Islands of Barrow exhibition at the Dock Museum

FREE Grow Your Own workshop - 11th Feb

Peppa Pig at Barrow Library

FREE Holiday Sports this half-term

 

     

Thought for the Week

“If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people.” Virginia Woolf

Shop Front Grant Scheme 2012

Barrow Borough Council has agreed to a further Shop Front Grant scheme for 2012 and has allocated £100,000 to improve shop fronts in Dalton and Barrow Town Centres.

The basic grant is £2,000 and can be used towards signage, exterior finish and improvement of Shop Fronts. It is only available to small independent businesses employing less than 50 staff. Schemes must be approved by the Council before work commences. Retrospective grants are not available.

For application forms and further information please contact Mrs Ann Taylforth, Town Centre and Festivals Manager, Barrow Borough Council, Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2LD Tel 01229 876389 or email ataylforth@barrowbc.gov.uk

'Spook', the dog in the snow ... needs a warm home

'Spook' likes to play in the snow ... but he loves to come back to a warm home

Barrow Borough Council and Cumbria County Council, have joined forces with e.on uk to provide the best deals ever to householders.

Cumbria Warm Homes offers free Home Energy Health Checks that will provide you with a written survey report and quotation for your property.



Find out how to book your FREE Home Energy Health Check at

http://www.cumbriawarmhomes.org.uk/ you may be entitled to FREE or subsidised insulation.

Christmas Drink and Drugs Driving Campaign 2011/12 – The Results

Cumbria police today issued the results of their Christmas Drink Driving Campaign.

The annual crackdown ran from 1^st December 2011 to 1^st January 2012. During that period, officers conducted 3,345 breath tests across the county, of which 88 either proved positive for traces of alcohol, or the driver failed or refused to provide a test. 33 of the positive tests, or failures to provide a test, followed a collision.

This means that 2.6 per cent of motorists tested for alcohol were over the limit.

In December 2010, a total of 1,641 breath tests were taken with a total of 58 drivers providing positive breath tests. This meant that 3.5 per cent of those tested were over the limit. Cumbria experienced particularly bad weather in December 2010, meaning far fewer motorists used the county’s roads and, consequently, a much smaller number of breath tests were carried out by police.

Officers are pleased with the reduction in the rate of people caught drink driving, but disappointed that a minority of motorists continue to put other road users at risk by getting behind the wheel after having a drink.

Inspector Andy Wilkinson from Cumbria’s Roads Policing Unit, said “We are pleased to have seen a reduction in the percentage of positive breath tests but it is still quite shocking that there are so many people who continue to ignore the law and risk the lives of other road users by drink driving.

“The effects of driving under the influence of drink and drugs can be devastating and will not be tolerated in Cumbria.

“We will continue to crack down on those who are intent on driving under the influence of alcohol. Everyone should take responsibility for road safety by reminding friends and family to drive safely and by reporting anyone they know to be drink driving to police immediately.”

Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said “I am disappointed that there are some people who continue to ignore our warnings and put lives at risk by driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

“There is no excuse for this and we will not tolerate those who needlessly endanger the lives of other road users.

“The penalties for drink and drug driving include fines, the loss of driving licences and even prison, but these are nothing compared to the risk of injury and loss of life that rises steeply when motorist’s reactions are impaired by alcohol or drugs.

“During 2012 we will continue to target those who choose to drink and drug drive and are committed to making the roads of Cumbria safer.”

If you suspect someone is drink driving call police on 101 or call 999 in an emergency.

Disability and Benefits Exhibition

FREE 2 day drug and alcohol awareness course

Our Flickr photostream ...

Newest and cutest recruits arrive at Cumbria Constabulary

Cumbria Constabulary will welcome their newest, youngest and fluffiest recruits next week. The three German Shepherd puppies, who are 8 weeks old, will arrive from the Isle of Man to start their training as police dogs for Cumbria Constabulary.

The pups were donated from the dog breeding programme at the Isle Of Man Constabulary and join the existing 12 General Purpose police dogs, 12 drugs dogs and explosives dogs currently assisting the fight against crime in Cumbria.

For the next six months, the new recruits will work alongside their handlers to form a bond, socialise with a diverse range of people and gain experience in a variety of environments and locations.

The pups, two female and one male, are replacing three police dogs which are all due to retire.

PC Steve Jones, PC Simon Hodgkinson and PC Jonathan Chappell will each receive one of the new pups and will start their training as soon as they arrive.

Sergeant Mark Yielder, from the Dog Unit at Cumbria Constabulary, said: “The next six months is all about familiarising the dogs with as many new people, places and experiences as possible, so that they are able to deal with any situation they’re faced with when they start work.

