Thought for the week ....

"The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created - created first in the mind and will, created next in activity.

 

The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating.

The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination”

 

John Schaar

Guest bloggers coming soon

Starting soon we'll be inviting friends and colleagues to fill our 'guest blog' spot by providing us with a post about something improtant to them and/or their agency/group/street or whatever.

The first one will come from Inspector Geoff Steele of Cumbria Constabulary during the week beginning 8th Feb 2010. Geoff works in Barrow on partnership and community safety issues and is a great source of innovative ideas and inspiration for those of us lucky enough to work with him.

We're looking forward to what he has to say ... don't forget to come back and see for yourselves.

If you fancy taking up one of our guest blog spots then get in touch neighbourhoodmgt@barrowbc.gov.uk

Thought for the week ...

"If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to treat everything as if it's a nail."

Maslow (Abraham)

Action to unlock young people's talent starts here!

Young people from fifteen disadvantaged neighbourhoods have started working on local community projects designed to help them raise their ambitions, broaden their horizons, and unlock their talents, Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton announced today.

The projects are part of a £10million Government programme set up to raise the aspirations of 11-14 year olds and their parents across England.

The Inspiring Communities initiative builds on the Government's commitment to tackling inequality - and building a society where everyone, regardless of their background, is able to develop their talents and gain the skills which will help to transform their lives. To support this, the Government has recently set out measures to improve social mobility including a pledge to secure work experience in top professions for 10,000 students from 'modest income' families. This will include a national career mentoring scheme, aimed at schools where few go into higher education.

All the Inspiring Communities projects are being led by local communities - schools, colleges, businesses, and third sector - who working together support and help youngsters on the road to success by giving them work and educational experiences. In Barrow the Central and Hindpool project activities aim to:

- increase opportunities for young people’s participation in sport and arts activities

- provide coaching and mentoring training for adults working with young people

- increase opportunities for parents and young people to influence services in the area

- provide away day activities such as trips and outward bound experiences

- develop the existing Junior Warden scheme and improve opportunities for taking part in environmental activity and much more

Neighbourhood Manager for Central and Hindpool, Steve Robson, who is the local Inspiring Communities Co-ordinator, said:

“We’re really pleased to have been chosen as the one 15 pilot areas for this programme, it’s been a lot of hard work to get to this point but we’re ready to start delivering something that people can get involved in. We really want the parents and young people of Central and Hindpool to get involved in this with us and would love them to get in touch to find out more about the new and exciting opportunities which will be available through this work.”

Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton said:
"All young people deserve the chance to see what they are capable of and the opportunities open to them, and that is what Inspiring Communities initiative is designed to do. It will enable youngsters, no matter where they live or their social background, to fulfil their potential.

"This funding goes to support community-led projects that will best uncover and foster young people's talents. Funding will help young people broaden their horizons, grow in confidence and learn about opportunities that are available to them.

"I am grateful to those people, business and organisations who are willing to give their time and experience to giving young people a chance."
Inspiring Communities is a joint initiative from Communities and Local Government, The Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Cabinet Office. It has also secured support right across Whitehall, with a further 11 Government departments committed to encouraging ambitious and creative work locally.

Schools Minister Vernon Coaker said:

“We want to make sure England is the best place in the world for young people to grow up. This means supporting every young person, including those living in the most deprived areas, to ensure they get a great education that meets their needs and aspirations.

“Everyone in the local community can play their part in helping young people to see what they could achieve at and beyond school. The Inspiring Communities initiative gives young people taking part the support they need to help motivate them and raise their aspirations. It will help them make progress, develop new skills and raise their educational attainment, and so it’s great to see so many groups and organisations supporting these projects.”

Minister for the Third Sector Angela Smith said:

"I am really pleased that the Inspiring Communities programme is delivering opportunities for young people to raise their aspirations and take part in positive activities. It is an excellent example of how cross government working can bring about real change and help young people achieve their full potential.

"Volunteering, which is a core element of the programme, can boost morale, help young people learn practical skills and encourages community engagement. All of this is helping to raise the skills and aspirations of our youg people."

Crime levels fall and confidence remains high as Cumbria Constabulary continues to perform well

The Home Office today issued its quarterly crime statistics revealing that there were 3,431 fewer reported crimes in Cumbria between September 2008 and September 2009compared to the same period the previous year, representing a reduction in overall crime of 10 per cent and thousands fewer victims across the county.

Overall crime fell from 33,160 reported incidents in Cumbria between September 2007 and September 2008, to 29,729 between September 2008 and September 2009.

