Thought for the Week

“People become what they expect themselves to become.” Mahatma Gandhi

Save a life for twenty pence – check your tyres!

Cumbria Police will launch a month long campaign next week, urging drivers to check their tyres to ensure they are safe and legal before the winter weather sets in.

Sadly, each year, dozens of people are killed and hundreds are seriously injured across the UK as a result of collisions caused by illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres.

By simply using a twenty pence piece, however, everyone can check the tread on their tyres and potentially prevent another tragedy.

To help promote this simple message, October has been designated as Tyre Safety Month, when police officers will be encouraging people to check their tyres, and will be on the look out for motorists driving on illegal or dangerous tyres during stop-checks across the county.

PC Shaun McKeown, a Forensic Vehicle Examiner with Cumbria Constabulary’s Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Road safety is a priority for police in Cumbria and we are determined to prevent another tragedy by getting people to take a few minutes to check their tyres, and get them changed if they don’t meet the 20p tread test.

“All too often in Cumbria we hear about people’s lives being ruined by serious road traffic collisions, and this is even more devastating when we investigate them and it becomes apparent that it was caused by something as avoidable as a defective tyre.

“In a bid to prevent another tragedy, we will be out and about conducting stop checks across Cumbria to educate drivers about the risks. Motorists found to be driving on illegal tyres face a maximum penalty of three points per tyre on their license and a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre.

“It’s such an easy thing to check, and we should all look at our tyres as a matter of routine, maybe when you’re washing the car on a Sunday morning.

“We are really keen for parents to instill the importance of vehicle maintenance on their teenage children when they begin driving as well, and would ask people to spread the tyre safety message to family and friends. You never know – you might save a life.

“To check the tread on your tyres, use the 20p test. Simply insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your vehicle’s tyres. If the outer rim of the coin is covered by the tread, this indicates sufficient tread depth to be safe and legal. If the outer rim of the coin is visible, or if you are not sure, have your tyres inspected by a qualified professional.”

Click here to view a video showing you how to take the 20p test: http://bit.ly/phbC9j

Cumbria Constabulary is recognised as a leading police force when it comes to tackling road safety, and this year won a national award for ‘Outstanding achievement towards tyre safety’, which was presented to the force by TyreSafe.

PC McKeown said: “We have to deal with the horrific aftermath of collisions on a daily basis and defective or unsafe tyres can often be a contributing factor. We hope that this campaign will get people to stop and think about their vehicles, provide them with the information they need to check their own tyres and hopefully, when they go home they’ll take the time to examine their tyres which may save lives in the future.

“As the nights get darker and the weather wetter, I can guarantee there will be many more drivers who will lose control as a result of driving around on worn or damaged tyres – don’t let you or your loved one be one of them – check your tyres now.”

Top Tips for checking your tyres:

·   Check your tyre pressure at least once a month.

· Tyre pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler flap or on the driver’s door sill.

· Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).

· If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, tyre pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Details can be found in the handbook.

· Ensure a reliable and accurate pressure gauge is used.

· Check the pressure in all four tyres – and don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well.

· While checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stones and other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.

· If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.

Click here for further road safety info: www.cumbria.police.uk/roadsafety

Barrow and District Credit Union

Interested in joining a Credit Union for Barrow? Want to find out more?

If you're interested in saving, borrowing or volunteering then contact 07729 412 327 or visit http://www.barrowdistrictcu.org.uk/ to find out more.

Also you can find Barrow and District Credit Union on Facebook.

FREE Autumn Hog Roast

Thought for the Week

"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired." Mother Teresa

Charity Car Wash

   Barrow Fire Station Charity Car Wash Weekend

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th Sept 2011

10am to 5pm both days.

(Enter via fire stations rear gate off Phoenix Rd).

Get your car washed by White Watch (Saturday and Sunday) in exchange for a donation to 'The FireFighters Charity'.

Free Tea & Coffee whilst you wait.

Look around the Fire Appliances too.

