Don’t be on your own at Christmas - support available at ...

Listed below are organisations who, along with the Housing Service, offer advice and support to anyone in need – especially over the Christmas period.

Barrow Borough Council

Housing Support Service. If you feel you require housing related support or assistance during the Christmas period, ring and speak to our Housing Support Officer, Simone Singleton on 01229 876580 during office hours. Should you have a housing emergency when the Housing Office is closed, please call the out-of-hours number 01229 833311.

Salvation Army

Normal Opening times: Monday – Thursday 9.30am – 3pm and Friday 9.30am – 2pm. Closed for Christmas from 17 December 2010 to 5 January 2011. For those in genuine need food parcels can be requested from the Salvation Army over the Christmas period. When closed, phone messages can be left. Someone will respond within 24 hours. If you would like further information, please ring Major Millar on 01229 433550.

Mind-in-Furness

For people with mental health problems, Mind-in-Furness have a drop-in-centre where people are welcome to visit to relax and chat to other people with similar problems. The drop-in-centre is based at 64 School Street, Barrow. Normal opening hours are 10am-4pm. They will be closed over the Christmas period on 25, 26, 27 and 28 December 2010 and 3 January 2011. For further details call 01229 827094.

Furness Homeless Support Group.

Christmas Shelter, 27 Bath Street, Barrow.

Opening times: Christmas Eve 10am – 3pm. Christmas Day and Boxing Day 11am – 6pm. 27 to 31 December 2010 10am – 2pm. Closed New Years Day. For further details call 01229 821134.

Samaritans

Call 08457 909090 any time of the day or night and speak to someone who has time to listen.

Project John

Office opens 12noon-2pm from 28 to 31 December 2010. Normal opening hours (9am to 4.30pm) from 4 January 2011. If you have any queries please call 01229 832127

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year from everyone at Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Team.

See you all in 2011 - have fun and stay safe.

Thought for the Week

“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” Buddha

Stay safe and warm this Christmas

With the country in the grip of what's set to be the coldest December for 100 years, England's Fire and Rescue Services are advising their residents to stay safe as they keep warm and the colder weather continues to bite.

Latest fire statistics show that the number of injuries and deaths from accidental fires in 2008 were at their peak in December and January, while provisional statistics for 2009/10 show that nearly 2000 fires were started by electric blankets, candles or portable heaters last year, resulting in 406 casualties and fatalities.

Fire Minister Bob Neill said: "As the colder weather continues to bite it's only natural that we spend more time indoors and endeavour to stay as warm as possible. There's nothing like a cosy open fire or the added warmth of an electric blanket, but these and other winter must-haves like candles can bring an increased risk of fire into the home.

"Make sure you stay both warm and fire-safe this winter and remember to test your smoke alarm every week. Working smoke alarms save lives.

The Government's Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser Sir Ken Knight said: "Additional measures to keep warm such as heaters are a common sight at this time of year but despite the winter comfort they can bring it's important to remember the risks they bring.

"By following some simple rules you can ensure you stay safe and warm and if you are in any doubt over any fire safety issues, your local Fire and Rescue Service are on hand to help and offer advice. We all want to be warm in winter, but we must avoid tragedy."

The Fire Kills Campaign has released the following advice to help you reduce your fire risk this winter:

Fires and Heaters

Open fires can provide a relaxing and atmospheric way to keep warm, whereas portable heaters can be handily moved around but it's important to use them safely:

- always use a fire guard to protect an open fire against flying sparks and hot embers and make sure embers are under control and properly put out before you go out or go to bed

- keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes. Always unplug electric heaters when you go out and go to bed.

Electric Blankets

Electric blankets can help you keep warm during the cold nights, but fires can be devastating with 440 injuries resulting from every 1,000 fires started by an electric blanket. Therefore, there are fire safety issues to consider:

- never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off

- unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use

- store electric blankets flat or rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring.

Candles

Candles may also be used more to lighten up the dark evenings. As with open fires, a naked flame brings risks if they are not treated carefully. Make sure that candles are secured in a proper holder, and away from materials that may catch fire like curtains. It is also very important that candles are put out completely when you leave the room or go to bed.

For further information on fire safety please visit www.direct.gov.uk/firekills or contact your local Fire and Rescue Service to arrange a free Home Safety Visit http://www.cumbriafire.gov.uk/services/home/safety-Visits.asp

Cumbria Constabulary/Cumbria Police Authority - Budget Cuts

Cumbria Police Authority and Constabulary face budget cuts of £18.6million following an announcement by the Government last week on the details of the grant settlement.

The Constabulary received precise figures for the grant settlement for the next two years (2011/12 and 2012/13) with a further two years worth of indicative figures provided (2013/14 and 2014/15). This still creates a level of uncertainty from 2013/14 until detailed budget figures become available.

The Constabulary has been working on a programme of work to reduce costs with some work completed, other work in progress and more cuts to be identified.

Chief Constable Craig Mackey said: “This is a challenging settlement for Cumbria. The Constabulary will have to operate with a substantially reduced budget over the next four years.

