. July 2020 - Wilcop Media

July 2020

East Lancs News

People in Pendle are being urged to help reduce the spread of coronavirus, following a slight increase in the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 in this area.

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, said:

“The Director of Public Health for Lancashire has alerted us to a recent increase in Pendle.

“Whilst the overall rate and number of cases remains fairly low, there are signs that the virus is being spread, including between family members who share the same household.

 “We can all protect our family, friends and work colleagues by helping to reduce the spread,” he said.

Staying safe advice is on Pendle Council’s website www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus and people are being reminded to:
 
• Stay at home if you or anyone in your household has any symptoms of Coronavirus 

• Wash your hands regularly using soap and water and carry hand sanitiser when you go out

• Keep 2m distance from people not in your household 

• Avoid handshakes and embracing when meeting others 

• Wear a face covering in enclosed spaces 

• Avoid or limit large extended family gatherings inside.


“If you have symptoms of the virus, please get tested so that you can protect yourself, your family and friends and other people in our community,” he stated.

Free tests for anyone with symptoms are being carried out this week at a mobile testing unit be at the former fairground site on Carr Road, on the border of Nelson and Barrowford.

The unit is open daily from 10.30am – 3.30pm up to and including Sunday 19th July and people who’ve booked an appointment can come on foot or by car.

Testing at the unit is open to people of any age who have symptoms including children aged five and under and babies.

People need to book a test rather than just turn up and appointments go live around 8.30pm the night before on the Government’s coronavirus testing webpage 
www.gov.uk/coronavirus

They can also be booked in the morning for a test on the same day.

Anyone with symptoms must self-isolate for 7 days from the point their symptoms started.

“If you live with someone with symptoms, you must self-isolate for 14 days from the day their symptoms started, as it can take 14 days for symptoms to appear,” explained Councillor Iqbal.

“And if you have symptoms, it’s very important to stay at home, get yourself tested and follow the advice from the NHS Test and Trace service,” he said.

People can contact NHS 111 on-line for healthcare advice.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health for Lancashire, said: “We need your help now to reduce the number of cases.

“With the slight increase in the Covid-19 infection rate in Pendle, it’s really important to stay alert to the risks. We should all do what we can to limit the spread of infection. 

“Please share this advice with your family, friends and work colleagues. It’s important that we get the message out and work together to keep our communities safe.”

East Lancs News

Wedding venues across Blackburn and Darwen are being reminded not to breach Government guidelines when holding wedding celebrations as marriages and civil partnerships start up again.

This comes after the Council has been contacted by a number of venues requesting permission for hundreds of guests at re-scheduled weddings.

Given the increased local risks we are currently facing, the Council’s Public Protection Service Is urging venues to adhere to the Government’s guidance

The  guidelines for weddings and wedding receptions state that no more than 30 people should attend a wedding and that social distancing measures should be obeyed.

For wedding celebrations, it states that receptions or parties after weddings should not take place, but small celebrations will be allowed if you follow the guidelines, meaning that only up to two households could meet indoors to celebrate.

Wedding venues should also be aware that failing to follow social distancing guidelines could invalidate their insurance arrangements.

Venues should also be aware that in English law it is not possible to disclaim liability through negligence for death or injury – so customers should not be asked to sign disclaimers allowing a venue to ignore Government guidance. The Council would regard this as an unfair contract term, and take action.

You should not interact with anyone outside the group you are attending these places with even if you see other people you know, for example, in a restaurant, community centre or place of worship.

You should not hold or attend celebrations, such as parties, where it is difficult to maintain social distancing.

It would only take one person to display any Covid 19 symptoms after an event such as this were held, for every person present (including staff and guests) to be subject to the track and trace procedure.

Every person contacted would then have to self-isolate for a period of time and every person they had been in contact with after the event would also have to self-isolate. Blackburn with Darwen is one of the Local Authorities with a higher rate of infection within the community which is at risk of being locked down should it see a further spike.

Councillor Jim Smith, Executive member for Environment, said:

While it is wonderful news that couples can go now ahead with their civil marriages and civil partnerships, after having to postpone them in the Spring, I can’t stress strongly enough to all venues at this time to be responsible and follow the guidelines and not put your staff or your guests at risk.

We all need to work together to keep each other as safe as possible and large gatherings go completely against this at the moment. Any breaches of this could lead to further outbreaks and further action from us and I’m sure that is something we all want to avoid.

A wedding should be a happy occasion, let’s not make yours a sad one.”

