. January 2019 - Wilcop Media

January 2019

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

Staff at Lancashire County Council’s care homes and day centres have been recognised for the excellent level of customer service they provide. The older people’s services team, which runs 17 residential care homes and 13 day centres, has been accredited with the Customer Service Excellence standard following a recent inspection. Customer Service Excellence is a nationally-recognised standard which was introduced by the government as a way to improve services. This standard focuses on issues that research has proven are important to customers, such as service delivery, timeliness, staff attitude, professionalism and the quality of information provided.
County Councillor Graham Gooch, cabinet member for adult services, said: “I’m pleased our older people’s services team has once again been recognised for the excellent levels of service it provides.

“Staff provide invaluable support to people who live in our care homes and for people who need daytime support at our day centres. “They work tirelessly day in, day out, and as well as providing support and care, they run a wide variety of activities which help improve people’s quality of life. “Inspectors praised the comprehensive knowledge of our staff, exemplary employee training, good staff attitude and the provision of clear information through measures such as dementia friendly signage, menu boards and pain assessment charts following their assessment visit. “This is very reassuring for the hundreds of people who already use our day centres and care homes and their families, and anyone else who may be considering using our services.

“Well done to everyone at our older people’s service on achieving the Customer Service Excellence standard.” The county council runs residential homes and day centres in each district of Lancashire. You can find out more about our day centres at our adult social care page. https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/adult-social-care/older-people-services/day-time-support/
For more information about our residential care homes, visit our older people’s services page. https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/adult-social-care/older-people-services/

Lancashire News

A company with a history of flyposting offences has been hit once more with a fine. Shortly before Christmas Figgos Ltd, trading as bathroompackage.com was taken to court by Manchester City Council. Earlier in the year council officers found six posters advertising the website attached to street furniture in the Northenden and Baguley areas of the city. Because of the inherent danger posed to motorists by flyposted signs, which include posing a dangerous distraction, blocking lines of sight and generally degrading the overall amenity of the area they are posted, the activity is banned under the Highways Act 1980. Through their investigations council officers discovered previous enforcement action had taken place regarding flyposters advertising the same website.

Manchester City Council subsequently invited the management of Figgos Ltd to explain their actions but this was not taken up. On December 20 the company was convicted in abesentia of flyposting at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court. It was ordered to pay a fine of £1,680, as well as court costs of £250 and a victim surcharge of £30, totalling £1,960.
Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “It is no secret this type of behaviour is illegal, which makes the actions of Figgos Ltd all the more baffling.

“As a council we are determined to ensure our city is a pleasant place to live, and the sight of adverts strapped to lamp posts or railings being left to rot away is something we are not prepared to tolerate. “Cleaning up the mess left by flyposters diverts time and money away from far more important projects and hopefully this substantial fine will act as a deterrent to any other companies tempted to flypost.”

Lancashire News

A Lancaster woman is counting the cost of dumping bedroom furniture in a field after being ordered to pay a total of £700 in fines and costs by magistrates. Jordana Scott, of Ellwood Square in Lancaster, was taken to court by Lancaster City Council as part of its Operation Peregrine initiative, which aims to crack down on fly-tipping and make those responsible pay for their actions. The court heard that in May last year Ms Scott committed a fly-tipping offence on land at Far Moor in Lancaster.

The fly-tip included bedroom furniture, a silver bedside cabinet and a dressing table. Witnesses were able to provide investigators with photographs of the accused and the vehicle used to commit the offence. Ms Scott was issued with a fixed penalty notice by enforcement officers for the offence and reminded of the benefits of paying it early. Having failed to pay the fixed penalty, the matter was brought before the court where Ms Scott pleaded guilty to fly-tipping some of the items, an offence under s33(1)of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

She was fined £400 and ordered to pay £40 victim surcharge and £260 costs which include the cost of clearing up the waste. Coun Brendan Hughes, Cabinet member with responsibility for Environmental Services, said: “Lancaster City Council is committed to ensuring that the law is enforced against perpetrators of this selfish crime. “There is simply no excuse for fly-tipping. There is enough information out there now through the council’s campaign for people to know right from wrong when it comes to disposing of their waste and what they need to do if they want to avoid a knock on the door or an appearance in court.”