Addresses taken for a Free Home Safety Visit by your local Firefighters.

So come along and support your local Fire Station.

Have Your Say ... Bus Users Surgery

Thought for the Week

“A mentor is someone whose hindsight can become your foresight.” Anon

Police warn students following car insurance scam

Police are issuing a warning to students around the country after learning of a new car insurance scam where students can find themselves out of pocket and, sometimes, under arrest.

The warning is particularly relevant to international students after several were targeted in a recent scam in the Sunderland and Northumberland areas. The con takes advantage of students who ask a third person for help to arrange discounted car insurance. Students hand over money and are given a cover note, believing they have legal car insurance. Then, unbeknown to them, the third person cancels the policy within the cancellation period and pockets their money.

Police became aware of this scam when a number of international students were arrested and had their vehicles seized after they were found to be driving without insurance. Police enquiries then uncovered the scam and criminal investigations have been launched. Officers are now issuing a warning to students and are working with Universities to provide support and advice so students don’t fall victim to this sort of crime.

Cumbria Constabulary’s Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde plays an active part in student safety nationally in his role as the patron of the Police Association of Higher Education Liaison Officers (PAHELO).

He said: “This scam is particularly cruel as it tends to target the students who ask for help because they want to ensure they have full legal cover to drive vehicles in the UK.

“Sadly, it has led to some students being arrested and having their vehicles seized – making life particularly hard for students who are getting to know a new area and are strapped for cash. Some of the victims were told of a friend of a friend who could help them arrange their insurance cover at a good price.  Now they have been left out of pocket but don’t want to report their fellow students -so may feel like they have nowhere to go.

“Police will investigate these scams when they are reported but our advice to students is to approach your local Students Union or Students Welfare department for advice.

“They will be able to recommend legitimate insurance companies that offer genuine discounts for students and will help you complete the documentation you need to. If someone you don’t know offers to help you secure a great deal in exchange for cash think twice – if the offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

“To drive in Britain you always need to have an insurance certificate – not just a cover note. If you visit the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency section of our UK Government website you can find the information you need to drive safely and legally: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring."

The warning comes two weeks into Cumbria Constabulary’s Student Safety campaign.  For more information or safety advice, please visit www.cumbria.police.uk/students

The warning comes two weeks into Cumbria Constabulary’s Student Safety campaign.  For more information or safety advice, please visit www.cumbria.police.uk/students

New community garden unveiled

Barrow's newest community garden was officially opened at the weekend. The 'Old Bakery Gardens' was opened by the Leader of Barrow Borough Council, Councillor Dave Pidduck, alongside local residents group Chair Jen Cox. Around 30 people including local residents and representatives from a number of agencies looked on as the pair pulled the ribbon to formally open the site.

The garden, situated at the corner of Thwaite and Buccleuch Street in central Barrow, has been under construction for the last six months and has been designed and developed by Richard Hollinshead and Jo Ray from Grit and Pearl Art Consultants (http://www.gritandpearl.co.uk/).

The site, owned by Barrow Borough Council, was levelled following the demolition of the Old Bakery building several years ago and is earmarked for housing development. In the meantime the council has agreed to convert the site into its new form as a community garden. The previous demolition was part of Barrow Council's ongoing Housing Renewal programme which has also seen demolition and refurbishment of homes around the Arthur, Marsh and Sutherland Street areas of the town.

The community garden consists of a landscaped area, made up of grassed mounds covered in wildflowers, assorted formal and informal seating and other decorative features including flower patterns painted onto the tarmac surface.

One of the other succesful ingredients of the garden is a separate grow your own plot. This area contains 12 individual planters, designed for community use, and nearly all have already been taken up by interested local residents. One of the planters has also been allocated to the children of the nearby Ramsden Infants School on Thwaite Street.

Steve Robson, Neighbourhood Manager for Barrow Borough Council said "We're really pleased, it looks great and the local residents group are happy with the finished product. The great thing about this is the amount of different organisations and businesses that have supported this project in so many different ways, it's been a real pulling together and demonstrates yet again the excellent partnership working that happens around Barrow on a regular basis."

