Flu can be a killer, so the vulnerable should get protected

Last winter, 232 extra people died in Cumbria than would normally be expected.

These people died from a variety of conditions including coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and directly from flu, as a result of complications and the cold weather.

In addition 1,102 people across Cumbria and Lancashire ended up very ill and in hospital in critical care directly due to flu and its complications from the end of November to early February.

The best way that people with existing health problems and those over 65 can protect themselves from flu, is by making sure they get the free flu jab available every autumn and winter.

“Flu is a killer, yet still every year we have people in Cumbria who are already ill or aged over 65 who decide not to take the chance to protect themselves by getting the flu vaccination.” said Dr Nigel Calvert, a public health doctor from NHS Cumbria.

“Last winter was a particularly bad one and we saw cases of flu drastically increase on previous years as immunity in people was quite low and only around three quarters of people aged over 65 got protected by having the flu vaccine.”

Every year the flu vaccine is designed to protect against the most common strains of flu which are circulating in the community. The vaccine is designed to protect those most vulnerable to the effects of flu and the complications it can cause such as chest infections and pneumonia.

For people who are otherwise fit and health, flu is usually a mild illness that can be self-treated at home. People at risk of getting very ill from flu should have the vaccine whilst others who contract flu should stay at home, look after themselves, drink plenty of fluids and avoid visiting vulnerable people or health venues such as GP surgeries or hospitals. If concerned, they should call their GP surgery and ask for a telephone consultation.

The following groups all qualify for a seasonal flu vaccine and should contact their GP surgery to arrange:

- People aged 65 and older

- Pregnant women (where both mother and baby will be protected),

- People living in a residential or nursing home

- People with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic asthma, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, COPD, bronchitis, liver disease, neurological disease such as Parkinson or motor neurone disease, or a weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or treatment (such as for cancer)

- Main carers for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill

- And healthcare or social care professionals directly involved in patient care.

“Everyone knows that flu can be serious and last year over 200 more people that we’d normally expect to die in winter sadly succumbed to illness due to flu and the cold weather. Flu can be serious and cause serious health complications in people with existing health conditions. This includes children and adults with existing conditions from asthma to cancer, pregnant women, where both mother and baby can be at risk, and people aged 65 and over. This is why it is vital that we all encourage our loved ones to qualify to be sensible and have the vaccine.” said Dr Calvert.

Old Bakery Gardens Official Opening

Jobs Fair 2011

Paws for Thought - sponsored dog walk in aid of St Mary's Hospice

Cancer Research Fundraiser

Mayor of Barrow charity car boot sale - every Friday!!

Family fun day - Barrow Town Centre

Thought for the Week

"To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it." Confucius

Update from the Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation into death of Barrow man following police arrest yesterday

The following statement was issued by the Independent Police Complaints Commission in connection with their investigation into the death of 27-yr-old Dale Burns:

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation into the death of a man following his arrest in Barrow-in-Furness yesterday evening is underway.

IPCC investigators are in Barrow and have begun the investigation gathering evidence, examining police logs and gaining initial accounts from officers. Information known so far is that at around 6.30 pm officers were called to a report of a concern for welfare for a man at an upstairs flat in Hartington St, Barrow. Officers attended around 10 minutes later and on speaking to the man decided to call an ambulance which then arrived.

Police attempted to arrest the man on suspicion of causing criminal damage at the flat. During the arrest one officer discharged a taser at the man a number of times. Another officer deployed Pava spray (commonly known as pepper spray). The taser deployed is understood to be a conventional police weapon.

The man was restrained and was taken directly to Furness General Hospital by police at around 7.30 pm. His condition later deteriorated and he was pronounced dead in hospital at 8.41 pm yesterday evening. A post mortem is due to be carried out as soon as possible.

The deceased has been formally identified as Dale Burns, 27, who resided at the upstairs flat in Hartington St. His family have been informed. IPCC investigators are making preliminary contact with the family to make them aware of the IPCC’s involvement and explain its role.

