South Cumbria and Furness International Food Festival

The South Cumbria and Furness International Food Festival will be held on 8th and 9th June 2013.

Visiting Celebrity Chefs signed up already include ...

Jean-Christophe Novelli (Hell's Kitchen and Britain’s favourite French chef),

Simon Rimmer (Sunday Brunch and Something for the Weekend),

Chef Ooy (No1 Thai chef in the UK),

Alan Coxon (Bombay to Birmingham and first presenter of TV series "The Mint")

This list will be updated as more are confirmed.

Tickets for the demonstrations will be available by the end of January 2013 from The forum, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness - details of sessions will be published on Barrow Borough Council's website at www.barrowbc.gov.uk as soon as they are confirmed.

Exhibitors

If you would like to book a trade stand or food outlet at the Food Festival please complete an exhibitors form, available for download here - https://www.box.com/s/tdpnrfq82f18y8wgbqwk and return it with the appropriate fee to Barrow Borough Council, Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2LD. 

If you would like to discuss the event or stall space, please contact Mrs O Rigg, Festival Co-ordinator on 07588 491 170 or e mail woxexpress@aol.com.

Happy Xmas!!

Have a very Happy Christmas and a great New Year from the team at Neighbourhood Management.

Steve, Rebecca, Andy, Paul, Rebecca and Phil.

Barrow Borough Council - Xmas opening hours

Protect your children when they are using the internet

Cumbria Constabulary are advising all parents and guardians to be aware of how to protect their children when online.

At this time of year, many children may have asked for electronic items for Christmas which have the capability of connecting to the internet. Police officers are advised parents and guardians to check that they have the appropriate settings to limit access to online content, Web sites and activities, so that their child is protected from viewing inappropriate sites.

Officers also highlight the importance of making sure that their children’s Facebook, twitter and any other social media accounts are checked regularly to see who they are friends with and their security settings are up to date.

DC David Slattery said “The festive period brings a number of presents for young children in particular lap tops, mobile, IPads and tablets. All of these items have the capability of accessing the internet. As such we are advising parents to be mindful of the security internet settings of these devices and that they monitor their children’s use of the internet.

“By understanding the risks yourself and planning ahead before allowed a child to use the internet, you can protect your child from the start.

“Cumbria Constabulary cannot stress enough the importance that parents discuss the safe use of the internet with their children”

For more advice and guidance visit http://www.cumbria.police.uk/advice-and-information/personal-safety/on-the-web or  Safeguarding Children | Get Safe Online

Police are still catching people driving whilst under the influence of alcohol

Two weeks into the drink drive campaign and 1.5% of people who have been breathalysed have been over the legal limit.

The Christmas Drink Drive campaign was launched on 1^st December 2012 and after two weeks 587 people have been breathalysed, with 9 people testing positive for driving over the legal limit.

In 2011, after two weeks 684 people were breathalysed, with 15 people testing positive, which is just over 2%.

Over the next few days people will be celebrating Christmas and driving to visit friends and family, where the temptation to have an alcoholic drink can become harder to resist.

Having a drink at one house and then driving to visit someone else and having another could easily tip you over the limit and put your life, the lives of your passengers and also other road users at risk.

Inspector David Bosson, from Cumbria’s Road’s Policing Unit, said “Drink driving does have devastating consequences, the message is clear and simple, don’t do it, it is not worth it.

“The figures so far are low, which is good news, but it is still disappointing that people are taking a risk and driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.

“If you are visiting people over Christmas and are a designated driver, don’t risk having an alcoholic drink. Be sensible and leave it until you are not driving anymore. It is easy to make alternative arrangements to get home. Don’t ruin your Christmas or the Christmas of others by making a decision to drive whilst under the influence.

“By making alternative driving arrangements or taking the responsibility for being a designated driver seriously, you could prevent an accident and potentially save a life.

“Don’t start the New Year being involved in a drink driving related collision - you or loved ones could be injured or even have the responsibility of causing their death.”

