News
Fire Safety. Is Your Home Safe?
January 18, 2012 | 
Author WORKING SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES – EVERY HOUSE SHOULD HAVE ONE
THOUGH the number of house fires and injuries in Lancashire are at their lowest levels, in the last month, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has rescued 23 people from house fires. Sadly six people have lost their lives, including four children.
Working smoke alarms and a little basic fire awareness can make the difference between life and death in the event of a fire in the home. They give a vital early warning and extra time to escape.
You can get a FREE smoke alarm and fire safety advice from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service at ANY fire station in Lancashire on Saturday 21st January between 11am and 5pm – just call in.
Alternatively fire service staff will also be out and about at shopping centres, football grounds and other community venues during this time. Visit our website www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk to find out where they will be. People can also get a smoke alarm from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service by ringing 0800 169 1125 to book a Home Fire Safety Check.
Peter Holland, Lancashire’s Chief Fire Officer said: “So many deaths and injuries from house fires can be prevented by taking a few simple steps such as taking care when cooking, putting out cigarettes and not leaving electrical appliances switched on. But if a fire does happen, a working smoke detector will help to save your life by giving you an early warning and more time to get out. If you haven’t got a smoke alarm come to your fire station this Saturday to get one, or phone us to arrange a home fire safety check.
“If you have a smoke alarm – go and check it now and check it every week after this. Never, ever remove the batteries or take the smoke alarm down from the ceiling. Clean your smoke alarm with a vacuum cleaner attachment twice a year – perhaps when the clocks change. These simple actions could mean the difference between life and death.
Information and video on how to fit, test and clean smoke alarms is available the Service website www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk, on its Facebook page Lancashire Fire and Rescue or on You Tube.
Sue Blackburn
Watch Liaison Officer
Community Safety Department
Lancashire Constabulary
Western Division (Blackpool and Fylde)
Bonny Street
Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 5RL
Posted in 
Book Club
I am looking to set up a Book Club in Wrea Green ,if anyone interested in joining please contact Karen Smurthwaite on 01772 672500.
Police – Rural Fylde Newsletter
Pilates at the Church Centre
I’m a former resident of Wrea Green and am delighted to return to work here as a Freelance Fitness Instructor: ‘Simply Fitness’ with Sue.
I enjoy teaching Fitness Pilates at St. Nicholas’ Church (where I got married!) and hold mixed ability classes for the community on Tuesdays and Thursdays (at 5.45pm and at 7pm) in the lovely room at the church Centre. The classes cater for all levels, each exercise has options.
Pilates is a matwork-based series of exercises originally designed by Joseph Pilates, to improve posture, strength, balance and flexibility. It has been popular with celebrities, sports people and the general public for its many benefits, e.g. from back care to toning the abdominals etc.
I also hold Pilates/yoga fusion classes to stretch the body and and relax the mind. These are ‘stress-busting’ Candlelit sessions and include a longer relaxation.
The next dates are:
Weds. Nov. 23rd (6.30pm for 2 hours)
Tues. Dec. 13th (6.30pm for 2 hours)
Thurs. Dec 15th (6.30pm for 2 hours)
My contact details are: simplyfitness4u@yahoo.co.uk
tel: 07757 952 720 to book a class (essential please)
Thank you.
Police Security Advice
Almost half of Blackpool and Fylde burglaries committed at insecure homes – lock up to keep thieves out
RESIDENTS are being urged to keep their most treasured possessions safe by making sure they lock doors and windows to keep burglars out.
During September and October almost half of the burglaries committed in Blackpool and the Fylde happened because householders had failed to secure their homes. Figures show that 76 homes were targeted because doors and windows were unlocked, allowing criminals easy access to take what they wanted.
Detective Inspector Becky Smith, Blackpool CID, said: “A person’s home is often the biggest financial investment of their life and inside that home are the things that are most dear to them – sentimental items, valuable possessions, and of course their family and other loved ones.
“It seems unbelievable that people would put these things at risk by not locking up when they go to bed or when they leave the house – and yet this was the case in 45 per cent of the burglaries that we were called to over the past two months.”
