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.

Police issue tips to keep motorists safe on Cumbrian roads this winter

Police issue tips to keep motorists safe on Cumbrian roads this winter Cumbria Constabulary is urging motorists to take care on the county’s roads as temperatures plummet and winter weather sets in across the region.

Recent windy 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 extra care, maintain their vehicles and drive to the conditions.

Chief Inspector Kevin Greenhow, head of Cumbria Constabulary Roads Policing Unit said: ”As temperatures drop and the winter weather sets in it is even more important to be prepared to keep yourself an other road users safe on the county’s roads.

“Safe winter driving always starts with the driver. My officers have attended too many crashes which could have been prevented if drivers had planned ahead, checked their tyres and adapted their driving style and speed to the road conditions. So we are urging drivers to take note of some simple steps they can take to help minimise the risks this winter.”

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.

Top ten place for Barrow recycling

Barrow is one of the top ten most improved areas in the country for recycling household waste, new figures have revealed.

Following the roll-out of a new recycling and waste collection scheme across the Barrow borough last year (2009/10), more than 33 per cent of household waste in the area was sent for recycling or composting according to figures compiled by DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs).

This figure puts Barrow in the top 10 of England’s most improved recyclers and is an 11per cent improvement on the previous financial year.

The new recycling service for Barrow, launched in Spring 2009, by Barrow Borough Council in conjunction with Resource Cumbria - the waste partnership between the county and six district councils - saw households supplied with new bags for recycling plastic and cardboard at the kerbside and the introduction of smaller more compact bins to encourage people to recycle rather than depositing waste in the bin.

To inform people about and publicise the new service for Barrow, Resource Cumbria delivered 'Recycle for Barrow' - a communications push that involved a host of roadshows, broadcast and print media campaigns and various adverts from bus billboards to guides delivered to households across the borough. Recycle for Barrow was funded and supported by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).

Cllr Tim Knowles, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member for waste management, said: “I’d like to thank people in the Barrow borough for utilising the new and improved recycling service and boosting recycling rates.

“While being in the top 10 is a great achievement, there is always room for improvement so I’d like to encourage people in Barrow and across the county to reduce, re-use and recycle every item they possibly can.”

Emma Marsh, local communications manager for WRAP, said: “I congratulate Barrow Borough Council and the Resource Cumbria Partnership for all their efforts to increase recycling and consumer awareness.

“It’s fantastic that all their efforts have resulted in them being in the top ten most improved recyclers. But what impresses me more is what this will mean on the ground in Barrow with improved communications, increased recycling and less waste going to landfill.”

Cllr Ken Williams of Barrow Borough Council said: “This is excellent news and is not only testament to the great partnership work done between county and district colleagues, but more importantly shows how well the people of the borough have taken the scheme on board."

If people need any further information on recycling or require any containers then they should call 01229 876487.

Across Cumbria as a whole the amount of waste per household dropped from 637kg/hh to 604kg/hh over the financial year 2009/10, meaning every household in Cumbria is throwing away 33kg less waste.

With every tonne of waste sent to landfill costing the county around £80 in landfill fees and tax, this amounts to major savings.

Cumbria Police restructure Neighbourhood Policing Teams

Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Cumbria are being restructured as part of ongoing work by Cumbria Constabulary to prepare for budget cuts and increase the amount of time officers spend in the community.

Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham, who has responsibility for Neighbourhood Policing in Cumbria, said: “The Chancellor announced in his comprehensive spending review that Cumbria Constabulary will need to save between £15 million and £20 million by 2014/15.

“To meet this challenge the Constabulary has been conducting a number of reviews to identify how local police can maintain their service on a smaller budget. The review has identified that realigning our Neighbourhood Policing Teams and ensuring our officers are available at times of peak demand is the best way of delivering visible policing throughout Cumbria.

“Strengthening the size of the teams will streamline management structures and increase the flexibility of teams, enabling them to target the issues that communities identify as their policing priorities.

“The newly expanded teams will continue responding to 999 and non-emergency calls as before, but will have the flexibility to target community priorities with a greater focus.