People who are out celebrating over Christmas are urged to enjoyed themselves, violence free

Cumbria Constabulary and Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner are encouraging everyone to drink sensibly and not to lose control over the festive period. 

Pubs and clubs in the town centres become busier over the Christmas period and with only a few days to go, officers will be out on patrol focusing on defusing incidents before they escalate into violence.

Extra officers will be out on patrol on key dates, including ‘Festive Friday’- the last Friday before Christmas, which has traditionally been a popular night out in towns across Cumbria, and can experience a corresponding rise in alcohol fuelled violence and disorder.

Officers will be working with licensed premises to try and prevent people who are already drunk being served further alcohol. Pubwatch will also continue to inform local licensees about those who have been banned, especially for violent disorder.

Assistant Chief Constable Jeremy Graham said “Our personal safety campaign was launched at the beginning of December to encourage everyone to enjoy themselves safely. This is even more important as the Christmas holidays approach, with more people being off work and spending more time socialising with friends and family.

“Our aim is to provide a safe environment for everyone to enjoy themselves over the Christmas period. It is only a minority who become involved in violent disorder and by providing extra officers, we are able to monitor situations and intervene before they escalate.

“We will not tolerate people who put others at risk of harm by engaging in violent behaviour. Everyone in Cumbria has a right to socialise with friends and family without fear of intimidation or violence.

“At this time of year police officers do come into contact with people who normally don’t get into trouble. They may have over indulged and in a situation which has escalated quickly, before they know it are in trouble with the police.

“When you think about the consequences of drinking too much and losing your senses it’s just not worth it. You can ruin your Christmas before it’s begun by getting arrested, being sent home or being banned from all pubs and clubs in the area.”

Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said “Christmas is a great time to catch-up with friends and family to have some fun and perhaps a drink.  However, it is also important to know your limits for the amount of alcohol you consume and your personal safety.

“The majority of people behave responsibly and enjoy Festive Friday. I will be going out with Officers and PCSOs in Barrow and Carlisle to experience policing first-hand the types of disorder and anti-social behaviour that are being dealt with by the Constabulary."

Posters that highlight the consequences of people losing control of their senses are being displayed in shops, pubs and clubs around the county and short adverts are being played throughout December on CFM Radio.

As part of the ongoing personal safety ‘Keys, Money, Phone, Plans to Get Home’ campaign, police officers will continue to hand out information in credit card size that prompts people to consider how they will be getting home and provides a space to write an ‘In Case of Emergency’ (ICE) contact number, should they lose their mobile phones.

The campaign encourages people planning a night out to follow this advice:

• Think: Keys, money, phone, plans to get home?
• Stick with your friends and look out for each other
• Stash some cash in case you lose your purse or wallet
• Pre-book a taxi home
• Don't make yourself vulnerable by getting too drunk
• Store an ICE (in case of emergency) number in your phone

Don't be on your own this Christmas

Storytots at Barrow Library

Thought for the Week

“It’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” Abraham Lincoln

Crime Commisioner's Internet and Social Media

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes launches his website and social media.

The internet and social media will be used as one of the ways of engaging with the people of Cumbria so that their views can be gained on the future policing service in the County.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said “The internet and social media is a key way that many people communicate and live their lives.

“The new internet and social media are one of the first measures I am putting in place as part of the development of the Office of Public Engagement which will be launched in March 2013.

“As Commissioner, I am keen to hear the views of the people of Cumbria and the internet and social media are a key way of doing just that.   Whilst, election campaigning I became aware of the demand from people for information on a 24/7 basis and often the only way of accessing that information is from the internet. 

“Also, the campaign was my first experience of using Twitter and I now appreciate the whole Twitter community out there and the strong voice that it has.  If you haven’t ventured on to Twitter have a go, it is not as frightening as you think!

“The internet and social media are growing in popularity all the time I am aware that not everyone has access to a computer so communicating by the internet will be one of the many ways that I engage with the people of Cumbria alongside the more traditional methods.

