17th January 2011 LANCASHIRE FIRE & RESCUE "SAFER DAY" Reported by: Hubmaker Media
In Lancashire, the numbers of house fires and injuries from fires are at their lowest recorded levels ever. Despite this, six people have tragically died in their homes over the last month. As part of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service's response, the Service will hold a high profile Smoke Alarm Fire Education Roadshow (SAFER) at every Fire Station in Lancashire on Saturday 21st January 2012 between 11am and 5pm.
The campaign will see all fire stations open to the public who are invited to come along to collect a free 10 year smoke alarm and fire safety guidance, as well as having the opportunity to book a free Home Fire Safety Check.
Whilst the smoke alarms are being distributed, firefighters and community fire safety will be demonstrating how to install and clean the alarms. The videos will be placed on social networking sites, such as YouTube and the Service's new Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Many fire related deaths are caused by people being overcome by smoke and fumes, not just burns. Therefore, a working smoke alarm is essential. It provides vital early warning and extra time to escape if there is a fire. Every home should have at least one working smoke alarm.
When a smoke alarm has been fitted it is vital that it is regularly tested to ensure it works properly at least once a week using the test button. Every six months, the alarms need to be cleaned by opening the case and gently vacuuming the inside to remove dust from the sensor. If the smoke alarm doesn't open, vacuum through the holes.
Peter Holland, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer says; "Every single member of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is devastated about the loss of life in recent weeks, especially when it is so needless. We are urging everybody to get a working smoke alarm and test it every week."
"This Saturday every available member of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service will be on the streets making sure everyone gets the message; Get a working smoke alarm and test it."
"If you can not attend any of the fire stations on Saturday and you still wish to get a free smoke alarm, call us on 0800 1691125 or visit our website www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk to book a free Home Fire Safety Check."
15th January 2012 Police name man killed in flat blaze Source: Lancashire Evening Post
A man who died in a flat fire in Walmer Bridge has been named by police. Peter King, 50, of Liverpool Old Road, died in the blaze on Wednesday evening.
12th January 2012 MAN DIES IN FIRE Source: BBC News
A man has died in a fire at his home in Walmer Bridge.
Fire crews were called to the blaze in a first floor flat on Gill Lane at about 19:15 GMT on Wednesday by neighbours.
A spokesman for Lancashire Fire Service said the fire was "very well developed and intense" when they arrived and that the man was already dead.
He has not yet been named. An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way.
23rd December 2011 Wind turbines plans collapse Source: Lancashire Evening Post
Neighbours living close to a mini-wind farm are celebrating after plans to put up the turbines were shelved.
The plans to build four turbines on land off Wham Lane in Little Hoole have been withdrawn after reports due to complete the application were not given to planners on time.
20th December 2011 MP CONGRATULATES CHRISTMAS CARD CONTEST WINNER Reported by: Hubmaker Media
Lorraine Fullbrook, Member of Parliament for South Ribble, visited Little Hoole Primary School, to present the winner of her 2011 Christmas Card Competition with their certificate and prize.
This year, Lorraine chose to ask primary school children across South Ribble to create a design for her official Christmas card. Hundreds of children sent in entries and it was difficult choosing the winner and four runners up who feature on the back of the card.
Lorraine chose eight year old, Kianna Joy White’s design and was delighted to attend an assembly at Little Hoole Primary where she met Kiannan and presented her with a framed card, a certificate and a prize.
The card bearing Kianna’s design has been sent to nearly a thousand people ranging from local residents to the Prime Minister!
Lorraine said: “With hundreds of excellent entries I found it very tough to choose a winner as they were all excellent but Kianna Joy White’s card stood out.”
“I really enjoyed visiting Little Hoole Primary School to present Kianna with her prize and congratulate her personally. It is fantastic to be sending out a unique card designed by a pupil from South Ribble!”
10th December 2011 £9.2m bill for 20mph zone PROJECT Reported by: Hubmaker Media
The Lancashire County Council proposal to implement 20mph schemes in residential areas and outside of all schools in Lancashire is budgeted to cost £9.2 million pounds.
The cost of maintaining the new signage is budgeted to add another £136,000 to the annual highway maintenance costs.
