we had hoped, especially when everyone came
up to thank us at the end of the evening. Fingers crossed
they will all return for our follow up event a ‘Trick
or Treat’ evening to celebrate Hallowe’en
on Friday 31st October 2008.”
MATHS
TRIUMPH FOR TARLETON HIGH SCHOOL
21/03/08
Tarleton
High School is celebrating after winning their district
final of the 2008 Lancashire Mathematics Challenge.
The
community technical college beat off tough competition
from Glenburn Sports College in Skelmersdale and Ormskirk
School to take first place.
Sponsored
by Lancashire County Developments Limited (LCDL), Lancashire
Council's economic development department, the competition
involves all of Lancashire's 84 secondary schools and
culminates in the grand final to be held in June at the
Woodlands Centre in Chorley.
This
district final was held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic
High School in Skelmersdale, the district winners in 2007.
A packed audience of parents, teachers and supporters
looked on as teams from seven local secondary schools
worked their way through a number of mathematical challenges,
both in teams and individually, to identify this year's
district winner.
Liz
Cheetham, Mathematics teacher at the winning school, said:
''Our students have had a fantastic time and are delighted
to have won this. It certainly rewards all the hard work
that they have put into it. I hope that their success
continues at the final in June.''
County
Councillor Niki Penney, Chair of LCDL, said: '' This district
final was a close fought fight this year. They call it
the Lancashire Mathematics Challenge and it certainly
is that!
''
The county council is keen to encourage young people to
strive for excellence in maths and have fun at the same
time. This Mathematics Challenge is one way that we can
achieve our aims of making Lancashire a place where people
can learn and develop''
The
results of the West Lancashire heat were:
1.
Tarleton High School: A Community Technical College
2. Glenburn Sports College, Skelmersdale
3. Ormskirk School
LOCAL
POLICE ISSUE NEWSLETTER
20/03/08
TARLETON
AND HESKETH BANK NEWSLETTER
To
the householder
The Police wish to notify residents in the Tarleton and
the Hesketh Bank area of some of the crime and incidents
that have occurred throughout the month of February together
with the Police response.
For
the month of February there has been a total of 130 incidents
that have been reported to the Police. These have ranged
from vehicle crime, burglaries, damage offences, road
traffic offences and anti social behaviour. Breaking this
down into categories of crime class.
BURGLARIES
In this area there were a total of 14 reported crimes
of burglary. These have been predominantly burglaries
in garages and sheds. The times have been mostly overnight
with the items that have been taken including electrical
items, various items of personal property, computers,
motor bikes and cars. The basic method has been to break
the locks on these premises using some form of bladed
article or tool. On other occasions burglars have found
an insecure door or patio door or just used bodily force
to gain entry. Unfortunately for the vast majority of
these cases there was nothing seen or heard.
The
Police response to this has been:
Analysis
of the main times and the areas in which the burglaries
have occurred. Extra patrols have been made available
which have ranged form unmarked vehicles and marked
vehicles.
Leaflet drops in the area to advise residents about
burglaries and giving crime
prevention advice.
However, residents can help by:
Paying attention to your security at this time.
Ensure
burglar alarms are working and are switched on when
the house is empty and at night.
Make
sure doors/windows are locked and secure.
Do
not leave your valuables on display or your car keys
on display at home.
Report
any suspicious activity to the Police immediately.
If you witness a crime ring 999 in an emergency or
to ring the police on a non-emergency number please
dial 0845-125-35-45.
VEHICLE CRIME For the month of February there was a total of
5 incidents of car crime in the areas. These have ranged
form cars being broken into and items being taken to one
car being taken, Again it is important not to leave items
on display and if possible to detach your radio when your
are not in your car if possible.
CRIMINAL
DAMAGE
There were four incidents of criminal damage in and around
the area. Of these two were detection with offenders being
dealt with. There was no particular pattern to this. In
fact based on last years figures for the number of incidents
recorded for damage, there was a 25 % reduction. Very
much linked to criminal damage are the number of incidents
involving anti social behaviour. In February there were
a total of 12 incidents of anti social behaviour incidents
recorded for the period of February.
There
was no real pattern that developed for this. To tackle
this the Police will try and put officers out at the peak
times and locations to try and deter this activity. There
are dedicated patrols for this which use a mixture of
plain vehicles and high visibility patrols. In areas were
this has been used there has been a significant reduction
in the number of recorded incidents.
If
you wish to discuss any of these issues or any concerns
with a local officer please dial 0845- 125- 35-45 and
ask to speak to the neighbourhood team in the area who
are-
PS
101 Craig Appleton,
PC 980 Phil Corrigan,
PCSO 7124 Andy Curry.
