Don't miss your chance to vote

Lancaster City Council is reminding people who have not yet registered to vote that time is running out if they want to make their mark in this year’s General Election.

The city council will be responsible for administering the election of new MPs for the Morecambe and Lunesdale and the Lancaster and Fleetwood constituencies on 6th May.

The deadline for applications to be included on the Register of Electors in order to be able to vote is 5pm on Tuesday 20th April. Anyone registered after this time will not be able to vote in the election.

If you’re not sure if you are registered to vote, call Lancaster City Council’s electoral services team on 01524 582905 who will be able to check for you.

Registration forms can be downloaded from www.lancaster.gov.uk/elections, or by contacting the electoral services team.

You can’t vote if you’re not registered, and contrary to popular belief, you won’t be automatically registered even if you pay council tax.

Registering is particularly important for anyone who has recently moved home – if they do not register at their new address they risk falling off the electoral register.

20th April is also the deadline for registering for a postal vote. Voting by post is probably the easiest way to make your mark – for the vast majority of people it’s faster and easier than visiting the polling station.

To vote by post you must complete an application form. Email elections@lancaster.gov.uk giving your name and address, or telephone the elections helpline on 01524 582905, to have one posted out to you.

Please remember to return the application form by 20th April to secure your postal vote for the elections. Postal votes will be sent out on 27th April, so if you are going away before that date, you could appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf.

• Anyone wishing to stand for election in either the Morecambe and Lunesdale or Lancaster and Fleetwood constituencies should contact the electoral services team on 01524 582905 for a nomination pack. The deadline for nominations is also 20th April.

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Greens Call for "Clean Campaign" as Election Called

With the General Election announced for 6th May, Green Party candidate for Lancaster and Fleetwood Gina Dowding has joined her Party nationwide and issued a challenge to General Election candidates of other parties to sign up to a Clean Campaign Pledge.

Variations of the Pledge have been used in previous by-elections and local elections and have met with support from various parties elsewhere, such as Norwich (by both Green and Conservative candidates). They have also been used in elections in the US and Canada and other countries.

Candidates taking the pledge will commit to fight a clean, positive and honest campaign around the issues that concern local voters; o tell the truth about what we stand for and have achieved, and about what others stand for and have achieved; to refrain from personal attacks; not to mislead the public about who is likely to win and to make only honest and reasonable promises.

The Pledge also calls on those who sign up to be honest about public spending and to publish online details of all donations of more than £1,000, in line with Electoral Commission rules.

The Liberal Democrats have a national version of the Pledge (PDF format) which declares their candidates should never lie to the electorate or make statements about our opponents without evidence to support them.

"I have always believed in campaigning in a positive and informative way, based on my record and policies," says Gina Dowding, Green Party General Election candidate for the Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency. "I hope we can have a mature and respectful political debate in what is likely to be a close contest for the Lancaster and Fleetwood seat at this General Election.

"Clean election campaigning is an important part of cleaning up politics, but if elected as MP I also pledge not to abuse the expenses system, to retain my home in Lancaster, to hold regular surgeries for residents to raise issues with me and to respond promptly to communications from residents.”

"Public regard for politicians has never been lower, and it is crucial that we help regain the public's trust in politics," adds Jon Barry, the Green Party Election Campaign Team manager. "Honest and responsible campaigning by political parties is an essential part of this."

"Voters are tired of negative campaigning, of insults and innuendo," he continued. "Greens in this consituency will continue to campaign on the issues that matter to local people including the economy, health, education and climate change not on hypocritical and petty point scoring which is too often a feature of old-style election campaigning.

"We very much hope the other candidates will sign up this week to this pledge."

The Clean Campaign Pledge:


We, the undersigned, pledge:

• To fight a clean, positive and honest campaign around the issues that concern local voters.

• To tell the truth about what we stand for and have achieved, and about what others stand for and have achieved.

• To refrain from personal attacks.

• To make only honest and reasonable promises.

• To be honest about public spending.

• To publish online details of all donations of more than £1,000, in line with Electoral Commission rules.

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Appeal following two fires at village school

Police are appealing for information after vandals started fires on twice at a village school.

Vandals set fire to a blue recycling bin at Yealand Church of England Primary School overnight on 7th March, causing £200 worth of damage. A second fire was started in another bin overnight on 13th March. Officers have and will continue to conduct discreet observations of the school in an attempt to identify and arrest the offender.

“Fortunately the damage was minor," says PC Tony Marsh, community beat manager for the area, "but if either of the fires had spread then the school could have been seriously affected.

“We are investigating the two offences. Officers from the Carnforth neighbourhood police team have undertaken increased patrols in the area, and are liaising with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, to prevent this happening again and to apprehend the person responsible.”

• Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01524 63333.

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Kendal gets Wired to protect Business

While this is an 'out of area' event, we all know how many web and technical gurus live in the Lancaster and Morecambe area, so we thought we'd highlight the first Kendal Wired City Reconnected event will be held in partnership with Cobbett’s LLP and Kendal ICT Cluster Group. (If anyone knows about similar events in our two towns we're more than happy to plug them).