“We spend a lot more time playing with the dogs than you would a family pet, and rather than fluffy animals and balls, these dogs have sets of keys and tools as toys, so that they get used to the kinds of materials and objects they will be expected to search for at crime scenes in the future.

“They are also exposed to loud noises by playing recordings of thunder, lightening and firework noises on a stereo so that they get used to the unexpected, and grow into bold working dogs.”

It will be at least a year before the pups begin training in earnest, and around 18 months before they start working, giving them the time they need to grow in confidence and strength.

Once trained, the dogs will be used during public order incidents, to locate missing people, search crime scenes and hunt for offenders.

Sergeant Ian Kelly, from the Isle of Man Police, said: “It is great to see these dogs going to a force which we have such a good working relationship with. We work closely with our colleagues in Cumbria and attend training courses held by them and have our dogs independently licensed by their instructors when we can. We mutually assist each other in searches, for example, they helped us with security searches last September when we hosted the Commonwealth Youth Games and we have assisted with searches for Royal visits”.

“The parents of these pups are both working police dogs within the Isle of Man. Dad is called Bodie, aged three and a half years and their mother, Saxon is two and a half and both are pedigree Kennel Club registered with lines going back to Slovakia and Belgium. The pups should hopefully adapt to the role of a police dog, although nothing is ever guaranteed with puppies.”

Members of the public will be able to follow the progress of the pups on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cumbriapolice and Inspector Matthew Kennerley has launched a new Twitter site: www.twitter.com/policedogunit  which will provide updates on the puppies progression, information on the Dogs Unit, handlers, training and the incidents they attend.

Details of a competition to guess the name of one of the puppies will be added to Cumbria Police’s Facebook page and the new Dogs Unit Twitter site. The prize will be a visit to the Dog Unit at Cumbria Constabulary where they will meet the puppies and the police officers who work there.

The winter blues

When the sun is shining, people tend to feel energetic and upbeat. But during the cold winter months and shorter days many people can feel lethargic and less sociable.

For some people this may be because they have a condition known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). This is a very mild form of depression, also known as “winter depression” because the symptoms are more apparent during the winter months.

In the UK, SAD is thought to affect around 7% of us and symptoms may include:

• being less active
• putting on weight
• sleeping more

Like any type of depression, SAD can be very difficult to deal with and can affect your lifestyle. But there are a number of treatments available such as light and talking therapies.

It is important to remember that you are not alone and many other people across the country may feel just like you. If you are concerned or need help to manage your symptoms then please contact your GP.

For more information about SAD and treatment available, please visit the NHS Choices website.

by Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies

Thought for the Week

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” Marcus Aurelius

Teenage Book Club

Young People's Reading Group

Storytots at Barrow Library

Bookstart Bear Club

Deputy Chief Constable appointed temporary Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary

The Police Authority has appointed Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde as temporary Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary.

After meeting on Friday 13 January, the Police Authority decided to offer Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde the Chief Constable position on a temporary basis until August 2013. DCC Hyde has accepted this post and, as a result, has withdrawn his application for the role of Chief Constable for South Yorkshire Police.

DCC Stuart Hyde will replace Chief Constable Craig Mackey on 23 January 2012 when Mr Mackey will assume the role of Deputy Commissioner for the Metropolitan police.

When the Deputy Chief Constable takes on his new role later this month, Assistant Chief Constables Michelle Skeer and Jerry Graham will split the temporary Deputy Chief Constable post between them, taking it in turns to fill the position until August 2013. ACC Jerry Graham will take up the role of temporary Deputy Chief Constable at the end of January until the end of October 2012.

The Police Authority has decided to leave the remaining Assistant Chief Constable post vacant at this time due to the organisation’s reduced budget and internal staffing reviews that are ongoing.

Police Authority Chairman Ray Cole said: “Since his appointment as Chief Constable in 2007, Craig’s hard work, dedication and leadership has steered the Constabulary through some extremely challenging times.

“As well as guiding us through some of the most tragic incidents experienced in British policing, he has also helped to improve the Constabulary’s performance year on year, leaving Cumbria with crime and anti-social behaviour levels that are among the lowest in the country.

“The Chief Officer Group is strong and I’m confident that the team, led by Stuart, will continue this hard work. We are fortunate to have two experienced Assistant Chief Constables who are dedicated to making Cumbria safer. The Authority has decided to build on their skills and experience and ensure continuity within the Chief Officer Team by offering them both the opportunity to act as temporary Deputy Chief Constable for a nine month period. We have decided to keep one of the Assistant Chief Constable posts vacant at this time but this will be reviewed on a regular basis.