The target date for the completion of the project is 31st December 2013.
16th November 2011 ‘Sonar’ studies to start across county Source: Lancashire Evening Post
The company behind plans to extract gas from under Lancashire are due to start ‘sonar’ studies of farmland in the county early next year.
Cuadrilla Resources, which is searching for gas reserves locked in shale at a site near Hesketh Bank, will have engineers carrying out searches on land across Wyre from February.
A spokesman said it was speaking with local landowners to secure access onto sites of interest. He said: “It is a feasibility study to look for areas where there is a large amount of shale to add to data we have already collected from our exploratory drilling.
“There will not be any work starting until the start of the year.”
4th November 2011 MP: THIS COALITION IS DELIVERING FOR WOMEN Reported by: Hubmaker Media
Lorraine Fullbrook, Member of Parliament for South Ribble, has signed the following letter about how the Coalition Government is delivering for Women:
Open Letter:
This Coalition Government is Delivering For Women
As Conservative MPs, we care passionately about the equal advancement of women, in both the political and the economic sense.
Women still lag behind men in both areas in Britain in the 21st Century. Far more women than men live in workless households. They own 17% less than men. Their incomes are 17% lower than men's in similar jobs. They are more likely to be in low paid work. They start businesses at half the rate men do. They have 14% less to live on in retirement and are relatively more dependent on means-tested benefits. Under Labour, far too many became trapped in 16 hour a week jobs, missing out on career progression. This is a scandal we plan to change.
With welfare reform, pensions reform, shared parental leave, financial support for part-time students, tax reform to lift hundreds of thousands of women out of income tax altogether and protection for the 80% female workforce which is the lowest paid during the public sector pay freeze, we aim to make working and saving pay for all the women of this country. Furthermore, under the Universal Credit, help with child care will start from the first hour of work.
In other important ways, this government has taken action. New rape crisis centres have opened; more money is being spent on women-focused international aid, helping girls to go to school. Sex worker jobs can no longer be advertised in Job Centres; the Bailey review has been commissioned, tackling the sexualisation of children. Parents have been enabled with more internet filters.
We don’t support all of this despite being Conservative. We support it because we are Conservative and believe in equality of opportunity for all.
Lorraine Fullbrook MP
2nd November 2011 DRILL RIG STORMED BY ANTI-FRACKING PROTESTORS Reported by: Hubmaker Media
This morning nine people from the national anti-fracking network Frack Off have halted work at Cuadrilla Resources’ drilling site on Banks marsh.
They ran on to the fracking site early this morning and scaled the drilling rig using climbing equipment. They aim to sit on top of the drilling rig for as long as possible to stop the drilling.
The action is aimed at highlighting what the protestors believe is the hypocrisy behind the ‘Shale Gas Environmental Summit’ starting today in London: a conference sponsored by a host of companies involved in the oil and gas industry and to counter the PR offensive of the shale gas industry and bring public attention to the harm fracking has been linked to.
Colin Eastman, one of the climbers, said, “Conventional fossil fuels have begun to run out and the system is moving towards more extreme forms of energy like fracking, tar sands, and deep water drilling. The move towards ‘extreme energy’ is literally scraping the bottom of the barrel, sucking the last most difficult to reach fossil fuels from the planet at a time when we should be rapidly reducing our consumption altogether and looking for sustainable alternatives. In the UK fracking for shale gas is planned alongside, not instead of, extraction of conventional fossil fuels like coal.”
2nd November 2011 CuadrillA PUBLISH REPORT FINDINGS ON SEISMIC EVENTS Reported by: Hubmaker Media
Cuadrilla Resources, the British company exploring for natural shale gas on Banks Marsh, has today released the findings of the report that was commissioned following unusual seismic activity near Poulton-le-Fylde in April and May 2011.
“The Geo-mechanical Study of Bowland Shale Seismicity” confirms that there is little risk of future seismic events reoccurring in the Bowland Basin but proposes a series of mitigation measures in case of any future seismic activity. This report which fulfils a commitment made by Cuadrilla to be fully open with the community about all findings, is the most comprehensive scientific study ever undertaken on the geology of the Bowland Basin.
Cuadrilla intends to seek a peer review of the report and commits to publishing that review.