The statistics also confirm that Cumbria Constabulary ranks as the second force nationally for inspiring confidence in the public, with 56 per cent of local people agreeing that police are dealing with the anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter in their area and 62 per cent agreeing that police deal with local concerns.

The report released today is produced by the Home Office and discusses the latest crime trends in England and Wales. The report is based on two sources of statistics, the British Crime Survey (BCS) and police recorded crime data.

By drilling deeper, the statistics reveal that criminal damage has fallen by 17 per cent, vehicle crime by 12 per cent, violence against the person by 9 per cent, drug offences by 6 per cent and fraud by 2 per cent.

Welcoming the new figures, Chief Constable Craig Mackey said: “Overall crime has fallen by 10 per cent in Cumbria demonstrating the sterling work the officers and staff of Cumbria Constabulary are doing with the support of local communities and partner agencies to tackle crime at a local level and focus on the issues that matter most in each neighbourhood.

“It is encouraging to see the high levels of confidence the local community has in the Constabulary. This is something we want to continue improving by tackling policing priorities in each area and making sure that local residents are kept up to date with what we are doing in their neighbourhoods.

“We are focussed on engaging with local communities to find out exactly what issues they want us to tackle, and to make sure we improve the quality of life in Cumbria by resolving the issues that matter most in each town and village. To that end we have introduced Safer Stronger Community meetings, where local people can vote for their policing priorities, and we are providing monthly updates on our website and in newsletters to make sure local communities are kept informed about policing in their area.”

Although overall crime is down, Cumbria has experienced a 5 per cent rise in burglary, a 10 per cent rise in robbery and a 16 per cent rise in reports of sexual offences.

Mr Mackey said: “It is always disappointing to learn that specific types of crime are on the rise, but by constantly taking stock of crime trends across Cumbria we can ensure that we shift our focus to tackle these issues as a priority

“Burglary will remain a priority and our officers and detectives are already working hard to investigate incidents and catch offenders. At the same time, we are providing crime prevention advice to residents and working with local communities to set up Neighbourhood Watch and Farm Watch schemes to create a network of people that will report suspicious activity and share crime prevention advice.

“Robberies are extremely distressing for the victims involved and are always at the top of our priority list. This will continue, and we will not rest until we have brought offenders to justice.

“The increase in sexual offences is on the one hand worrying, but on the other a welcome rise, as one of the major hurdles faced by victims is working up the courage to report incidents to police. We have worked hard over recent years to ensure we have the people and facilities available to support victims and investigate sexual offences.

“Reviewing statistics like these help us paint a true picture of crime in the county so that we can tackle issues head on. By working together we can continue to reduce crime across Cumbria.”

Police ask locals for their say on policing in Central

One of Barrow’s Neighbourhood Policing Team want to hear from local people at a meeting next week about what they think should be on the top of the policing agenda in their area.

In a bid to encourage residents to help shape policing priorities in their area, officers and PCSO's from the Barrow 3 team, which covers the town centre area, are holding a Safer, Stronger Community meeting on Monday 25 January so that local people get the chance to raise their concerns and highlight the issues that they want tackled.

The meeting starts at 7pm in the Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Offices on Dalton Road.

Inspector David Bosson said: “Part of our policing pledge to the community is to increase our visibility and make sure we tackle the issues that matter most in each neighbourhood.

“This meeting will give us the chance to find out from local people what they see are the main issues on Barrow Central, so that we can then work to find solutions to those problems.

“Our main aim is to ensure that local people are confident that we are working hard to make their communities safer and for them to have a say in how their neighbourhood is policed.”

The Safer, Stronger Community meetings are also a great opportunity for local people to get to know their local officers, share your thoughts/ideas and directly influence what local officers do and how they work. Inspector Bosson and members of the policing team will be on hand to chat or answer any questions.

The meetings are just one of a number of opportunities that your Neighbourhood Policing Team will provide for you to have your say. Anyone who is unable to attend and would like to share their views or just speak to their local community officer can contact the community team by popping into the police station or calling 0845 33 00 247.

Barrow AFC News ...

Barrow AFC 2010 Challenge

The club has just launched their 2010 Challenge – aiming to record an average attendance of 2,010 for their final ten home games in this season’s Blue Square Premier.

The average league crowd at Holker Street this season has been around 1,250.
Following the massive support from fans at the Sunderland game, they are hoping the 2010 challenge will bring more fans to the home games, and will make their budget much stronger for next season.

To help try and achieve the 2010 average AFC are revamping the family and tandem ticket packages.

From now, a family pass (admitting two adults and two children) will cost £30 – a saving of £8.