IPCC Commissioner, Naseem Malik said: “I would like to send my condolences to the family of Mr Burns at this difficult time. In these circumstances where a man has died relatively soon after being arrested by police it is right that we undertake a fully independent investigation. Investigators are at the locality beginning their inquiries and are making contact with Mr Burns’ family to explain to them what we know so far and how the investigation will progress. A taser and spray was deployed during the arrest and we will be examining whether the actions of police officers were proportionate in the circumstances and in accordance with police procedures. We will need to await the results of a post mortem and any necessary tests to establish how Mr Burns died. In the mean time I would urge people to have patience while we seek to gain answers to the questions understandably raised.”

Safer, Stronger, Better event - all welcome

Arrests following drugs warrant in Barrow

At around 12.30pm today, police officers from Barrow conducted a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at a property on Church Street in the town.
 
As a result, officers arrested a 16 year old local male and an 18 year old man from Barrow on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance. A quantity of what police suspect to be cannabis was also seized. The males are currently in police custody helping officers with their enquiries.
 
The search warrant was conducted as part of police efforts to combat drug-related anti-social behaviour in Barrow after local people raised concerns to police during recent Safer Stronger Community Meetings.
 
To have your say on what local policing priorities should be, contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0845 33 00 247. If you live in Barrow and want to contact your local officer, you can also email BarrowBoroughnpt@cumbria.police.uk  
 
To report a crime in action, always dial 999. 

Thought for the Week

“Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul.” Democritus

Barrow police invite community to take advantage of crime prevention tools

Police in Barrow are teaming up with the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and local businesses to launch an initiative to prevent thefts in the area.

In a bid to stop thefts from gardens, sheds and outhouses and to make bikes less attractive to thieves, local officers and staff from the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership will be hosting a ‘crime prevention day’ on Tuesday 16 August.

On Tuesday 16^th August 2011 between 11.30am and 1.30pm, officers in the Neighbourhood Management Office in

Dalton Road

will mark cycles free of charge. A member of the ‘Topmark Cycle’ outlet will also be in there to offer visitors specific information on cycle security.

During the same period, separate teams of officers will be at Homebase and Tesco on Cornerhouse Park to offer crime prevention advice and UV marking on electrical items and power tools.

Sergeant Caroline Milligan from Barrow is leading the initiative. She said: “I hope that as many people as possible take the chance to meet one of our teams on Tuesday and help us as we work to prevent and detect thefts in the area.

“We have arranged this crime prevention day because, as I’m sure people will realise, it can be easy to become relaxed and less vigilant about security in warmer weather as doors and windows are left open. Unfortunately, thieves know this too and I can’t stress enough how important it is to remain security conscious.

“Free cycle marking should appeal to all owners as it makes bikes less attractive to thieves and makes them far easier for us to trace if they are stolen or lost. It is an incredibly valuable service but please keep in mind that it does not stop criminals stealing bikes - so being vigilant and securing your property is essential.”

In addition to cycle marking, officers will be handing out crime prevention advice and offering UV marking on valuable items.

Sgt Milligan continued: “To avoid becoming a victim of theft, invest in a quality lock and secure your garage or shed properly. Always lock your bicycle, even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes. Lock your bike to an immovable object – a bike rack or ground anchor and secure removable parts and lock both wheels and the frame together to make a thief’s life harder."

For further crime prevention advice and information contact the South Cumbria Community Safety Unit on 0845 33 00 247, or visit the Constabulary website at http://www.cumbria.police.uk/.

Jobs Fair 2011

Jobs Fair 2011 - Friday 16 September 2011 at Waterside House, Bridge Approach, Barrow from 10am to 3pm.

Many employers are actively recruiting for vacancies in the Furness area. Run by Furness Enterprise in conjunction with Job Access and Jobcentre Plus.