The report concludes:
It is highly probable that the hydraulic fracturing of Cuadrilla’s Preese Hall-1 well did trigger a number of minor seismic events.
None of the events recorded, including one in April of 2.3 and one in May of 1.5 on the Richter scale, had any structural impact on the surface above.
The seismic events were due to an unusual combination of geology at the well site coupled with the pressure exerted by water injection as part of operations.
This combination of geological factors was extremely rare and would be unlikely to occur together again at future well sites.
If these factors were to combine again in the future local geology limits seismic events to around magnitude 3 on the Richter scale as a “worst-case scenario”.
Cuadrilla’s water injection operations take place very far below the earth’s surface which significantly reduces the likelihood of a seismic event of less than 3 on the Richter scale having any impact at all on the surface.
Using the findings, the report sets out an early detection system which Cuadrilla can use to monitor seismic activity and implement a series of steps to prevent the escalation of any future seismicity. Very similar systems are in place in the Netherlands and Germany. The purpose of this system is to ensure that any seismic activity trigged by the hydraulic fracturing process, however unlikely, can be managed to prevent any impact to people and property.
Mark Miller, Chief Executive of Cuadrilla Resources, commenting on the release of the report said:
“We unequivocally accept the findings of this independent report and are pleased that the report concludes that there is no threat to people or property in the local area from our operations.
We are ready to put in place the early detection system that has been proposed in the report so that we can provide additional confidence and security to the local community.
Cuadrilla is working with the relevant local and national authorities to implement the report’s recommendations so we may safely resume our operations.”
The report has been submitted to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the British Geological Survey (BGS), the latter acting in their capacity as advisers to DECC. The report’s authors and Cuadrilla are in regular contact with government officials to provide further clarification on various technical aspects of the report.
The report was commissioned by Cuadrilla Resources in consultation with the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The study was carried out by a European team of independent seismic experts, all leading authorities on the subject, directed by Dr Hans de Pater.
25th October 2011 PUBLIC MEETING – SHALE GAS DRILLING AND EXTRACTION Reported by: Hubmaker Media
The Northern Parishes of West Lancashire have arranged for a Public Meeting to be held from 6:30pm at “Our Lady Help of Christians” Church, Hesketh Lane, Tarleton on Friday 4th November.
Cuadrilla Resources, the company presently granted an exploration licence in the area and Mr Simon Glover A.I.Mech.E, M.ENG, B.Sc, the Vice-President Europe of Altus Well Experts Inc, an Independent Industry Expert to give independent comment, will be on hand to answer the queries or concerns of members of the Public. The event will be chaired by BBC North West Presenter, Dave Guest.
21st September 2011 Co-Op warning over new gas field Reported by: Hubmaker Media
GOVERNMENT MUST NOT BE SEDUCED BY NEW GAS FIELDSAYS THE CO-OPERATIVE
On the day (Wednesday 21 September) that Cuadrilla Resources announced its shale gas reserves estimates for its Bowland shale site in Lancashire, The Co-operative pointed out that shale gas extraction risks diverting investment away from the UK ’s renewable energy targets. These targets are forecast to provide £100billion worth of investment opportunities and up to half a million jobs by 2020.
The Government must not be seduced by a new Lancashire gas field and should still impose an immediate moratorium on extraction from shale formations until all the ecological implications are fully understood.
That is the view of The Co-operative, which earlier this year commissioned a report from the internationally respected Tyndall Centre, part of The University of Manchester, on the impacts of shale gas and as a result believes that shale gas extraction represents a significant risk of groundwater contamination, brings new greenhouse gases into play and diverts much needed investment from renewable sources of energy and the jobs this would create and support..
Earlier this year, the Government’s Energy and Climate Change Committee report on shale gas ruled out a moratorium, but seemingly ignored apparent gaps in the regulation of the shale gas industry and failed to call for better evaluation of the pollution risks it poses.
A shale gas rig with the potential to contaminate groundwater is unlikely to be required to undertake a formal Environmental Impact Assessment whereas developers building a medium sized wind farm or hydro-electric power plant of 5MW most likely would. Furthermore, shale gas extraction sites appear unlikely to be required to obtain an Environmental Permit, as would be required for a biomass power station.