“The Constabulary will have to reduce its budget by £18.6million over the next four years. This is a 20% budget cut in real terms which effectively means that the overall organisation needs to shrink by a fifth. The scale of a budget cut of this size is much larger than simply reducing support functions in fact the total cost of running all support functions (for example: Finance and Resources, Personnel and Development, ICT, Legal, Marketing and Comms) doesn’t meet the required budget cut.

“The Police Authority and the Constabulary have been undertaking detailed preparation in recent months so that we can meet these challenges. It is without question the shape and structure of Cumbria Constabulary will have to change significantly, however, our priority remains keeping Cumbria a safe place to live, work and visit.

“Cumbria Constabulary is firmly committed to maintaining visible policing in local communities. However, the total number of police officers will fall to 1,150 by September 2011. This will be a reduction of 100 officers from our position in 2009/10. Some officers will be moved from support functions to frontline policing. We have reduced the number of senior and middle management roles. The overall reduction in the number of officers will be achieved through natural wastage.

“The Constabulary is constantly reviewing the way it works and there are some changes to working practices that are freeing up officer time that will significantly help bridge the changes. These include; the re-structuring of the way that the Constabulary deals with urgent and community calls, increasing the use of mobile working where officers can benefit from direct access to computer systems while in the community, streamlining management structures and reducing bureaucracy by removing processes such as completing a paper audit when undertaking stops and searches.

“We have listened to the feedback that we receive about PCSO's and the impact that they have on your community. For the next two years the numbers of PCSO's in our communities will remain at 105.

“The police staff establishment will drop to 600 by March 2012 - a reduction of 235 posts from March 2010. Work has been taking place for some time to identify how we can reduce the number of police staff posts, with 20 redundancies having already taken place. There are a number of consultations currently underway with staff and there will be a further 140 posts lost in 2011/12 (based on the equivalent of an average salary). The Constabulary, where possible, works with staff to progress voluntary redundancy. At risk staff have also been re-deployed into compatible essential roles that have become available following the external recruitment freeze. However, re-deployment is not always possible and compulsory redundancy will continue to be used.

“The total savings forecast as required for 2011/12 are £7.5 million and, given the work that has already been identified, we expect to be able to balance the budget by a combination of budget cuts and by recycling the savings made in this financial year (2010/11). For the following three years we have also, to date, identified significant savings but will need to find a further £13.1 million, after adjusting for the use of savings from 2010/11.

“Work has already started to identify these savings in the following ways: a review of the estate and front counter services is taking place and will explore opportunities to work with partner agencies; our vehicle budget will reduce by 30%; our ICT budget and Programme Management Unit costs will reduce by £2.75million and we will look at reducing management tiers and directorates across all support departments.

“These are without doubt challenging times but we are firmly committed to providing the communities of Cumbria with an affordable and realistic policing service. It is by working together that the Constabulary, partners and local communities can ensure that crime and disorder remains at the low levels we have experienced in recent years.”

Police Authority Chair Ray Cole said: “Cumbria Police Authority along with all police authorities have received a difficult grant settlement and now must face the harsh reality of agreeing with the Constabulary a balanced budget for 2011/12 and following years.

“Cumbria is a safe place to live with crime at some of the lowest levels in the UK and we must ensure that this continues, despite the reduction in staff and officers. It is encouraging to see the work that the Constabulary is undertaking to minimise the impact of these losses by restructuring and maximising the use of technology.”

Domestic Violence Christmas Campaign

Cumbria Constabulary is targeting victims of domestic violence in an awareness raising campaign launched today, to encourage them to seek help and take steps to ensure they can enjoy a safe and happy Christmas.

Police officers around the county will be distributing impactive posters amongst communities over the festive period to raise awareness of domestic violence and highlight the support that is available for victims in Cumbria.

The campaign is designed to make people stop and think about domestic violence and highlight the hard work that goes on all year round to identify those at risk and protect them and their families.

Dedicated teams of police officers, alongside partner agencies, actively monitor and target domestic violence perpetrators through intelligence led operations that run consistently throughout the year. Specially trained officers are posted all around the county to respond to incidents of domestic violence and wear fitted head cams wherever possible to ensure that evidence is gathered at the earliest opportunity.

It is hoped that the hard hitting poster campaign will open the eyes of families and friends of suspected victims to encourage them to speak out and report their suspicions to police.

In 2009, officers responded to 5608 reports of domestic violence in Cumbria compared to 5300 incidents in 2008. 77 per cent of the incidents that went to court in 2009 resulted in a conviction. Between January and November 2010, police have attended 5642 incidents of domestic violence across the county. This significant rise in numbers is due to the fact that every single operational police officer has received training in how to identify, risk assess and deal with domestic abuse incidents.

Domestic violence is traditionally under reported with only around 35 per cent of incidents disclosed to police so officers hope to see a rise in the number of crimes reported to them over the festive season.

The Detective Superintendent who leads the County’s Public Protection Unit, Andy Slattery, said: “It is a sad fact that domestic abuse rises over Christmas as tensions can often run high, families get together and lots of alcohol is consumed.

“Because domestic abuse is under-reported, any rise in the number of cases has a positive side as it means more victims have the courage and confidence to come forward. We aim to increase reporting but in doing so we strive to reduce the level of seriousness of incidents and reduce the number of repeated incidents in high risk cases.

