PARISH COUNCIL OF NORTH MEOLS

BANKS WARD

VACANCY FOR A COUNCILLOR

There is a vacancy on the above Council caused by the resignation of Cllr.Mark Howard.

A bye-election to fill the vacancy will be held if within 14 days (excluding Saturdays/Sundays, or Bank Holidays) from the date below ten electors for the ward give notice in writing claiming such an election to the Returning Officer.

The address for the Returning Officer is West Lancs.Borough Council, Council Offices, 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2DF.

If no such notice is given the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option.

Dated 18 December 2009.

Signed ………………………… Clerk to the Council

9th December 2009
WINTER FUEL BONUS SCAM
Source: Lancashire Trading Standards

Please be aware that there have been complaints from older residents about a caller who telephones to inform them that they are entitled to an extra amount on their Winter Fuel Payment or an extra Christmas Bonus.

The caller then asks for personal details such as date of birth claiming that they need to confirm they are talking to the right person.  They then ask for bank account details.

These calls are not genuine and no official service would contact a customer and ask for bank details in this way.

Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506.

3rd December 2009
COUNCIL TAX REBATE SCAM
Source: Lancashire Trading Standards

Lancashire residents are warned that they may receive a telephone call from someone claiming to be from The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) or The Local Council. Consumers are informed that they have been identified as being eligible for a rebate on their council tax and are asked for credit card or bank details so that an "admin fee" can be taken to process the refund or so the refund can be put into their account.These calls are bogus and residents should not provide any details to the caller.

Trading Standards have had reports of these calls being received in West Lancashire but believe residents throughout the county may be at risk. A spokesmen for VOA has confirmed that they would never ask for financial details.

8th November 2009
COUNCILLOR RESIGNS WEST LANCS PARTY WHIP
Source: Hubmaker Media

Dear Sir,

I would like to inform my ward members in North Meols that I have resigned the conservative whip at WLBC.

The reason for this is that I cannot reconcile what I believe to be my first political priority, which is to represent and fight for my ward members, and my loyalty to the Conservative Party.

I intend, with the approval of my ward members, to continue as an independent councillor until the elections in 2011.

I will continue to support the Conservative Group on the council providing that their proposals are not, in my view, detrimental to the residents of North Meols in particular and the Northern Parishes in general. I will also continue to fight for the needs and aspirations of the people of Banks and the Northern Parishes.

I hope I will continue to receive the same level of support as an independent councillor as I received as a Conservative councillor.

Regards

Cllr Dr David Vickers
MBIH MPACH PhD MBA Dip Tech
North Meols Borough Councillor

3rd September 2009
FISHERMAN FOUND DEAD
Source: Fleetwood Today

A fisherman has been found dead after falling into a river near Southport.

A body, believed to be that of a 39-year-old man, was recovered from the River Crossens in Banks at 8.10pm on Tuesday.

Emergency services had been called to the scene three hours earlier by a member of the public.

Divers from underwater search teams found the body, after initial searches by coastguard and fire crews from Penwortham and Tarleton failed to locate him. A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "The regional police underwater search team located and recovered a body that was found in the water near to point of entry."

Read the complete article at Fleetwood Today

BANKS WARD

NOTICE OF CASUAL VACANCY

Notice is hereby given that by reason of the resignation of Cllr.Joan Draper a vacancy has occurred among the members of the Parish Council. Any person willing to fill this vacancy should apply to the Clerk in writing as soon as possible. The applicant’s name must appear on the current register of the Voters List, or the applicant should during the whole of the twelve months preceding the relevant date resided in or within three miles of the parish, or the applicant’s only place of work during the whole of the twelve months preceding the relevant date be in the parish. The applicant must not be debarred from standing as a Councillor.

PUBLIC elections cannot be held until the year 2011 but for the interim period election to the aforesaid Council will be voted for by the present sitting number of Councillors.

R.P.Sears
Clerk to the Council
25 Irton Road
Southport
PR9 9DY

24 August 2009

15th July 2009
SWINE FLU UPDATE - THS AUTHORISED ABSCENCE
Source: Tarleton High School

Dear Parents,

Following indications that a small number of pupils and staff were displaying swine flu-like symptoms yesterday, we liaised with the North West Health Protection Agency. We were asked to send you a letter from Dr John Astbury, who is the Consultant in Health Protection. As you will see in that letter, the advice from the Health Protection Agency is that the school should not be closed because such action would fail to reduce the spread of the virus within the community or to pupils and staff.

A number of parents have contacted the school to inform us that they would prefer not to send their children to school during the current time. Clearly, such a decision is only for parents to make, however, if you should take that decision then we will authorise the absence. I would be grateful if you could inform us when you take the decision to keep your child at home so that we can amend our attendance records.

