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Lancashire News

Lancashire News

The Government has brought in new UK-wide measures to protect poultry and captive birds against Avian Flu – and people are being warned not to touch or pick up birds. There are currently no reported cases in Blackburn with Darwen but cases have been reported in the Preston and Ribble Valley areas, Manchester and across Yorkshire. Poultry keepers must take action now to protect their flocks from bird flu this winter following a number of confirmed cases across the country in recent weeks.

New bird-housing measures, which will come into force on Monday 29 November, mean that it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of the disease, and help to eradicate it. Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter months can carry the disease and this can lead to cases in poultry and other captive birds.

Poultry keepers must now do the following:
• House or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds
• Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
• Reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
• Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
• Keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
• Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds.

Government Chief Veterinary Officers are encouraging bird keepers to use the next few days to prepare for the new housing measures, including taking steps to safeguard animal welfare, consult their vet and put up additional housing where necessary. Members of the public are also being asked not to approach or touch poultry or other birds that you find or come across, on no account.

Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. There is no impact on the consumption of properly cooked poultry products including eggs.

Dominic Harrison, Blackburn with Darwen’s Director of Public Health, said: I would like to reassure people that the risk of humans catching Avian Flu is low, but I would also strongly advise people to avoid contact with all birds, especially wild birds and poultry. This virus spreads through having close contact with an infected bird, whether it is alive or dead, so avoiding this is important.

We are a nation of animal lovers and, for some of us, if we see a bird that is clearly unwell or suffering, our instinct will be to help it. However, we are urging everyone not to do that – on no account should any of us be touching dead birds and wildfowl. If you know of any birds that appear unwell, please report them to the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline – call 03459 33 55 77 and select option 7 – and arrangements will be made to remove them swiftly.

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

Only astronauts can really know the indescribable feeling of being able to see the Earth in its entirety, but in Rochdale until Christmas you can get something approaching the same experience. Gaia, the stunning replica of planet Earth, is open in Rochdale and you can see it for free. Direct from the Congress Of Parties (COP) 26 in Glasgow, artist Luke Jerram’s internationally renowned huge work of art depicting the Earth is being exhibited at Number One Riverside in the town centre. The exhibit is open 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm weekdays (extended until 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays, 1pm to 5pm on Sundays, until 24 December 2021.

The sculpture is designed as a talking point, a reason to bring people together to think about our home and should give a ‘renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment’, say organisers. The name Gaia comes from Greek mythology, meaning the personification of the Earth. 7 metres in diameter and created from detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, it provides an opportunity to see the planet on a huge scale, floating in 3 dimensions. A surround sound composition plays while Gaia rotates once every 4 minutes, 360 times faster than the real Earth.

‘Wonderful and inspiring’
Gaia was beamed worldwide during its high profile recent visit to COP26 in Glasgow. It aims to create a sense of the ‘Overview Effect’, a common reaction by astronauts who have seen the real thing, ‘a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.’ Booking is not required, however as it is in an indoor space all visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings. You can also minimise the environ-mental impact of your journey to Rochdale by using public transport. Gaia is located inside Number One Riverside, next to the Rochdale Town Centre Metrolink stop, the bus station and only a short walk from the train station.

As well as seeing the spectacular Gaia, there are special events themed around looking after our environment and its precious resources. Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “That moment of seeing the world in front of you is wonderful and inspiring. We know we urgently need to look after our home and change our behaviour. I hope to see visitors of all ages coming to see it and getting a new perspective of our place on the planet.” In July 2019 Rochdale declared a climate emergency and Councillor Sara Rowbotham, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate change and sustainability said:

“Climate change will impact the lives of everybody who lives and works in the borough unless we take action.
It’s going to mean more frequent intense storms increasing the devastating flooding we have already experienced. The council has a responsibility to take meaningful action to reduce carbon emissions, alongside preparing the borough for the impacts of a changing climate and I hope Gaia will spark the imagination of those who visit in lots of ways and inspire us all to think about the changes we can make.”

