Working together for a safer, cleaner and stronger neighbourhood.
Thursday, 27 August 2009
New legislation to improve road safety in Cumbria
Police officers are set to enforce new legislation to ensure all motorists are dealt with fairly when they commit offences on Cumbrian roads.
In a bid to create a more consistent and robust approach to policing the roads in Cumbria, selected officers from the Roads Policing Unit are being trained to issue Graduated Fixed Penalty Notices to motorists who commit offences on our roads and will have the authority to enforce on the spot fines to those who fail to provide a satisfactory UK address. Those who fail to pay their fines or court deposits immediately will have their journeys stopped by police until payment can be made.
The legislation is being introduced across the UK to create a level playing field between UK and non-UK motorists to ensure every motorist is dealt with fairly. Before they were introduced, officers were forced to arrest drivers who provided non-UK addresses for offences - as there was no other alternative.
Officers will also be introducing graduated fixed penalties to motorists which range from £60 to £300, depending on the nature and severity of the offence committed. For example, drivers of large goods vehicles (LGVs) will now be issued with fines if their cargo is overweight or if they exceed the time they’re legally able to drive without taking a comfort break. The more overweight the vehicle is or the longer they drive without taking a break, the higher the penalty will be.
From 1 September 2009, officers will be able to process instant credit card or cash payments when they enforce penalties to drivers at the roadside. Officers will make use of a phone line to the central ticket office to process credit card payments over the phone and will also accept payment in Sterling which will be sealed and signed for before being deposited at a secure ‘All Pay Station’ which are widely available across the county.
This new legislation was introduced to the UK on 1 April 2009 and has since been rolled out across other regions in the country with great success.
Chief Inspector Kevin Greenhow said: “Our County’s roads are part of major networks that are used constantly by locals, tourists and hauliers.
“From now on, we will be able to apply the law consistently and fairly so that every driver faces the same penalties when they commit offences. Before now, if motorists provided a non-UK address, we would have had to arrest them and take them into custody to ensure that we get the correct information to process court orders or fines.
“This new streamlined, speedy process allows all motorists to be confident that we are dealing with offences immediately to make our roads safer and removes the frustration of motorists escaping fines or prosecution because of where they live.”
In a bid to create a more consistent and robust approach to policing the roads in Cumbria, selected officers from the Roads Policing Unit are being trained to issue Graduated Fixed Penalty Notices to motorists who commit offences on our roads and will have the authority to enforce on the spot fines to those who fail to provide a satisfactory UK address. Those who fail to pay their fines or court deposits immediately will have their journeys stopped by police until payment can be made.
The legislation is being introduced across the UK to create a level playing field between UK and non-UK motorists to ensure every motorist is dealt with fairly. Before they were introduced, officers were forced to arrest drivers who provided non-UK addresses for offences - as there was no other alternative.
Officers will also be introducing graduated fixed penalties to motorists which range from £60 to £300, depending on the nature and severity of the offence committed. For example, drivers of large goods vehicles (LGVs) will now be issued with fines if their cargo is overweight or if they exceed the time they’re legally able to drive without taking a comfort break. The more overweight the vehicle is or the longer they drive without taking a break, the higher the penalty will be.
From 1 September 2009, officers will be able to process instant credit card or cash payments when they enforce penalties to drivers at the roadside. Officers will make use of a phone line to the central ticket office to process credit card payments over the phone and will also accept payment in Sterling which will be sealed and signed for before being deposited at a secure ‘All Pay Station’ which are widely available across the county.
This new legislation was introduced to the UK on 1 April 2009 and has since been rolled out across other regions in the country with great success.
Chief Inspector Kevin Greenhow said: “Our County’s roads are part of major networks that are used constantly by locals, tourists and hauliers.
“From now on, we will be able to apply the law consistently and fairly so that every driver faces the same penalties when they commit offences. Before now, if motorists provided a non-UK address, we would have had to arrest them and take them into custody to ensure that we get the correct information to process court orders or fines.
“This new streamlined, speedy process allows all motorists to be confident that we are dealing with offences immediately to make our roads safer and removes the frustration of motorists escaping fines or prosecution because of where they live.”
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
Cumbria Police YouTube Channel ....
New Cumbria Police YouTube Channel active at www.youtube.com/cumbriapolice
Cumbria Police Authority - who are they?
Find out more about the role of Cumbria Police Authority at www.cumbriapoliceauthority.org.uk
Monday, 24 August 2009
Friday, 21 August 2009
Volunteers Wanted at Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service
Click on the image below to enlarge
For more information contact
01900 820 247 or visit
www.cumbriafire.gov.uk
For more information contact
01900 820 247 or visit
www.cumbriafire.gov.uk
Thursday, 20 August 2009
We must overcome poverty!