Our ability to keep Tarleton High open is pre-dominantly dependent upon the effects of the virus upon the staff. As of today, four members of staff have reported illnesses which suggest swine flu-like symptoms though only two have been definitely diagnosed as having the virus. We are monitoring closely the effects of the virus on both the pupils and staff. If we reach a critical point at which we have insufficient staff to safeguard the children’s welfare then I may have to close the school either partially or in full. If that occurs then I will inform you immediately of the consequences of that decision.
May I remind you of the advice from the Health Protection Agency that, providing they are well, pupils should continue to attend the school as normal.  If, however, pupils show fever or flu-like symptoms they should stay at home and you should contact NHS Direct on 08454647 or their GP by phone for advice.

Thank you for your help in this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony D Hardiker
Headteacher

13th July 2009
HIGH SCHOOL CONFIRM SWINE FLU
Source: Hubmaker Media

Tarleton High School have today confirmed that a member of staff has been clinically diagnosed as suffering from swine flu.

The Health Protection Agency has concluded that as swine flu is now present and spreading locally it recommends that the school should not be closed as this would fail to reduce the spread within the community.

Children who are suffering flu-like illness should stay off school for a minimum of seven days from the beginning of their flu symptoms and not be sent back to school until they are fully well.

Health Protection Agency - Swine Influenza (influenza A H1N1v)

4th July 2009
HIGH SCHOOL MEMORABILIA SOUGHT
Source: Tarleton High School

We are a small group of staff and pupils at Tarleton High School who would like to find out about its history. Do you have any photos or memorabilia (old exercise books or items of uniform maybe?) from days gone by at the school? What was the uniform like? What subjects did you study? What buildings were there? What rules do you remember? What happened when rules were broken? What were lessons like? What were the highlights?

We are especially interested in the first decade of the school, when it opened at Tarleton County Secondary School in the 1960’s. Were you among the first pupils? We are also interested in memories from the 1970’s and 1980’s.

If you can help in any way, possibly even be willing to visit the school and talk to pupils sometime, then please get in touch.

Any photos can be sent to Ms Lund, Tarleton High School, Hesketh Lane, Tarleton, PR4 6AQ. We can be e-mailed on d.lund@tarletonhigh.lancs.sch.uk or telephoned on 01772 812644. We hope to begin our project on Tuesday 14th July.

1st May 2009
POLICE SEiZE STOLEN CARAVANS AT LEISURE LAKES
Source: Southport Visitor

2nd April 2009
DISCUSS LOCAL FLOODING ISSUES
Source: North Meols Parish Council

25th March 2009
NIFTY FIFTIES SPECIAL OLYMPICS FUNDRAISER
Source: Hubmaker Media

19th March 2009
APPEAL FOR 'PINK TIE & TIARA' SPONSORS
Source: Hubmaker Media

17th March 2009
AWARD FOR TARLETON HIGH SCHOOL PROGRESS
Source: Hubmaker Media

13th February 2009
BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION
Source: North Meols Parish Council

15th January 2009
DAVID BORROW RAISES LOCAL FLOODING ISSUES
Source: Hansard

11th December
TEA TOWEL TRADERS WARNING
Source: Lancashire Trading Standards

FLOODING IN BANKS

Dear Editor

I do not know if you are aware, but there was a public meeting held in Banks on Monday 1st December, under the auspices of David Borrow MP, to discuss flooding issues in Banks. The speakers were drawn from the Environment Agency, United Utilities and WLDC; there was a very good turnout of Banks’ residents, about 80 to 100 and the County councillor Malcolm Barron was also in attendance.

It was quite a lively debate with complaints coming thick and fast.

What did emerge from the debate was:

There is something like 300 new houses in the pipeline for Banks over the next few years; 43 immediately and another 250 if the Greaves Hall regeneration goes ahead.

With them, and any other approved developments in the village, the whole infrastructure of the village will collapse, but that will be alright because the houses will be aesthetically pleasing even if raw sewage is running down the road.

Regards,
Cllr David Vickers, North Meols District Councillor, 3rd December 2008

17th November
IMPORTANCE OF RIBBLE ESTUARY
Source: BBC

The Ribble Estuary has been named as a site of international importance for water birds in winter in a new report.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) report said the Lancashire estuary is a crucial home for 14 species of birds. It is named as the most important site in the UK for the wigeon, a duck whose population has fallen by one-fifth nationally and an important place for wintering birds such as whooper and Bewick's swans, pink-footed geese, knots, dunlins, sanderlings, bar-tailed and black-tailed godwits.

7th November
FARMER FINED FOR CARAVAN FIRE
Source: West Lancashire District Council

A farmer from Mere Brow has been hit with a massive fine for setting fire to caravans and burning dangerous waste.

Ormskirk Magistrates gave Timothy Edwards, of Banister House Farm, the maximum fine of £5,000 on 30 October after they found him guilty of allowing dark smoke to be emitted from his land.

Officers from West Lancashire District Council were called to Mr Edwards’ farm on the 16 May 2008 after a fire the previous evening. Upon their visit they found the remains of what looked like a caravan and other materials that would have given rise to dark smoke.

Dark smoke is a clear indicator that serious environmental pollution is being caused and under the Clean Air Act 1993 it is an offence to do this.

Magistrates were so incensed by his activities and the fact that he failed to turn up in court they dished out the maximum fine allowable. Together with court costs, Mr Edwards will have to pay a total of £5,225.

