News Items 2005

Recent News....

20 December 2005

BE SEEN BE SAFE

The dark days of winter are upon us and it is timely to remind cyclists of the need to ‘light up’. PC Plummer has already apprehended four cyclists along Ulnes Walton Lane riding without lights. Cyclists without lights not only present a hazard to other road users but also put themselves in danger, so remember – PUT LIGHTS ON YOUR BIKE, WEAR LIGHT CLOTHING, BE SEEN BE SAFE.

16 December 2005

Lindsay Lays The Foundations

MP Lindsay Hoyle paid a visit to Ulnes Walton on Friday 16 December 2005, to lay the foundation stone at the new housing development on Glover Close.

The Ceremony was attended by representatives of the Parish Council; Chorley Borough Council; Wyre Housing and the Regenda Group who have collaborated to assist in the building of the low cost housing.

Lindsay Hoyle is looking forward to a further visit when the houses are complete to welcome to first occupants.

Wyre Housing also presented a cheque for £500 to the Chairman of the Wymott Estate Community Association which will be used towards developing the facilities on Wymott Park.

16 December 2005

Partnership Paves The Way

Plans are a foot to improve Wymott Park. The Parish Council and going to be working in partnership with the Wymott Estate Community Association and Chorley Borough Council to look developing the play facilities on the Park. Watch out for further details of the project over the coming months but if you would like to get involved please contact the Parish Council Clerk.

1 December 2005

Ulnes Walton Lane - Death Trap Or Not?

Thank you, to the residents who have volunteered to join the working group considering road safety along Ulnes Walton Lane.

It is clear from letters; emails and representation at Parish Council meetings that there is definite concern about road safety along the Lane. As explained in the recent newsletter Lancashire County Council now operates a policy whereby they no longer deal with items relating to road safety on a one off basis, Parish Councils must prioritise areas of concern and put them forward for consideration for inclusion in the County Councils Business Plan.

The Parish Council cannot do anything about the concerns relating to Ulnes Walton Lane without the support of residents and whilst some have volunteered to join the working more are needed. Evidence is needed to persuade the County Council to take action, this can only come from the people experiencing the problems.

SO IT IS NOW UP TO RESIDENTS - IF YOU THINK ROAD SAFETY IS A PRIORITY FOR ULNES WALTON LANE THEN PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO JOIN THE WORKING GROUP NOW.

Contact the Clerk by email or on 01772 435516 for further detail.

....and News Not So Recent.....

September: On The Buses, Green Waste Collections, Bogus Awareness Presentations, Vacant Bee Properties To Let, Willow Weaving for Kids, Additional Accomodation At HMP Garth

August: Make A Difference - Ulnes Walton Lane, Wymott Prison - Drugs Situation Update

July: Bee Day Success, Forums, Police Information (Wymott Prison Drugs Situ)

June:  Bee Awareness Day Announcement

May:  Green Award; Summer Workshops Announcement

April: Old School Lives Again; Road Safety; Annual Parish Assembly;  Annual Report 2004/2005; Bee Happy

March:  Southport Road - Highway Safety Measures; The Old School; United Utilities Statement

February:  Proposed Development - Glover Close

January:  Quality Parishes Investment Fund

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23 September 2005

On The Buses!

Following rumours that the 112 service was about to be cut, Lancashire County Council have been contacted. The current operators (Stagecoach) contract comes to end shortly and tenders have been invited for the service to continue in a similar format with slight amendments to the timetable, but possibly with a different operator. The same message still applies as with all public transport – use it or loose it.

23 September 2005

Green Waste Collections

Following complaints from several residents about the mess left behind on green waste collection days due to bags coming open and rubbish being blown about, Chorley Borough have advised that new sacks have been obtained with Velcro fastening or alternatively a plastic box with a lid is available. Both of these can be obtained FREE OF CHARGE and will be delivered to your home, to order a box or bags call Environmental Services on 01257 515355.

16 September 2005

Bogus Awareness Presentations - Chorley & District

A number of partnership organisations (including Victim Support, Trading Standards, Chorley & District Building Society, Lancashire County Council, Age Concern, Chorley Community Safety Partnership and Neighbourhood Watch) have recently co-ordinated a successful presentation by the 50 Something Theatre Group, from Burnley, regarding the scenarios that “bogus” offenders utilise to gain access to the homes of elderly residents. 