“I know I speak for the whole Authority when I say that we will be very sorry to see Craig leave but look forward to working alongside Stuart Hyde to build upon Cumbria Constabulary’s successes.”

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said: “I am delighted to be offered this position and look forward to beginning a new and challenging role.

“The Chief Officer Team has been working together for three years and will build on our successes. My priority will continue to be ensuring that Cumbria remains safe and that we deliver the best policing service we can afford.”

Thought for the Week

“Nature uses as little as possible of anything.” Johannes Kepler

Neighbourhood Wardens clean-up in Central Barrow

Neighbourhood Wardens, from the Neighbourhood Management team, have been clearing rubbish left in the street by a local resident. It should go without saying that no rubbish should be left out, in front or back streets, except in the appropriate containers such as wheelie bins, recycling bags and boxes etc.

Where the source of the rubbish can be proven Barrow Borough Council will issue fixed penalty notices against people leaving rubbish around the streets.

Please use your common sense, use your bin and recycling containers and remember it is an offence to present waste for collection before 12 midday on the day before collection or leave bins out past midnight on the day of collection.  Failure to adhere to these instructions could result in a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice. For further information please visit http://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=106



Photos show Sutherland St corner/rear Greengate St today - rubbish bags dumped in the street and then becoming split open and spreading around nearby grass landscaping.



Following intervention from the Neighbourhood Warden team the the bags have been removed and the site cleaned (see photos below). The Wardens will be providing a local address with information about manging their waste and the problem will be logged on the council's database for reference should future problems re-occur.

                           

            These two photos show the site after clearance by Neighbourhood Wardens.

Please help us look after Barrow and do your bit to present your waste properly and keep your neighbourhood clean and tidy. Thanks for your help.

Dial 101 for non-emergencies

A single police non-emergency number has been rolled out to police forces across England and Wales.

101 is an easy to remember number which can be used to contact your local police about crimes or concerns that do not need an emergency response.

At 15p per call from both mobile phones and landlines, no matter how long the call lasts or what time of day, many members of the public will be spared the cost of traditional 0845 numbers previously used by many forces which can cost up to 40p per minute.

The number to call for emergencies – immediate threat to life or property, or a crime in progress – remains 999.

It is hoped 101 will also ease pressures on the emergency number and ensure services reach those in immediate need.

Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, Nick Herbert said: 'The introduction of the 101 number marks one of the most significant changes in the way people contact the police since 999 was introduced nearly 70 years ago.

'The public now have an easier way to contact their local police force with a memorable number for non-emergencies. Previous plans for a national non-emergency number never materialised, but this Government has delivered a practical scheme.

'Together with street level crime mapping and the election of Police and Crime Commissioners, 101 marks another step forward in our ambition to strengthen the connection between the police and public, and cut crime.'

More information on the 101 number and how it works can be found at www.police.UK/101

Police drive down festive retail crime by 50 per cent in Barrow

Barrow police have dramatically reduced retail crime in Barrow over the Christmas period with thefts from shops falling by over 50 per cent over the last two years.

The annual operation, dubbed ‘Operation Scapula’ involved officers and PCSO's from Barrow Police’s Community Team who were supported by officers from the Southern Tactical Support Group and Response officers who carried out both undercover and high visibility foot patrols around retail parks and the town centre shops and car parks.

The operation was launched on 21^st November 2011 and concluded on 5^th January 2012.

Sergeant Ian McClymont said, “Historically, you see a rise in retail crime around the Christmas period so we planned ahead and launched a dedicated operation to support local businesses and deter criminals in the town.

“By working closely with retailers and CCTV operators, I am pleased to see that there has been a reduction in retail crime of over 50% during the last two years.”

Between 21^st November 2009 and 5^th January 2010, 84 retail thefts were recorded. During 21^st November 2010 and 5^th January 2011, 52 retail thefts were reported to police and this year’s operation saw the numbers drop to only 37 reported retail thefts.

Sgt McClymont continued “It is fantastic to see such a dramatic reduction in retail crime as it shows that hard work from police officers and partners has paid off. What is also very encouraging is that the number of these types of offences that are detected by police has also risen - from 82% in 2009 to 86% in 2011 – meaning that more shoplifters are being caught, charged and brought before the courts.

“Of the 37 crimes reported to police this year, 86.5% (32) were detected and £2,286.26 worth of property connected to these crimes was recovered.

“Shoplifting and theft is something that we work hard to tackle all year round in Barrow and I think that criminals are getting the message that they are not welcome here.

Our dedicated police retail team in Barrow of PC John Paton and PCSO's Helen Fortey and Tracy Livingston make sure that the chances of getting caught shoplifting in Barrow is very high indeed, and it is our intention to keep it that way throughout 2012.”