"From now on the TASC residents group will look after the site and we'll work with them on various projects. As well as the visual improvement, to what was a derelict site, we've also created more space for local people to grow their own fruit and vegetables. We're particularly keen to promote this kind of positive activity which in itself promotes good health and well being."

Following the official opening of the garden over 70 people called into the community day and afternoon tea held at nearby Ramsden Infants School. This event saw £105.00 raised for the TASC group through the raffle, tombola, face painting and garden bring and buy stall.

All photos courtesy of Colin Davison/Grit and Pearl Art Consultants

Police launch seatbelt campaign

Cumbria Police this morning pledged its support to a Europe-wide seatbelt campaign co-ordinated by TISPOL, an organisation which joins together Traffic Police right across Europe in an effort to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Europe's roads.

The campaign will run from today, Monday 12^th of September, until Sunday 18^th September, and will see police officers across the county targeting motorists and passengers who travel without wearing seatbelts.

A spokesperson from TISPOL said: “It is well documented that seatbelts significantly reduce the loss of life and degree of severe injury in the event of a road traffic collision.

“Research provides us with the valuable knowledge that seatbelts save lives. Where vehicle occupants choose not to wear a seatbelt, the law is clear and the police enforce the law, as we know lives are saved as a result of seatbelt enforcement. Those people who choose not to wear a seatbelt expose themselves and their fellow passengers to the risk of fatal or serious injury.”

Cumbrian officers will target drivers and passengers of all types of vehicles this week to ensure, through enforcement and education, that a strong message goes out that wearing seatbelts is compulsory for a reason.

Sergeant Jo Walker of Cumbria Constabulary's Roads Policing Unit said: "Wearing a seatbelt really can make the difference between life and death and minimises the severity of injuries people suffer in road traffic collisions. No matter the distance of your journey, please make sure that you wear your seatbelt, and make sure you take responsibility for safely and legally securing young people who travel with you. This week will see officers out on Cumbria's roads, targeting those who don't wear their seatbelts, and providing education to reinforce this important road safety message.”

Further details on the law surrounding use of seatbelts can be found on the Direct.Gov website: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Roadsafetyadvice/DG_4022064

Could you be an Independent Custody Visitor!

Cumbria Police Authority is looking for Volunteers to join its Independent Custody Visiting Scheme.

Cumbria Police Authority is looking to recruit independent members of the community to join the Scheme on the North, West and Kendal panels. Independent Custody Visitors, visit Custody Suites unannounced, always working in pairs, to check on the welfare of the people in police custody.  This scheme aims to improve public confidence in the police and help the Police Authority to gain a clear insight, into the running of custody facilities within the county.

Independent Custody Visitors must be impartial at all times.  They don’t take sides, but look, listen and report on what they find.  Independent Custody Visitors are volunteers who receive no payment, though their expenses will be met.

Anyone who is at least 18 years of age, and lives or works in Cumbria may apply.  However, anyone in the police service, such as police officers, special constables, police staff and members of the Police Authority are ineligible.

Rob Huck, the Police Authority’s Lead Member for custody said “I would encourage anyone with an interest in policing or welfare matters to apply.  This role provides a unique insight into the working of the police service.”

The closing date for the applications is 12 noon on Monday 17 October 2011.  Anyone requiring further information should contact:

Emily Pratt

Cumbria Police Authority

Carleton Hall

Penrith

CA10 2AU

Telephone 01768 217733

E-mail        policeauthority@cumbria.police.uk  

Website     www.cumbriapoliceauhtority.org.uk

Thought for the Week

“All you need in the world is love and laughter. That's all anybody needs. To have love in one hand and laughter in the other.” August Wilson

'Old Bakery Gardens' official opening

"A person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed." Bennett Cerf

Police Authority and Cumbria Constabulary consider the future of police estate

As a result of Government budget cuts, Cumbria Constabulary needs 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 is conducting a series of reviews to identify savings and, where possible, protect policing in communities.

