Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from us at Neighbourhood Management. 

Hope you all have a safe and happy festive period.

  We're back in the office on Monday 5 January - see you all in 2015.

Barrow Borough Council Xmas period opening times for council buildings

Refuse collection arrangements for Barrow over the festive period

Another final reminder from us about bin collection dates over the festive period ...

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY REFUSE COLLECTION ARRANGEMENTS
Normal Collection Day Thursday 25 December will be collected on Saturday 27 December
Normal Collection Day Friday 26 December will be collected on Sunday 28 December
Monday 29 December - Normal arrangements
Tuesday 30 December - Normal arrangements
Wednesday 31 December - Normal arrangements
Normal Collection Day Thursday 1 January will be collected on Friday 2 January
Normal Collection Day Friday 2 January will be collected on Saturday 3 January

Have a safe and Happy Xmas and New Year all - don't forget to keep your waste under control as much as possible, we know it's a particularly hectic time what with all that wrapping paper etc.

Bright lights on the horizon - Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year from everyone in Neighbourhood Management

So, once again, the end of the year is upon us. The New Year will bring lots more changes for us here in Neighbourhood Management (http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/axe-to-fall-on-deprived-barrow-area-s-community-hub-to-save-45k-1.1182961) and we’re sure for our friends in many other agencies too.

This year has seen the Furness Enterprise project, ‘The Workshop’, move out of our office in Dalton Road and close down completely in September. Not long afterwards, in November, our neighbourhood police team colleagues from Cumbria Constabulary also moved out of the office.

Our team of four is once again reduced in numbers, as has happened year on year for the last few years. There are now three of us remaining and we will keep the office at Dalton Rd open for the first couple of months of 2015 and then we will be closing down and moving into Barrow Town Hall.

We will miss being so accessible to all the residents, workers and general passers-by that have called in since we first moved in during 2007. We’d like to thank you all for your help, support, kindness and friendship over the years and we hope you feel it has been reciprocated from all of us here.

We have certainly tried our very best to offer a service to everyone that put care, kindness and compassion at the very heart of everything we've done – we hope to continue this although we know we’ll have to find new ways to carry this through.

For us here it has always been very important to listen to what people are really telling us, to try and get to the bottom of what is happening so we can help and hopefully prevent it happening again wherever possible. We believe the best way to do this is with an open heart, to care about what we do and to be kind in how we approach our relationships with others. We hope you agree.

Looking to the future we can see a number of bright lights on the Barrovian horizon, we have been involved in the Inspiring Barrow project which will continue for another year at least and has engaged hundreds of young people to think creatively about their futures, to learn and be inspired to be the best they can be. We are proud to maintain our involvement with this great local project. www.inspiringbarrow.co.uk

Likewise the first anniversary of the Women’s Community Matters centre has just passed by, the women only centre in Duke Street is a great example of how, with the right philosophy, so much can be achieved by a few kind, caring and determined women. The centre is another beacon of hope in what sometimes feels like a gloomy landscape as we constantly hear about cuts to services. They work alongside the women who come to them for help, offering a warm, friendly and safe place to be, to learn and to grow. We wish them all the very best as they grow into 2015 as they continue to develop their services and their vision for the benefit of Barrow. www.womenscommunitymatters.org

Another great project also recently celebrating its first anniversary is Love Barrow families, working with families experiencing difficult challenges they are changing the way in which public services are delivered locally. Showing us that working alongside people, no matter how difficult or challenging their circumstances, is the best way to be helpful. Love Barrow families is built on the recognition that all of us have something to offer, that we all have assets and that only through truly working together will we be able to help people experiencing real challenges make the changes they need and they want.  Love Barrow families is a ground breaking local project to be proud of.

http://www.cumbriacrack.com/2014/12/18/love-barrow-families-celebrates-1st-year/  

There are plenty more great things happening in Barrow that give us hope for the future, the Love Barrow Awards will take place again in March 2015 at the Forum, Duke Street (www.lovebarrowawards.co.uk) recognising the many and varied individuals and organisations who go the extra mile to keep this community the generous, friendly and safe place it is. Of course there are many other local organisations offering great services with committed and caring workers, too many here to mention so we've just mentioned the ones we've been involved with in some way – long may they all continue well into 2015 and beyond.

Steve

Thought for the Week

"Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change." Bob Kerrey

Walk to Piel Island on New Years Day

Cooke's Crew at Signal Films - apply now if you're 11-16yrs old!

Thought for the Week

"How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world." Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice)

POLICE WARN PUBLIC THAT VIOLENCE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Cumbria Constabulary are warning potential offenders that violent behaviour on nights out will not be tolerated this Christmas.

This is part of the new hard-hitting police campaign ‘Do The Right Thing’, which tells potential violent and sexual offenders to ‘Do The Right Thing’ or face the consequences of their actions.

With Christmas fast approaching, pubs and clubs across Cumbria are becoming busier with people enjoying themselves and often consuming more alcohol than normal.