Police rule out suspicious circumstances in Barrow death

The results of a post mortem held this afternoon have led officers to rule out any suspicious circumstances in John Chapman’s death.

The Post Mortem revealed that Mr Chapman’s death was not caused by any criminal activity. These results will now be handed to the Coroner who will consider the cause of death during an inquest.

The 30 year old Barrow man who was arrested on suspicion of assault has now been released without any further action in relation to this matter.

Mr Chapman’s family has been informed and police will now prepare a file for the Coroner.

Police identify man who died in suspicious circumstances in Barrow

Police have identified the man who died in suspicious circumstances in Barrow as local man, John Martin Chapman.

Mr Chapman, 51, was sadly found dead in his home on Horland Court on Hope Street, Barrow on the afternoon of Monday 9^th January. A post mortem is due to take place later today.

A 30 year old man from Barrow has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in police custody this morning for questioning.

Mr Chapman’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained Police Officers.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen Mr Chapman in the last few days or who may have witnessed anything out of the ordinary in the area of Hope Street or Rawlinson Street recently – and particularly on Sunday 8^th January - to contact Barrow CID on 101 immediately.

The family of John Chapman have released a tribute to a man who will ‘always be loved and deeply missed.’

Joy Burton and Jane Duncan, the sisters of Mr Chapman who was known locally as ‘Chappie’, said: “John struggled for many years and will be always loved and deeply missed by his family. We are awaiting official reports to confirm the circumstances of his death. John, we are sure, will be missed by all those who really knew him.”

Thought for the Week

“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

Police non-emergency number, 101 is catching on

Since the launch of the new non-emergency police number, 101, it is catching on and is being used more and more by the residents in Cumbria.

On average, 25% of the non-emergency calls being made to Cumbria Constabulary are via the 101 number since its launch on 13 December 2011.

The new number will eventually replace Cumbria Constabulary’s current non-emergency number, 0845 33 00 247. This number, in time, will be phased out.  All calls for Cumbria are still answered by the same Police staff in the Constabulary’s Communications Centre.

When calling 101, the system will determine the caller’s location and play a recorded message announcing the police force they’re being connected to. Callers will also hear options to select for neighbouring Forces. If callers are on a boundary between two or more forces, the recorded message will give a choice of which force to be connected to.  If a caller wishes to contact a Force not given in these options, then there is a further option to select to speak with an operator who will route the caller to any of the 43 Forces in England and Wales.

Calls to 101 will cost 15p per call, no matter what time of day it is, or how long the call lasts. This means everyone calling the police will know exactly how much a call will cost them, whether they’re calling from a landline or a mobile phone.

Chief Inspector Dawn Allen, from the Constabulary’s Communication Centre, said "It is positive to see that the 101 number is being used and this will go from strength to strength in the up and coming months now that the number is being promoted across the county.

“101 is a easy number to remember for non-emergency calls and unfortunately over the New Year period we did see an increase in the number of non-emergency calls being made to the 999 number.

“I would like to remind people 999 should only be used in cases of emergency, all other calls and enquiries should be made to the 101 where Communications staff will be able to help you.”

Further details about 101 will be published through local posters and advertisements that will appear throughout the county over the up and coming weeks.

Anyone who is unsure is advised to speak to their local police officer who will be able to reassure them. More information is available on the Constabulary’s website at http://www.cumbria.police.uk/news/latest-news/police-launch-101.

To find out more about what is happening in the local community, visit http://www.cumbria.police.uk/cumbriacommunitymessaging

www.actionforhappiness.org for more info ...

You and Me and Afternoon Tea sessions in Barrow

This month a series of health and advice sessions are running in Barrow to support people to be independent and get help when they need it.

In January three events will be held at the Ramsden Street United Reformed Church called 'You and Me and Afternoon Tea'.

These events will take place on Wednesdays on January 11th, 18th, 25th from 2 to 4 pm.

Each afternoon will have a range of different activities such as a slide show, quiz, chair-based exercises and short information talks by Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, Cumbria Police and Furness Carers. There will also be afternoon tea.

Everyone is welcome and it is completely free for anyone who wants to come along and enjoy an afternoon out to talk and meet new people.

The You and Me and Afternoon Tea sessions are being organised by a group from local Methodist and United Reformed Churches, NHS Cumbria, Furness Carers, Barrow Borough Council and Age Concern.

For further information, please contact Ann Hufton on 01229 812439 or email ann@hufton.co.uk

Happy New Year to you all - we're back and open for business as usual at our Dalton Rd office, looking forward to working with old friends and new throughout 2012.