The battle to overcome poverty in Cumbria will be on the agenda today as the county's first Financial Inclusion forum is launched at Rheged.
Financial Inclusion is about having access to mainstream services such as bank accounts, low cost home contents insurance and affordable credit.
A recent survey by the Lancaster University Management School estimated that at any one time £3million is loaned out to doorstop lenders in the county.
More than 100 delegates from a variety of organisations across the county will meet on Thursday 20 August at Rheged to focus their attention on giving people more access to affordable credit through credit unions as well as other aspects financial inclusion including money advice.
It involves speakers from the Department for Work and Pensions, Financial Services Authority and existing credit unions. Senior officers from Cumbria's seven local authorities are expected to attend along with the county's MPs.
A government report highlighted levels of financial exclusion in Carlisle, Barrow-in-Furness, Copeland and Allerdale that placed them within the top 50 most excluded areas of the country.
Eden and South Lakeland along with pockets of rural Cumbria have also been identified as target areas in terms of access to basic financial services. As a result of this finding the DWP has formed a strategic alliance with the County Council and has invested almost a million pounds into the county.
Hosted by the county council and the DWP Financial Inclusion Champion for Cumbria, the 'Financial Inclusion - Tackling Poverty in Cumbria' forum will aim to improve advice and support for people on low incomes, those at risk of poverty and falling into the hands of illegal loan sharks.
This will be done through improved cross-agency working, the development of credit union services across the county as well as additional debt advice.
In Cumbria there is a limited access to credit unions for the general public with only eight across the county. These are Cleator Moor and district, Carlisle and district, Egremont and district, Maryport and north Allerdale, Walney Island, Workington and district, Whitehaven, and Millom and district.
Despite the important achievements of these credit unions, large areas of the county are still not served by a credit union, such as Eden, the South Lakes and Barrow.
Amanda Pyper is Financial Inclusion Champion for Cumbria and her role is to help everyone in the county have access to basic financial services. She said: "In a modern society having access to basis financial services is as important as being plugged in to electricity or telecommunications.
"Without this the poorest people in Cumbria are paying more for basic necessitates of life such as fuel and essential furniture."
Cumbria County Councillor Eddie Martin, Cabinet member responsible for Adult Social Care, said: "This forum will bring together the people who work everyday at trying to reduce levels of poverty in the county and I hope that it will raise awareness of poverty in Cumbria.
"Many of those affected by spiralling debts turn to unlicensed money-lenders because, for whatever reasons, they cannot obtain credit from elsewhere.
"Everybody should have access to affordable and responsible credit; to an appropriate bank account; to face-to-face debt advice and money management advice; and access to savings.
"The fact is that extreme poverty affects many people. We are all in this together and the only way that poverty will finally be eradicated is by working together.
"And together we can give those who live in the misery of poverty in Cumbria a glimmer of hope, better opportunities and a future worth living."
For further information see the Government published Financial inclusion: an action plan for 2008-11
www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/financialinclusion_actionplan061207.pdf
Cumbria communties urged to use their voice
Councils, police and health services in the county are teaming up to find out what local people think about Cumbria and the public services they receive.
Over the coming weeks a random selection of about 30,000 Cumbrians will receive an invitation to join Cumbria’s citizens’ panel, known as Community Voice.
By signing up residents will be agreeing to take part in a minimum of four questionnaire surveys each year conducted by the public authorities involved.
So anybody wanting their say on health care issues that might affect them, the chance to comment on policing in Cumbria, or to let councils know what they think of council services such as planning and waste, is being urged to sign up to become a member of Community Voice.
The panel will be managed by Craigforth Research, an independent social research company, on behalf of all the public authorities involved.
Invitation letters are set to hit doormats in each of Cumbria’s six districts shortly offering people the chance to get involved in the panel.
Steve Park, head of communications at Cumbria County Council said, "We’re keen to hear more from the public about the whole range of services provided in Cumbria, so we can ensure that these meet people’s needs. Community Voice is an excellent way for people to voice their views and the results will be used to shape service provision.
"It’s a common complaint that councils and other public organisations don’t listen to the public, well Community Voice is all about listening, and acting on what we hear. I’d really encourage people to sign up if they are given the opportunity."
The new panel will be sent its first survey during the autumn, which will focus on the environment, planning, transport and housing. It will include questions from the district and county council, Cumbria NHS and Cumbria Constabulary.
Anybody wanting to know more about Community Voice should call Kieran Barr at Cumbria County Council on 01228 226308
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Gettin' Wrecked!