East Lancs News

Councillors are set to discuss a report on the potential financial impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on Burnley Council’s budgets.

The council is looking at a projected deficit of £3.4 million, around a quarter of its total annual budget, over the current financial year due to increased spending and loss of income as a result of the virus.

The report by the head of finance, Asad Mushtaq, says that the council’s reserves are not enough to meet the current funding shortfall and that further significant Government support is needed.

The longer the current crisis last, the greater the impact will be. The reports also warns that the impact of cornavirus on budgets will probably be felt for several years.

Councillor Margaret Lishman, the council’s executive member for resources and performance management, said: “We’re grateful for the Government funding we’ve received so far but it’s clear we need significantly more support if we are to balance our books.

“We are faced with the double whammy of extra spending and falling income. Council budgets have been under pressure for many years but we now face a financial challenge, the scale of which we’ve never seen before.

“We are keeping the Government informed of our financial position so that it has a clear picture of the support we need to maintain essential services and to successfully manage our way out of this crisis as our borough’s recovery takes shape.

“These are unprecedented times. It isn’t just the council that has been hit hard. We recognise that the coronavirus pandemic has also badly affected the finances of our residents and businesses who have also, in many cases, needed financial assistance.

“The council leader has met with our MP and we will continue to press for Government support for our borough and its residents.”

The issue is a national one, with councils across the country warning of the severe financial challenges they face. The Local Government Association, which represents councils nationally, is lobbying the Government for more support. The LGA said councils could need as much as £6 billion more in the current financial year to cover the costs of coping with the pandemic.

Burnley Council has played a leading role during the crisis including distributing business support grants to local firms, supporting the Burnley Together community hub to help local individuals and families in need, increasing provision for the homeless to get them off the streets and into accommodation, and providing advice and support to shops to allow them to open safely and follow social distancing guidelines.

The council’s executive is set to recommend to a meeting of the full council that:

· The financial impact is modelled and updated regularly so that action plans can be drawn up

· Managers continue to draw up options to reduce the potential financial impact

· The council, and other local authorities and partners, continue to lobby Government for extra funding

Chorley & Leyland News

Local councillors, volunteers, historians and partners met to celebrate the 80th anniversary of King George VIs visit to ROF Chorley and to unveil some historic artefacts and information board in Buckshaw Village.

County Councillor Aidy Riggott (Euxton, Buckshaw & Astley) explained a little more about this Euxton Parish Council project and the work that has been undertaken, saying “When I became aware of the existence of an old street light from the ROF site in an area being developed for housing, I quickly secured agreement for Euxton Parish Council to take ownership of the street light from the landowners Persimmon Homes. I approached the Parish Council with an idea to restore this light and to locate it somewhere appropriate in Buckshaw Village.”

The scheme initially made slow progress whilst locations were considered and permissions and likely contractors were assessed. Following a conversation between County Councillor Aidy Riggott, RMG (the main managing agents in Buckshaw Village) and local historian Stuart Clewlow, the idea quickly evolved to include an interpretation board and to locate the restored streetlight outside the Community Centre. Local contractor J. Sharples came on board and oversaw the restoration of the streetlight while Stuart Clewlow pulled together pictures and information for the interpretation board from his vast archive of historical items and knowledge, which Debra Platt designed and arranged to create the interpretation board now on display for residents.

Stuart was then able to procure a fire hydrant from Runshaw College, who were keen to support the project, and the team were then able to install this alongside the streetlight, just as it would have been back when the ROF factory was in operation.

Stuart added “It has been a privilege to work with Euxton Parish Council and local Contractors to deliver this heritage project. It is important we remember the existence of ROF Chorley and it is rewarding to have played a part in restoring a little piece of history to the front of Buckshaw Village Community Centre. People of all ages will be able to see two artefacts from the 1938 construction of ROF Chorley and the interpretation board will provide more historical information and ensure that the story of the site is remembered and shared for the next generation.”

Cllr Katrina Reed, Chairman of Euxton Parish Council commented “Euxton Council is proud of this project which, from small beginnings has became a much larger scheme. Thanks must go to all who worked on the project from Cllr Riggott’s initial proposal in 2015 to the immense amount of assistance from Stuart Clewlow in gathering the information and items together for the project. This was truly a joint project between all the organisations involved and was delivered in time for the 80th anniversary of the visit to the new site by King George VI. A further project is being considered for Euxton Buckshaw which you may see soon.”