Further sponsorship (from Lancashire Partnership Against Crime and Crimestoppers) has been obtained to extend the coverage of these presentations to include Ulnes Walton as follows:

20th October 2005 - Bretherton, Croston, Eccleston,
Mawdesley and Ulnes Walton
VENUE - Mawdesley Village Hall, Hurst Green, Mawdesley

There will be limited transport (in most cases a 52 seater coach) available, but places must be booked in advance.

To book a place at the venue, and on the transport, please contact either
Keith Warren, Age Concern 01257-267194
Mick Connor Chorley Police 01247-246284
Or Margaret Rushton 01257-246384

16 September 2005

Vacant Bee Properties To Let!

Lots of people put their names down at the Bee Awareness Day to receive one of the free bumble bee or solitary bee nest boxes. There is still time to express an interest and if you would like one please email your name address and telephone number to the Parish Clerk as soon as possible. 

The boxes will be distributed in the early Spring and come with full instructions, all we ask is that you let us know when the residents move in.

14 September 2005

Willow Weaving For Kids

Action for Ulnes Walton will be taking part in the Mersey Basin celebration week and is holding a special willow weaving workshop for kids age 8 to 14 (must be accompanied by an adult). 

The afternoon will be led by Viv Booth a local expert in the art of willow weaving. We will be making small models/sculptures of creatures that live by a river that you will be able to take home. NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY BUT YOU WILL SOON BECOME AN EXPERT. 

The event takes place at the Old School on Sunday 2 October 2005 from 2pm to 4pm. The event is being funded by the Mersey Basin Campaign, all we ask is a small contribution of £1.50 per child (accompanying adults are free!) to cover the cost of materials and a drink and biscuit. If you would like further details please ring Lynne Rowett on 01772 435516 or email the Parish Clerk. To book a place download this form and return the reply slip. 

13 September 2005

Additional Accommodation At HMP GARTH

The following article has been prepared by Nigel Locke from the Home Office -

Work is about to begin at HMP Garth to provide an additional Houseblock, similar to that recently constructed at HMP Wymott, and Ancillary Works, now that funding is in place.

The enabling works will begin on 19th September 2005 and the project is currently programmed to complete April 2007.

From outside the Establishment the only noticeable changes will be the Houseblock itself and an ‘Ancillaries’ building both located to the left hand side as you look at the front of HMP Garth.

The enabling works will secure the site and provide a temporary access from the rear by means of access road which used to be used to access the landfill site, so as to minimise the impact of construction traffic to local roads.

There will also be additional planting being carried out to further screen HMP Wymott from adjacent properties, this planting will hopefully begin in the Autumn of 2005 and Spring of 2006.

Through out this project the Prison Service is liaising closely with the Parish Council to minimise the impact to local residents.

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5 August 2005

Make A Differerence - Ulnes Walton Lane

At the Parish Assembly in May many residents raised concern over road safety issues on Ulnes Walton Lane. 

The County Council (LCC) now operates a policy whereby they no longer deal with one off items, parishes must put forward concerns for inclusion in a Business Plan and there is a limitation on the number of requests dealt with each year. To this end following discussion with the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership it has been agreed that a complete package addressing all the problems along Ulnes Walton Lane should be put forward, which would count as one item and stand more chance of success.

This is were your help is needed – in order for the package to warrant consideration by LCC, evidence of need is required and a working group is to be established made up of residents of Ulnes Walton Lane who can help collect the information, this may involve taking photographs; collating accident statistics etc. 

The Parish Council cannot do this by itself.  Your support is needed to make that vital difference.  If you want to see an improvement volunteer and join the working group. Contact any member of the Parish Council or the Clerk for further information.

1 August 2005

Wymott Prison - Drugs Situation Update

A letter has also been received from the Governor of HMP Wymott (Alan Scott) stating that the prison is aware of the drugs situation and measures are being taken to ensure that the drugs do not end up with the prisoners.  These include more regular uniformed patrols and an increase in the amount of dog patrols within the perimeter. The Governor is very concerned and reiterates the feelings of PC Plummer that if anyone sees anything suspicious they contact the police immediately.

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24 July 2005

Police Information

There have been two areas of concern in and around the Ulnes Walton area recently.