Barrow CDRP have joined up with Barrow Police to produce 5 short films (see links below) aimed at empowering young people to make the right choices around alcohol use. This forms part of an ongoing operation aimed at reducing under age drinking and the harm it can cause.
Clip 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yN1T_n6UTA
Clip 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vntaBFyOZAE
Clip 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPEjoUnPWHo
Clip 4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41CLuBuUXX4
Clip 5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otWezxHgxZ4
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
The sky's the limit for Central and Hindpool youngsters
Some of the county's 11 - 14 year olds are to benefit from a radical new scheme which will set out to broaden their horizons, improve their confidence and uncover hidden talents.The new Inspiring Communities scheme means that young people living in the Central and Hindpool wards in Barrow will reap the benefits of up to £450,000 of new funding over the next two years aimed at raising their aspirations and achievements.
The funding has been secured by a team led by Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Team (CHNMT) in partnership with The Barrow Excellence Cluster Partnership (BECP), primary and secondary schools and the Furness Local Planning Group.
The Neighbourhood Management Team called on the expertise of Cumbria County Council's education department and Children's Services to help secure the bid. The Central and Hindpool bid is one of fifteen successful bids across the country which will receive a share of a £10million pound government scheme.
Aimed at deprived neighbourhoods, the 'Inspiring Communities' initiative is about getting people in communities working together to boost the aspirations and achievements of their young people.
The funding will see a range of local schemes introduced. There will be an expansion of the Junior Warden scheme where 9-11 year olds will be able to take part in and work alongside neighbourhood wardens, police and fire service personnel on community projects and fun activities.
The existing Street Soccer scheme offering football session in neighbourhood locations for 9-16 year olds and giving young people the opportunity to meet local PCSO’s and Neighbourhood Wardens will be developed and become a Street Sports programme.
Free informal holiday sports programmes will be on offer. Multi-sports session will be delivered in neighbourhood locations requiring no pre-booking for 8-15 year olds twice a week during school holidays also involving opportunities to meet Neighbourhood Wardens.
Stephen Robson, Neighbourhood Manager (CHNMT) sees a big part of the remit as improving the link between young people’s education and the wider community. He said: "Providing the environment for our young people to lead happy and successful lives is everyone’s responsibility and this programme will help us promote that idea in a very real sense.
"For example we want to set up a community learning forum for parents and interested professionals to discuss issues and plans and highlight the opportunities in the area.
"This is a great chance for agencies and the community to work together for the benefit of our young people and we look forward to working with the wider community as we take the scheme forward."
The scheme will also set out to improve local support networks with advice and guidance services and provide resources to raise the self confidence and aspirations of parents and carers.
Mason Minnitt, Director of the Barrow Excellence Cluster Partnership (BECP) is delighted with the news and sees this as a golden opportunity for a neighbourhood facing particular social and economic challenges. He said: “This funding will allow us to utilise the expertise, energy and the commitment of local partners to transform aspirations.
“It allows us to ensure that this community plays a leading role in shaping its own positive future.”
The scheme looks set to have a big impact on children and the wider community with the ultimate goal of raising community pride and aspirations at its heart.
Junior Wardens at Furness Abbey
Junior Wardens and Neighbourhood Wardens from Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Team enjoying the sun and beautiful surroundings at Furness Abbey.The visit was arranged as part of the ongoing Summer programme of Junior Warden activities.
To see more photos visit our Flickr site at www.flcikr.com/photos/chnmt
Junior Wardens take part in the John Muir Award
Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Team's Junior Wardens are taking part in an exciting project with Green Heart Den community garden.
To find out more visit Green Heart Den's blog here http://bit.ly/YnR6X
Cash offer for Barrow retailers
Alan Campbell the Home Office Minister with lead responsibility for crime reduction recently announced the launch of a new £5m small retailers capital grants fund as part of the National Retail Crime Steering Group Action Plan which is now published at the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/retail-crime-action-plan .
The action plan and grants fund marks real progress in our partnership approach to tackling retail crime and demonstrates our determination to support small retailers during the current hard times. Retail businesses are at the heart of our local communities, employing many people, and also providing vital services to residents.
The grants fund provides practical support to enable small retailers to purchase equipment such as alarms, security grills, shutters and stock control products to improve their security and crime prevention arrangements. Eligible applicants can apply for small grants worth up to £3,000 or Partnership grants worth up to £50,000.
Barrow is one of the 50 priority areas identified and businesses in the area are encouraged to apply for the grants. It is not just those premises in the town centre who can apply, shops in other parts of the town, including Walney, Ormsgill, Dalton and Askam are eligible, as are town centre takeaway outlets.