“Please just take a few minutes to visit the website (www.cumbria-pcc.gov.uk) or follow on twitter (www.twitter.com/cumbriapcc) or Facebook (facebook.cumbriapcc).”

BFI Film Academy at Signal Films

People in Barrow and Dalton are more physically active than the national average

People in Barrow and Dalton are more physically active than the national average. The new Active People Survey figures show that 37.2% of the local population is active compared to national average of 36% and the Cumbria average of 34.8%. 

Sport England collects this information every year. Barrow shows a healthy trend, with activity amongst adults increasing by 25% since the figures were first collected in 2006. 

Barrow Sports Council Chair Tony Callister welcomed the results.      “This is good news for Barrow. A lot of credit goes to the volunteers out there every week organising matches and supporting informal activities like the new running clubs that have started recently.   

 We’d like to think that Barrow Sports Council plays its part by supporting our local clubs and community projects but without those volunteers, there would be little sport for people to participate in.” 

 The full results of the Active People Survey can be found on the Sport England website.

Thought for the Week

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King Jnr

Barrow police cracking down on bike thefts

Police in Barrow are cracking down on those criminals who are stealing bikes in the local community in an aim to bring them to justice.

Officers on patrol are stopping and checking cyclists on a regular basis, and this has resulted in a number of arrests. In recent weeks, six warrants have been executed, eight men have been arrested on suspicion of theft and six cycles recovered.

As we approach Christmas, many people will be buying cycles, as gifts. In addition to accessories such as helmets and lights, a couple of pound spent on locks with a willingness to use them will deter all but the most determined of thieves.

Temporary Inspector Ian McClymont of Barrow police said “Many of the cycles that are being stolen are of high value. People do leave them unlocked and sadly they are stolen very quickly. Simple crime prevention measures will reduce the opportunities for thieves to steal cycles. The fact that people are spending a lot of money on these bikes should encourage them to invest in a lock to make sure that it is secure and make difficult for thieves to steal it.

Barrow police will be promoting some cycles marking events after Christmas, and will be involved in a County wide initiative to encourage everyone to have their bike marked.

Ian McClymont added “Our proactive work will continue, having your bike marked may not prevent it from being cycle being stolen, but it will assist in its identification and if stolen, its recovery and return to its rightful owner. There is clearly a market for cycles, and we intend to make it uncomfortable for thieves to operate. The arrests that we have made should reduce the number of cycles being stolen."

Anyone with any information on cycle theft, or who knows who may have a cycle that is stolen, should contact Barrow police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Adjusting to civilian life can be the hardest battle

Thought for the Week

“A man (sic) only becomes wise when he begins to calculate the approximate depth of his ignorance.” Gian Carlo Menotti

Cumbria Police advise “Don’t let thieves steal your Christmas”

Cumbria Police launch their annual campaign today to help people keep their property safe and reduce burglary and theft in the lead up to Christmas.

People are preparing for Christmas; buying presents, stocking up on food and drink to make sure that their families will be enjoying themselves on Christmas day.

Cumbria Police launch their campaign in an aim to ensure that thieves and criminals don’t try and spoil the festivities. Posters, flyers and advertisements on local radio and in supermarkets will be encouraging people to think about security to protect their home and their possessions.

All over the county there are specific operations and events taking place to bring awareness to our communities that burglary does increase during December. 

During the months of January to November 2011 there were 581 cases of burglary in people’s homes, on average 39% of these were to insecure properties. In December 2011 alone, there were 61 homes subject to burglary, with 52% being insecure. 

By following simple crime prevention advice, we can all help to stop thieves from stealing people’s Christmases:

·       Don’t leave gifts on show

·       Always lock your doors, even when at home

·       Keep mobile phones, cash and keys out of sight

·       If away from home after dark close blinds, where possible, and set light timers

Assistant Chief Constable Jeremy Graham said “This is an annual campaign that Cumbria Police do to encourage people to be security conscious at this time of year.