A tandem ticket (admitting one adult and one child) will cost £16 – a saving of £3.

Tickets can be purchased from the club shop, open 9am-4pm on weekdays and 10am-3pm on match days.

Barrow AFC Fixtures

Barrow AFC have been busy re-arranging their outstanding Conference fixtures postponed due to FA Cup / Trophy commitments and the weather.

The re-arrangement of the Maidenhead FA Trophy Second Round tie to Jan 19th, saw the home fixture with Wrexham fall by the wayside, so that game will now be played at Holker Street on Tuesday March 16th, Kick-Off 7.45 pm

The Lancashire FA have instructed the club to play at Southport in the Co-operative Trophy Quarter Final on Tuesday Jan 26th,

This means that the trip to Kidderminster needs a new date. Negotiations are still ongoing.

Meanwhile Barrow will now travel to Stevenage on Tuesday March 9th after that game due on Dec 19th was postponed due to snow.

Design a teen library card competition ...

Click to here to enlarge image

Spot's Birthday at Barrow Library

Barrow Library on Ramsden Square are celebrating Spot’s 30th Birthday on Friday 5th February (10.30-11.00am) with a special Spot storytime for under 5s and their grown-ups.

Two men charged with recent robberies

Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a robbery at an Barrow off-licence last week.

At 7.40pm on Thursday 14 January, police received reports of a robbery that occurred at Battys Drinks Discount store on Brighton Street where two men wearing balaclavas robbed the store, threatening the female shop assistant with a knife. A police investigation, led by a dedicated team of officers from Barrow CID, quickly began and on Friday Carrick Venzie, 18, from Greengate Street, Barrow was arrested alongside a 17-year-old, also from Barrow.

 

They were both charged on suspicion of the Battys robbery and possessing an offensive weapon. The 17-year-old was also charged in connection with a robbery which occurred at KLM stores on Bath Street on Tuesday, 5 January 2010.

They are due to appear at Furness and District Magistrates Court today.

Interested in photography and film making?

If you live in the Barrow and Furness area and are aged between 14-21yrs you can join Signal Films for an exciting free 4-day course where you’ll learn how to create your own short digital story.

Digital Storytelling is the art of turning a personal story into a multimedia experience using photography, film, creative sound design and music.

This fun short course will be run over two weekends (6th/7th & 13th/14th February) and will be led by professional filmmakers Carl Hunter and Clare Heney. Carl and Clare have made over 30 short films and the feature film Grow Your Own in partnership with BBC Films and Pathe. They have taught many filmmaking workshops and will lead you through the process of storytelling using digital media, including learning how to use stills and video cameras, sound equipment and editing software.

Your finished work will be showcased in a local exhibition at the end of February. They will also be uploaded on to You Tube for friends, family and the world to view!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- Deadline to apply: TUESDAY 2ND FEBRUARY

- Course dates (4 days over 2 weekends) - 6th/7th & 13th/14th February

- Must be aged between 14-21yrs & live in the Barrow and Furness area

To find out more or to register for a free place contact Laura:

info@signalfilms.co.uk or 01229 839983

Thought for the week ...

"Every established order tends to produce the naturalisation of its own arbitrariness."
Bourdieu P

Advice to Cumbrians for dealing with continued snowy conditions

The same group of emergency services, local authorities and partner agencies that worked together to respond to the recent floods in Cumbria are again working in partnership to respond to snow-related incidents and ensure the county and local residents are prepared for the continuing bad weather.

The police, fire service, ambulance service, NHS, Environment Agency, Highways Agency, Cumbria County Council, district councils, energy providers and mountain rescue teams today issued the following advice to help people stay safe over the coming days.

Road closures:

For the most up to date information on road closures listen to BBC Radio Cumbria or visit the Cumbria County Council website at www.cumbria.gov.uk

Driving in the snow:

Plan your journey in advance:
 • Only drive if essential.
• Check weather forecasts and tune into local radio stations to check road conditions and closures
• Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive

• Make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots, a torch and a spade
• Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out 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

• Check that tyres have plenty of tread depth and are the correct pressure

Drive according to snowy and icy conditions:

• Allow extra time and distance to brake as it can take ten times longer to stop

• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin

• To brake 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

Diesel powered vehicles may suffer problems in low temperatures. Normal Diesel fuel will Cloud at 0 degrees centigrade, it will form a gel at around -10 and turn to wax at around -35. For bio diesels these temperatures will be less. This can result in vehicles not starting or wax crystals blocking fuel lines and pumps. Diesel flow additives can be bought from most automotive stores to counteract this.