Cllr Geoff Hammond, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: "This is an excellent result for us and demonstrates the seriousness of the offence. The magistrates clearly recognised this, which is why they dished out the maximum fine to make an example of his irresponsible behaviour. This should act as a warning to others thinking of burning waste in this hazardous manner and of detriment to the environment. I hope this case will encourage other people to dispose of their waste properly."

Over the last couple of years, the Council has successfully prosecuted a number of people for dark smoke cases, particularly on farmland.

7th November
DOORSTEP CRIME UPDATE
Source: Lancashire Trading Standards Service

Residents are asked to be wary about three separate traders currently operating in the Preston, and Chorley areas at the moment.

We have reports of a tree service company cold calling and leaving leaflets in the Chorley area (6 November 2008), the trader is believed to use insufficient safety equipment and precautions, and does not give required cancellation rights. He has recently dumped grass cuttings on the consumer’s drive when payment for work was refused.

There is also a trader with an Irish accent driving a plain white 55 registered van, working in the Fulwood, Preston area (6 November 2008) approaching and cold calling consumers and using pushy selling practices to sell allegedly left-over tarmac. He gives out a Liverpool (0151) landline number.

Finally, we have a roofing contractor in a white transit van cold calling elderly residents in the Ribbleton, Preston area, handing out paperwork with a 0800 number and a mobile number, and offering to replace or install plastic guttering and fascias.  Again written cancellation rights are not provided and the traders appear to be uncontactable on the numbers we have.

Residents should be aware that several roofing companies are currently using the 131 Friargate address on paperwork, this is simply an accommodation address where mail may be collected from time to time, no roofers are actually based there.
 
Consumers agreeing to deal with traders where the contract is agreed at the consumer’s home should be aware that they will have a seven-day cooling off period to cancel any work agreed to, or any purchases made over £35, although in certain circumstances the customer may have to pay for any goods installed or work carried out so far. Also be aware that the contract will not be enforceable against the customer unless information about your right to cancel is given in writing.
 
We advise residents never to deal with cold-callers, to ensure you obtain full name, address and landline details from all workmen, and to double-check identification and references from other customers- do not assume credentials are genuine. Also ensure any price you are quoted is fair and genuine by obtaining estimates from other traders, and by ensuring the work agreed and the price to be charged is written down on a quotation before you agree to the work starting.

Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.

SEEKING MELANIE ASHCROFT

We are trying to find the whereabouts of Melanie Ashcroft.

In 1994 we purchased a horse for our daughter Katie from Melanie. Mel had owned Tess since she was a foal. I think Mel lived in Hesketh Bank but Tess was stabled at Banks.

Unfortunately, Tess has died and my daughter would like to meet up with Melanie and show her all the photos of Tess and how well they did together in competition; at one point Tess was Welsh Veteran Champion.

We loved Tess and know that Melanie did too and my daughter feels it is only right that we let Mel know. If anyone could help in the search for Melanie we would appreciate it. EDITORS UPDATE 4th November - Mel has now been in contact with Karen]

Regards,
Karen Bury, 28th October 2008

27th October
ACTION TO HELP LOCAL SMALL SHOPS
Source: Press Release

Lorraine Fullbrook the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Tarleton, Banks, Hesketh Bank and Rufford has launched a campaign to help small shops in the villages save money by claiming Small Business Rate Relief.  

Roughly half of eligible local businesses do not claim the relief, according to the Conservative Party. The reason is that many of them simply don't know it exists. Yet it could save local shops up to £1,100 per annum. So the Conservatives have created a simple online tool to help firms check their eligibility and print off the form.

Lorraine urged local small businesses to go to http://www.conservatives.com/smallshops/.

If a business is eligible it can then print out a form, fill it in and send it to their local council.

Lorraine comments,

Our local shops and businesses are facing tough times but they are the life blood of our economy and our community. I want to help them and this new online tool is simple way I and the Conservative Party can help firms survive."

19th October
MERE BROW GIANT PUMPKIN COMPETITION
A whopping 717lb was enough to secure the NFU Mutual All England Shield for Clive Bevan who travelled up from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire with his pumpkin. The Mere Brow & District Shield was won by Josh Whiteside who's giant pumpkin weighed in at 535lb.

Clive Bevan 2008 Winner of the NFU Mutual Insurance All England Shield

Josh Whiteside 2008 Winner of the Mere Brow & District Shield

For the full weigh off results please see www.merebrowgiantpumpkins.com

Mere Brow Giant Pumpkins Video Report

6th August 2008
HIGH SCHOOL REUNION - CLASS OF 1998
Source: Nicola Cubbin

A school reunion for the Tarleton High School class of 1998 has been organised.

If you attended Tarleton High School from 1993-1998 then you are invited to the 10 year reunion which will be held at Mere Brow Village Hall on Saturday 27th September.

Tickets cost £5 each, and are available from Sarah Bridge at Chameleon (the printing shop), Church Road, Tarleton or via Nicola Cubbin at nic_noc1 (at) yahoo.com. More details and the latest information can be found on Facebook.