PARISH
COUNCIL PAVE THE WAY FOR LINK ROAD
18/03/08
Tarleton
Parish Councillors have voted to contribute £50k
towards the £2m Green Lane Link Road.
A
motion that Tarleton Parish Council agree to set aside
£50,000 on the Budget for 2009/2010 to help finance
the Green Lane Link was tabled by Malcolm Barron and accepted
by the Parish Council. The proposed loan of £50,000
would cost approx £4,500 per year over a period
of 25 years.
Lancashire
County Council has promised to raise money for the project
from a variety of different sources but had tasked Cllr
Barron to also raise some of the money locally. Cllr
Barron will also be seeking contributions from local businesses
including local growers and hauliers.
It
is anticipated that the much discussed Green Lane Link
would dramatically reduce HGV's travelling through Hesketh
Bank and Tarleton villages by providing a more direct
route to the major Packhouses and farms. The proposal
also includes a new roundabout at the junction of Blackgate
Lane and the A565 which is claimed will also reduce the
number of accidents occuring with vehicles joining the
main road.
TOP
GREENS TO EXPLAIN "WHY VOTE GREEN?"
18/03/08
Two
high-flyers in the north-west Green Party are appearing
together at a meeting in Ormskirk next week.
Gina Dowding
Gina
Dowding has been one of the Green Party's eight
councillors on Lancaster City Council for eight
years. She hit the headlines nationally when she
deliberately leaked the news that the Council
had given tax relief to Heysham nuclear power
station.
Gina
is the prospective Parliamentary candidate for
the Green Party in the new Lancaster and Fleetwood
constituency and hopes to become one of the first
Green M.P's. She has been active in many areas
of politics including health issues and sustainable
development. The topic of her talk will be 'Why
vote Green ?'.
Emily
Heath is co-ordinator for the Greens in the north-west
and has played a crucial role in raising awareness
of the Green Party. She has been a Lancaster City
Councillor since 1999.
The
meeting
is at the Greyhound pub in Aughton Street, Ormskirk at
8 pm on Thursday 3 April. Everyone is welcome.
Easter
Eggstravaganza confirms acts
16/03/08
Confirmed
acts for Saturday’s Easter Eggstravaganza at Hesketh
Bank’s village hall are:
Colin
Barns - a juggler and does balloon animals,
Tina
Dodd - Singer ,
Andrew
Sephton & Sue Iddon - Ballroom Dancers
Paul Sylvester - Magician.
All
of whom will be taking advantage of the open mic session
to prove that ‘Hesketh Bank’s Got Talent’.
The
event, featuring disco, karaoke, party games and the open
mic session is a family evening organised by the Hesketh
Bank Community Facilities Action Group (CFAG). Spokesperson
for the group, Maureen Baldwin, said “We want villagers
to come along and enjoy each others company.”
The
Hesketh Bank ‘Easter Eggstravaganza’ takes
place on Saturday 22nd March,
7-11pm, tickets are £2 for adults and £1 for
children available from Hesketh Bank’s Top Shop
newsagent, and bring your own picnic! Click
here for more local Events
PNE
support for Hesketh Bank junior footballers
13/03/08
Hesketh
Bank AFC are joining forces with Championship club Preston
North End to hold a series of Saturday morning coaching
sessions for Juniors on the Centenary Sports ground at
Station Road Hesketh Bank.
The
sessions will begin on Saturday 3rd May 2008 and continue
to the beginning of the school holidays around the 2nd
week in July 2008, commencing at 9.30am – 10.30am
for 5 to 9 year old boys and girls and 10.45am -11.45am
for 10 to 15 year olds at a charge of £3 per child.
Preston
North End will provide fully qualified professional coaching
staff to oversee these sessions.
Numbers
may have to be restricted so If you wish to register your
child in advance please call Shirley Iddon on 01772 816328.
Police
run joint operation with VOSA and Tesco’s to target
unroadworthy cars
Police in Leyland
ran an operation last week to target unroadworthy vehicles
and those vehicles causing a nuisance in the area.
Working with
partners, VOSA (the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency)
and Tesco’s, police targeted anti-social behaviour
and car nuisance within Leyland’s hotspots. A check
site was set on Tesco’s car park and police directed
vehicles to the site to be checked by VOSA who looked
for illegal enhancements that owners had made to vehicles.
The results
were as follows:-
Sixteen
vehicles were brought to the VOSA (Vehicle and Operator
Services Agency) check site at Tesco’s car park.