“This important campaign is designed to bring the issue of domestic violence to the forefront of our minds. Work goes on throughout the year to protect victims of domestic abuse who feel trapped within a cycle of abuse and with the help of partner agencies, we put support measures in place to help victims in Cumbria take the important steps to break this cycle and stop living in fear.

“Inbuilt panic alarms, counselling and other practical support is available but victims need the confidence to confide in someone, or make one phone call to police so that we can help. We support victims throughout the process – from the initial report they make to police right through to court and subsequent prosecutions.

“Most people look forward to Christmas but for victims of abuse, it can be a desperate time. People have the right to enjoy the festive season safely and free of violence of any sort – at home or out and about in our communities.

“We absolutely will not tolerate abuse in Cumbria and we hope that victims have the confidence to speak out and report it. We hope that this campaign encourages all victims - male and female - and those who witness incidents of domestic violence, to come forward so we can take action and help keep people safe.

“Domestic abusers are cowards. They inflict pain and suffering on those closest to them who are least likely to report to the police. The message from us is clear; we can and will support victims to escape the abusive and controlling behaviour they endure at the hands of their partners.

“Anyone who thinks that they are above the law and have the right to abuse others should know that we are out there and will come down hard on you. You will be caught and brought to justice.”

Anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence or has any information regarding incidents is urged to contact any Police Officer or call Cumbria Police on 0845 33 00 247.

Barrow Police Community Liaison Forum Meeting

Cumbria Police Authority will be holding a Police Community Liaison Forum Meeting in January 2011, in the Barrow area, focussing on the projected Police budget deficit in 2011-12 and the four-year period to 2014-15.

Cumbria Police Authority would like to invite members of the community to attend a Police Community Liaison Forum Meeting to be held on Thursday 13th January 2011, 7:00pm, in the Studio at Forum 28, Barrow.

Douglas Thomas, Cumbria Police Authority’s Treasurer, will provide information on the projected Police budget deficit, and the implications for Cumbria Constabulary.

Ray Cole, Cumbria Police Authority’s Chair, said: “Cumbria Police Authority are the Governing body for the Constabulary, we have a statutory duty to engage and find out the views from people within our communities. The Communilty Liaison Forums will provide the opportunity to discuss future budget implications, and to inform the public on what this actually means for Cumbria’s Policing service.

There will have to be some tough decisions made regarding the future Police budget, which will mean extremely demanding times ahead for Cumbria Constabulary”

Thought for the Week

"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person." Mother Teresa

Winter Opening Times at the Dock Museum:

Winter Opening Times at the Dock Museum:

Monday and Tuesday - Closed

Wednesday - Friday - 10.30am - 4pm

Saturday and Sunday - 11am - 4.30pm

Last admission to the Museum is 45 minutes before closing.

Police advice to communities regarding wintry conditions

Local communities are being urged to look out for one another and take extra care as a second band of icy and snowy conditions heads towards Cumbria.

Temperatures are forecast to drop significantly over coming days, which could lead to treacherous road conditions and black ice.

Police are urging communities to prepare in advance, drive to the conditions and look out for vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours. Pavements are just as susceptible to freezing as roads, so take care when walking as well as when driving.

Officers are also warning people to stay off frozen ponds, rivers and lakes, and to make sure pets do not go out on the ice.

To keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts, visit the Met Office website: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

Tune in to your local BBC Radio station to keep up to date with road and school closures and other community issues: http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/cumbria/hi/

You can also contact the Cumbria Highways Hotline on 0845 609 6609.

Safety advice for motorists

• Plan your journey in advance:

• Check local and national weather forecasts and tune into local radio stations to check on road conditions and closures

• Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive and ensure you have a charged mobile phone with you

• Make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots and a torch. In snowy conditions, take a spade

• Clear your windows and mirrors fully before you set off and carry a screen scraper and de-icer

If you have an accident, break-down or become stuck in bad weather conditions:

• Do not use a mobile phone while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make the call

• On a motorway, it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone because the emergency services and breakdown recovery services will be able to locate you easily. If you have to use a mobile phone, make sure you know your location from the numbers on the marker posts on the side of the hard shoulder

• If you have to leave your vehicle to get help, make sure other drivers can see you

Vehicle maintenance:

• Keep lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow – remember also to clear your vehicle roof of compacted snow in case it dislodges while you drive, as this could be dangerous to other road users

• Keep your battery fully charged

• Add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer

• Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order

• Check that tyres have plenty of tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure. Consider changing to high performance winter tyres.

Drive according to weather conditions:

• Allow extra time and distance to brake as it can take ten times longer to stop in wet or icy conditions

• Adapt your driving behaviour. Keep in mind the decreased visibility and changing road conditions.

• Slow down and avoid sudden or jerky movements

• When driving on ice or snow use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin

• To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently

• Be wary of satellite navigation systems as they tend to direct you over high rural roads that are likely to be closed or particularly hazardous in winter

• Do not assume that pedestrians have seen you. They may be elderly, young or not be able to hear you

• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads if the water seems too deep

• Drive slowly through water in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch - this will stop you from stalling

• Test your brakes when you have driven through a flood before you drive again at normal speed

Cumbria County Council Christmas and New Year service arrangements for 2010.