Health and Hospitals:

Anyone with a pre existing health condition should speak to their doctor about how to protect themselves during winter.

If you need health advice or assistance it is important to seek the correct help from the right source:

• Self-Care - A well-stocked medicine cabinet can help with most minor infections and cuts such as diarrhoea, colds, flu and headaches, but seek advice if worried

• NHS Direct - on 0845 46 47 or www.nhs.uk - offers expert help and advice over the phone

• Community Pharmacy - Has fully trained health professionals who’ll provide quality healthcare advice

• GP Surgery - If you have an illness or injury that won’t go away

• NHS Walk-In Services - Both Minor Injury Units or Primary Care Assessment Services can treat minor injuries and illnesses

• A&E and 999 - Are for life threatening conditions and emergencies only

Vulnerable and elderly people:

Cumbria County Council's adult social care department has contingency planning arrangements to ensure that care can still be delivered to vulnerable people in adverse conditions. The council has a database of local contacts who can help reach service users if their own carers are unable to get to properties. These include vulnerable people's families, friends and neighbours. The county council is also in constant contact with volunteer organisations, agencies and contractors which deliver care on its behalf to assess and address any problems.

In such a prolonged cold spell with the logistical problems presented by the travel difficulties, it is inevitable that there has been some service disruption, but the county council's number one priority throughout has been to safeguard vulnerable people and preserve lives.

Some day centres have closed temporarily as service users either cannot or do not want to travel in the cold weather. Staff are, however, making welfare checks on anyone who would have used day services to ensure they have access to food and are warm.

Volunteers from the meals on wheels service are continuing to deliver meals to service users and, where necessary, walking in when roads are too bad to drive on. Although there has been some disruption to meals on wheels services, contingency arrangements are being made when necessary.

Meanwhile the county council is asking people to look out for any vulnerable people who may live in their area and to make sure they are alright. An offer of helping with shopping or a quick home visit could make all the difference in the current conditions.

Anyone whose carer does not turn up should contact their care manager or Cumbria County Council's adult social care department and we will ensure alternative arrangements are put in place for you.

The contact details are as follows:

Allerdale - 01900 706325

Barrow - 01229 407894

Carlisle - 01228 227000

Copeland - 01946 506352

Eden - 01768 812242

South Lakeland - 01539 713377

Anyone who doesn't receive care from us normally but is experiencing problems should contact the county council on the appropriate number as we will endeavour to help you as well.

An out of hours emergency contact service is also available on 01228 526690.

Preparation at home:

Stock up on non-perishable foods to keep you going in the event that you have difficulty travelling to local shops.

Keep your mobile phone charged in case of emergency and have torches and candles at hand in case there are any problems with energy supplies.

A well-stocked medicine cabinet can help with most minor infections and cuts such as diarrhoea, colds, flu and headaches, but seek advice if worried.

Keep yourself warm:

• Have regular hot drinks and meals

• Wear warm clothes

• Stay active

• Try to keep the room you’re in at a temperature of 21 degrees or more

Frozen ponds, lakes and rivers:

Do not to put yourself or others in danger by venturing onto frozen bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes and rivers.

It may seem tempting but in doing so you are putting yourself at risk of drowning if the ice breaks and you are also putting others who may attempt to rescue you in danger.

Parents should know where their children are when they are out and about in the cold weather and discuss with them the dangers of playing on frozen bodies of water – if possible – never leave youngsters unsupervised near frozen ponds, rivers and lakes.

Pet owners should also keep dogs on leads near frozen water if there is a risk of them venturing onto the ice and getting into trouble.

Advice on dealing with the thaw:

As temperatures begin to drop, the snow and ice that has built up will begin to thaw and melt. This will make driving conditions treacherous as water sits on top of ice, and again when melt-water refreezes overnight. Drive according to the conditions.

Pipes that have burst as the water inside them freezes and expands will begin to thaw out and may lead to flooding in properties and homes.

Animal health:
Try to stock up on feed for pets and livestock. If you are having difficulties reaching animals or sourcing feed contact the National Farmers Union for advice if you are a member or the Farm Crisis Network at www.farmcrisisnetwork.org.uk or call 0845 367 9990.

Further information;

Weather information: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

Mountain and fell conditions: http://www.mwis.org.uk/

Road closures: http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/

Driving advice: http://www.rac.co.uk/

Age concern: www.ageconcern.org.uk or call 0800 00 99 66

Health advice: http://www.nhs.uk/

NHS Direct: 0845 46 47

Police non-emergency number: 0845 33 00 247

In an emergency call 999.