County Councillor Aidy Riggott and Euxton Parish Council were keen to thank Persimmon Homes, RMG, Stuart Clewlow, J. Sharples, Runshaw College and Barratts Homes for their support and assistance in delivering this project.

Chorley & Leyland News

Euxton Parish Council’s full council meeting was held on Thursday, 16th May and it was consulted on the planning application for the proposed 24 houses on the former football pitch at Greenside.

Councillors discussed this matter at great length and has information to hand which Cllr Oddy had spent time researching. The Council unanimously voted to Object to this planning application (with a recorded vote) and the objections listed to Chorley Council against this application are as follows:

19/00361/FULMAJ Greenside application for 24 houses

Euxton Parish Council’s objections are as follows:

1. That detailed application is for 24 dwellings but the allocation in the local plan is only for 17. This is a 41% increase, an increase which will have significant detriment to existing residents of the Greenside estate in terms of traffic and parking – noting that there are very few garages or other off road parking provision on Greenside

2. Planning Policy not adhered to:
(a) Policy BNE9 (Biodiversity and Nature Conservation) seeks to ensure that Biodiversity and Ecological Network resources are protected, conserved, restored and enhanced. The policy sets out requirements all new developments must adhere to in relation to biodiversity, protection of habitats. The application falls short of this requirement.

(b) Policy BNE10 (Trees) states that proposals that would result in the loss of trees, woodland areas or hedgerows which make a valuable contribution to the landscape or setting, will not be permitted. If the benefit of the development outweighs the loss of some trees or hedgerows, replacement planting will be required; contrary to the applicants assertion that the trees are of “relatively low quality” the proposed development will see the removal of several mature oak, beech and ash specimens which contribute hugely to the local landscape, namely Ransnap Wood. Those trees nearest to Ransnap Brook also play a significant role in the biodiversity of the area and in the drainage of the area in so far as they drink a lot of rain water ensuring the stability of the bank.

(c) Policy BNE11 (Species Protection) states that any development which would have an adverse effect on a priority species will not be permitted, unless the benefits outweigh the need to maintain the population of the priority species; the trees are, bar one, all prime specimen oak trees and their removal is not justified.

85 trees (a mix of classic native specimens of oak, ash and beech) are proposed to be removed to accommodate this application! 18 categorised trees (7 Category Bs and 11 Cs) are proposed to be removed and the developer does not propose to replace these due to the small size of the site. Their proposal of planting at the front of each house does not mitigate the loss of 18 magnificent mature trees and as such contravenes Policy BNE10.

3. CS Policy 7 states that for applications proposing 15 or more dwellings that 30% of the dwellings should be affordable. That should be 8 dwellings on the site (at 24 units). The application only proposes 6 affordable units which is only a 25% share.

4. Bats – local residents advise that the area is home to a thriving colony of bats. The Arboricultural Report highlights two oak trees (scheduled for removal) as likely homes for bats.

5. The Arboricultural Report has clearly been written from a perspective of “find something detrimental to say about each tree”. These trees are mature specimens and have never been subjected to any formal management. With the exception of one fire damaged oak, they are as nature intended – beautiful, majestic trees that contribute significantly to local well being and character of the neighbourhood. To leave only one small oak and one silver birch is not in accordance with planning policy on trees, is hugely detrimental to the environment and the parish council should defend this amenity to the best of its ability.

Permission should be refused on the grounds of the inability to comply with policy BNE 9, 10 & 11 and CS Policy 7

Euxton Parish Council request that a TPO is placed on any eligible trees as per:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-preservation-orders-and-trees-in-conservation-areas#tree-preservation-orders–general
“Authorities can either initiate this process themselves or in response to a request made by any other party. When deciding whether an Order is appropriate, authorities are advised to take into consideration what ‘amenity’ means in practice, what to take into account when assessing amenity value, what ‘expedient’ means in practice, what trees can be protected and how they can be identified.”

The Parish Council is aware that the level of ‘affordable’ housing on the site is less than the percentage required by Chorley’s policies and this should be rectified and the Council object to this blatant disregard of Chorley’s policies by the developer.

It is noted that the environmental surveys were carried out ‘out of season’ and the surveys should be re-done ‘in season’ to establish the bat community.