Cumbria County Council will continue to provide key services over the Christmas period, but some of its offices - including the Head Office in The Courts, Carlisle - are closed for the Christmas week from December 27th and will reopen on Tuesday January 4th.

Here are details of opening times, out-of-hours contacts, holiday cover arrangements and other relevant information.

Adult Social Care

Residential and home care services operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Adult Social Care offices opening hours are as follows:

Friday 24 December - Open 9am to 4.30pm

Christmas Day - Closed

Boxing Day - Closed

Bank Holiday Monday 27 December - Closed Bank Holiday Tuesday 28 December - Closed Wednesday 29 December - Open 9am - 5pm Thursday 30 December - Open 9am - 5pm New Year's Eve - Open 9am - 4.30pm New Years Day - Closed Sunday 2 January 2010 - Closed Bank Holiday Monday 3 January - Closed Tuesday 4th January 2010 - Open 9am - 5pm

When offices are closed, the social care Out of Hours Emergency Service on 01228 526690 - can be used 24-hours a day for adult social care emergencies.

Children's Services (for children's social care)

Services will operate as normal up to and including 24th December.

The head office, Portland Square, Carlisle, will open until 4.45pm on 24th December and then close until 4th January.

The social care office:  Market Street, Barrow will close on 24th December, reopen on 29th, 30th and 31st December and then close until 4th January.

The Nan Tait Centre, Abbey Road, Barrow will close from 24th December and reopen 4th January.

During closure periods, the same out-of-hours number as above - 01228 526690 - can be used 24-hours a day for children's social care emergencies.

Recycling

Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) will all be open as usual throughout the Christmas season with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, when they will be closed. They will also close at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Otherwise they will be open at the usual opening hours shown below:
Ulverston, Morecambe Road - 8am - 6pm, seven days a week.
Barrow,Walney Road - 8am - 6pm, seven days a week.

For lots of festive recycling information visit resourcecumbria.org or the helpline 0845 055 1118.

Cumbria Highways

The Highways Hotline, a 24-hour emergency and winter maintenance service will, as always, be provided by Cumbria Highways throughout Christmas and New Year on 0845 609 6 609 for reporting highways problems.

During public holidays over the Christmas period, calls should be limited to serious highways problems such as flooding, landslips and severe weather.

Supervisors will be on duty day and night at the county’s main highways depots and dozens of other staff will be on-call throughout the holiday period to deal with highways issues such as severe weather problems.

Windermere Ferry

The ferry will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. It will run on New Year's Day between 10.10am and 5.30pm. Otherwise, the ferry will operate its usual service, crossing between Ferry Nab at Bowness and Ferry House at Far Sawrey every 20 minutes each way between 6.50am and 8.50pm Monday to Saturday and between 9.50am and 8.50pm on Sunday.

Libraries and archives

All libraries (except Carlisle library) and archives offices will be closed from 1pm on Christmas Eve and normal opening hours will resume on January 4th 2011.

Carlisle library will be open at the following times:

Wednesday 29th September 10am – 4pm

Thursday 30th December 10am – 4pm

Friday 31st December 10am – 1pm

 

Community meals

Community Meals operates as usual except for the bank holidays when there’s a restricted service (meals will only be delivered on certain rounds).

The administrative offices will be closed on the following week days:

Moorfield Street, Barrow Office (Barrow & South Lakes) – closed Dec 27th, 28th and Jan 3rd. Office opening hours 9am – 3pm.

Trading Standards

Cumbria Trading Standards' Consumer Direct helpline (08454 04 05 06) will be open until 1pm on Christmas Eve, closed on Dec 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, and Jan 1st. It will be open until 4pm on Dec 31st.

Cllr Eddie Martin, Leader of Cumbria County Council, said: "The county council will, as ever, be maintaining essential services over the Christmas break. That means caring for vulnerable people, treating and maintaining the highways network, firefighters being on call and all the other essential services we provide. I'd like to thank all those people who will be sacrificing valuable family time to safeguard and serve others."

Christmas Violence Crackdown

The countdown to Christmas has started and as the party season gets into full flow, Cumbria police are urging revellers to keep hold of their senses as they crack down on alcohol and drug-related violence and disorder over the festive period.

Officers are strengthening their police patrols in busy town centres over the coming weeks to focus on defusing incidents before they escalate into violence.

Proactive policing operations will be held across the county to help stop violent incidents from starting and to provide a visible, reassuring presence to law abiding partygoers. Officers will also be working closely with licensed premises to try and prevent people who are already drunk being served more alcohol.

The patrols and targeted operations will focus around ‘Festive Friday’ celebrations –traditionally the Friday before Christmas – which is renowned as one of the busiest nights of the year for pubs and clubs across the county.

Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham, who is responsible for Neighbourhood Policing in Cumbria added his support to the campaign by saying:

“Our campaign has been launched to try to send a clear message to partygoers – please have fun and enjoy all your celebrations, but don’t lose control of your senses and end up spending your Christmas in the cells with us."