St Mary’s Fashion Show

St Mary’s Hospice is delighted to announce that they will once again be hosting a Ladies Evening and Fashion Show on Thursday 18^th August at The Nines, Dalkeith Street, Barrow-in-Furness. Doors open at 7.30pm.
 
Following on from the successful event in 2010, this show is guaranteed heaven. Complete with stunning couture and sublime ready-to-wear collections, live music, a glass of pink fizz for all attendees and health and beauty demonstrations, there is something for everyone.

Models will showcase a fine selection of fashionable clothing from the St Mary’s charity shops, which will be available to purchase during the evening at excellent prices. St Mary’s hope to create a demonstration of recycling at its best – and hope that the audience will be keen to snap up items donated to St Mary’s in time for the autumn season.

Guest displays include Benefit Makeup, Clarins, Bijou Boutique, The Hat Box and Paul French Salon.

Tickets are £10 which will include pink fizz and treats. Tickets are available from St Mary’s Hospice, St Mary’s shops and Bar Five, Barrow-in-Furness. You can also call 01229 580305.

This is not just THE show of the year; this event has heart. St Mary's Hospice is the dedicated provider in South Cumbria of comprehensive specialised supportive and palliative care for people with life limiting conditions and all funds raised from the event will go to support the charity.

TICKETS ARE FOR OVER 18’S ONLY.

Cumbria Mental Health Group latest

Cumbria Mental Health Group are holding a tea and chat with a difference in August. They are meeting at Conishead Priory, Ulverston on 17th August at 1pm for a look around the grounds and temple. All are welcome, please bring a sandwich and they will provide drinks.

The Cumbria Mental Health Group is a service user and carer group working with people whose lives are affected by a range of mental health problems. Membership is free and all are welcome.

The local management team work from a new office based in the CVS building, Lesser Kings Hall, 57-59 Hartington Street, Barrow-in-Furness and their phone number is 01229 827870/826655.

For further information contact Development Worker, Wendy Kolbe on 07879990956 or Email: Wendy.kolbe@cmhg.org.uk or visit: www.cumbriamentalhealthgroup.org.uk.  

Thought for the Week

"Peace starts with a smile." Mother Theresa

Safer Stronger Communities Meeting - 9 August

Tuesday 9 August 2011 at Dundalk Community Centre, Dundalk Street Barrow from 6.30pm.

Residents living in Central Barrow, Hindpool and Barrow Island are invited to attend a Safer Stronger Communities Meeting to tell police officers their policing priorities in the area they live in.

For further information contact Inspector Dave Bosson on 0845 3300 247 or Email: BarrowBoroughNPT@cumbria.police.uk  

Enjoy football, don’t kick off

As the football season gets underway Cumbria Constabulary is urging fans to respect each other and enjoy matches safely.

Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Skeer, said: “We are asking fans to help us make sure that the football season is an enjoyable and safe one by asking them to drink responsible and steering clear of trouble.

“On match days we want you to enjoy the game and all the social aspects that go with it without the fear of disorder or intimidation. So we are urging all fans to behave with respect and tolerance at all times.

“Policing operations will be in place for key matches and high visibility patrols running throughout the season to deter offending and intervene early if trouble does arise. Our Community Safety Teams are working closely with licensees up and down the county to minimise the risk of football related violence and disorder in our pubs and clubs – but we need your help. It is up to each and every one of you to think about how your behaviour impacts upon others – don’t let one mindless remark or disorderly act in the heat of the moment spoil your football season, or anyone else’s.

“Drunken anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated so if you intend to have a drink in our licensed premises keep hold of your senses and behave with respect and tolerance for others. Our warning to potential troublemakers is, if you cause problems in our pubs and clubs you will be caught, you will be prosecuted and in many cases you will be banned.

“Enjoy getting caught up in the excitement of the day but think of others as you make your way to and from the ground. Remember large, loud groups can be intimidating for passers by and local residents so try and stick to smaller groups or, if you can’t avoid it, remember to consider how your behaviour impacts upon others.