Chorley & Leyland News

We recently updated everyone on the excellent recycling rates we’ve seen during lockdown but we wanted to remind the small minority of people who have been fly tipping waste that it is not acceptable – it’s disgusting, makes the place look a mess and disregards the community spirit that is seeing us through this crisis. ​​​​ ​In June alone we have dealt with 185 fly tipping cases, which is a 189% increase on the same month last year. This crime is not only harmful to the environment but costs time, money and diverts our team away from other vital services, including supporting the most vulnerable people during the pandemic.

We realise that recent times have been challenging but it’s really no excuse to fly tip especially now that the Household Waste Recycling Centre, operated by Lancashire County Council, is open. https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates/waste/

We have carried out eleven successful prosecutions relating to illegal waste already and have further investigations underway and will not hesitate to act against perpetrators. If you have dumped waste illegally it won’t be long before we come knocking at your door.

Councillor Alistair Morwood, Executive Member (Public Protection) of Chorley Council  said “The current circumstances are not an excuse for people to dump waste wherever they like.

“Despite the increasing volumes of waste that our crews have had to manage during these difficult times, we have managed to maintain our essential waste collection service, but fly tipping has just added further pressure to our resources. We will look for evidence of who is responsible and will prosecute.”

If you come across a fly tip, please report this on our website: https://chorley.gov.uk/Pages/AtoZ/Clean-neighbourhoods.aspx

If you need to dispose of waste….

  • We have a comprehensive Waste & Recycling collection service. You can find out more on the following link, as well as order a waste container or sign up to our garden waste collection service and more: https://chorley.gov.uk/Pages/AtoZ/Waste-and-recycling.aspx
  • Household Recycling Centres, operated by Lancashire County Council, reopened a while ago and are now operating without appointment for cars and with an appointment system for vans or vehicles with trailers (from 10 July). You can find out further details here: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates/waste/
  • We have a large item collection service. You can book a slot via our website: https://myaccount.chorley.gov.uk/Forms/BulkywasteCollection.aspx
  • If you’re considering using an independent waste carrier, check the people taking away your rubbish are a registered to do so. Ideally, they should have a copy of their registration documents on them, ask to see these. You can check their registration number at environment.data.gov.uk/public-register, or call 03708 506506 and the Environment Agency can check for you. Any householder or business who doesn’t carry out proper checks could be prosecuted alongside the actual illegal operators.
Lancashire News

Oldham Council has submitted plans to transform a historic town hall space into an independent-style food market.

Situated in the Egyptian Rooms of the landmark Old Town Hall, the casual dining market would deliver a brand-new offer to Oldham town centre.

Featuring six food and drink concessions, it would cater for around 200 people with both inside and outside seating including a large covered al-fresco dining area on Parliament Square.

The venue proposes a similar concept and layout to existing independent food markets across Greater Manchester – with food and drink traders located on the perimeter and a central dining and socialising space. Potential stalls could include coffee, pizza and a bar.

Oldham Council has now applied for permission to redevelop the room – which was once home to the Borough Treasurer’s Rates Hall – and is in discussions with potential operators.

Cllr Sean Fielding, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “This would be an exciting new food and drink experience for Oldham and a great addition to the Old Town Hall and the fantastic businesses already based there and across the town centre.

“We’re committed to ensuring Oldham has a vibrant leisure and night-time economy and we are confident a market like this will be welcomed by residents and visitors.”

Following a £37 million redevelopment, the Grade II-listed Old Town Hall was transformed from a derelict building. It is now home to a seven-screen Odeon cinema, Nandos and Molino Lounge.

The council has submitted a bid to the Government’s Future High Street Fund to support the delivery of the food market.

If successful, the funding will also support other regeneration projects across the town centre including public realm improvements and the creation of a digital start-up hub.

Cllr Fielding added: “Coronavirus has had a huge impact on Oldham – which is why it’s more important than ever to do everything we can to create investment, jobs and opportunities for people.

“We look forward to hearing the outcome of the Future High Street Fund which will enable us to deliver key regeneration projects to help our town build back better.”

Sacha Lord, Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, said: “Many residents and operators in Oldham have spoken to me about how thriving the night time economy used to be.

“I have now had many visits and very positive conversations with Cllr Sean Fielding, the Leader of Oldham Council. Sean completely understands and supports the idea of re-invigorating the sector and last year assembled a Night Time Economy Taskforce.

“Last year, during one of my visits, I was shown a very ambitious project, the Egyptian Rooms and was told about the plans to bring it to life and expand footfall into the Old Town Hall.

“Now, even during these challenging times, I’m delighted the Egyptian Rooms are progressing.

“Not only will it create many jobs but could also become a nucleus to make other independents flourish, as we have seen with food halls in other areas of Greater Manchester.”