“The review is also looking at how we can share office space with partner agencies to improve joint working and save money. At the same time we are embracing new technology and piloting the use of mobile devices that will enable police officers to complete admin tasks on the move. These changes will impact the way we use police stations in the future, so a separate review is underway to identify whether we need to maintain all of our estate. “

The new Neighbourhood Policing Teams covering South Cumbria will be;

• Barrow Borough - covering Barrow, Dalton and surrounding areas.

• Ulverston & Lakes - covering Ulverston, the Lake District, the Grange Peninsula and surrounding areas.

• Kendal - covering Kendal, Milnthorpe, Kirkby Lonsdale and surrounding areas.

Thought for the Week

 “When we start to live as brothers and sisters and to recognize our interdependence, we become fully human.” Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Beach Clean - Saturday 27 November 2010

Everyone welcome. Roanhead, Sandscale Haws, near Barrow-in-Furness, 10 am - 12 noon. Meet in the car park at the road end on the shore. GR SD 200 756 Under 16’s should be accompanied by an adult. All equipment provided, but please wear old clothing. It's a good idea to bring a wind-proof layer as it is often breezy on the coast.

For further information contact Susannah Bleakley

Email: office@morecambebay.org.uk 

or

Tel: (01539) 735900 http://www.morecambebay.org.uk/

Christmas Fair at the Forum

Thought for the Week

“When I look at the world I'm pessimistic, but when I look at people I am optimistic.” Carl Rogers

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

Last chance to register to vote

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER to vote. The Register of Electors will be published on 1st December.

You have still time to register by responding to the Annual Canvass Form by post, or by using the telephone or internet service. Contact the Electoral Services Office 01229 876318, call in at the Town Hall or email: elecreg@barrowbc.gov.uk if you have any queries.

Don't miss out on your vote!

Autumn Fayre at Jublilee House

Autumn Fayre at Jublilee House on Thursday 11 November

11-3pm at Jubilee House, 15 Abbey Rd.

Nearly new stall – craft stall – home-made produce – raffle – dvd’s/cd’s – tombola – coffee bar and much more …

Our Flickr pages ...

Police are investigating and urging owners of remote buildings to be vigilant after a number of lead thefts were reported in South Cumbria.

Since beginning of September 2010, St Mary’s Church in Dalton, Dowdales School in Dalton, Urofoam in Askam, St Mary’s Church in Walney, Low Furness Primary School in Urswick, Ulverston Victoria high school and the Post Office on Salthouse Road, Barrow, along with a number of homes around the area of Salthouse road Railway Bridge have been targeted and had lead stolen from their roofs.

Detective Sergeant Helen Ellis from Barrow CID said: “Predominantly, these thefts have been committed overnight and due to the nature of the offence, criminals are likely to spend considerable amounts of time in the vicinity due to the location and weight of the lead.

“Lead flashing is heavy and bulky and isn’t easily removed, and will be difficult to carry or hide. It takes time to remove lead from a roof and transport to a vehicle so it is likely that someone could witness a crime in action but assume the thieves are workers.

“Offenders that strip the roofs of lead flashing often cause considerable damage to roofing tiles in the process.

“Any premises with scaffolding, with easy access to a roof, or are undergoing repairs can be particularly vulnerable. To help avoid falling victim to lead theft I’d urge people to remove ladders, wheelbarrows or tools surrounding buildings and keep them secure overnight. Don’t leave anything that can attract thieves or make their job any easier.

“We have launched an investigation but need members of the community to be vigilant and report any people or suspicious vehicles to us immediately on 0845 33 00 247. Information can be passed to police anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

As part of their enquiries, two men from South Cumbria have been charged in connection with lead theft from Ulverston Victoria high school in Ulverston. This occurred sometime overnight between Thursday 28 October and Friday 29 October.

25 year old Richard David Kennedy from James Street, Barrow in Furness and Daryl Craig Langhorn, 26, of Cleator Street in Dalton in Furness have been charged with theft and are set to appear in Furness Magistrates Court on 11 November 2010.

Census 2011

Looking for a job? They are currently recruiting for people to help with the 2011 Census around the Barrow area. Visit www.censusjobs.co.uk for more information.