“Around this time of year we can become very busy, making preparations for the festive holidays; ensuring that you have locked your doors and windows can be one small step in protecting your home and possessions.

“Homes lit up with Christmas lights can draw people’s attention to the inside of properties, therefore it is important to not keep gifts and valuables on show. Make sure all your doors are locked, even when you are at home during the day as well as after dark, if you are in another part of the house you may not hear someone coming in through the front or the back door.

“Be aware of your own personal belongings when out and about shopping. Make sure that your wallet or purse is secure on your person. Wallets should be kept in inside, zipped pockets, and bags containing purses should be kept closed, worn over the shoulder, and with any side fastener next to the body.  Don’t put your handbag in the child seat of a shopping trolley.

“Remember crime is low in Cumbria, and by following a few simple security steps, we can all reduce opportunities for criminals to steal our possessions. ‘Don’t let thieves steal your Christmas.”

Mobile phones can be an easy target for thieves or can be misplaced when you are dealing with other demands, so installing applications which can help track your phone if it is lost or stolen will help find it. Information about these can be obtained at the Cumbria Police website at http://www.cumbria.police.uk/advice-and-information/personal-safety/mobile-phones-and-computers

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes added “Christmas is a really important time for families and friends.  It is essential that this special time is not spoilt by a small minority that cause misery. 

“Having read the advice issued I know that there are things that I will be doing differently this Christmas to ensure that my home and personal property are kept secure and I would urge everyone to take time to follow the advice.

“Thankfully, burglary is rare in the county but when it does happen it has a devastating impact but by working together we can make Cumbria an even safer place to live.”

Throughout Cumbria there will be Special Constables on patrol offering advice and reassurance to shoppers in our City Centres.This will also provide a visible deterrence to any opportunistic thieves.

Attention will be paid when on patrol to vulnerable areas which have been prone to burglaries in the past to help prevent reoffending and provide reassurance to the community.

To raise awareness, the following will be taking place in Barrow. The Town Centre will see an increase in visible patrols to deter opportunistic thieves and shoplifters targeting Christmas shoppers.

Personal safety and crime prevention advice will be available from the local police stations and police officers who are out on patrol.

In Walney, police officers will be visiting residents on Tuesday 4^th December to talk to them about security over Christmas and offering crime reduction advice.

For more information about protecting your property and belongings, visit http://www.cumbria.police.uk/news/campaigns/dont-let-thieves-steal-your-christmas

Online Advent Calendar launched to help keep Cumbria safe over Christmas

Cumbria Police have launched an online advent calendar to start the Christmas countdown and to give visitors to their website crime safety advice to help keep them safe over the festive period.

From Saturday 1 December people will be able to click on the date to find a key message which will offer them personal safety advice such as how to stay safe when purchasing gifts online to making sure that they plan their nights out and stay safe getting home.

The aim of the online advent calendar is to provide messages which are little reminders for people to consider during a busy month to keep them protected and their belongings secure.

Assistant Chief Constable Jeremy Graham said "The online advent calendar gives us the opportunity to remind people how they can help us to keep them, their families and friends safe over the festive period.  

"At this time of year people become busy and preoccupied during the countdown to Christmas, therefore having a reminder each day will help people not to forget to lock their doors or leave property in their cars and therefore reduce their chances of becoming a victim.

"As people make plans for their Christmas parties, we want to help them to enjoy their night and get home safely by reminding them to think ahead, look after each other, drink responsibly and make plans to get home which will help them enjoy their Christmas celebrations.

"We hope that people enjoy this online campaign and get some useful Christmas safety tips and advice from clicking on the e-windows.’’

The advent calendar can be accessed on the Cumbria Police website www.cumbria.police.uk and by following Cumbria Police on www.twitter.com/cumbriapolice or www.facebook.com/cumbriapolice 

County council helps Cumbria to prevent food waste in winter

Cumbria County Council and Recycle for Cumbria will be showing shoppers how to “get thrifty and save £50” at road shows in supermarkets across the county from next week.