Extra officers will be out on patrol on key dates, including ‘Festive Friday’, which is the last Friday before Christmas and falls on the 19^th December this year. It has traditionally been a popular night out in towns across Cumbria, and there is sometimes a corresponding rise in alcohol fuelled violence and disorder.

In the last few years there has been a reduction in the number of Drunk and Disorderly arrests, however the number of assaults have remained around the same:

	D&D Arrests	Assault without injury	Assault ABH
2013 (20th December)	9	6	14
2012 (21st December)	14	10	9
2011 (23rd December)	16	5	14

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said, “I want everyone who goes on a night out in Cumbria this December to have a safe and enjoyable night. We will not tolerate anyone who cannot control their tempers once they have had a couple of drinks spoiling the night for other people.

“I would urge anyone who has the potential to become aggressive or violent when they get drunk to ‘do the right thing’ and ‘think before they drink’.

“Cumbria is one of the safest places in England to enjoy a night out with friends and family, and we are committed to keeping it that way. It is only a minority who become involved in violence or disorder, and by providing extra officers we are able to monitor situations and intervene before they escalate.

“Our campaign this year is warning everyone to ‘do the right thing’ and not become involved in violent situations, and report any violent or abusive behaviour you may witness to the police. Even if someone is being confrontational with you they are never ‘asking for it’, and there is no excuse for assaulting someone. If you feel someone is being aggressive or acting unreasonably, please report it to an officer or security staff.

“We want everyone to enjoy the festive season in a safe and responsible manner. Don’t end up with a Christmas to regret.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes, said, “It is important that everyone enjoys Christmas responsibly I will be joining police patrols in Whitehaven and Barrow on Festive Friday and will see first-hand the challenges that the police have to deal with that could have been so easily avoided if people ‘Did the Right Thing’.”

Anyone who is a victim of a crime or sees any suspicious activity should call Cumbria Police on 101.

For more information on the Do The Right Thing campaign please visit: www.cumbria.police.uk/dotherightthing

For more information on the Think Before You Drink campaign please visit: www.cumbria.police.uk/alcohol 

For more information on the One Punch Can Ruin Two Lives campaign please visit: www.cumbria.police.uk/onepunch

Cumbria Constabulary is committed to tackling festive crime

Cumbria Constabulary is reminding the local community to keep their home and belongings safe this Christmas.

It’s just over two weeks until Christmas Day and the majority of people will have decorated their tree, wrapped some presents, and will be thinking about exchanging gifts.

Security may not be at the forefront of people’s minds, therefore Cumbria Constabulary is issuing crime prevention advice to remind people not to let thieves steal their Christmas.

Superintendent Andy Towler said, “We will be strengthening police patrols in our neighbourhoods to reassure residents and deter thieves. There will be local initiatives to provide communities with all the information they need to keep themselves and their property secure this Christmas.

“Thieves can target houses with Christmas presents on view so we would recommend everyone to think about where to keep their presents. More advice about home security is available on our website at www.cumbria.police.uk/securehome.

“We are committed to tackling festive crime and ensuring that thieves don’t steal people’s Christmas.”

In order to help, Cumbria Constabulary will be issuing a version of the “12 Days of Christmas” in an online booklet which raises awareness to some key issues. This will be available on our website, Twitter and Facebook account from Monday 15 December.

“Superintendent Towler added, “The “12 Days of Christmas” focuses on twelve ways to help you stay safe this Christmas and includes helpful reminders to help people to be safe and secure over the festive period.

“Our aim is to try and ensure that everyone has a happy and safe Christmas.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said, “We would all do well to take notice of the advice that the Police will be providing over the next couple of weeks, to ensure that we keep our possessions safe.  Please take note of the guidance, and avoid becoming a victim of crime this Christmas.”

Please let us know as soon as possible if you see anyone behaving suspiciously in your neighbourhood.  Many criminals are apprehended due to information from members of the public. Simply telephone 101, or if a crime is in progress, 999.  If you have information regarding crime you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you would like to speak to someone in person, you can do so at the various police desks held across the county. Police officers and PCSOs are on hand to offer information, advice, answer questions, and speak to you about any concerns. To find out where your next police desk is, visit www.cumbria.police.uk/policedesks. If you are unable to attend one of these, please ring Cumbria Constabulary on 101 and ask to speak to a Crime Prevention Officer.

More crime prevention advice is also available at http://www.cumbria.police.uk/advice-and-information/crime-prevention and includes top tips on security for sheds, fuel storage, and vehicles. 

'Spectral Stories' at Barrow Library - December 17, 4-6pm

Thought for the Week

"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama

Volunteer opportunities with CADAS, Barrow

FREE Alcohol Brief Intervention Training with CADAS

CADAS Pop-up Shop in Barrow

Christmas entertainment in Barrow Market

‘tis the season to be jolly … and my, my, Barrow Market has lots to be jolly about this Christmas.

The Market will be open every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 December until Christmas Eve and also on Sunday 21 December from 11–4 pm.