If you want to join in the battle against fly-tipping and can offer any information which might lead to an offender being identified and caught, please call Lancaster City Council Customer Services on 01524 582491, email customerservices@lancaster.gov.uk or use the online reporting form at www.lancaster.gov.uk/fly-tipping

Lancashire News

Burnley’s prestigious sponsorship-funded business awards ceremony will be taking place on the 20th June 2019 at Towneley Hall. Event organisers Burnley Council and Burnley Bondholders are proud to announce the valued sponsorship line-up for this year’s event. The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has taken the headline sponsorship to support the event and raise awareness of the university’s growth in Burnley and the education and business support the university offers; other valued sponsors include: Burnley College Project Digital; Themis; AMS Neve; Safran; Holiday Inn Express; Paradigm Precision, Rotherwood Recruitment; Napthens Solicitors; Barnfield Construction; Taylors Solicitors; Boohoo; Forbes Solicitors; Mint Business Travel; Veka; Eshton Developments; Charter Walk Shopping Centre; Peter Scott Printers and Moorhouse’s Brewery. Council leader Mark Townsend said: “I’d like to extend my thanks to all the sponsors, the event couldn’t take place without their valued support, it reflects the excellent links the council has with both the public and private sector. It’s great to have UCLan as headline sponsor this year, reinforcing our university town message and the economic benefits that becoming a university town will bring.

“We’ve been working hard over recent years to promote the borough to attract new investment and jobs, and Burnley is now recognised as a go to place for business with a ‘can do’ attitude. The business awards ceremony is a fantastic way of showcasing our successful businesses and business infrastructure offer.” Council chief executive Mick Cartledge said: “The ceremony gets bigger every time and we are expecting around 560 guests this year. It’s a great way to acknowledge and celebrate our successful businesses and their workforces, and the event is a key diary date in Burnley’s business calendar.” Dr Ebrahim Adia, Provost at UCLan Burnley added: “The University is delighted and proud to be the headline sponsor of this year’s Burnley Business Awards. In partnership with Burnley Council and other key stakeholders UCLan is developing a cohesive, long-term plan to increase the number of University students educated in Burnley by ten-fold. Working in collaboration with businesses across the borough, we are committed to creating the higher-level skills supply needed to drive Burnley’s economic resurgence.” The Burnley Business Awards will be open for entries on Friday 25th January. Businesses can enter online at www.burnley.co.uk/businessawards- the awards this year include:

Small Business of the Year Award sponsored by Safran
Medium Business of the Year Award sponsored by HIEX
Business of the Year Award sponsored by Paradigm Precision. Innovation Award sponsored by Napthens Solicitors. The Manufacturing Excellence Award sponsored by Taylors Solicitors
Young Business Person of the Year sponsored by Barnfield Construction
Leisure and Tourism Award sponsored by Mint Business Travel
Employer of the Year Award sponsored by Rotherwood Recruitment
Digital Impact Award sponsored by Burnley College Project Digital Apprenticeship Scheme
Apprenticeship Scheme Award sponsored by Themis
Growing Business of Year sponsored by Forbes Solicitors
Burnley Business Leader of the Year sponsored by UCLan

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

Leading Car & Van Leasing company XLCR Vehicle Management of Colne has agreed to become the headline sponsor for the Pendle Mayor’s Ball this year. Lee Duerden said: “I am delighted to be able to support the event. The sponsorship will go towards extra glitz and an enhanced food offer.”
As well providing funding, Lee will be attending and hosting his own table and hopes to provide some top-notch auction prizes as well. The Mayor’s annual Charity Ball has a soul and Marvin Gaye theme as Pendle’s Mayor and Mayoress host a glitzy event which will also raise funds for children and young people.

“Californian singer Robin Lee from Sacramento is the lead artist and is the only Marvin Gaye tribute act in the UK,” said His Worship The Mayor of Pendle, Councillor James Keith Starkie. We intend to give him a great welcome to Pendle!” “’What’s Going On’ is the title of one of Marvin’s greatest songs. It’s one of a brilliant set of songs that are perfect for getting people up and dancing,” explained Councillor Starkie. He added: “Other soul and popular music from the 70s, 80s and 90s will form part of the DJ sets.” The black tie event takes place on Friday 1st March at The Fence Gate Inn from 6.30pm. It starts with a complimentary reception drink and will be followed by a luxury four course dinner with a Lancashire theme.
The Mayor’s annual ball is an important fundraising event and all profits will go into the Mayoress of Pendle’s charity pot. “However,” the Mayor said, “as this is a celebration of music these funds will go specifically towards children & young people to further their musical abilities.” “We’ve been to several events where young people have played instruments and sung and there are many youngsters that we will help with this.”

Mayoress Janet Starkie’s working life has been in education and she knows that music helps with children’s and young people’s resilience, supporting mental and physical health and well-being. “We have helped, or are about to help, several local organisations which offer support for disadvantaged youngsters. This charity fundraiser is slightly different,” he said. Tickets for the event are £45 or £425 for a table of ten and can be booked by contacting Pendle Council on 01282 661661 during office hours. The event includes a charity auction and raffle.