Gaia visitors can share their views on the borough’s climate change priorities, you’ll be invited to cast your vote by placing a token in one of 5 boxes.
• More about Gaia and the special events planned
• Plan your journey

The exhibition and supporting events are staged in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council and Your Trust, supported financially by the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Gaia is created in partnership the following partners:
• The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC),
• Bluedot
• The UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres.
• Culture Liverpool
• Liverpool Cathedral

Lancashire News

Colne Town Council agrees their final decision for the future of the Blues Festival in Colne. Earlier in the year the organisers reviewed the Blues Festival in line with all the services they provide. They agreed that the Blues Festival needed to be changed to become more financially viable and sustainable while still having a music festival on August Bank Holiday for Colne. There was opposition to this decision. Following many carefully considered meetings, talks and negotiations, last night, Tuesday 16th November, Colne Town Council made a final decision about the future of the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival.

At last night’s meeting it was proposed that ;-
1) Colne Town Council enter into an agreement with Peter Barton to provide artists (at his risk) for the Municipal Theatre (including the Mini Muni), Hippodrome and Little Theatre. The agreement to be based on the Town Council receiving 10% of the total Ticket sales.

2) Colne Blues Society be invited to provide the Fringe Programme for the 2022 Blues Festival.

3) Negotiations continue with the Colne Blues Society with a view to them programming the whole festival in 2023 onward, subject to Colne Blues Society becoming a fully constituted organisation.

4) The Town Clerk write to Pendle Borough Council to ask that they offer support to the Festival by covering the costs of any extra street cleansing required during the Festival and indemnifying Pendle Leisure Trust for any losses they may incur.

Cllr. Mary Thomas, Chairman of Colne Town Council said “The Councillors are happy to have reached a final agreement on the future of this cherished festival. Colne deserves a festival which supports the local community and attracts visitors to the area each summer. As this proposal has been chosen, this means the Council can help facilitate an event in the summer of 2022 which hopes to ‘tick all of the boxes’ and bring the town to life for all to enjoy. There will be some changes to the event organisation, which it is hoped will improve the festival’s financial security while continuing to bring a well-managed blues festival to Colne. We also hope to work alongside the Colne Blues Society on the fringe aspects of the festival, including the Roadhouse venues.”

Further planning is now underway, with news of ticket prices, venues and line ups expected to be announced in the forthcoming weeks. Details will be added to the festival’s website and social media.

Colne Town Council has organised and managed the event since 2017, when they took over the mantle from Pendle Leisure Trust. The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival has brought wonderful blues music – in its myriad of forms – to Colne for over 30 years. The event is not only one of Europe’s ultimate contemporary blues festivals, but also a one-of-a-kind and much-loved festival for people of the local area. The 2019 festival, which attracted over 25,000 people to Colne, won the UK Blues Festival of The Year Award. The 2020 and 2021 events were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

https://www.bluesfestival.co.uk
https://colnetowncouncil.org.uk/

Lancashire News

Teams at Rochdale Borough Council are ready to hit the road to tackle ice, sleet, flooding and snow this winter. The gritting programme started in October 2021 and 8 gritters are on standby to help keep the borough’s main roads safe.
Over 4,000 tonnes of salt are ready for spreading when temperatures drop, at the council depot on Princess Street.
The council monitors forecasts and road conditions, ready to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when needed through to the middle of April 2022. Over 200 miles of roads are salted during one round of complete gritting – over 50 per cent of the borough’s total road network and there are more than 20 drivers on standby.

Staff receive regular weather forecasts with information about road surface temperatures and the likelihood of ice. This is monitored alongside a computerised ice detection system, cameras and weather stations at Blackstone Edge, Middleton Road and Edenfield Road in Norden which record road and air temperatures as well as showing live roadside images. The council also uses automatic gritting technology, which spreads exactly the amount of grit required.

Residents are being advised to make sure they are ready to deal with icy and wet conditions, as well as the simple things they can do to keep warm, healthy and safe during winter. This includes making sure vehicles are ready for severe weather, that you have the right equipment to stay safe and know how to drive in extreme weather conditions. Even when roads and footways are gritted, it is still possible for ice to form so drivers and pedestrians should always take care.