“Traditionally, pubs and clubs get very busy across the county during the festive season as crowds who don’t go out regularly attend more social events and parties, and drink a lot more alcohol than they would throughout the rest of the year."

“Previous experience has shown us that a minority of people take these celebrations too far and drink more alcohol than they can handle, losing their inhibitions and letting their emotions run high."

“We are asking people to take this into account and take a step back if they feel that a situation is becoming heated, before violence erupts"

“Police officers are trained to diffuse situations and we will be stepping in early to stop incidents escalating. We want people to enjoy a ‘merry’ Christmas, but don’t go too far and end up spending a Christmas behind bars and begin 2011 with a criminal record.”

Barrow’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be using tactics from their successful Operation Siskin, which sees officers working closely with pubs, clubs and bars to tackle excessive alcohol consumption, prevent underage sales and reduce alcohol related offences. To do this they will team up with Trading Standards to carry out test purchases and uncover licensed premises that are failing to check the age of their young customers.

Officers have also teamed up with Furness College to raise awareness of the anti-violence campaign to young people and will display impactive images that the young people have designed to highlight the issue of violence on Barrow’s ‘eye’.

To support the operations, police officers have been displaying posters around the county to highlight their anti-violence safety messages to highlight the link between drinking alcohol and getting involved in violent incidents in the hope that it will prompt people to drink sensibly and stay safe this Christmas.

These messages will also be distributed to revellers’ mobile phones via a Bluetooth device in busy town centre hotspots and the posters will be projected onto buildings in Barrow and Carlisle.

Pocket sized top tips will also be handed out by officers on patrols to remind people about how they can stay safe:

• Plan your night out, let someone know where you are going & when you will be home.

• Carry a charged mobile phone & put a trusted taxi number in your contacts.

• Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know or don’t trust.

• Keep your drink with you at all times, if it looks or tastes suspicious don’t drink it.

• Watch out for your friends & make sure they get home safely.

• Don’t walk alone after dark - plan ahead.

• Avoid taking short cuts, keep to well-lit main streets.

• Never accept lifts from strangers or unregistered taxis.

• Drink responsibly; binge drinking makes you more vulnerable.

Thought for the Week

“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.” Plato

http://www.infed.org/thinkers/et-plato.htm

Multi-agency operation launched to target abandoned vehicles

Police officers in Barrow have teamed up with their Roads Policing colleagues and Barrow Borough council to launch an operation to target abandoned items that cause an unnecessary obstruction to the community.

The operation is set to target boats, trailers and caravans that their owners have left on roadsides for an unreasonable length of time. The agencies involved in the Operation are raising awareness of the need for the vehicles to be removed in the lead up to 7th January 2011 when the vigorous enforcement campaign will begin.

Steve Robson, the Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Manager, said, “We often receive complaints from residents that boats, trailers and caravans are left in back streets for weeks on end. They are not just unsightly in our community - they also pose dangers to local children.”

Peter Carr from Barrow Borough’s Environmental Health Department said: “If people abandon their trailers, boats, etc and if they fit the legislation criteria to have been abandoned, then we will consider removing them. The Streetcare services work is often hampered by such vehicles, which results in back streets not getting cleaned, and refuse collectors being unable to drive down the streets to collect refuse.”

Sergeant Ian McClymont, who is coordinating the operation said: “We would expect owners of trailers, boats and caravans to remove them from the roadside and park them off the road were they will not cause an obstruction. By definition, if they are left on the road - which includes back streets - for a significant amount of time, it is an unnecessary obstruction and the owner’s risk having their property seized and getting a fixed penalty ticket.

“Many of the owners parking these items on the streets are doing so to avoid fees charged for mooring boats, or putting caravans in compounds. However by leaving them on the streets they cause problems for other residents, present dangers to children playing in the area and take up valuable parking spaces.”

Gavin Roberts, form Barrows Fire and Rescue services said: “By leaving these vehicles in back streets they become a target for damage and present a fire risk. They also have the potential to prevent fire engines from accessing the scene of a fire quickly and easily so could risk a person’s life.”

Police to hold virtual meeting in Barrow

Barrow police are holding an online meeting this week to provide local residents with the chance to ‘chat’ with some of the area’s top cops from the comfort of their own homes.

By logging onto www.cumbria.police.uk/barrowmeeting on Thursday 16th December between 6pm to 8pm, residents will be given a chance to let their virtual voices be heard by taking part in an online meeting with their local inspector.

At the same time as raising questions to local Inspector David Bosson about issues in their local area or sharing any concerns they may have, South Cumbria’s top cop, Chief Superintendent Paul Kennedy, will also be in the hot seat and able to answer questions, provide an update on future policing in the area and share advice.

Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector David Bosson said: “Community meetings are great ways for residents to put forward their views on what police should be doing and how, but it’s hard to arrange a time and venue that enables everybody to come along.

“Online web chats have been piloted recently by the Constabulary and have generated positive responses from local people who get the chance to talk to local police officers in a convenient, simple way – without having to leave their homes or families.

“It provides people who don’t like to speak out in public, or who don’t want to ask us questions out on the street to speak out anonymously and hear our honest answers.