She added: “Burglary rates are low across the county, but it is disappointing to know that amongst those that have taken place, almost half could have been avoided through simple crime prevention measures. We need residents to work with us when it comes to combating crime and locking out thieves.”
Residents should –
- Keep front and back doors locked and windows closed at all times.
- If windows are open keep them on the latch so that they cannot be opened further from outside.
- Fit a door chain and use it whenever you answer the door to an unexpected caller
- Keep side gates locked
- Use a strong lock on sheds, garages and other outbuildings
- Consider fitting outdoor security lighting
- Keep an eye on neighbouring properties and if you see anything suspicious contact police.
If you have information about a burglary contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45. In an emergency always dial 999
Lancashire Police Action on Rogue Traders
Over 1,300 spoken to in rogue trader operation
OVER 1,300 residents were spoken to across Lancashire in a week-long operation to target rogue traders and pushy doorstep sellers.
More than 400 police officers were involved in the operation along with staff from trading standards and other government agencies in the week of activities aimed to target rogue traders and highlight the dangers that consenting to have work carried out by cold callers can bring.
The operation saw increased police patrols in areas where older and vulnerable people live and over 10,000 advice packs distributed between Monday 17 October and Sunday 23 October.
144 businesses were spoken to by officers to remind them of their responsibilities.
In addition 334 vehicles were stopped on roads across the county to check for offences and seven vehicles were seized.
Insp Wendy Bower from Lancashire Constabulary said: “We hope that this operation helped to raise awareness of how residents can work with us to prevent becoming a victim of such crime.
“The results should also send a message to offenders that we are working to tackle the issues and, if we suspect that they are involved such criminality, they will be targeted.
“Crime levels in Lancashire are at an all time low and it is our firm intention to ensure they remain that way. We will continue to do all we can to make it difficult for rogue traders to operate in the county.”
In the past year (1 August 2010 to 30 September 2011), Lancashire Trading Standards received 349 complaints about cold callers including builders, driveways, roofing and bogus charity collectors. 882 complaints were received about bogus sales in the same period.
In addition 456 complaints were received about unwanted unsolicited scam mail and 990 complaints were received about unsolicited scam telephone calls.
County Councillor Albert Atkinson, deputy leader for Lancashire County Council, said: “If people only remember one thing as a result of this campaign it should be not to do business on the doorstep.
“Our Trading Standards Service works year round to protect consumers from unscrupulous doorstep callers and this high-profile week of action only helps to reinforce the message that they’re not welcome in Lancashire.
“The Help Direct service keeps a register of honest and reliable tradesmen so if you’re thinking of having work done they’re a good place to start.”
People should report cases of rogue traders or uninvited doorstep callers to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. Help Direct is available on 0303 333 11 11. Anyone with information that would lead to the arrest of any distraction burglar or rogue trader should ring Lancashire Constabulary on 0845 1 25 35 45 or call Crimestoppers, the national charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Lyndsay Milligan
Community Safety Officer
Western Division
Int: 404076
Ext: 01253 604076
Parish Newsletter Autumn 2011
RIBBY WITH WREA PARISH COUNCIL
AUTUMN 2011 NEWSLETTER
As I write this newsletter I am looking out on a beautiful clear blue sky with bright sunshine but the colours in the trees and gardens remind me that Autumn is here and these warm days are a bonus. With Winter just around the corner it’s time to make sure our older residents are set up for the cold weather ahead so please give an extra thought to your neighbours and any older people you may know.
BONFIRE NIGHT AT THE “TUTE”
Again this year we are holding a village bonfire on the 5th November at the rear of the Institute with fireworks and BBQ food. This has proved really popular over the last few years and hopefully with a fine night we shall have another good do. I thank the committee of Wrea Green Institute for their support and the Walton family for letting the village use their field for the bonfire and firework display.
CHRISTMAS SWITCH ON
On Saturday the 3rdof December at the Christmas tree lights will be switched on at 4.30 p.m. on the little Green with a brass band there to accompany the singing of carols. Festive fayre will be available so come along and enjoy the start of the Christmas season.