Firstly there has been an increase in complaint relating to juvenile and youth problems. These involve children and youths from the Ulnes Walton area congregating and being loud and sometimes abusive to other residents on the estate. Can I ask you all to be a little more considerate to our entire resident’s. 

Secondly we have received several complaints re cars stopping on Moss Lane and the occupants attempting to throw objects over the wall into Wymott Prison. Historically this activity has gone on during the night but more recently it has been occurring during the afternoons. We and the Prison are aware of this type of activity and would ask anyone who witnesses anything suspicious, to make a note of the description of the people involved and also the vehicle including the registration number and contact the police on 0845 1 25 35 45 to report the matter. I can assure you that if the packages do not make it over the wall they will be collected and not left for local children to find. If they do make it over the wall, we can inform the Prison who will search and recover the packages prior to the prisoners getting access to the area involved. Please do not approach the people involved.

If you have any problems and would like to speak to me I can be contacted on the above number, on my mobile number, which is 07958787818, or by e-mail to caroline.plummer@lancashire.pnn.police.uk. 

PC 6198 Caroline Plummer

16 July 2005

The Forums!

The Forums has been suspended because of its lack of use. The Forums is a bulletin board system to enable people with similar ideas to discuss them in "open forum". The Parish Council also intended it to be used as an extension to its "Public Surgery". 

If there is sufficient support, then it will be re-launched in the autumn. Please send any comments you may have on the Forums to the Parish Clerk.

8 July 2005

Bee Day Success!

The Bee Awareness Day held on the 2 July 2005 proved to be a great success.

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23 June 2005

Bee Awareness Day - Saturday 2 July 2005

Just how diverse can bees get?  Come and see the bee version of the Red Arrows (though on the tame side), right here in Ulnes Walton.  

The Ydalir Vikings demonstrate how honey was used in cooking all those years ago.  

And, enjoy willow weaving, candle rolling and wake up to the obligatory bouncy castle....all down at the Old School, Ulnes Walton Lane, Ulnes Walton.

Action For Ulnes Walton - striding forth with a number of events and workshops this summer.  The "Bee Awareness Day" starts at 12pm.  Come and bee a part of the buzzing events this summer.

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30 May 2005

Green Award

On behalf of the Council during April 2005 the Clerk, Lynne Rowett, attended a special award ceremony for those organisations that had benefited from a Green Partnership Award during 2004/05. The Parish Council used the grant to arrange a willow weaving workshop during October 2004.

 

Summer Workshops

As part of the Ulnes Walton Bee and Wildflower Project, Action For Ulnes Walton has announced a number of workshops workshops for the summer:

• 25 June - Medicinal Uses of Wildflowers and Plants
• 2nd July - Willow Weaving
• 23 July - Wildflower Identification
• 6 August - Photographing Flowers
• 10 September - Wildflower/Wildlife Gardening

The nature of the workshops unfortunately means the numbers have to be limited, but, hey! Don't ask, don't get!

For more details and to apply, please see click on Willow Weaving and Wild Workshops.

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24 April 2005

The Old School Lives Again

Congratulations to the Trustees of the Old School on securing a grant from the Lancashire Environmental Fund to carry out a feasibility study to ascertain the future of the Old School. We wish them well with their endeavours. 

If you would like to book the Old School for an event please contact the Secretary to the Trustees John McKie on 01772 600115.

ROAD SAFETY - Choose A Safe Speed For The Conditions

Speed limits are the maximum travel speeds for any road. Speed limits are set to reduce the risk of crashes occurring and to provide a limit on the impact forces on the human body if a crash does occur. The limits depend on the type and condition of the road, the mix of traffic using it and the features of the roadside.

In many conditions, speeds much lower than the limit are appropriate – such as in wet weather, after dark, on unfamiliar winding or narrow roads, where there is high pedestrian activity or with hazardous roadsides.

Enclosed with the spring Parish Council newsletter is a leaflet provided by the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership that gives more information about speed and also a sticker for your car. Please use them and make the roads of Ulnes Walton a safer place to be.

Annual Parish Assembly - Monday 9 May 2005

All residents of the Parish are invited to attend the Annual Parish Assembly at the Old School on Monday 9 May 2005 at 7.00 pm.  A presentation will be made by Officer Dennis Williams of HMP Wymott who will give an insight to life within the prison.  The assembly will conclude with complimentary pie and peas and as much red cabbage as you can eat!