It should be noted that the closing date for applications is very soon, 30th September 2009 and businesses would be encouraged to apply sooner rather than later.
Guidance and application forms will be available on a dedicated website at: http://grantsadmin.co.uk/smallretailerscapitalfund
There is also a national helpline number set up to deal with enquiries and will post applications to those without internet access: 0845 223 5454
Locally businesses can ring Rebecca Rawlings of Barrow Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, for more information on 01229 876475, e-mail: rrawlings@barrowbc.gov.uk
Specific advice about security products can be obtained from Sharon Livesey, Crime Prevention Officer, based at Barrow Police Station. Sharon can be contacted on: 01229 848911, e-mail: sharon.livesey@cumbria.police.uk
The grants fund provides practical support to enable small retailers to purchase equipment such as alarms, security grills, shutters and stock control products to improve their security and crime prevention arrangements. Eligible applicants can apply for small grants worth up to £3,000 or Partnership grants worth up to £50,000.
Barrow is one of the 50 priority areas identified and businesses in the area are encouraged to apply for the grants. It is not just those premises in the town centre who can apply, shops in other parts of the town, including Walney, Ormsgill, Dalton and Askam are eligible, as are town centre takeaway outlets.
It should be noted that the closing date for applications is very soon, 30th September 2009 and businesses would be encouraged to apply sooner rather than later.
Guidance and application forms will be available on a dedicated website at: http://grantsadmin.co.uk/smallretailerscapitalfund
There is also a national helpline number set up to deal with enquiries and will post applications to those without internet access: 0845 223 5454
Locally businesses can ring Rebecca Rawlings of Barrow Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, for more information on 01229 876475, e-mail: rrawlings@barrowbc.gov.uk
Specific advice about security products can be obtained from Sharon Livesey, Crime Prevention Officer, based at Barrow Police Station. Sharon can be contacted on: 01229 848911, e-mail: sharon.livesey@cumbria.police.uk
Download poster here
Monday, 3 August 2009
Will Taylor receives commendation
Former Community Press Facilitator Will Taylor receives his certificate of merit from Cumbria Constabulary's Acting Superintendent Ali Dufty.
The certificate was awarded in recognition of Will's consistent quality of work within the community and with, and on behalf of, a wide range of partner agencies, particularly his willingness to help and 'go the extra mile'.
Will has since moved on to a new role and will be sadly missed by partners and community press volunteers alike.
Everyone at Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Team would like to wish Will all the very best in his new role.Family Fun Day in Hindpool 9 August 2009
FREE Family Fun Day at Brisbane Park fields on Sunday 9 August 12-4pm. Lots to do, get yourself there!
Click image below to enlarge.
New police powers hailed a success
Barrow officers using new powers to combat violence and disorder in the town centre hail their first weekend a success.
For the first time last weekend (Friday 31 July -Sunday 2 August), Barrow officers used section 27 notices under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 to remove potentially violent and disorderly individuals from the town centre in a bid to reduce night time anti-social behaviour, crime and violence and enable law abiding revellers to enjoy a safe and crime-free night out.
For the first time last weekend (Friday 31 July -Sunday 2 August), Barrow officers used section 27 notices under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 to remove potentially violent and disorderly individuals from the town centre in a bid to reduce night time anti-social behaviour, crime and violence and enable law abiding revellers to enjoy a safe and crime-free night out.
Although Friday was a quiet night with very few incidents of violence and disorder, police dealt with several incidents during the course of Saturday evening and as a result, six people were issued directions to leave the town centre area.
Sgt Ian McClymont who enforced the notices over the weekend said: "On all occasions, the section 27 notices worked effectively as individuals left the town centre as instructed before situations escalated into something more serious.
"The use of Section 27 notices will become more widespread in Barrow from now on. We're pleased with how they have worked so far and believe they mark a positive step towards reducing the threat of violence in the town centre."
DVD launch in Barrow to show youngsters shock affects of alcohol
Barrow officers working to tackle excessive alcohol consumption and reduce alcohol related offences are launching a shock DVD this week to highlight the dangerous situations young people can find themselves in if they drink too much alcohol.
The DVD, due to be launched on Tuesday 4 August at Barrow Town Hall, is a joint venture between police and Barrow and South Lakeland Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships, and follows five young people on a night out in Barrow to show how differently a ‘fun night out’ can end when too much alcohol is involved.
The launch will be hosted by Professor Mark Bellis from Liverpool John Moores University who will be giving a talk about the myths around alcohol and its effects before focusing on local issues and what Barrow CDRP are doing in response to alcohol related harm and the associated crime and disorder.