“We would also ask you to show consideration for others if you are travelling to and from the match using trains or buses. Disorderly behaviour on our public transport is not acceptable and we will be working with our colleagues in the British Transport Police to crack down on any undesirable behaviour.

“I am confident that by working together and taking responsibility for our behaviour we can all help make this football season safe and enjoyable for all.”

A video which accompanies this can be found at;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLjMH97SFlI&feature=channel_video_title

Mayor's Charity Car Boot Sale

Identifying policing priorities in Barrow

Shoppers in Barrow will be given the opportunity to have their say on what they think the policing priorities should be in their area, at a community engagement session held by Cumbria Police Authority. They will be hosting a community engagement session in the town centre Morrisons store, on the 11th August 2011 between 10:00am and 02:00pm.

The Police Authority is responsible for making sure that Cumbria Constabulary is effective at fighting crime and provides value for money. To ensure this takes place the Authority will be hosting events around the county to engage further with the local community and find out their views.

Chairman of Cumbria Police Authority, Ray Cole, said: “It is important that we are aware of the issues that affect people living in our areas, and listen to their suggestions on how to target the problems they face.

“We are keen to find out about the issues that affect individual communities. We hope these sessions will give people a voice and provide an excellent opportunity for residents to have their say on matters that cause them concern.”

Cumbria Constabulary continues to identify savings

As a result of Government budget cuts that were announced in 2010, Cumbria Constabulary estimated it needed to save £18.7million by 2015, and a further £1.6m by 2016, which is equivalent to a 20 per cent fall in income.

To achieve this, the Constabulary launched a series of reviews to identify savings and, where possible, protect policing in communities.

Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) confirmed last month that police in Cumbria are well prepared to meet budget challenges, with £5.6million worth of savings already identified for 2011/12.

To ensure the Constabulary continues to make savings, a series of reviews are being progressed to identify efficiencies that could be made in administrative functions such as personnel, finance and training. Separate reviews are also looking at whether fleet and travel costs could be reduced, whether ICT services could be more efficient and whether the way the Constabulary manages low-level criminal investigations could be streamlined.

The Administration Review has been ongoing since August 2010 and proposes to draw together all of the administrative functions across the Constabulary into one central service centre, providing a smaller, more efficient service to officers and staff. This service centre would manage personnel, finance, training and other administrative tasks.

The Fleet and Transport Review aims to reduce spending by identifying the most cost effective way of providing and maintaining police vehicles and the cheapest way for officers and staff to travel to crime scenes, attend court or attend training sessions and meetings.

The Crime Management Unit (CMU) oversee the investigation of low-level crimes and the review proposes that the three individual CMUs based in Carlisle, Workington and Barrow are centralised to create one Constabulary-wide team, which would reduce duplication, and implement improved ICT systems to automate some of the checks currently made by members of staff.

Formal consultation is now underway with the members of staff affected by these three reviews and it is expected that the new structure will be in place by 1st April 2012.

Formal consultation for the ICT Review has finished and the new structure will be in place by December 2011.

A review of the Constabulary’s estate is ongoing and every police station and office building is being reviewed to ensure it provides value for money and meets the requirements of local communities and Neighbourhood Policing Teams. Where relevant, the Constabulary is looking at sharing premises with partner agencies, as is happening in Carlisle city centre, where police officers and PCSOs share office space with Carlisle City Council in the Civic Centre.

Chief Constable Craig Mackey said: “Cumbria Constabulary is in a strong position to manage the budget challenges that we face.

“There is no doubt that we will be a smaller organisation after we implement proposed changes, but we are firmly committed to providing frontline policing in local neighbourhoods, maintaining a good performance with low levels of crime and antisocial behaviour across Cumbria.

“We have already made savings and our ongoing reviews are transforming the way we deliver a policing service to the people of Cumbria. We are embracing new technology, and using this as an opportunity to reduce bureaucracy and streamline services so that police officers and PCSOs can spend more time on the streets, and to ensure we can deliver support services, such as administration and fleet management, on a smaller budget.