If approved, work will begin on the Egyptian Rooms later this year with a planned opening of summer 2021.

Lancashire News

During the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a perceived increase in the use of the ‘party drug’ nitrous oxide (N20) in St Helens Borough and across the UK – evident due to the increase in related drug paraphernalia like canisters and balloons being littered in parks, open spaces and alleyways.

Now St Helens Borough Council is launching its ‘N2Othing to Laugh About’ campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of using the drug and rebuke those who leave drug related litter in public spaces.

Nitrous oxide is commonly known as ‘NOS’ or ‘laughing gas’. It’s a colourless gas which when used as a drug is dispensed from a small silver metal canister into a container, such as a balloon or plastic bag and inhaled from the container for a short-lived high.

Supply of nitrous oxide for recreational drug use is illegal. This means anyone found to be selling, possessing to sell, or giving away nitrous oxide to be inhaled as a drug could face up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine. It is legal to possess for personal use – but usage does come with risks.

It can cause dizziness, nausea, hallucinations and acts as a depressant. Mixing nitrous oxide with other substances increases the risks, as do underlying health conditions, and improper use. For instance, inhaling directly from the canister can cause suffocation, frostbite and even death.

Commonly used around festival scenes, its use has increased locally, in part due to the restrictions and closure of bars and clubs and its immediate accessibility.

The campaign will shed light on these risks and urge users to dispose of their litter properly.

Councillor Jeanie Bell, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:

“While legal to possess for personal use, use of nitrous oxide as a drug is by no means harmless and can carry serious risks when used improperly or mixed with other substances. Associated drug litter and anti-social behaviour blight our parks and open spaces, causing great harm to the environment and our community pride. Please consider the dangers, and consider others.”

Report drug related litter to the council’s Contact Centre online at www.sthelens.gov.uk, call 01744 676789 or through the council’s app – search ‘St Helens’ in your app store.

To discuss concerns about a young person’s nitrous oxide use or any other drug or alcohol use – call the Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Team on 01744 677990 or visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/ypdaat for support.

Lancashire News

St Helens Council is calling on residents, businesses and community groups to help identify ways of introducing enhanced spaces for people to walk and ride their bikes.

This will ensure social distancing is maintained during essential journeys and exercise during and after the coronavirus pandemic.    Since launching the ‘St Helens Liveable Streets’ consultation last week, the council has already received a good range of views on where cycling and walking facilities are needed the most – but is urging even more residents, businesses and groups to have their say online.   

It’s easy to raise an issue – just put a pin on the map to raise issues and leave a suggestion on how active travel and social distancing can be achieved.  Comments will help the council to secure emergency funding to deliver walking and cycling facilities, and support project delivery in the future. St Helens is continuing to develop it’s cycling and walking networks.

A new Toucan crossing on Boardman’s Lane is being completed this week and improvements to greenway routes at College Street is ongoing. St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, Councillor Richard McCauley, said:

“The council is committed to introducing more sustainable, healthier ways of travel in our communities – which is evident through a number of recent and ongoing road improvement schemes across the borough.  

“Whether you travel by car, bike, foot – or you live or have a business in the area – we want to hear your thoughts to help shape this ambitious project and improve transport infrastructure in our communities.” The consultation will run until Monday 31 August. To take part, visit sthelensliveablestreets.commonplace.is

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

Entries for IRONMAN UK 2021 will open to all athletes this Thursday (July 16) at 1pm. The gruelling triathlon – made up of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, followed by a marathon – will take place in and around Bolton on July 4, 2021.

The borough has proudly hosted the IRONMAN event since 2009. Unfortunately, this year’s event could not take place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said: “Ironman is a huge test of endurance and one of the ultimate challenges anyone can take on.

“Our borough has been hosting this brilliant event for many years now, and we are looking forward to welcoming all our athletes and spectators.

“We hope to see everyone who was going to take part this year, and we will be working with IRONMAN to make next year’s events the best yet.”

IRONMAN UK Race Director, Sam Brawn, added: “We have been working hard to make sure that next year’s race is even bigger and better.

“We cannot wait to once again experience the thrill of racing and to welcome all the athletes and supporters to the 2021 race!”

Entries will be limited. For more information and to register visit https://www.ironman.com/im-uk-register.

Bolton will also be hosting the 5k Night Run on July 2 and IRONKIDS on July 3. 

More details about registration for these races will be released at a later date.