PACT MEETINGS
These meetings are an opportunity for the public to discuss their concerns and ideas with the police authority but unfortunately they are very poorly attended. They take place on the first Monday each month either at Wrea Green Institute or Ballam church. Please make an effort. Details are always on the police noticeboard on the bus shelter at the school entrance on the Station Road.
SPEEDING THROUGH THE VILLAGE
The Parish Council speed device is showing an alarming number of vehicles travelling within the village at speeds well in excess of 30 mph. When the police have targeted the village unfortunately a large number of offenders have not been outsiders but local residents. Please respect your village and watch your speed..
WREA GREEN INSTITUTE
The Institute is currently carrying out an enhancement programme on the downstairs room, including a new kitchen facility. It should be completed by the New Year and will have facilities for daytime events and evening functions for up to a 100 people. An open day is to be arranged so show an interested in a local facility and drop in at that time.
VILLAGE LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
This committee which arranges all the floral displays and various visual project enhancements is largely responsible for the various awards your village has won over the years. Based on this regular success Wrea Green is considered the number one village in Lancashire, and the one to beat in the Lancashire Best Kept Village Competition, Champion’s Class. However, the committee is seriously short of members – down to six with only two non parish council representatives. If you have anything to contribute whatsoever (physical or organisational support) please become a volunteer. Contact the Clerk (details on the back page) and he will advise you of the details of the next meeting.
LANCASHIRE BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION – 2011.
After back to back village wins in this competition Wrea Green was not successful this year. However, congratulations to St. Nicholas Church gardens and the primary school on winning their categories in the competition.
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY – 13 NOVEMBER 2011
The Remembrance Sunday service commences at St. Nicholas Church at 10.15 a.m. and at the War Memorial at 11.00 a.m.
This year the War Memorial has been improved with the recent laying of a Lancashire stone base. This enhancement has been financed by this parish council and Westby with Plumptons Parish councils, the two councils that form the Joint War Memorial Committee.
I also wish to thank Jack Dobson who spends a great deal of time and money looking after the War Memorial gardens.
COUNCILLORS’ PEN PICTURES
Continuing my “who’s who” of Parish Councillors :- Councillor Ken Lupton – Ken has lived in the village for 8 years and joined the Parish Council in September 2010. Semi-retired from the brewing industry he is a keen member of the Table Tennis group and serves on the Olympic Committee. Married to Pat he has 2 children, one living in Australia, 3 grandchildren plus another one in Aus on the way.
Likes – Music, Country Walks, Wildlife
Dislikes – Intolerance, Litter
Contact – See back of newsletter
Councillor Amy Uphill- Amy writes – My family’s history in the village goes back to the early 1800s and I’ve been fortunate to live in Wrea Green all my life. I’m now enjoying bringing up my two year old son, Charlie, with husband Dave in our beautiful village. I work full-time as Marketing Manager for the Bowker Motor Group and in my spare time I enjoy tap dancing, W.I. and spending quality time with Charlie and Dave. I’m a lover of all things “Apple” and think Social Networking is one of the most powerful creations of the modern world.
Contact – See back of newsletter
Keep warm,
Kind regards,
Janet
| FYLDE BOROUGH COUNCILLOR | |
22nd October, 2011.
Fylde Borough has enjoyed a fairly quiet summer but not so Wrea Green. One area of local activity has been the production of a “Neighbourhood Plan”. This should allow Wrea Green to decide how, when and if the village is developed further and the group is excellently chaired by John Rowson and includes myself, many Parish Councillors and a selection of other interested residents. At the time of writing it is not clear when the plan will be submitted because the new Localism Bill which incorporates the NPPF (Nation Planning Policy Framework) on which it is based is not yet law. This group believe it will be in the interests of the village to be ready to submit our plans to Fylde Borough Council at the earliest possible opportunity. A local consultation exercise held in the Church Community Centre on 1st October received overwhelming endorsement from those who voted on it. Two main recommendations have been made which include designating a strip of land between Wrea Green and Kirkham as “Greenbelt” (which affords a higher planning protection than “Countryside”) and requesting a rail halt in the village. This has the drawback of making it more difficult for Wrea Green to oppose future large housing developments and it is therefore considered that it might be wiser to request the enhancement of Kirkham station’s parking facilities instead.