“Our ultimate aim is to provide the best policing service that we can afford so that Cumbria remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”

The Constabulary currently employs 741 full time equivalent police staff members and these reviews, together with the voluntary redundancy scheme, will reduce that figure to 600 by April 2012.

Mr Mackey said: “We try to avoid compulsory redundancy wherever possible, but as a police force, we must ensure that we provide the most efficient and effective service possible.

“Some of the staff affected by these reviews have opted to take voluntary redundancy and we are working hard to minimise compulsory redundancies by finding alternative employment for the affected individuals within the Constabulary and to support them through this process.”

Drink Drive campaign shows Cumbrian motorists continue to take risks

Cumbria Constabulary’s recent drink and drug drive campaign has highlighted that motorists continue to drive under the influence and put themselves and others at serious risk.

Police officers target drink and drug drivers throughout the year; however in June there is a national campaign to target those who drive under the influence. This also provides officers with an insight into trends and attitudes toward drink driving.

Cumbria Constabulary kicked off their campaign on 1 June 2011 with help from students from William Howard School, Brampton, who had produced a short film highlighting the consequences of drink driving.

This year, 67 people were arrested after officers conducted 880 breath tests during the campaign which ran until 31 June 2011, meaning eight percent of those tested were either over the limit or failed to provide a test.

Of the 67 people caught over the limit in June 2011, 14 followed road traffic collisions demonstrating the serious consequences of driving while impaired by alcohol. Twenty three of those who tested positive were under 25-yrs old and 44 were older, showing that a respect of the law does not necessarily come with age.

In 2010, 95 arrests were made after 952 breath tests, meaning less that ten percent of those tested were either over the limit or failed to provide a test, and in 2009, 88 arrests were made after 1434 breath tests, meaning six percent of those tested were either over the limit or failed to provide a test.

During this year’s campaign, there was an increase in the use of Field Impairment Tests to detect those drivers who were driving whilst under the influence of drugs. Of the six tests which were carried out, five people were found to be driving under the influence of drugs and were arrested.

Chief Inspector Kevin Greenhow who heads up the Roads Policing Unit in Cumbria said: “I hope that this decrease indicates that less people are driving whilst under the influence. However, it is still clear that a significant number of people in Cumbria continue to think it is acceptable to get behind the wheel while they are over the drink drive limit or under the influence of drugs.

“Over the years there has been a steady decrease in the number of drivers who police suspect are driving over the limit – which explains why numbers of breath tests have reduced slightly. On one hand this is positive but the consistent numbers of positive readings could suggest that we are just getting better at identifying the signs and targeting the right motorists.

“The students at William Howard School worked incredibly hard to get the message across about the consequences of drink driving and throughout the campaign and we have been publicising the film on our website and on social networking sites to spread this message across the county. However it is clear that some people continue to ignore the risks.

“We will continue to target those who choose to put their own lives and the lives of others in danger by driving under the influence. Our aim is to continue to educate people about the consequences of drink and drug driving and ask that the community continue to be vigilant against those who try to drink and drive.”

Reports from the public are important when they suspect someone to be driving under the influence, which was recently highlighted after the public contacted Cumbria Constabulary on 22nd June 2011, to report a white caravanette driving at 30 mile per hours on the M6 and weaving over the road. The responding officer, PC Currie, travelled to the location and met a tail back of slow moving traffic. Cars, driven by members of the public, had placed themselves in all three lanes of the motorway to protect the caravanette and prevent an accident.

When PC Currie went to stop the vehicle, it drove onto the embankment and then off onto the hard shoulder. The driver was David McIntosh, aged 41 from Ayrshire. He appeared to be very drunk and when a road side breath test was conducted, he was 4 times over the legal limit.

He was arrested and detained for Court, where he appeared on 23rd June 2011 and was immediately banned for 5 years and will have to retake his test to obtain his licence.

PC Richard Currie said: “This is an example of the positive, immediate action taken after we received information from members of the public. We will always encourage people to contact us when they suspect someone to be driving under the influence.