As part of this work, a review of Cumbria’s police 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.

Some buildings will be upgraded, in other towns police will look at sharing premises with partner agencies and in some instances, if buildings are underused, the Police Authority will have to consider whether they should remain open. All options are being considered.

Examples of shared premises can already be seen working successfully in Carlisle city centre, where police officers and PCSOs share office space with Carlisle City Council in the Civic Centre, and in Sedbergh, where the local police and fire officers will begin sharing office space later this month. In Barrow the Neighbourhood Police team covering Central, Hindpool and Barrow Island are based within the Neighbourhood Management office in Dalton Road,  working alongside Neighbourhood Wardens and Barrow Borough Council officers. Steve Robson, Neighbourhood Manager for Barrow Borough Council said "We're really pleased to have our Neighbourhood Police Team located at our office with us, it proves invaluable in working together, sharing information about what's happening in the community and developing joint solutions to community problems."

The review will consider the cost of running and maintaining each building and compare that to how it is being utilised by the community and local police officers and PCSOs. They will consider the size and age of the buildings, how many officers and staff work from each building, and how it is used by the community.

The Chairman of Cumbria Police Authority, Ray Cole, said: “The way Cumbria is policed has changed dramatically over recent years, and officers are no longer reliant upon static police buildings to conduct their role.

“Twenty or thirty years ago, members of the community would have to attend a police station to report an incident, produce documents or speak to an officer, but these days most people contact police via telephone or email.

“People no longer need to produce papers as often, as officers have access to databases that instantly provide insurance and registration details of vehicles and motorists. Officers can conduct paperwork and access police systems on the move and we have invested heavily in mobile working technology. Detectives can also interview people using mobile recording equipment.

“All of this means that the traditional view of a police station is no longer a reality. Officers spend the majority of their time in the community, leaving many of our buildings under-utilised, oversized and outdated.

“Consequently, it doesn’t make financial sense to keep investing in them, when the funds could be used to maintain our service to the community.

“We are looking closely at each building and working with local councils and the fire service to consider how we could share office space, and save money for all public services in Cumbria.

“The review is ongoing, and we expect to make decisions about the future of our estate in the Autumn.”

Chief Constable Craig Mackey added: “As a result of Government spending cuts, Cumbria Constabulary has to save £20.3million by 2016. To achieve this, we are conducting a series of reviews to identify savings and, where possible, protect policing in communities.

“We have already made significant savings by implementing a recruitment freeze, restructuring back office functions and changing the way we work, so we must now look at making the police estate more efficient, by ensuring that our buildings are fit for purpose and are being used to their full potential.

“There are difficult decisions to be made, but whatever happens, we will maintain a presence in your community. Police officers and PCSOs will continue patrolling every town and village, will be available to speak to face-to-face and will continue responding to community priorities and individual calls for service.

“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.”

Final phase of demoliton under way in Central Barrow

The final phase of the planned demolition around Arthur, Sutherland and Marsh Street is now underway. Contractors, Marsh Plant Hire, begun full scale demoliton of properties on Marsh Street yesterday (5th September 2011).

Over recent months demolition work has been completed on one block of Sutherland Street and both blocks of Arthur Street. This work has been accompanied by housing improvement schemes to the remaining blocks on Sutherland Street and Marsh Street which has included new rooves, windows, doors, rear walls, front rendering etc.

This current phase of demolition is expected to be completed within the next month.  A few properties will remain for a time until the residents are rehoused. Once these are cleared this will leave a large, cleared site suitable for any future developments.

 

The demolition and housing refurbishment programme is part of Barrow Borough Council's Housing Renewal programme. For further information contact Chris Jones on 01229 876351 or by email at cwjones@barrwobc.gov.uk

The photo below shows the large site following demolition of Arthur Street and one block of Sutherland Street. The houses on the left of the image are the Marsh Street properties currently undergoing demolition.