“I’d urge as many people as possible to log on so that we get a true reflection of what the communities of Barrow think and feel. If you live outside of Barrow but would like to use the opportunity to ask a question or share your views feel free to log on and join in.”

Guidance on community action during severe weather conditions

Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Team move to new base on Dalton Road

The Neighbourhood Policing Team that covers Barrow Island and Barrow central has moved into the Neighbourhood Management offices on Dalton Road.

The new accommodation will allow the team of twelve officers to work alongside some of their key partners including Neighbourhood Wardens, Barrow’s Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Furness Enterprise. It will also ensure that the police continue to have a solid, high visibility presence in the town centre.

Inspector David Bosson who leads Barrow’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “This is a very positive move that has been well received by members of our team and the Neighbourhood Management Board. It will provide residents of Barrow central, Hindpool and Barrow Island with a ‘one stop shop’ to tackle local community concerns and enables the different agencies that are very closely aligned to work together under one roof.

“This is a big step forward in our partnership approach to policing community issues and will make information sharing a lot easier. The team will continue to provide the same high standards of community policing but it means that we are better placed and have more resources to tackle local issues than ever before.”

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said: “Cumbria Constabulary is committed to maintaining a visible policing presence in Barrow. This new base will provide the residents and businesses of Barrow with a consistent high visibility police presence in close proximity to many shops, businesses, pubs and clubs.

“I’d like to thank the IT team at Barrow Borough Council who have worked extremely hard to overcome technical issues to allow us to move into the building as quickly as we have.

“Working in the Neighbourhood Management offices will strengthen our relationship with other local agencies and will take our partnership approach to tackling local issues to the next level. As we face tough financial challenges, collaborating with partner agencies will become absolutely key to the future of Cumbria Constabulary.”

The police station on Market Street will remain the main point for the public to report crimes and meet with police officers face-to-face. The Neighbourhood Management Offices on Dalton Road will be open to the public who would like help or advice on community issues for the Barrow Central, Hindpool and Barrow Island areas.

Neighbourhood Manager Steve Robson added: “We are delighted that the police have moved into our premises as this further cements our day to day working relationship and also improves the opportunities for working together in the future.

“We’ve made great progress tackling crime and anti-social behaviour over the last four years through consistently working together to tackle community problems. This move is the next step and we hope to continue to see improvements in community life in Barrow for years to come.”

The Neighbourhood Management Offices are open to the public between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

The Neighbourhood Policing team will be hosting a ‘meet and greet’ session for the local community on Dalton Road adjacent to Thorntons on Thursday 9 December from 12pm-3pm. This event will be used as an opportunity for any members of the community to come along and meet their officers, see where abouts they are based and ask police any questions.

New support in Barrow to help people on sickness benefit get back to work

A new pilot is starting in Barrow providing health support for people on long term sickness benefit so they can get back into work or training.

As part of the pilot a new health trainer has been employed by Furness Enterprise on behalf of the North West Health Trainer Partnership to help unemployed people in Furness to make changes to their lifestyle which will improve their health and help them get into work or training.

The new health trainer will be based at Waterside House in Barrow but also be able to go out and see people in various community venues.

Barrow is one of three places in the North West to take part in the twelve month pilot alongside Workington and Sefton in Merseyside. It’s hoped that health trainer employed as part of the scheme will be able to work with people in the town currently claiming sickness benefits to both improve their health and their employment prospects as a result.

A launch event has taken place today in Barrow so that Furness Enterprise and NHS Cumbria can explain to other agencies and third sector organisations how they can use the service and refer people they think may benefit from support to the scheme.

Carole Wood is NHS Cumbria’s Associate Director of Public Health in south Cumbria. She said: ”It’s great news that Barrow has been picked as one of a small number of places in the North West to benefit from this extra support. People can find themselves without work for a number of reasons and often it can be connected to people’s health and also a lack of self-confidence.

“Once someone has been out for work for a continuous length of time it can be a difficult and daunting experience knowing how to start to get back into the job market. Working and also participating in training, or getting experience through voluntary work in itself is better for people’s health in the long run. A support scheme such as this provides a support worker who can help take away this anxiety and help people through these difficulties. The health trainer will work with people so they can identify how they can change their lifestyle to improve their health and then start looking at how best to get back into work, whether that’s through training or through another route.”

Anyone wishing to get more information on the Health Trainer programme can contact Jennifer Hair on 01229 820611 or via email to jhair@furnessenterprise.co.uk

Thought for the Week

“Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence.” Erich Fromm

Cumbrian communities urged to take care as wintry conditions continue

Local communities are being urged to look out for one another and take extra care as the winter weather looks set to continue.

Police and partner agencies including Highways, Fire Service, Health Service and Local Authorities have attended a meeting at Police Headquarters today to discuss the county’s response to the adverse weather.

The Met Office has warned that the snow and icy conditions look set to continue into the weekend so the group has advised motorists to drive to the conditions and only drive if they feel it is safe to do so.

On Friday a belt of rain is due in from the West. Due to the cold weather this may freeze on contact with roads and pavements which will create particularly treacherous conditions so take extra care when out and about after rainfall.

Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham, who chaired the group, said: ”The winter weather has led to treacherous road conditions in many areas of the county, so we are asking everyone to take additional care when they are out and about.

“We are working hard with our partners to maintain the safety of the public and responding to emergency calls but are reminding drivers of the steps they can take to keep themselves and others safe on the roads.

“For those who intend to take to the fells this weekend please ensure you are fully equipped with winter walking equipment. Only experienced winter walkers should consider taking to higher ground. Those going sledging or walking in lower lying areas should also dress to the conditions and let people know where they have gone and when they will be back.

“Under no circumstances should people attempt walking on frozen rivers, lakes or any other bodies of water.”

Police are also urging members of the public to look out for one another and take extra care when heading out on foot in the hours of darkness after two elderly people died in their gardens this week.

Officers were called to a house on Pinfold Street, Workington at 10:40am yesterday (Wednesday 1/12/10) after 80-year-old Lillian Jenkinson died in her back garden. An investigation is underway into the circumstances of her death however initial indications would suggest Mrs Jenkinson may have fallen in her garden overnight before she died. On Tuesday 30 November an elderly man was found dead in his garden in Kirkby Stephen and officers are now investigating whether a fall or medical episode may have contributed to his death.

ACC Graham added: “The severe winter weather which has gripped the county has made many outdoor areas hazardous so we are reminding everyone to take extra care, particularly in the hours of darkness when visibility is poor.

“Please make sure you wrap up warm and wear appropriate clothing and footwear if you do need to venture outside, even for a few minutes. Two elderly people have tragically died in their gardens in the last week and we know they were closely supported by family and neighbours, however not everyone has that support. So I would ask everyone to keep an eye out for vulnerable people in their community, particularly those who are elderly and live alone.”

Safety advice for motorists

Plan your journey in advance:

• Check local and national weather forecasts and tune into local radio stations to check on road conditions

and closures

• Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive and ensure you have a charged mobile phone with you

• Make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots and a torch. In snowy conditions, take a spade

• Clear your windows and mirrors fully before you set off and carry a screen scraper and de-icer

If you have an accident, break-down or become stuck in bad weather conditions:

• Do not use a mobile phone while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make the call

• On a motorway, it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone because the emergency services and breakdown recovery services will be able to locate you easily. If you have to use a mobile phone, make sure you know your location from the numbers on the marker posts on the side of the hard shoulder

• If you have to leave your vehicle to get help, make sure other drivers can see you

Vehicle maintenance:

• Keep lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow

• Keep your battery fully charged

• Add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer

• Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order

• Check that tyres have plenty of tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure. Consider changing to high performance winter tyres.

Drive according to weather conditions:

• Allow extra time and distance to brake as it can take ten times longer to stop in wet or icy conditions

• Adapt your driving behaviour. Keep in mind the decreased visibility and changing road conditions.

• Slow down and avoid sudden or jerky movements are all vital to safe winter driving

• When driving on ice or snow use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin

• To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently

• Be wary of satellite navigation systems as they tend to direct you over high rural roads that are likely to be closed or particularly hazardous in winter

• Do not assume that pedestrians have seen you. They may be elderly, young or not be able to hear you

• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads if the water seems too deep

• Drive slowly through water in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch - this will stop you from stalling

• Test your brakes when you have driven through a flood before you drive again at normal speed

If you would like to speak to an officer about how best to stay safe on the county’s roads please contact Cumbria Roads Policing Unit on 0845 33 00 247. In an emergency always call 999.

Junior Wardens on film

Thought for the Week

"Education is a social process. Education is growth. Education is, not a preparation for life; education is life itself." John Dewey

BIG builds on 'Reaching Communities'

BIG is investing £75 million specifically for rural and urban community-use buildings through our flagship Reaching Communities programme. From early December, voluntary and community sector organisations and parish and town councils across England will be able to apply for capital funding of between £100,000 to £500,000.

In the North West we have a very diverse geography with 80% being rural but with a number of significant urban areas where the majority of the population live and work. Whatever the location we know that community buildings play an important role in the lives of people. They can provide access to a range of community activities which enhance community cohesion.

The funding will be available for all types of multi-purpose buildings used by communities including memorial halls, community centres and village halls. The funding stream has been designed with a view to transforming current buildings into community buildings which can offer a wide range of activities benefitting a wide range of citizens.

We know that £75million isn’t enough to fund every community building in the country. The funding will be targeted at those most in need. We have used the Index of Multiple Deprivation to identify these areas. However, we recognise that a single approach to deprivation could ‘miss’ rural deprivation.

We have therefore weighted the targeting so that half of the most deprived isolated rural communities are eligible, compared to 15% of the most deprived urban areas.

We have developed a postcode checker on our website so that applicants can check whether their building is in one of the eligible areas. This, and further information about how to apply for funding will be available on the website from December.

For further details on the programme visit the Big Lottery Fund website here.

NHS puts preparations in place to deal with winter pressures

As the weather gets colder, it is important to remember the needs of friends, elderly relatives and neighbours who could be at risk. The Department of Health has issued some guidance today for how to help.