You can help the council’s winter maintenance teams by making sure you leave enough room for gritters to get past when you park up. ‘Working in the toughest of conditions’ Anyone who lives or has a business in an area which is prone to flooding can register with the Environment Agency for advance warnings of any flood danger.

Councillor Daniel Meredith, cabinet member for highways said the council was well prepared to tackle the winter weather as always, and will do all they can to minimise disruption:

“We really do have fantastic people protecting the borough this winter and I’d like to thank them for all the work they’ll be doing to keep things moving and to keep us safe. With unpredictable weather and high rural terrain to contend with they are often working in the toughest of conditions. That said, we still all need to do our bit by taking extra care in icy conditions and allowing extra time for journeys. Gritting is carried out to prevent the formation of ice on the road however we can’t guarantee every treated surface will be free of ice so it’s important to make sure you drive to the road conditions and please slow down. If conditions are poor, and journeys are not essential, consider waiting until the weather gets better.”

Councillor Meredith added that it’s also important to look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours:
“There’s also the wider implications of bad weather in local communities and we actively encourage residents to be good neighbours looking out for more vulnerable residents. An offer to help could make all the difference to someone who cannot get out on their own, so please do consider how you can help with things like essential shopping or picking up prescriptions.”

When temperatures drop and snow or ice is forecast, gritting teams carry out precautionary gritting and snow clearing, with ploughs fitted to all vehicles when necessary. The council also has over 500 salt bins around the borough in areas where particularly difficult conditions exist.

• View severe weather updates and how to get ready for winter
• You can also get live daily updates on Twitter, search #RochdaleGrit

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

Rochdale Borough Council has put in place a support programme to help thousands of vulnerable residents and families with essentials this winter. As a key part of its support offer, the council is using £2.3 million from the government’s Household Support Fund to provide:-

• Targeted support for low income households, through provision of free school meals for eligible families over the Christmas holiday, February half-term and Easter holiday
• Delivery of a household fund, where people can access shopping and fuel vouchers
• Targeted support for older residents in receipt of council tax support
• A package of housing energy support

The council will also be working with partners across the borough, including the voluntary sector, community groups and charities, to ensure those most in need receive targeted assistance. Older residents who qualify for council tax support have already been contacted by the council and will receive their first payment by Friday 17 December 2021, benefitting over 7,000 households.

Additionally, the borough’s successful community warehouse, which has been in place throughout the pandemic, will continue to provide food parcels, cleaning products, nappies, baby food and other essential supplies for families and older people.

Councillors have ensured food vouchers will continue to be provided for lower income families over Christmas, February half-term and Easter. Families will be contacted directly and it will be targeted at over 12,500 children in the borough eligible for free school meals or identified through children’s services. In addition, the Holiday Activity Fund will be running over Christmas, providing activities and food for children on free school meals.

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of the council, said: “Throughout the pandemic we have been committed to supporting and protecting our most vulnerable residents. This wide-ranging and targeted assistance builds on our innovative work over the last 20 months. It’s a real partnership effort, utilising our strong community networks, to deliver for those residents who most need our help. I am proud of what we have delivered for our residents, but there is still a lot to do which is reflected in our decision to reach out even further.”

He added: “As a responsible and progressive council, it’s important we help to ensure that no resident should go hungry, is unable to heat their house, or feed their family this winter. Almost 28,000 Universal Credit claimants in our borough have recently lost £20 per week. That is money to put food on the table and heat their homes. This package goes someway to offset the hardship that cut will cause, especially as the cost of food, fuel and other essentials is increasing. We have a proud history in our borough of ensuring the vulnerable households and older residents are protected. I would urge anyone who could benefit from this winter help to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Households who are in particular need are being encouraged to get in touch, to see what assistance could be available for them.

• View available winter support on: www.rochdale.gov.uk/wintersupport
• You can also phone the council’s hotline number on 01706 923685, 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, for help and further information.