The film is a mixture of comedy and shocking reality which is designed to grab the attention of youngsters. By introducing this to local schools and by posting the video on social networking sites, police hope to challenge the notion that it is socially acceptable for young people to drink excessively.
Inspector Geoff Steele of Barrow police said: “We launched ongoing Operation Siskin last year to challenge the inappropriate sale and use of alcohol, which can have such a detrimental effect on our neighbourhoods.
“The operation has been a great success so far, largely thanks to the support we’ve received from local pubs, clubs and off licences. Standards around the sale of alcohol are very high in Barrow and by working together; we can improve this even more.
“This DVD marks our first steps in starting a local debate with young people about the pressures they face that can lead them to use alcohol inappropriately and cause harm to themselves and the community.
“By listening to the experiences of other young people, we hope that local youngsters will set and police their own behaviour - and help their friends make better choices so that a real improvement in our local culture can be made.”
Barrow CDRP co-ordinator, Rebecca Rawlings, said: “This DVD is a fine example of the positive work we are able to achieve for the young people of Barrow by coming together as a partnership and more importantly, a community.
“This local production carries a very important message and we relied wholeheartedly on the enthusiasm of local people and businesses to provide the facilities and energy we needed to make the film a success. The film will be shown throughout schools in South Cumbria and we hope that it will make young people stop and think about their lifestyles, recognise the negative effects that binge drinking can have and make positive choices about their future.”
The film was produced by Workshop Productions from Lancaster who became interested in the project after a member of their team from Barrow recognised the need to help tackle underage and irresponsible drinking in her home town.
The film features actors from the Barrow-based A590 theatre group and Kells photography took photographs during the day, provided all the hair and makeup and supplied models who took up extra roles during the filming.
Food and refreshments for the crew and cast were kindly donated by Barrow Tesco and One Leisure provided the team with free use of their premises. A local taxi firm provided a free taxi for one of the scenes and local band, The Relics, provided the soundtrack and even had a cameo role. Club M staff and doormen also gave up their free time to feature in the film.
The DVD, due to be launched on Tuesday 4 August at Barrow Town Hall, is a joint venture between police and Barrow and South Lakeland Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships, and follows five young people on a night out in Barrow to show how differently a ‘fun night out’ can end when too much alcohol is involved.
The launch will be hosted by Professor Mark Bellis from Liverpool John Moores University who will be giving a talk about the myths around alcohol and its effects before focusing on local issues and what Barrow CDRP are doing in response to alcohol related harm and the associated crime and disorder.
The film is a mixture of comedy and shocking reality which is designed to grab the attention of youngsters. By introducing this to local schools and by posting the video on social networking sites, police hope to challenge the notion that it is socially acceptable for young people to drink excessively.
Inspector Geoff Steele of Barrow police said: “We launched ongoing Operation Siskin last year to challenge the inappropriate sale and use of alcohol, which can have such a detrimental effect on our neighbourhoods.
“The operation has been a great success so far, largely thanks to the support we’ve received from local pubs, clubs and off licences. Standards around the sale of alcohol are very high in Barrow and by working together; we can improve this even more.
“This DVD marks our first steps in starting a local debate with young people about the pressures they face that can lead them to use alcohol inappropriately and cause harm to themselves and the community.
“By listening to the experiences of other young people, we hope that local youngsters will set and police their own behaviour - and help their friends make better choices so that a real improvement in our local culture can be made.”
Barrow CDRP co-ordinator, Rebecca Rawlings, said: “This DVD is a fine example of the positive work we are able to achieve for the young people of Barrow by coming together as a partnership and more importantly, a community.
“This local production carries a very important message and we relied wholeheartedly on the enthusiasm of local people and businesses to provide the facilities and energy we needed to make the film a success. The film will be shown throughout schools in South Cumbria and we hope that it will make young people stop and think about their lifestyles, recognise the negative effects that binge drinking can have and make positive choices about their future.”
The film was produced by Workshop Productions from Lancaster who became interested in the project after a member of their team from Barrow recognised the need to help tackle underage and irresponsible drinking in her home town.
The film features actors from the Barrow-based A590 theatre group and Kells photography took photographs during the day, provided all the hair and makeup and supplied models who took up extra roles during the filming.
Food and refreshments for the crew and cast were kindly donated by Barrow Tesco and One Leisure provided the team with free use of their premises. A local taxi firm provided a free taxi for one of the scenes and local band, The Relics, provided the soundtrack and even had a cameo role. Club M staff and doormen also gave up their free time to feature in the film.