Official figures from the Office of National Statistics today demonstrate the deadly impact that cold weather can have, especially on older people during winter. They show that, last year, there were an estimated 25,400 excess deaths mostly linked to circulatory and respiratory diseases.

Following a few basic principles can make a big difference to the safety and wellbeing of those at risk.

Measures such as:
* checking on them to make sure they are safe and well;
* making sure they're warm enough, especially at night; and
* stocking up on food and medicines.

Public Health Minister Anne Milton said "The reduction in excess winter deaths last year is to be welcomed. We want to ensure that the NHS and the public are equally well prepared this year.

"We are working across Government on our cold weather plans. They are supported by our pledge to retain the winter fuel allowance, which will help people to keep homes warm. And we have turned the temporary increase in the Cold Weather Payments introduced by the last government, into a permanent increase.

"Information to help vulnerable people keep warm and keep well, will be made available to GP surgeries and local organisations.

"The elderly, and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during cold weather. We all have a role to play in remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk especially at this time of year".

The Department of Health has also made leaflets and posters giving advice on how to keep warm and well available for download for NHS and local organisations from here http://tinyurl.com/396d43f

For those who do need medical attention, the NHS is well prepared. There is always more pressure on the NHS at this time of year and this year will be no different. It deals with rises in slips, trips and falls, increases in admissions due to flu and other health problems associated with the colder weather and the winter vomiting bug noro-virus.

The routine preparations have seen each local area put escalation procedures in place for:
* greater bed capacity at peak times;

* better transfers of patients between ambulance and hospital;
* heightened operational readiness; and
* enhanced out of hours arrangements.

Commenting on the specific challenges the NHS faces at this time of year Health Minister Simon Burns said: "Every year, there is extra pressure on NHS services over the winter months. That's why we've asked the NHS to put plans in place to help mitigate the risks of a surge in demand.

"Across the country, our staff are already working hard and doing great work to respond to this extra demand and I am very grateful for all their continued efforts.

"Always dial '999' in an emergency. But if you do not have an emergency, it may be more appropriate to contact your GP, NHS Direct or your pharmacy."

Keep Warm Keep Well

Thought for the Week

"For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." Vincent Van Gogh

Barrow Lights switch on on 20th November 2010

The switch on will be hosted by The Bay presenters Danny Mathews and Tony Cookson and feature a new boy band The Mend and the UK's leading tribute act to The Saturdays - The Sundays.

The Sundays, who have Sophie Ellis Bextor amongst their supporters, have been playing to packed venues across the UK and Ireland. The girls have managed to catch the attention of Una Healy of The Saturdays who tweeted to wish them luck and to tell all her followers to check the band out.

The Mend has been put together by Take That mastermind Nigel Martin-Smith. The Mend write their own stuff and they were chosen from a newspaper advert for applicants for a new boy band. From 100 hopefuls these 4 young men were chosen for their talent, personality, attitude, looks and dedication to work.

The festivities will commence at 4 pm and last until 5.45 pm with the lights switch on at 5 pm.

To facilitate this event Duke Street from Schneider Square to Market Street and Market Street will be closed from 4 pm to 6 pm. Lawson Street and Market Street can be used to gain access to Market Street Car park. The buses and taxis operating out of Cornwallis Street will not be affected.

Barrow police launch operation to target retail and vehicle crime

Police in Barrow have launched a six week operation to clamp down on shoplifting, vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Operation Shepherd, which begins this week and will run until 31 December, will see increased numbers of officers on high visibility patrols around Barrow town centre who, working alongside retailers, will target shoplifters and provide a reassuring presence in and around busy car parks for Christmas shoppers who visit the area.

Inspector David Bosson states “Operation Shepherd is in its third year and has proved to be extremely successful in the past.

“By having extra officers on hand during peak times in the lead up to Christmas, we will be able to patrol busy town centre areas and work with shop owners and CCTV operators to target thieves to help make Barrow town centre a safe and vibrant place to visit and shop.

“In previous years Operation Shepherd has led to criminals being caught and convicted and a large amount of stolen property was recovered. We hope that it will be as successful this year and that our high visibility presence will act as a deterrent to criminals who may think they can cash in during the weeks leading up to Christmas.

“Police officers and Police Community Support Officers will also be working with the Neighbourhood Management and Parking Wardens to enhance our presence and focus on preventing and detecting vehicle crime.

“We would remind shoppers to still be vigilant, remove valuables from vehicles and keep their personal belongings secure to help stop themselves becoming victims of opportunist crime."

Police offer the following top tips to keep your vehicle safe:

- Never leave keys in the ignition or in your car, even for a short time

- Park with care, if possible in a busy, well lit area

- Close windows, sunroof, lock doors & activate security alarms when leaving your car

- Take valuables with you when you leave your car, eg: cash, credit cards, mobile phones, satellite navigation systems

- If you have no choice make sure valuables are locked in the boot, taking care no-one is watching you

- Keep your driving and vehicle documents safe & not in your car

- Postcode your valuables with a UV pen

- Make sure your keys are secure at home & work

For more crime prevention advice or to speak to your local officer, contact 0845 33 00 247. If you witness a crime or suspicious incident, please inform the police on 0845 33 00 247 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.