North West Police Forces unite to tackle drug supply in dawn raids around Barrow

Four people have been arrested this morning in Cumbria (Tuesday 6 September) following a series of simultaneous dawn raids that have taken place across the North West.

At 7.15am this morning, 34 officers from Cumbria’s Targeting Unit and Tactical Support Group swooped on premises on Sloop Street, St Andrews Street, Harrison Street and Hood Street in Barrow. At the same time, colleagues from other forces conducted simultaneous raids on addresses in Preston, Blackburn and Merseyside.

Four Barrow men, two aged 26 and two aged 29, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and class B controlled drugs. They are in police custody and are due to be interviewed later today.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Leeson, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, who is heading Operation Oak, said: “This morning’s raids are part of an ongoing investigation into the activities of a suspected organised crime group and a drugs supply chain that has seen heroin and cocaine being moved across, and sold in, Lancashire, Cumbria and Merseyside.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Forrester from Cumbria Constabulary, said: “We are committed to ridding our communities of illegal drugs and sending out a strong message to criminals who think they can cross over counties borders to commit crime.

“We work closely with colleagues in other forces and this Operation is an example of what happens when we unite. We now have four men in police custody, helping us with our enquiries.

“The supply, production and use of drugs can ruin individual’s lives, pull families apart and cause huge damage to communities.

“It is hugely important that people within our communities keep telling us about those involved in drugs. If you know or suspect someone of drug dealing then please give us the information and we will do the rest. The police will only carry on successfully tackling drugs crime if we have the support of our communities.”

Anyone with information or who wants to speak to their local police officer about drug supply should contact 0845 33 00 247.

Helping to meet a growing demand - new guide to help community orchards blossom

A new, simple 'how to' guide for communities wanting to start up, share or save their own community orchards that could help reverse the national decline in traditional orchards has been published by Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles today.

The community orchards guide - part of a series of booklets being produced by Government in the coming months to cut out red tape and make it easier for people to get the information they need to get involved - brings together in one place practical advice and guidance for green fingered enthusiasts who want to make the most of green spaces in their area.

The guide outlines what new and existing support and powers are available for communities wanting to conserve or create community orchards. It provides links to expert organisations, information on where to go for funding and examples of communities across the country busy preparing to harvest their latest crop.

Ministers are also keen to see local authorities freeing up existing unused or under utilised land to communities. Successful community projects like the Todmorden Incredible Edible scheme have already shown how scrubland and verges too small to be used as allotments or open spaces can be 'greened up' by local people and transformed into growing space. Councils, by making land available, can help communities grow their own and improve sustainability whilst fostering a growing sense of community.

Eric Pickles, launching the new guide said "Community orchards are a brilliant way for communities to get together and grow their own. The powers we are putting in the hands of communities will make it easier to transform unloved corners of towns, cities and villages into thriving green spaces, help local people protect the orchards already there and access the land needed to establish new ones. Today's guide is about making all of that as simple and straightforward as possible and about giving a major boost to what is already a quiet revolution in promoting and preserving the nation's orchards."

The guide includes details of the new powers in the Localism Bill that will enshrine in law a package of powerful new rights for community and voluntary groups wanting to play a bigger role in their community or takeover and preserve local assets.

Under Right to Buy community groups will be first in line to bid for existing orchards or new green spaces if they come onto the market and will have the time they need to raise the necessary funds, whilst the Right to Challenge could see groups taking over the running of council owned green space used for community food growing. These major new powers sit alongside further reforms like the community right to reclaim derelict land which could see fruit trees springing up on unloved, unused plots local plots and the new neighbourhood planning powers will give communities the means to protect existing orchards and identify new plots.

Sue Clifford, co-founder of charity Common Ground - an organisation championing community orchards - says "I very much welcome this guide. It will be an important tool to help people take the first steps towards reaping the benefits of creating a community orchard. Orchards offer local people the richness of playground and pleasure garden, meeting place and festive stage."

Thought for the Week

“A person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed.” Bennett Cerf

Building Bridges - FREE Coffee Morning