The partnership team will be holding road shows at supermarkets, and will be advising people on how they can save up to £50 by using left-over food rather than throwing it away, particularly around the Christmas period, where food wastage increases enormously.

The road shows are part of the Love Food Hate Waste campaign, a national initiative to reduce food waste in landfill. At the road shows there will be experts on hand to advise how shoppers can avoid wastage, as well as free cards to keep which will detail how different types of food should be stored and frozen, with recipe ideas for unused food.

The road shows will take place in supermarket foyers, from 10am–2pm on the following days:

Wednesday 5 December Whitehaven – Asda, Preston Street

Thursday 6 December Barrow – Tesco, Hindpool Road

Friday 7 December Penrith – Sainsburys, Common Garden Square

Cllr Tim Knowles, Cabinet Member for environment, said “Wasting food costs the average household £480 a year or £680 for a family with children. Statistics unsurprisingly show that a huge amount of food is simply binned during the festive period. These road shows will demonstrate how storing and freezing unused food properly can save people a great deal of money and also contribute to a reduction in the county’s carbon footprint and I strongly encourage shoppers to drop by the stands.”

Thought for the Week

“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” Lewis Carroll

Safety advice for motorists

Motorists are being advised to take extra care and time with their journeys as colder weather over night as resulted in icy conditions on the roads.

Patches of ice are on the roads and people are advised to take their time, keep a safe breaking distance from the car in front and reduce their speed.

Safety advice for motorists

• Plan your journey in advance

• Check local and national weather forecasts and tune into local radio stations to check on road conditions and closures

• Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive and ensure you have a charged mobile phone with you

• Make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots and a torch. In snowy conditions, take a spade

• Clear your windows and mirrors fully before you set off and carry a screen scraper and de-icer

If you have an accident, break-down or become stuck in bad weather conditions:

• Do not use a mobile phone while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make the call

• On a motorway, it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone because the emergency services and breakdown recovery services will be able to locate you easily. If you have to use a mobile phone, make sure you know your location from the numbers on the marker posts on the side of the hard shoulder

• If you have to leave your vehicle to get help, make sure other drivers can see you

Vehicle maintenance:

• Keep lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow – remember also to clear your vehicle roof of compacted snow in case it dislodges while you drive, as this could be dangerous to other road users

• Keep your battery fully charged

• Add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer

• Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order

• Check that tyres have plenty of tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure. Consider changing to high performance winter tyres.

Drive according to weather conditions:

• Allow extra time and distance to brake as it can take ten times longer to stop in wet or icy conditions

• Adapt your driving behaviour. Keep in mind the decreased visibility and changing road conditions.

• Slow down and avoid sudden or jerky movements

• When driving on ice or snow use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin

• To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently

• Be wary of satellite navigation systems as they tend to direct you over high rural roads that are likely to be closed or particularly hazardous in winter

• Do not assume that pedestrians have seen you. They may be elderly, young or not be able to hear you

• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads if the water seems too deep

• Drive slowly through water in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch - this will stop you from stalling

• Test your brakes when you have driven through a flood before you drive again at normal speed

Check the Traffic Link section of Cumbria Constabulary’s website (www.cumbria.police.uk/traffic ) which is designed to provide information about the current state of Cumbria’s roads and the immediate surrounding areas in relation to road traffic collisions, weather, and delays as a result of incidents and congestion. The information provided is sourced from police and the Highways Agency and is updated every 10 minutes.

Cooke's Creative Heritage Project

Furness Homeless Support - Xmas Carol Service

Santa's Grotto coming soon ...

Stay safe this Christmas

As Christmas draws closer, Cumbria Police are asking people to consider their own personal safety as they plan their Christmas celebrations by launching a campaign to help people to stay safe and enjoy their nights out.