The application to create a sporting facility known as the Greenland’s Sports Village on land adjacent to Wray Crescent and Ribby Road has been resubmitted. The application is very similar to the first application except that the cricket facilities have been replaced with hockey facilities. This application is largely identical to the first and it has all the drawbacks of the original application re noise, access, parking, loss of countryside, light pollution etc. A great many residents have written to the planning authority urging rejection and SWAG (Save Wrea Green Action Group) are fighting this application as am I. It is thought that a decision is likely in December.
The Villa has submitted an application to extend the period of use of their marquee up to the likely completion of their permanent building plans. It is not known when this application will be decided but I would welcome your views no matter if you are for or against this request.
Lastly another village role I have is to edit the Wrea Green web site (www.wreagreen.com) and I’m delighted to say Kate Emery, a former Wrea Greener who is currently studying journalism, is now helping me to ensure all the information the website contains is correct and up to date. The Web site also has a little used “Forum” tab and this could be an excellent way for us to air our views.
Best wishes
Frank
Ribby with Wrea Ward
Fylde Borough Council
TWINNING
Dear All
Hope you’ve all had a lovely summer. Here’s a brief update from Wrea Green Twinning Group:
AGM
Our AGM will be held on Wednesday 2nd November in the Church Annexe from 7.30pm. We promise to keep the formalities brief so we can all enjoy a glass of wine and nibbles afterwards! If you would like to join us, please let me know so we can cater accordingly. We will be looking to recruit a 12 month member onto the committee. If you would like to nominate yourself, or know anyone who would like to be nominated, please let Davina Parker Murphy know in advance – Tel: 684545 or email davinaparkermurphy@yahoo.co.uk
2012 VISIT
It has been arranged that the French will be visiting Wrea Green from 28th April – 1st May 2012. If you would like to be part of the visit in any way, either with hosting (you don’t have to be fluent in French!), organising, or suggesting local places we can visit, please let me know.
All the best
Amy.
Amy Uphill
Vice Chairman
WREA GREEN 20112 OLYMPIC TEAM
A little update on the progress of the Wrea Green Olympic Team.
We are well on the way to our target although we aren’t entirely sure that we will reach it in time for The Olympics 2012 so may have to make up the debit at the marquee events.
Unfortunately, prices for the hire of equipment on an event of this size are always expensive and have increased dramatically since the last one (The Cricket Club Centenary) and our initial estimate was probably a touch on the low side.
Licensing laws have changed which is a huge headache and insurance has soared. (Any insurance brokers in the village who could advise please)
However The Wrea Green Olympic Team are still working hard and with your continued support, we hope to get nearer to our necessary target so as to keep ticket prices to a minimum.
We have some really exciting and fun events lined up for the marquee including a Gala dinner, a Disco, a Last Choir Standing Competition, a swing band night with The Swing Commanders, a Quiz Night and a Kids Day amongst others so we think that we are catering for all tastes and ages, so I would suggest that if you would like to attend some or all of the events then you start a Marquee Piggy Bank today!
FUTURE EVENTS
BONFIRE NIGHT
We will once again be filling your freezing bellies with hot dogs, burgers and steakwiches.
A CHRISTMAS QUIZ NIGHT (Date to be confirmed)
This will again be held at The ‘Tute as last year. We don’t raise huge amounts at small events like this but we have a lot of fun and come a little way to giving support The ‘Tute as they have supported us over the last three years.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS SWITCH-ON
We will be serving up our moreish hot mulled wine (hot Vimto for the children) which will be accompanied by Ruth and Mag’s delicious, homemade mince pies.
Once again we thank you for your continued support and ask again if any of you are willing and able to give a couple of hours to help out at Marquee events, please let us know.
Thank You.
Chrissy
Tel. 01772 672201
Thanks for your support,
Chrissy.