Thought for the week

"We have to live today by what truth we can get today, and be ready tomorrow to call it falsehood."

William James

On thin ice!

Photo courtesy of Jon Granger - Evening Mail

Cumbrians are being warned to stay off the frozen water. With freezing temperatures forecast to continue until next week, police and fire and rescue chiefs in Cumbria are warning people to stay off frozen lakes, rivers or ponds for their own safety.

Venturing out onto frozen water is extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening should the ice give way because there is no way of knowing just how thick or stable any ice is or whether it is strong enough to take weight.

There have been no reports of people falling through ice in Cumbria and police, the fire service and other partner agencies want to make sure it stays that way.

While so many schools are closed parents are being urged to ensure their children are aware of how dangerous playing on frozen water can be with solid-looking surfaces often hiding dangerously thin ice and freezing water beneath.

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: “We would advise people not to put themselves and others in danger by venturing onto frozen bodies of water, such as ponds and lakes.

“It may seem tempting but in doing so you are putting yourself at risk of drowning if the ice breaks and you are also putting others who may attempt to rescue you in danger.

“We would urge parents to know where their children are when they are out and about in the cold weather and discuss with them the dangers of playing on frozen bodies of water – if possible – never leave youngsters unsupervised near frozen ponds, rivers and lakes.”

Justin Johnston, area manager for Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, said: “The potential danger associated with a frozen body of water is that although it may appear to be robust and strong, there can be little or no support and the ice can give way with no warning.

“The hazards are drowning, asphyxia and hypothermia. If the ice gives way then it can trap you, and when the weather is like this hypothermia sets in very quickly.

“I would urge everyone in Cumbria to avoid frozen water and ensure that pets are kept on leads.

"Our message is simple - stay off any frozen body of water for your own safety."

Dog walkers are also asked to keep their dogs on leads near frozen water if there is a risk of them venturing onto the ice and getting into trouble.

If you see someone fall through the ice you should:

• Call the emergency services

• Do not attempt to go out on to the ice yourself

• Tell the person to stay still to maintain heat and energy

• Try finding something which will extend your reach, such as a rope, pole or branch

• Throw the object out and, once ensuring you are stable on the bank either by lying down or having someone hold on to you, pull them in

• If you cannot find something to reach with, try finding an object that will float and push that out to them

• Ensure that you keep off the ice at all times during the rescue, continue to reassure the casualty and keep them talking until help arrives

Make sure you're registered to vote!

Are you ready for the 2010 General Election?

The Electoral Commission, the independent elections watchdog, is warning everyone who wants to have their say in the 2010 General Election to make sure they are registered to vote.

Says Commission Chair Jenny Watson: “Research published after the last General Election estimates that about three and a half million people who were eligible to vote were not registered. The evidence coming through since then suggests the picture isn't getting any better.

"If you’re not registered, you can’t vote – it’s very simple. Take a few minutes now to make sure that you are able to have your say on election day. You can print off a registration form from http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/.

“Many people assume they are automatically on the electoral register if they pay council tax or if they have voted before. This is not the case: you need to register every year. And if you have moved house, even within the same borough, you need to re-register with your new address.

“So if you want to vote in the General Election, now’s the time to act and make sure nothing stops you.”

Look out for your vulnerable neighbours

Look out for your vulnerable neighbours see here for advice.

Talented Athlete Fund launched for Cumbria

CumbriaSportNow Cumbria Talented Athlete Fund has now been launched - deadlines for application 31st January 2010

Mend it!

FREE fun programme for kids to become fitter, healthier and happier!

Now running in Barrow in Furness, for further details call 01229 821363 or visit http://www.mendprogramme.org/

Motorists advised to take care on winter roads

Cumbria Constabulary is urging motorists to take care on the county’s roads as temperatures plummet across the region.

Recent snow fall and icy spells have led to treacherous road conditions in many areas of the county, so the Constabulary today issued road safety advice urging drivers to take care, maintain their vehicles and drive to the conditions.

Plan your journey in advance:

• Only drive if your journey is absolutely essential

• 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

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

• Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out 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

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

• 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

Robotics fun at the Dock Museum - Saturday 30th January

Click on the image below to enlarge

What's on at Barrow Library

click on the image below to enlarge

Do you want to stop smoking?

If you're thinking of quitting smoking for the new year then why not call the Cumbria Stop Smoking Service on 01900 324 222.

You can get FREE advice and support including Nicotine replacement, Bupropion and Varenicline on prescription.

Why not try it?

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to everyone from us all at Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Team, we're open here for business as usual from today and we look forward to working with you all during 2010.