Lancashire News

The High Court has quashed a Planning Inspector’s decision to allow a developer to build 39 homes in Ribble Valley.
In Ribble Valley Borough Council v the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Oakmere Homes, His Honour Judge Bird ruled that the council’s application of local planning policy had been correct.
The council applied to the High Court to quash a decision by the Planning Inspectorate to allow an appeal by Oakmere Homes to build the houses at the junction of Chatburn Road and Pimlico Link Road in Clitheroe.

The council argued that the inspector had erred in law when making his decision on the basis that he had misinterpreted local planning policy set out in its Core Strategy. The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government said he agreed with the council and did not participate in the hearing. Ribble Valley Borough Council’s Core Strategy aims to protect open countryside from development. And the successful delivery and defence of the Core Strategy was fundamental in the council’s decision to challenge the inspector’s decision.

In his ruling, His Honour Judge Bird quashed the decision by planning inspector Graham Robbie, saying: “The inspector’s decision is firmly rooted in a misunderstanding of the policy and so must be quashed.” Nicola Hopkins, Ribble Valley Borough Council’s director of economic development and planning, said: “Our Core Strategy sets out what can be built in the borough and where, shaping infrastructure investments and determining future development.
“It seeks to direct housing to sustainable locations and protect the borough’s open countryside, which is a top priority.
“This ruling confirms the correct application of our Core Strategy and that development in the countryside will only be allowed when justified by local need.”

Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Stephen Atkinson said: “Our officers work hard to ensure the right type of development takes place in the right locations across the borough and we welcome this judgment, which has supported and protected our Core Strategy.

Judge Bird found in favour of Ribble Valley Borough Council and awarded costs against the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Oakmere Homes.
The matter will now be referred back to the Planning Inspectorate for reconsideration.

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

Every day 123 foster families from across Blackburn with Darwen are giving 246 fostered children and young people a loving, secure and stable home and this commitment has been ongoing throughout the pandemic.
This is why a ‘thank you celebration’ event for children and their carers was held recently. The ‘Let’s Get Back Together’ day was organised by the Foster Carers Association and held at the TIPIS at Riley Green where foster carers were celebrated for all the work that they do.

The children had many activities to enjoy after being unable to take part in group activities for so long.
A foster child who attended said: It was absolutely phenomenal, definitely a day to remember. The Foster carers that attended the event were also very appreciative, Peter, who fosters for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: I would like to thank Children’s Services for funding such a much needed event for all our children of all ages, I spent all afternoon watching all of their smiling faces, even the babies there. A massive thank you to all of the Foster Carers Association for all their time put in to organising this. We even managed to have the weather. Great work to all the carers for making the effort to give all the children a much-needed boost. Thanks again.

Claire another foster carer who attended the event echoed the gratitude: It was a fab day, well organised event, looking forward to future ones. Kiddies big and small loved it. A big well done to the organisers.

Cllr Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said: The Foster Carers Association (FCA) arranged the most wonderful event at the Tipis and it was fantastic to see so many of our children and young people having fun, tackling the assault course, face painting, enjoying the circus skills, the climbing wall and the delicious food too. The weather was great, it really was a perfect day for everyone to spend time together, the care, support of our carers is clear for all to see, we know how lucky we are in BwD to have them, and that is why we were keen to support the celebration. My thanks go to everyone who helped to organise the day, the FCA and Children’s Services, Young People’s Services and special thanks too to the Tipis for hosting our party at such a beautiful venue. The ‘Lets Foster’ team have also recently launched a Health and Wellbeing fortnight. The aim was to make sure foster carers in BwD are provided with the right support with a focus on how we look after each other and ourselves.

The fostering service wants to ensure that foster carers are given every opportunity to maintain and flourish with positive health and wellbeing for themselves. In December, the FCA will be hosting a Christmas Party at The Legends Lounge at Blackburn Rovers. This will be open to all Blackburn with Darwen foster carers and families, as well as our fostering staff.

Focus for recruitment over the Christmas Period will be for Emergency Foster Carers. Special carers who could take a child or young person at a moment’s notice. This could be after school for one night or over a weekend until arrangements have been made for a more permanent solution. Emergency foster carers normally have other jobs but are able to help us help a child or young person when they need them most.