COUNCIL POINTS OF CONTACT –
Chairman – Mrs. Janet Wardell, JP
22 Richmond Avenue 01772 686969
e-mail janet.wardell@hotmail.co.uk
Councillors: Dave Diggle 01772 672041
e-mail david.diggle@hotmail.co.uk
J Jack Dobson 01772 685910
e-mail jackdobson@hotmail.co.uk
Ken Lupton 01772 671373
e-mail kenlupton@talktalk.net
John Molyneux 01772673701
e-mail jcmolyneux@yahoo.co.uk
Mrs. Pat Naylor 07968 139678
e-mail patricianaylor@hotmail.co.uk
Mrs. Amy Uphill 01772 686960
e-mail amy.uphill@bowkermail.com
Cllr. Mrs. Chrissy Wheatman
- 01772 672201
e-mail chrissywheatman@hotmail.com
Clerk: Hadyn Gigg 07920 255880
e-mail parishcouncil@wreagreen.org
Borough: Cllr. Frank Andrews 01772 685427
e-mail fandrews@fylde.gov.uk
County Cllr. Paul Rigby 01253 737207
e-mail paul.rigby@lancashire.gov.uk
MP Mark Menzies 01253 729846.
e-mail: mark.menzies.mp@parliament.uk
Neighbourhood Update Oct 2011
Click here for the latest Neighbourhood watch update.Wrea Green Delivering Results October 2011
Halloween Notice
The police have sent this notice for anyobne who wants to use it.
Parish Council Meeting 10 Oct 8pm
The Parish Council Meeting
To Be Held at WREA GREEN INSTITUTE
On 10 OCTOBER 2011 at 20.00 hours
AGENDA
1. Apologies and Declaration of Interests.
2. Receive and Approve the MINUTES of the Meeting on 12 September 2011.
3. POLICE/CRIME and DISORDER
3.1. Receive the Report of the Community Beat Officer for Information 5
4. PLANNING MATTERS 30
Consider:-
4.1. Applications:-
11/0620 1 Bryuing Avenue
Proposed Solar Panels on Rear Roof.
11/0670 The Old Weighbridge, Station Road
Change of Use from Office to Beauty Salon.
11/0682 The Villa, Moss Side Lane
Proposed Variation of Condition 1 on Planning Permission 10/0862 to Allow Erection of Marquee until 30 September 2013 and Condition 8 to Alter Number of Events Held on Pro Rata Basis to be More Than 119 During Period of Permission (No Change to Location, Use, Housing Operation, Control Over Entertainment
Provided, or Other Aspects.)
4.2. CPRE – Fylde District Group Views on the Draft National Planning Policy
Framework.
5. RECREATION GROUNDS & OPEN SPACES 10
Open Spaces and Greens
Consider;-
5.1. Land Adjacent Wray Crescent Play Area Update.
5.4. Play Area Update
6. FINANCIAL and STANDING ORDER MATTERS 20 Consider:-
6.1. Review and Authorisation of Parish Council Budget Position as at
30 September 2011.
6.2. Payment to CPRE re Campaign Against Countryside Planning.
6.3. Confirm Payment of Accounts
6.4. Approve Payment of Accounts
6.5. Approve and Accept the Annual Return for the Year ended 31 March 2011.
6.6. Play Area service Agreement with Fylde Borough Council.
7. FYLDE BOROUGH/LANCASHIRE COUNTY COUNCILS 10 7.1. For Information Purposes Receive:-
a) Report and Update by County Cllr. P. Rigby on any matters affecting Wrea
Green
b) Report and Update by Borough Cllr. F. Andrews on matters affecting Parish.
8. VILLAGE ACTIVITIES 15 Receive update
8.1.North West in Bloom Competition.
8.2. Neighbourhood Plan 2011.
Consider
8.3. Village SOS Funding.
8.4. Implications of the Shale Exploration/FRACKING on the Fylde Coast.
9. PARISH COUNCIL ACTIVITIES 5
Consider
9.1. The 2013 Review of Parliamentary Constituencies in England – Consultation.
10. HIGHWAYS 10
Consider
10.1. The Village Waste Water & Sewage System/Situation.
11. CLERK’S REPORT – for Information Purposes 5
Hadyn J. Gigg 4 October 2011
Clerk to Ribby with Wrea Parish Council
THE PUBLIC and MEDIA are CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND. The public will be allowed to speak for up to 3 minutes on any issue as long as the Clerk or Chairman is advised in prior to commencement of the meeting.
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