Seven vehicles were immediately taken off the road for
their defects ranging from bald tyres to defective lights
and loose exhausts.
Six
vehicles were issued delayed notices for unroadworthiness,
giving the owner 10 days to rectify the faults or take
them off the road, these included window tints that
were too dark.
One
vehicle was seized for the owner driving without insurance.
Eight
vehicles were given tickets to rectify minor faults
on their vehicles by officers away from the VOSA check
site.
One
vehicle was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for having
no MOT on the vehicle.
PC Paul Whittaker,
Community Beat Manager for Leyland Town Centre, commented
“ The operation was a success and I would like to
thank VOSA and Tesco’s for taking part. This kind
of ongoing nuisance causes numerous complaints from residents
– one of who joined us on the night to observe what
we did. I am hoping that the action taken last week will
act as a warning and deterrent to these individuals and
others that drive unroadworthy vehicles. Further operations
targeting this nuisance will be run in the near future.”
GIANT
PUMPKINS FUEL AIR AMBULANCE
25/02/08
A picture of Trevor Wilson parting with money
The
Mere Brow Giant Pumpkins have once again helped
to keep the North West Air Ambulance flying.
On
Saturday Trevor Wilson handed over a cheque for
£1311.50 which was raised at the October
2007 Giant Pumkin "Weigh In" competition.
Jackie
Northover received the cheque on behalf of the
Air Ambulance.
Residents
of Hesketh Bank are in for a family fun time on Saturday
22nd March with an ‘Easter Eggstravaganza’
at the village hall. The evening of disco, karaoke and
party games will also feature entertainment by local acts
in an open mic session called ‘Hesketh Bank’s
Got Talent’.
Organised
by the Hesketh Bank Community Facilities Action Group
(CFAG), this is the first of two events planned for the
year to help bring a community spirit to the village.
"We want villagers to come along and enjoy each others
company,” said Maureen Baldwin spokesperson for
the group. She went on to explain: “In 2007 we conducted
a survey of Hesketh Bank residents for a Parish Plan.
The results of which showed that a high percentage of
the respondents wanted a wide variety of community facilities
available to them in the village. With this in mind CFAG
was set up with five local residents. To date the group
has compiled a list of events taking place in the village
up to April for the Parish newsletter, to highlight what
is already going on, and is putting together a calendar
for the rest of the year.
The
Hesketh Bank ‘Easter Eggstravaganza’ takes
place on Saturday 22nd March, 7-11pm. Tickets are £2
for adults and £1 for children available from Hesketh
Bank’s Top Shop newsagent.
For
more local events and details of how you can get your
own event publicised see the EVENTS
page.
GATEWAY
TO TARLETON
12/02/08
A
SIGN OF THE TIMES
- Recruitment agency targets Polish workers at Tarleton
traffic lights.
CCTV
MAN ARRESTED
07/02/08
The
police appeal to help trace the male identified in the
CCTV photo (see 2008
news archive 27th January) has successfully led to
an arrest.
DC
Joe Murphy has today said that as a result of the coverage
given to this in the media and the response from the public,
the male in the photo has now been identified and arrested
and the matter is currently being dealt with. The laptop
has also been returned to its rightful owner.
LORD
TRIMBLE BACKS LOCAL CONSERVATIVES
04/02/08
Lord
Trimble boosts Lorraine's Campaign to become next MP for
Tarleton & Hesketh Bank
Nobel
Peace Prize Winner and former First Minister of Northern
Ireland, Lord David Trimble was in Leyland last Thursday
supporting the Conservative campaign to get Lorraine Fullbrook
elected as the next MP for the South Ribble Constituency
that includes Tarleton, Banks, Hesketh Bank and Rufford.
Lord
Trimble spoke to over 100 local activists including a
number of West Lancs Councillors at the Annual Chairman’s
Dinner of the South Ribble Conservative Association held
at the Wellington Park in Leyland. During his speech Lord
Trimble explained that Mrs Fullbrook was someone he wanted
to support, because having seen her in action he was convinced
of the contribution she will make at Westminster. He also
spoke at length about his experiences in Northern Ireland,
and his new role as a Conservative member of the House
of Lords.
Commenting
after the dinner, Mrs Fullbrook the Conservative candidate
for the South Ribble Parliamentary Constituency said.
“It
was a great honour to have the support of Lord Trimble
for my campaign – to have him here in Lancashire
shows just how serious the Conservative Party is about
winning back this seat at the next election.”
Lord
Trimble and Lorraine Fullbrook are pictured with some
of the Conservative activists who attended the dinner
at which the Nobel Peace Prize Winner was the guest of
honour.