With just over four weeks until Christmas Day, Christmas parties are starting to take place across the county and officers want to take this opportunity to remind people to stay safe, look after each other, stay within their drinking limits, and remain in control.

In a bid to make revellers more aware of their safety during nights out and as they make their way home, police across the county will be handing out a range of free safety products, along with top tips to encourage people to consider safety as a top priority.

This year will see the continued promotion of the Constabulary’s “Keys, Money, Phone, Plans to get home?” campaign, which reminds young women, students and party goers to think ahead and plan their safe journey home.

Police will be giving away credit card sized handouts with key safety advice on that provides a space to write an ‘In Case of Emergency’ (ICE) contact number, should they lose their mobile phones. They will also be handing out personal attack alarms.

Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham said “As the Christmas season approaches and people make plans for their parties, we want to help them to enjoy their night and get home safely.

“By thinking ahead, looking after each other and making plans to get home will help you to enjoy your Christmas celebrations.

“Make sure you have a registered taxi number on you, don’t be caught out and if you end up on your own, having that number will ensure that you get home safely.

Focus will also be on people staying in control of their night, not drinking too much and knowing their own limits.

ACC Graham added “We want everyone to enjoy the festive season and it is a great time to get together but we remind people to drink within their limits and remain in control. It can be easy to get carried away with the atmosphere, but having that awareness will mean that your night is a good one.”

“The consequences of drinking too much and becoming vulnerable or overstepping the mark can spoil your Christmas. As well as risking becoming a victim of crime, you could risk getting into trouble by a situation quickly escalating into violence or disorder.

“It’s not worth the risk. Enjoy drinks with friends but know your limits. Go too far and you can spoil your Christmas before it’s begun - you could see yourself banned from all Pubwatch bars and clubs or even under arrest.”

“People’s safety is our upmost priority and we want everyone to enjoy themselves and have consideration for others.”

The campaign will encourage people planning a night out to follow this advice:

• Think: Keys, money, phone, plans to get home?
• Stick with your friends and look out for each other
• Stash some cash in case you lose your purse or wallet
• Pre-book a taxi home
• Don't make yourself vulnerable by getting too drunk
• Store an ICE (in case of emergency) number in your phone

Throughout the county extra police officers will be out on Friday and Saturday nights to make sure people are enjoying themselves responsibly and to assist quickly if any disorder does occur.

Police officers will be visiting some of the local colleges to hand out personal safety advice and attack alarms in an aim to encourage the students to think about their own safety.

People can also follow Cumbria Police on Facebook and Twitter where up to date safety advice and information will be shared.

Thought for the Week

“The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.” Bertrand Russell

Festive Fire Safety Tips

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas but with Christmas just around the corner Cumbrians are being issued with a festive fire warning.

Statistics show the chances of dying in an accidental house fire increase by 50 per cent at Christmas as the use of candles increases, lights and decorations are on display and alcohol flows when people get into the festive spirit.

So to help people have a merry but safe Christmas, Cumbria County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service is issuing hints and tips for festive fire safety.

The top tips for keeping safe from fire this Christmas are as follows:
- Ensure you have a working smoke alarm installed on all levels of your home. Test your smoke alarms weekly and never remove batteries.
- Never leave cooking unattended and avoid cooking while under the influence of alcohol. The majority of fires start in the kitchen so this is a high risk area. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
- Never leave candles unattended. Keep decorations, cards and wrapping paper away from candles, fires, lights and heaters.
- Ensure you switch off Christmas tree and fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed, or leave the house. Check your lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598).
- Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment (This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store).
- Don’t overload sockets – ensure only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.
- When dry, real Christmas trees can take less than a minute to completely involve a room in fire so it’s essential people with real trees ensure that they keep the tree in a suitable stand that can be kept topped up with water.
- Always use a fire guard on a real open fire to protect against flying sparks and hot embers. Also make sure embers are properly out before going to bed.
- Make sure cigarettes are extinguished properly and never smoke in bed. Put it out, right out.
- Check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas to ensure their safety at this time of year.
- Ask the experts – Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire risk checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. This includes the free installation of a smoke alarm – the ideal gift for keeping your family safe
- And finally, in the event of fire - get out, stay out and call 999.