The event will be held at Brewery Art Centre, Kendal on Thursday 29th April starting at 6.00pm

The event will commence with a presentation from Susan Hall on Protecting Your Business IP - Avoid getting there! (Looking at stages and actions available to protect your business’s Intellectual Property by avoiding putting your business in the position of IP risk in the first place).

Defending your business against an intellectual property threat - whether an accusation that you have infringed third party rights or someone else's attack on your intellectual property - is neither enjoyable nor cheap. This talk runs through a number of low cost, pro-active strategies which businesses can adopt to minimise intellectual property risks and position themselves to cope better with such risks as do arise. It will include discussions of different types of intellectual property and the means of protecting it, as well as consideration of non-disclosure agreements, IP provisions in employee contracts, and practical protection of intellectual property in a work environment.

This presentation will be followed by "collaborative networking" facilitated by the Wired City Reconnected team

The Wired City Reconnected events are ‘collaborative’ networking events aimed at the digital, creative and ICT business interested in potential collaborations or the chance to share and exchange ideas. They're facilitated by Les, Fiona and Immy, who will provide a bespoke matching and introduction service prior to the event.

So whether your business has a current skills gap or you are looking to collaborate with others to meet new or current client’s needs, these events are for you. Wired City Reconnected events are all about making the best use of your time, through providing an invaluable networking opportunity.

• Book for places on www.albaassoc.com at £12.50.....and free food and drink....

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Strong start to 2010 season for Morecambe's McGuinness

John McGuinness got his 2010 season off to a strong start at Brands Hatch on Easter Monday when he finished in sixth place in the opening round of the Metzeler National 1000cc Superstock Championship.

The Morecambe man was in fine form all weekend on the Padgetts Honda and was less than two seconds adrift of second place at the chequered flag with the hard earned ten championship points ensuring his 21st year in racing is up and running in fine style.

Carrying on from where he left off at the end of the 2009 season, John was on the pace immediately and third in free practice signalled his intentions for the weekend. First qualifying was slightly damp, with the track drying throughout the 25-minute session but a slight mix-up towards the end meant that John didn't get enough time on a dry rear tyre and he had to settle for 10th. However, second and final qualifying for his group was dry and a lap of 48.616s saw John leap up to third overall and and 3rd in the group. When the qualifying positions for the two groups were combined, John lined up in 5th overall and headed off the second row of the grid.

The rains stayed away for Monday's 24-lap race although conditions were still very cool and after being shuffled back a couple of places at the first corner, John completed the first lap in eighth place, a position he maintained until lap 7 when race leader, and team-mate, Glen Richards crashed out.

Up into seventh, John was slowly reeling in the five-strong group in front of him but overtaking opportunities around the Indy circuit were limited as always so it was very much a patient game for the experienced rider. However, with less than two laps of the race remaining, he moved by Richard Cooper to claim sixth and here he stayed for the final lap and a half to get his season underway.

"It was a strong ride and I felt that I was as quick as anyone else out there, it was just the first half a lap that was my undoing>" John commented after the race.

"I definitely had the pace to be running second but I was a little bit lazy away from the line and it was ultimately my track position that conspired against me. I closed up to the boys in front of me quite comfortably but finding a way by someone on this circuit is never easy and whilst a couple of the boys made slight mistakes, they weren't big enough to allow me to find a way by.

"I was a bit de-tuned when I saw Glen go down but I got back into my rhythm and stayed strong until the end of the race so it's a solid start.

"The opening round sometimes throws up a few surprises but I've got some decent points on the board already and the bike's mega so we're well placed for another challenge for the title."

• The second round of the British Superstock 1000cc Championship takes place at Thruxton, Hampshire on Sunday April 18th.


• Report with thanks to Phil Wain • Picture by Glynne Lewis

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Strongman battle at Salt Ayre

A competition to find Northern England's strongest man under 105kg will take place at Lancaster City Council’s Salt Ayre Sports Centre next week.

Over 20 athletes will be battling it out over six gruelling events to be crowned Northern England's Strongest Man under 105kg. The events will include the ‘Deadlift’, ‘Double Van Pull’, ‘Farmers Walk’, ‘Log Lift’, ‘Medley’ and ‘Atlas Stone Loading’.

The top competitors will also qualify for England's Strongest Man under 105kg in June.

Last year's champion Stuart Hayes will be defending his title against some strong opposition including local lads Graham Hicks in his first competition and Salt Ayre lifeguard and gym instructor Kenny Cardwell, who last year won the under 90kg Olympic Dragon Strongman title.

• The events take place on 11th April at 11.30am - 3.30pm in Salt Ayre's sports hall. Spectators are welcome with tickets costing £2 for adults and children can enter for free. For more information, please contact Salt Ayre Sports Centre on 01524 847540.