FIGHT
TO KEEP MERE BROW POST OFFICE
23/01/08
Lorraine
Fullbrook, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for
the South Ribble Constituency (which includes Mere
Brow), has announced that over the next four weeks,
she is to deliver a “Have Your Say on Post Office
Closures” petition form to the 45,000 homes she hopes
to represent in Parliament after the next General Election.
Mrs Fullbrook is determined to make sure that everyone of
her future constituents has a real chance to have their
say on the proposed post office closures that have been
announced this week.
Commenting on her plans, Lorraine said, “The Labour
Government has closed over 3,800 Post Offices since 1999
now they want to close 2,500 more, five of which are in
the new South Ribble Parliamentary Constituency (the five
are Eccleston Bridge, 106 Towngate Eccleston, 63 Bent
Lane Leyland, 167 Liverpool Rd Hutton, 27 Gravel Lane
Mere Brow and Smithy Lane, Much
Hoole) and I believe that enough is enough!
There
is no denying that numerous Post Offices are making a
financial loss, but I still believe that many people,
especially the elderly, consider their Post Office to
be a lifeline, relying on it as a one-stop shop to access
cash and benefits, pay bills, get advice and information,
and socialise. For that reason I am against these closures.
The
Post Office says they will listen to what local people
want. I intend to give local people the chance to have
their say”.
POLICE
SEEK CCTV SUSPECT
17/01/08
West
Lancs Police release CCTV image of suspected Burglar
Police
in West Lancashire have released a CCTV image of
a man they want to question in relation to a burglary.
The
burglary happened at approx 1am on the 15th December
at Orme House in Ormskirk when the male gained entry
to the premises and stole a Sony laptop.
DC
Joe Murphy at Ormskirk CID commented, ”We
have a clear CCTV image of the offender and are
confident that someone will know him. I would urge
members of the Public who may know this person to
come forward and contact the police.”
Anyone
with any information can contact Ormskirk CID on
01695 566442 or via Southern Communications Centre
on 0845 1 25 35 45.
Information
can also be given about crime anonymously by telephoning
Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
CHURCH
ROAD BURGLARIES UPDATE
15/01/08
By
PC 980 Phil Corrigan:
There has been appproximately 14 burglaries, on and around
the vacinity of Church Road Tarleton in the early hours
of Saturday the 12th of January 2008. Both domestic and
business premesis were burgled, whereby small expensive
electrical goods and cash was stolen, causing considerable
damage.
Additional police resources were supplied to the area,
such as a dog patrol and the force helicopter, and three
males were arrested in the village and enquiries are now
ongoing.
Before Christmas there was also a spate of burglaries
around Tarleton and Hesketh Bank. As a result of which
there was a joint operation between local Police Officers
and Traffic, which led to significant resources being
deployed in the area (including plain clothes CID officers).
This activity lead to the detention of four males who
have been arrested and charged.
Were a crime pattern has emerged the Police have responded
and the offenders for that particular trend have been
arrested and the incidents have stopped. In order to prevent
a reaccurance extra police patrols are planned in the
area.
There is dedicated neighbourhood and geographical cover
24/7, and for the next 3 x months during weekend / evenings
dedicated Anti Social Behavior cover.
POLICE
"SPECIAL" EVENING
07/01/08
Find
out more about becoming a Special at event to be held
at Skelmersdale Police Station.
Members
of the public that live in West Lancashire will have the
chance to find out more about the Special Constabulary
next week.
An
event has been organised at Skelmersdale Police Station
on Monday 14th January from 5.30pm – 8pm. The event
will give Members of the Public the opportunity to find
out more about the Special Constabulary, the work these
officers carry out and the training they receive.
You
will also be able to speak on a one to one basis with
Specials already doing the role and will be offered a
behind the scenes insight into the work of Special Constables.
You will also be able to register your full details and
take home a full application pack.
Anyone
interested in attending these events need to report to
the enquiry desk on arrival and if they need any further
information they can contact Laura Hesketh on 01772 412127.
BANK
HALL BIRTHDAY WISH
01/01/08
Built
in 1608, Bank Hall celebrates it's 400th anniversary year.
With a bold planning application imminent, will 2008 be
the year that Bank Hall's fortunes change? More on
the history of Bank Hall
Picked from seven shortlisted designs, the impressive bridge will span the River Douglas at the site of the old railway bridge between Hesketh Bank and Much Hoole.
Police
in West Lancashire have released a CCTV image of
a man they want to question in relation to a burglary.