There is a full programme of entertainment from schools, bands and theatre groups in the run up to Christmas.

Barrow Market has recently had £300,000 spent on its refurbishment, and to celebrate there will be a Market X-travaganza day on 3 December. 

Come along and meet Anthony Quinlan who plays Pete Barton in Emmerdale between 1pm and 4pm.

There will be special Blue X discounts,  cooking demonstrations, carols with Sacred Heart School, entertainment, raffles and goodie bags, all hosted by Denis Horan and with the Bay broadcasting live from 10am until 2pm.

Programme for Wednesday 3 December Christmas X-travaganza            

10–2pm         The Bay Live with Cookie Stall 76

        10–11am        Sacred Heart School Portland Walk entrance

        11am             Mayor judging cupcake Competition Stall 41

        11.10am        Ooy Rigg – cooking demonstration Portland Walk entrance

        12-1pm          Peter Gott cooking sausages Portland Walk Entrance

1pm              Mayor and Anthony Quinlan formal opening (Duke St             entrance/Town Sqr)

        1.15–4pm       Anthony Quinlan signing autographs Stall 75

Entertainment all day from Denis Horan - Free Prize Draw and goodie bags.

Friday 5 December

10–11am Sacred Heart School

Saturday 6 December

CAST Theatre Company

Friday 12 December

10am Ormsgill Nursery and Primary School

Saturday 13 December

10–12noon Barrow Shipyard Junior Band

1–2pm Sing your Carols Out Choir

Monday 15 December

10 am Victoria Infants and Nursery School

Wednesday 17 December

1 – 2 pm Chetwynde School 

Saturday 20 December

CAST Theatre Company

12–2pm  South Lakes Brass Ensemble

Sunday 21 December

12–2pm Barrow Operatic and Drama Society

Mrs Ann Taylforth, Barrow Town Centre and Festivals Manager commented “With the Market open every day from 1 December until Christmas Eve (except Sundays 7 and 14 December) why not visit and browse the wide variety of stalls and choice of goods on offer.”

Meet the Author - Gill Jepson at Barrow Library

'Crazy Christmas Crafts' at Barrow Library

Thought for the Week

"Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind." Henry James

Christmas crackdown on drink or drug driving

Cumbria Police along with the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership are seeking the public’s assistance in a bid to prevent a tragic Christmas.

Every year in December a national campaign is run to encourage people not to drink and drive. However, every year people are still being caught having consumed an excess of either alcohol or drugs whilst driving.

This year, police will be stepping up their visibility around the county’s pubs and will be speaking to landlords and their customers about the dangers of drinking and driving. They will also be asking them to report anyone who they suspect is driving under the influence of alcohol of drugs. With this information police will make intelligence-led stops in a bid to crackdown on those who behave in such an irresponsible manner.

In December 2013, 2589 breath tests were administered, which resulted in 97 people either failing or refusing a test. This was an increase on the previous year where 85 people either failed or refused a breathalyser test.

Of the 97 tests in 2013 which were either failed or refused, 17 followed a road traffic collision. In 2012, 23 people failed or refused a test following a road traffic collision.

Sergeant David Roberts, from the Operational Support Unit, said, “Last year’s stats show an increase from the previous year in terms of the number of people who failed or refused a breathalyser test. This shows that there is still an issue of people risking their own and other road user’s lives by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Cumbria.

“Last year was the first year we appealed for members of the public to report drivers they believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Interestingly the stats show that whilst more people failed or refused a test in 2013, the number following collisions had decreased compared to the previous year.

“Prevention is definitely best when it comes to reducing the risk to people’s lives. We want to stop a driver before they kill or seriously injure someone and therefore this year we continue to appeal to members of the public to contact the police when they suspect a person driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Such calls will be treated as an emergency as lives could be at stake and we hope that members of the public will be responsible with this assistance.”

Officers from the Operational Support Unit along with assistance from Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs throughout December. As well as intelligence-led checks patrols will be carrying out regular spot checks on the county’s roads.

Sergeant Roberts added, “One area of concern that we would like to highlight is the number of people who drive the morning after a night where they have been drinking. Many people will be attending Christmas and New Year parties during December and may have more to drink than usual. What many can underestimate is the effect that this has the following morning and some will get in a car thinking they will be fit to drive when they are in fact, still over the alcohol limit.

“Our message is clear, don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs. It is easy to make alternative arrangements to get home. Don’t ruin your own or other people’s Christmas of by making a decision to drive whilst under the influence, it’s not worth it.”

Chris Broadbent, from the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership, said, “This is a vital campaign which we support every year that aims to stop people from driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“The Cumbria Road Safety Partnership meet throughout the year in order to make the county’s roads safer and the issue of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one that is sadly a constant discussion point.

“I hope members of the public back this campaign and provide Police with the intelligence which could make the difference between a happy Christmas and a tragic one.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said, “The message is simple ‘Don’t drink and Drive’. In a county like Cumbria the roads are the main way of people moving around and it is unacceptable that people behave irresponsibly and drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”