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Heysham Shell Oil Refinery - Witness Appeal

Paralegals Field Fisher Waterhouse are looking for people who worked at the Shell Oil Refinery in Heysham, Morecambe, from around 1945 to 1960.

"We are investigating a possible claim relating to asbestos exposure for a family," they tell us. "Any help or information would be very much appreciated.

"Please contact Rose on 020 78 614 624 or rose.johnston@ffw.com".

The Shell Oil Refinery covered much of South Heysham: some holiday makers at Ocean Edge Caravan Park remember it for its "eggy smell".

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Lancaster Market Safe Until 2015

Above: Market trader Peter Corker presents a copy of the huge petition protesting at the closure of the Market to the Council's Chief Executive Mark Cullinan on the steps of Lancaster Town Hall. Photo: Zoe Caldicott

At a four-hour special Council meeting last night, Lancaster’s Indoor Market was saved by just five votes from closure.

The final motion also called on the Council to consider refurbishment of the building, at a cost that will be far less than if it opponents to keeping it open had got their way.

"Let's hope they put their money where there mouth is," commented one trader.

24 councillors voted in favour of the successful Green Party motion (Greens, Labour, one Tory and two Independents) while 19 voted against, including the Liberal Democrats, most Conservatives, most Morecambe Bay Independents and one independent). There were three abstentions.

Those against the motion wanted to terminate the market traders’ leases, spend a fortune on turning the market into a ‘white box’, and then spend a further fortune in sweeteners to attract a single trader - ASCO, which has only one other store and the worst possible credit rating.

"We felt that the company in question does not have a reasonable prospect of success," the Greens said in a statement after the meeting, "and the worst case scenario (where they take the sweeteners, operate for a year or two then go bankrupt) was much worse, both financially and in terms of the Council’s reputation, than the alternative worst case scenario of continuing to operate an indoor market with a big deficit."

Now more hard work begins in trying attract new traders and new customers to the market to ensure that it thrives and that the deficit is reduced as much as possible.

Shockingly the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have both put out several leaflets in the John O'Gaunt council by-election claiming that they are fighting to secure the market’s future - yet yesterday they voted to close it, with no relocation option.

"Obviously, every trader in the market will be overjoyed in hearing that their businesses are secure for another 4 years," commented market trader Chris Green. "However, I'm dismayed that 19 councillors still thought that ASCO were a viable alternative, even after receiving information which clearly showed that this was an insolvent company.

"After taking professional advice, it is my understanding that any local authority cannot enter into a business arrangement with an insolvent firm.

"Let's face it, it's not rocket science."

Zoe Caldicott told virtual-lancaster she intended to pursue her Audit Commission complaint about the Council's handiling of the proposed closure of the Market.

"I'm pleased with the result, butt I think there are a lot of questions which need answering," she says. "In my opinion, the leader of the council should now step down."

Green party councillors are delighted that the market is to remain open and the tenants are to get new leases.

"The real work starts now and the Council needs to work hard to produce a re-invigorated market," urges Dukes Ward councillor Anne Chapman. "One that can maximise its contribution to tourism, jobs, regeneration, local food, choice and health.

"We look forward to getting on with this job."

"This is good news," added Green Party prospective parliamentary candidate, Gina Dowding (pictured). "It's clear from the size of recent support from shoppers that people in Lancaster want to see the market retained and revitalized and offering the choice that it once did.

"We have very committed traders and we have local shoppers who will get behind the market. Hopefully now with this renewed commitment from the Council we can start to make the improvements so that Lancaster can have a successful indoor market once again."

The full text of the Green Group motion for Council 31/3/10: Lancaster Market


Council notes that the Council has been unable to secure a single tenant to its satisfaction since January 2008 and also that the option of a market on one floor is expensive in terms of capital costs and has many legal difficulties. Council also notes the desirability of a thriving indoor market in terms of employment and service to the district. Council therefore resolves that:

1. The City Council renews all existing tenancy agreements in accordance with the landlord and tenant act.

2. That the City Council endeavours to negotiate by agreement an amendment to the terms and conditions which would permit the City Council to consider any plans to refurbish the market hall.

3. That a sum of £150,000 is set aside that can be used for professional advice on running a successful market and on potential costs of refurbishment. However, money spent on consultants should be kept to the minimium possible.

4. That the option to tax the market should be re-affirmed, should this be necessary, to protect the Council from any VAT liability on any of the proposed capital works.

5. That a working group of councillors from all groups be set up to oversee plans for refurbishment and revitalisation of the market. That this working group gets expert advice and considers visiting other successful indoor markets.

6. That this working group to report back to cabinet at key points.

7. That the Council looks at all options in terms of reducing the overheads of the market and on the staff needed to make Lancaster market more successful.

8. That the working group considers the advantages of licenses/tenancies for new businesses in the market.

9. That the working group considers options such as making the market more food-based (particularly local food), attracting key businesses, such as a bakery, and marketing the market as a visitor attraction for the city centre.

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