For more information and to donate prizes and experiences for the Ball to help in the fundraising efforts please contact Fiona Standring, The Mayor’s Secretary, on 01282 661636 or email fiona.standring@pendle.gov.uk

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

The story of how thousands of documents were saved from destruction by the Nazis in the Warsaw Ghetto will be shown for the first time.
On Sunday January 27, at Manchester Central Library the UK premiere of ‘Who Will Write Our History’ will take place, telling the story of how thousands of documents were preserved for future generations by a small number of brave inhabitants of the Warsas Ghetto. The Oyneg Shabes archive, also known as the Ringelblum Archive, would survive the war and become a key part in our understanding of life in Warsaw for Jews living under Nazi occupation.

There will also be performances by young people during the afternoon in the library exploring this year’s HMD theme – ‘Torn From Home’. This theme was chosen to encourage members of the public to picture how their lives would change if uprooted from the place which they call ‘home’. Earlier in the week Manchester schoolchildren were invited to HOME to hear the story of Holocaust survivor Danny Herman, who when he was only four years old fled from Germany to the UK just before the outbreak of the Second World War.

His story is an example of how refugees can start a new life after fleeing the most horrific of circumstances, and the compassion shown to them by a welcoming country when they were most in need. Also, as part of a week of commemoration school children have been creating artwork with artist Caroline Slifkin in response to the theme, which will be on display on Sunday in the Library. Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor June Hitchen, said: “The atrocities committed during the Holocaust, and subsequent genocides can never, and should never be forgotten.

“We are duty bound to remember the millions of people who were killed to ensure one of the darkest periods in human history will never be repeated.
“The events of the Holocaust will soon slip from living memory but through events such as this we can ensure generations to come will learn, contemplate, and never forget such a terrible atrocity. Holocaust Memorial Day: Statement of Commitment

  1. We recognise that the Holocaust shook the foundations of modern civilisation. Its unprecedented character and horror will always hold universal meaning.
  2. We believe that the Holocaust must have a permanent place in our nation’s collective memory. We honour the survivors still with us, and reaffirm our shared goals of mutual understanding and justice.
  3. We must make sure that future generations understand the causes of the Holocaust and reflect upon its consequences. We vow to remember the victims of Nazi persecutions and of all genocide.
  4. We value the sacrifices of those who have risked their lives to protect or rescue victims as a touchstone of the human capacity for good in the face of evil.
  5. We recognise that humanity is still scarred by the belief that race or religion or disability or sexuality makes people’s lives worth less than others. Genocide, anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and discrimination still continue. We have a shared responsibility to fight theses evils.
  6. We pledge to strengthen our efforts to promote education and research about the Holocaust and other genocides. We will do our utmost to make sure that the lessons of such events are fully learnt.
  7. We will continue to encourage Holocaust remembrance by holding an annual UK Holocaust Memorial Day. We condemn the evils of prejudice, discrimination and racism. We value a free, tolerant and democratic society.
Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

While the traders at Manchester’s Arndale Market may be the best in the business at squeezing every penny out of a deal the tables were turned on them this Christmas. Linking up with homelessness charity Lifeshare, a wealth of food and clothes were donated to people in need during the festive period. Boxes of items including warm fleeces and clothes for newborns were donated as well as more than 10 bags of leftover food from traders. Manchester City Council and members of the Manchester Homelessness Partnership often see an increased number of people in need of support during the festive period. Generous donations such as this are always welcome to members of the MHP during one of the most challenging times of the year.

Julie Gimeno, assistant manager at Arndale Market, said: “The original idea came from Steve one of our Environmental Operatives who works in the market who suggested we get involved with a food bank over Christmas. “After some research we teamed up with the charity Lifeshare who work in Manchester to help homeless people living in the city. “We wouldn’t have been able to help without the support of our fantastic traders. More than ten came forward to help, and many of our staff brought food and clothing to donate. “It was so encouraging to see the support for this initiative and it is something we plan on doing again next Christmas.”

Ellen Gallacher, from Lifeshare, said: “We have been overwhelmed this Christmas by the generosity of not just the public, but from groups like the Arndale Market traders. People giving us food and warm clothing is helpful but what is just as important is people donating their time to help those in need. Councillor Sue Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Homelessness is an issue Manchester City Council cannot tackle alone. We are fortunate to have network of organisations in the Manchester Homelessness Partnership, as well as individuals and traders who contribute to supporting people who are homeless.

“Our goal is to one day ensure no one has to rely on donations to stave off hunger and cold in Manchester. “But, for anyone inspired by the generosity of these traders I would urge them to visit streetsupport.net/Manchester to see how you can help or make a donation.”