Click here to see the Agenda.

Annual Report 2004/2005

The past twelve months has been a period of major achievement of the Parish Council firstly with the launch of the Parish Plan, the Clerk attaining the Certificate in Local Council Administration and finally the Council being Awarded Quality Status. This report (click here to see) is a brief summary of the main activities undertaken by the Parish Council during 2004/2005.

BEE Happy!

Congratulations to " Action for Ulnes Walton" being awarded a grant from the Local Heritage Initiative to deliver a project aimed at improving the wild flower stocks in the Parish and the nectar sources for bees. The idea for this project and a prime document used to securing of this grant was the Parish Plan. We wish them every success and hope that many of you will support their programme of exciting and interesting event.

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13 March 2005

Southport Road - Highway Safety Measures

Lancashire County Council is proposing to carry out an improvement scheme along the stretch of Southport Road that passes through Ulnes Walton. Initial discussions took place with representatives of the Parish Council in October 2004 and as a result a detailed set of proposals have been drawn up.

The aim is to improve safety; calm traffic and prevent injury accidents occurring along Southport Road, between Lydiate Lane and Sarcrow Lane. To achieve this it is intended to provide road markings and signing at various locations along the road and special surfacing at strategic points.

The County Council considers that the scheme will be effective in reducing accidents and is welcoming any comments on the proposals.

Copies of the plans and an explanatory letter are being issued to all the residents in the vicinity for comment.

The Parish Council has already made the following observations –

The proposals are welcomed but it was felt that they do not go far enough to reduce the possibility of a serious accident, additional measures are required thus

• A speed limit of 30 mph would be preferred along the whole stretch and extended to New Lane, but traffic must be allowed to flow
• More attention was needed at the junctions to slow traffic down to allow safe joining
• A flashing sign would be preferable to highlight drivers speed

It was questioned what needed to be done to demonstrate the need for a pedestrian crossing near to Oakdene.

The Parish Council would also like to know your views too. Please send a copy of any comments made to the Clerk of the Parish Council or email you thoughts to the Chairman or the Parish Clerk.

The Old School

Congratulations to the Trustees of the Old School on securing a grant from the Lancashire Environmental Fund to carry out feasibility study to consider the future of the Old School.

1 March 2005

United Utilities Statement

A statement regarding drainage on Wymott Estate has recently been released by United Utilities. 

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12 February 2005

Proposed Development - Glover Close

A meeting was held recent between residents and representatives of the Housing Department of Chorley Borough Council and Wyre Housing Association regarding the proposal to erect low cost houses on Glover Close.  A number of changes to the plans were discussed in detail and concerns were raised.

Any further concerns, points and objections need to be with Chorley Borough Planning Department before 14 February.

These files provide details of the questions, replies and other points raised at the meeting.  Original Q&R;  Chorley Borough Council Additional Comments; Wyre Housing Association Reply

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25 January 2005

Quality Parishes Investment Fund

The Quality Parishes Investment Fund (QPIF) aims to help Quality Parish Councils take a leading role at their local level by helping them to maximize their new Quality status. The fund will be used by Quality Parish Councils to invest in and deliver more for their communities. The QPIF has been established on the assumption that some additional resources will be valuable in helping the new Quality parishes to invest in order to realise their ambitions as Quality Parish Councils.

Defra, the Countryside Agency, NALC and SLCC agreed the need for establishing the QPIF. Its goal is to disburse £300,000 to Quality Parish Councils for investment during the remainder of financial year 2004/05.

The QPIF is supported by the Government’s Quality Parishes Working Group who consulted with Quality Parish Councils and County Associations of Local Councils during October 2004. 

The timeframe for the Fund is short (December 2004 – March 2005). Quality Parish Councils should aim to invest in ways that are (i) valuable locally and (ii) valuable in advising the whole parish sector (and local and central government more widely) on the developing role and potential of Quality councils.

The Parish Council is delighted to announce that a recent bid to the Quality Parishes Investment Fund was considered amongst the strongest applications and the assessment panel has awarded the total amount of £7980 that was requested. The money will be used to purchase much needed equipment which it is hoped will help to project a more professional image and communicate better with residents.

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