Jayne Ivory, Director of Children’s Services added: Foster carers accomplish incredible things every day, even in the face of a global crisis that has affected every one of us and impacted all aspects of our society. Despite the practical and emotional challenges that the pandemic is bringing, foster carers continue to provide day-to-day support, love and stability to children and young people who can’t live with their birth families. They support children and young people’s education, health, and social wellbeing, and help to maintain the children’s relationship with the people who are important to them. Blackburn with Darwen urgently needs more foster carers to make sure fostered children can live with the right foster carer for them. Short break or emergency foster care also allows foster carers to build their experience and confidence so if you’ve ever considered fostering please get in touch.

For more information regarding Fostering visit https://www.letsfoster.co.uk/ or call 0800 328 6919

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

Chris Maxwell was pleased to get back in a ‘match scenario’ by featuring in a game against Huddersfield Town’s B side this afternoon.

The goalkeeper, sidelined with a quadricep tear since early October, got a valuable 65 minutes between the sticks in a 2-2 draw at the Terriers’ training ground, which saw CJ Hamilton and Tyreece John-Jules on target for the Seasiders. “It was good to blow the cobwebs off and get back in a match scenario. It was much-needed and felt really good. My body is fine and it’s great to be back,” the Blackpool skipper admitted. “It was going to be a long process (returning from injury). It took longer than I anticipated, but it’s quite normal for a thigh injury for a goalkeeper to take that much time. The physio and the gaffer have built me up slowly and I feel great.”

Sitting out nine first-team fixtures isn’t something the 31-yeer-old is particularly used to, however he’s tried to put the time to good use and support his team-mates in a different way. “I’m not used to missing games, and it has been difficult at times, but that’s part and parcel of football. I’ve been fortunate enough to be fit for pretty much my whole career. I’ve now learnt from the process and I’m glad to be back,” he said.

“I’ve still tried to be influential in the dressing room, even though I’ve not been on the pitch. I always try to help the players playing and those not in the squad to the best of my ability. It’s been different, but I’ve enjoyed that different type of leadership.”

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

Manchester Storm are delighted to announce the signing of blueliner Medric Mercier, most recently of Glasgow Clan (EIHL).

The defenceman made his EIHL debut with Glasgow earlier this month and is now available for selection in Manchester, as the 25-year-old looks to continue his professional hockey career within the Elite League. Mercier comes from strong junior hockey pedigree with 178 OHL games between Soo Greyhounds and Oshawa Generals, in the process rubbing shoulders with current NHL skaters such as: Darnell Nurse; Nick Ritchie; Jared McCann; Tony DeAngelo and Anthony Cirelli. After a successful major junior career, Mercier spent three years representing University of Ottawa making 73 appearances and producing 37 points (17G 20A).

Then, like many, the young Canadian spent a year out of the game before heading over to the Elite League. Head Coach, Ryan Finnerty, had this to say about his newest Storm signing: “At 6ft3 and 100kg…Merc fits the bills for playing on our ice-pad. He has had a brief taste of life in the league, with the Clan, and he is hungry to make things work in the professional game. He comes from excellent hockey stock…the Greyhounds and Generals produce excellent all-round players with a high hockey IQ.

Having the option to bring in Merc so quickly worked perfectly for both parties and we are looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table here in Manchester. In terms of our current position, I have always looked to leave enough in the budget to make changes; put pressure on roster spots and build flexibility into the line-up. I feel it is really important to do this as we head into the busiest part of the campaign and bringing in guys with a point to prove is something that has worked well for us in the past.”

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

Joe Rodwell-Grant’s loan deal with Bamber Bridge has been extended until 1st January 2022. The 19-year-old initially joined Jamie Milligan’s side on a month-long deal, which came to an end last weekend, but he will now stay on at league leaders Brig until the new year.

Joe, alongside fellow PNE first-year professional Lewis Coulton, has been heavily involved in recent weeks for the Northern Premier League Premier Division side, opening his account for them in a recent 4-1 victory over Witton Albion. He will now look to carry on gaining minutes and experience with the table toppers and continue their push for promotion.

Best of luck for the rest of your loan spell, Joe!