Cumbria’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer Adrian Buckle said “Christmas is one of the most enjoyable times of the year but it can turn to tragedy if potential fire hazards are ignored.

“While of course we don’t want to spoil anybody’s fun and we hope everybody has a fantastic Christmas and New Year, it’s important that people take a few basic precautions to keep themselves and their friends and families safe over the festive season.”

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service operates a freephone number - 0800 358 4777 - which people can call to arrange a free home fire safety check and receive other useful safety information. Landlords who would like their properties checked can also call this number.

New Police and Crime Commissioner starts work today

The new Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria, Richard Rhodes has officially taken Office from today.

Mr Rhodes will be responsible for holding Cumbria Constabulary and the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public.  As well as overseeing how crime is tackled in Cumbria and to make sure the police are providing a good service.

Mr Rhodes said “Today is the start of a new era and I am really honoured that the people of Cumbria have chosen me to represent them.

“There are some keys issues that I need to deal with in the next few weeks.  This includes a full update briefing on the active investigation by South Wales police into the suspension of Temporary Chief Constable Stuart Hyde and the setting of the Police budget for the next financial year.  The setting of the budget is challenging as the Constabulary is in the process of implementing significant budget cuts and we are waiting for the Government to announce the funding levels under the next round of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

“I am keen to start my three and half year work programme of delivering my manifesto promises.  I have a real opportunity as the first Commissioner to focus on prevention whilst the Chief Constable has the responsibility to enforce the law.  It will improve all our lives if interventions are put in place to stop the offending before it happens.  This is especially true for young offenders, victims and veterans.

“Anti-social behaviour makes lives in some of our communities miserable and it is essential that we deal with the small minority who blight our lives.  A key to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour is the ‘hotspot’ style of policing and I will be asking the Chief Constable to develop a robust operational policing strategy to deal with this issue.   

“I will be establishing the Office of Victim Support and the Office of Public Engagement by 31^st March 2013.  It is essential that ‘you’ the people of Cumbria have a say in policing matters,  Information gathered will form an integral part of the Police and Crime Commissioners Crime Plan.

“Protecting victims of crime by making criminals pay is key.  Often crime doesn’t have only one victim and I want to use the proceeds of the Victim Surcharge to provide relief to the victims of crime.

“One of Cumbria’s strengths is the quality and quantity of partnership working and I want to engage with partners so that together we are building a strong criminal justice system for the benefit of the public. "By all working together we can make Cumbria an even safer to live."

Love Barrow at Christmas with a feast of festive entertainment hosted by Barrow Market

Experience the magic of Christmas and enjoy the ambience of the season as you shop in Barrow this Christmas. There will be a full programme of festive entertainment in the Indoor Market.

Saturday 1 December

1 pm KS Musicals

Wednesday 5 December

10 am Sacred Heart and St. Columba’s Schools

Friday 7 December            

2 pm North Walney Primary School

Saturday 8 December

10 am – 1 pm Islanders Dance Troup Entertain at Christmas

2 pm – 4 pm Dalton Town Band

Friday 14 December          

10 am Greengate Infants School

12.45 pm Greengate Junior School

Saturday 15 December

10 am South Furness Singers

Millom Amateur Dramatic Society

2.30 pm Messy Nativity with St. Mark’s Church

Mrs. Ann Taylforth, Town Centre and Festivals Manager commented “This year we have a lovely programme of entertainment in the run up to Christmas.  I am really grateful to local schools and other organisations which are joining with us to bring a festive ambience to the Market.”

Barrow Market will be open 7 days a week from 10 December to Christmas Eve, including Sundays 16 and 23 December.