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

Join Sooty and friends for his brand new laugh out loud magic show this February at King George’s Hall. Direct from their hit ITV series, Sooty, Sweep and Soo, TV’s Richard Cadell will amaze you with impossible tricks and sidesplitting jokes. Be astounded at Sooty’s flying car, Soo’s singing unicorn and Sweep’s levitating sausage! With special guests circus star Michael Jordan and the ultraviolet specialties of Fantasie de la Nuit.
This spectacular treat for the whole family includes a chance to meet Richard and Sooty after the show. More information on how to book can be found below.

EVENT DETAILS
Venue: King George’s Hall, Northgate, Blackburn. BB2 1AA
Date: Wednesday 20 February Times: 11.00am and 2.30pm
Ticket price:
• Full price ticket from £13.00
• Child ticket (under 16) from £11.00
• Family ticket from £42.00

BOOKING INFORMATION
Tickets are available:
• Online: www.kinggeorgeshall.com
• By phone: (01254) 582579
• In person: King George’s Hall Box Office, Northgate, Blackburn

Lancashire News

A successful bid by Burnley Council for extra Government funding will help pay for more action to tackle rogue landlords in the borough. The council will receive £62,294 which will be used to enable housing staff to carry out a programme of more targeted enforcement and other work. Councillor John Harbour, the council’s executive member for housing and environment, said: “We’re very pleased that we will receive the full amount of grant that we applied for. This money will help improve conditions for residents in our borough. “The majority of landlords provide good quality well managed properties and are willing to work with the council to provide good quality homes for their tenants.

“However, there are some rogue landlords that don’t follow the rules and undermine the reputation of the private rented sector by providing sub-standard accommodation. This affects the quality of life for their tenants and has an adverse impact on the wider neighbourhood. “This funding will allow the council to effectively target these rogue landlords and take tough action against them where necessary. We will work with other agencies such as the police, the utility companies and Trading Standards to carry out effective enforcement action against those landlords that simply don’t care about their properties or their tenants.” Clare Jackson, the council’s private sector housing manager, said: “Damp and cold conditions, together with electrical hazards including bypassed meters, are the most common problems associated with private rented properties in Burnley, all of which put the health, safety and welfare of the occupants at risk. “Where there is deprivation and vulnerability, evidence is starting to suggest that the criminal landlords use this to their advantage, and it can lead to illegal activities.

The funding will be used to carry out targeted action, to support the work already underway, such as extra property inspections and any intelligence gathered will be shared with other councils across East Lancashire.

Lancashire News

“Don’t spoil your New Year with a hefty fine for fly tipping!” Pendle Council’s Senior Environmental Crime Officer, David Alexander, is warning local residents. “Now that the festive season is over and the sales are on with bargains for home improvements, people start de-cluttering and getting jobs done around the house,” he said. “This is a timely reminder to people that they have a legal Duty of Care to make sure that none of their DIY waste runs the risk of being fly tipped,” he explained.

“When a plumber or builder or man with a van offers to take your old bathroom suite or kitchen units away for a small charge, they may be dumping your waste illegally,” warned Environmental Crime Officer Jonathan Yurek. “The penalties for fly tipping are steep and anyone found guilty faces an unlimited fine or even a sentence of up to five years in prison,” he said. Over the last 12 months Pendle Council dealt with thousands of fly tips ranging from a couple of bin bags to lorry/trailer loads of waste and has prosecuted businesses and local residents.
Jonathan, who’s appeared on TV’s Dom on the Spot investigating fly tipping said: “If a person fly tips or illegally dumps waste they have collected from your house then you could be prosecuted and fined. “This includes builders or contractors doing work for you who offer to take the waste away as part of their service,” she added.

The advice to local residents getting rid of their waste is to:

  1. Make sure the person taking away your waste is registered with the Environment Agency as a waste carrier by checking the register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers on their website https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers
  2. Ask where your waste is being taken and get a receipt which includes a description of the waste.
  3. Make a note of their vehicle registration number.
    Pendle Council works hard to reduce the risk of fly tipping.
    The Council collects bulky household items, such as large pieces of furniture, cookers or fridge/freezers and charges £10 for up to 10 items and provides an affordable collection service for DIY items with a minimum of charge of £23.25. These include doors, bathroom suites, kitchen units, bricks and rubble with more information on www.pendle/gov.uk/recyclingandrefuse or ring 01282 661743. “And we have two household recycling centres in Barnoldswick and Burnley so there really is no reason to fly tip,” said David.Alexander.
    Pendle Council takes environmental crime seriously and people can report any incidents via www.pendle.gov.uk/envirocrime or by calling (01282) 661743 or contact the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.