“We would urge any member of the public with suspicions about a drink-driver to contact the police, in the same way they would about any other crime.”

If you suspect someone to be driving while under the influence, please contact police on 0845 33 00 247.

Organised drugs ring sentenced to a total of 58 years

Fourteen men appeared in Preston Crown Court last week where they were sentenced to a total of 58 years and six months for their involvement in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine in South Cumbria.

On Thursday (28th) and Friday (29th), 14 men from South Cumbria and Manchester appeared in front of Judge Gibson following a six month police investigation split into two parts named ‘Operation Sandbar’ and ‘Operation Sandbar 2’.

The investigation began in August 2010 when South Cumbria Drug Unit covertly monitored a gang of criminals who were travelling to and from Manchester on an almost daily basis to collect class A drugs to supply the illicit drug market in Barrow-in-Furness.

As a result of the six month-long investigation, the following sentences were handed out:

1. Darrel Johnson, 21, Westhide Walk, Moston, Manchester received 7 years

2. Anthony Filz, 35, Highworth Drive, Moston, Manchester received 5 years, 4 months

3. Blake Hayes, 20, Adrian Street, Moston , Manchester received 9 years

4. Kristian Atherton, 20, Hardy Drive, Manchester received 4 years, 8 months

5. Lee Cadwallader, 23, Bridgefield Street, Radcliff, Manchester received 3 years, 4 months

6. Darren Woods, 38, Burgin Walk, Manchester received 4 years

7. Paul Bloomfield, 36, Raglan Court, Barrow received 4 years, 8 months

8. Micheal Burns, 27, Ramsden Street, Barrow received 4 years, 6 months

9. Mark Harrop, 48, Foundry Street, Barrow received 2 years 8 months

10. Michael Duce, 33, Risedale Road, Barrow received 2 years, 3 months

11. Rhys Eaton, 20, no fixed abode received 2 years

12. Keran Shaw, 29, Mill Bank, Barrow received 4 years, 9 months

13. Robert Russell, 35, Gloucester Street, Barrow received 3 years 4 months

14. Alan McKenzie, 27, Marsh Street, Barrow received 12 months

The first arrests took place in September 2010 where Manchester men, Cadwallader and Atherton, were arrested in Barrow and were found in possession of a large quantity of heroin and crack cocaine and a large quantity of cash.

This kick-started Operation Sandbar and officers spent many weeks building up evidence to show how the conspiracy was operating and who the main players were.

As the months progressed, the arrests continued as police identified the new drugs dealers who were travelling into Cumbria to replace the last. Cumbrian officers also worked in collaboration with Greater Manchester Police to gather information and to help secure the arrests of Darrel Johnson and Blake Hays who are seen as the main organisers in the drugs ring.

As a result of the Operation, drugs with a total estimated street value of £12,000 were recovered along with £11,000 in cash.

Detective Sergeant Mike Brown led the Operation. He said: “This marks the end of a long investigation that has successfully disrupted a serious and organised crime network operating in South Cumbria.

“It is clear that each of these men were driven by financial gain and the sentences reflect the well organised conspiracy that they were all part of.

“Over six months, officers worked hard to identify the criminals that were coming into the county and our efforts stepped up after every arrest to identify the person who would be next to step into the dealer’s shoes.

“We worked alongside colleagues in Greater Manchester Police to build up a clear picture of the activity that was ongoing and took steps to cut the supply off at the source by targeting individuals who operated higher up in the chain.

“Bringing these criminals to justice today will have a positive effect on the communities in South Cumbria. It will reduce the availability of illegal drugs on our streets and I’d like to thank the public who played an important role by providing us with information which helped us establish the gang’s habits and movements.

“We will continue targeting the supply of drugs in Cumbria and we will ensure that criminals travelling from neighbouring counties are aware of the robust action we take and the consequences they face if they try and supply drugs in our county.”

Anyone with any information about drug dealing in your area can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.