Moreover, the exploitation of gas shales is bringing new greenhouse gas sources into play and even a mid-range extraction scenario could see carbon dioxide levels rise globally by some 5 parts per million by 2050. This will further reduce any slim possibility of maintaining global temperature change, at or below 2oC, and thereby increasing the risk of entering a period of ‘dangerous climate change’.
Since 2007, The Co-operative Bank has ring-fenced £400m specifically to fund renewable energy projects and recently announced its intention to extend this lending to £1bn for the sector by 2013 as part of the Co-operative Group’s Ethical Operating Plan.
Paul Monaghan, Head of Social Goals at The Co-operative said: “On the face of it new natural gas finds appear to be good news, but the Government must not be seduced by this without considering all the impacts of shale gas extraction.
“That is why we are calling for a moratorium on any further exploitation of shale gas which will allow the wider environmental concerns to be fully exposed and addressed.”
21st September 2011 GAS RESERVE ANNOUNCED Source: Blackpool Gazette
Cuadrilla Resources today revealed there is around 200 trillion cubic feet of gas under Lancashire – an amount it believes is enough to create a staggering 1,700 jobs locally over the next decade.
And the controversial company’s CEO Mark Miller has said, if Cuadrilla decide to press ahead with commercial drilling, the operation could be up and running by 2013.
Mr Miller said: “The amount of gas is a very sizeable number. It has our interest to the point where we feel we can start to think about what it will look like going forward and developing this. “We’ve not made that decision yet but it is a large number.”
The company hopes 400 wells could be created in Lancashire over the next nine years – rising to 800 wells over the next 16 years if the operation is particularly successful.
And local councils are also set to benefit, with the company anticipating £120 million will be paid in business rates over the next 30 years with the whole UK set to reap a tax benefit of £5 to 6 billion.
26th August 2011 VOTE FOR THE LONGTON PLAYERS Source: Hubmaker Media
Local Amateur Dramatics Group the 'Longton Players' need your vote to get a step closer to performing in the West End!!
This small group have entered a competition hosted by SkyArts Channel to find the 'Nations Best Amateur Theatre Group'.
All of the competition entries have been shortlisted to twenty, and will now be reduced to a final eight who will 'compete' against each other to win the opportunity to perform in the world's Theatre Capital.
The competition will be televised, and broadcast early next year on SkyArts Channel.
The message from the cast is: "Please view our effort and if you think we deserve it, vote for us to get through to the next round. The opportunity to compete with other groups and ultimately be on stage in the West End would be a dream come true!"
21st July 2011 BRETHERTON TRAFFIC CAMERA TOPS WEST LANCS LEAGUE Source: Southport Visiter
Last year more than 650 people were caught on the 285 fixed speed cameras sited in West Lancashire with the camera at Bretherton topping the list with 153 offences being recorded.
20th July 2011 OFT Doorstep Selling Campaign 2011 Source: Lancashire Trading Standards
The Office of Fair Trading 2011 campaign begins this week and is aimed at awareness and empowering people, particularly the over 70's and their friends and family, carers and medical professionals in relation to doorstep selling.
Areas specifically highlighted are maintenance and property repairs, garden repairs given the increase of these incidents in the summer months. The campaign will also raise awareness of buying mobility aids, encouraging people to shop around before making a decision. For more information see http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2011/83-11
Local issues:
Tarmaccers
Reports of doorstep callers offering to tarmac drives have been received in the past month from Ormskirk, Chorley, Thornton Cleveleys and Colne areas of Lancashire, including one instance where work was carried out without the permission of the householder. If you need any house maintenance work carrying out, use the Safe Trader Scheme to find a trader, https://www.traderregister.org.uk/index.php
Roof Coating
Reports from Lytham St Annes and Accrington have been received in relation to doorstep sellers offering to coat your roof, making it waterproof and retain heat. The sale was linked in with reducing fuel bills and the availability of a government grant for the work was implied. No government grants are available for any roof paint/ coating, in general, roof coatings are purely cosmetic, be very wary of claims made.
As always, Trading Standards advice is never to do business on the doorstep.
Refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, Room D21, County Hall, Preston, Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506
27th June 2011 POLICE TARGET METAL THEFT AS CRIMES SOAR Source: Lancashire Constabulary
METAL thieves have been targeted by police as part of a week-long campaign. The operation, codenamed Operation Starling, has seen officers from Lancashire Constabulary carrying out visits to scrap yards and metal dealers and doing roadside stop-checks of vehicles suspected to be involved in the transportation of meta.
The activity, which took place between Monday 20 June and Friday 24 June, has been supported by a number of other agencies including The Environment Agency, British Transport Police, VOSA, HM Revenue and Customs and The Department for Work and Pensions.
Between April 2010 and March 2011, there were 3,014 metal theft crimes in Lancashire. This is a 48.3 per cent increase - or an extra 1,456 crimes - from the 1,558 reported between April 2009 and March 2010.
8th June 2011 Cuadrilla thank localS for attending Information Day Source: Caudrilla Resources
Cuadrilla is delighted that so many local people took the time to attend the Public Information Day held in Hesketh Bank on Monday and would like to offer its thanks to residents.
During the event, six members of Cuadrilla’s technical team were on hand to discuss in detail the company’s operations and to address any issues raised. Among the 100 locals were county, district and parish councillors who all took the time to chat with Cuadrilla, including CEO, Mark Miller.
The aim of the Information Day was to inform locals about shale gas exploration and to provide the opportunity for the team to personally address the questions raised by locals. Of the feedback forms returned, over 83 per cent of residents left the event feeling more informed about Cuadrilla’s operations.
Speaking about the Public Information Day, Mark Miller, CEO of Cuadrilla, said: "The event was a great way to speak to residents and learn first-hand which issues are of interest. As a company, we have come away with a better understanding of the surrounding communities."
"Some of the attendees wanted to seek assurances that the company is taking all the appropriate measures to protect the environment during our operations as well as finding out more about the geology of the Bowland Basin.
Others were interested in the technology and techniques used during the exploration of shale gas and the potential benefits it could bring to the local economy and the UK’s energy mix.
Most importantly though, we are all happy that most people left the event feeling more informed about our operations and we are committed to ensuring this is maintained."
4th June 2011 FRACKING FLUID EXPLAINED Source: Hubmaker Media / Cuadrilla Resources
In response to a direct request we made about the make up of the fracking fluid, Cuadrilla have provided the following information:
The fracing fluids used by Cuadrilla is 99.75% composed of fresh water and sand. This water and sand combination is supplemented with microscopic amounts of everyday chemicals typically found in people’s homes: Polyacrylamide friction reducers (00.075%), commonly used in cosmetics and facial creams, Hydrochloric acid (00.125%), frequently found in swimming pools and drinking water wells, Biocide (00.005%), used on rare occasions when the water provided from the local supplier needs to be further purified.
The actual combination of materials we use depends on the specific circumstances we encounter, but we take robust and proven precautionary measures to ensure that none of them can re-appear at the surface or contaminate the aquifer in any way.
Upon returning to the surface, they are stored in steel tanks and at no point come in contact with the ground. In the unlikely event that any liquid was spilt on the surface, seepage at ground level is prevented by the installation of an impermeable membrane on land at and surrounding the well site.
Cuadrilla have also provided a video demonstrating hydraulic fracturing. Click here to view.
Cuadrilla management and staff will be on hand to discuss the processs this coming Monday, 4pm - 8pm at All Saints Church Hall, Station Road, Hesketh Bank.
1st June 2011 Second Tremor Shakes Local Confidence In Gas Drilling Source: The Independent
Residents of Lancashire, somewhat unsurprisingly, do not want to live in an earthquake zone. The idea then that the recent rise in seismic activity may be linked to the beginning of "fracking" in the area has prompted concern.
"Links between gas fracking, which is cracking up the underground structure, and the quake need looking at," demanded Alistair Parker, from the market town of Poulton, where an earthquake struck in early April. "We only have their word for the extent of the effects they are creating."
Despite the suspension of operations at the Singleton site, Cuadrilla Resources, the company behind the exploration for shale gas on the Fylde Coast, has confirmed that it plans to start drilling near Hesketh Bank.
31st May 2011 BBC Domesday Reloaded Source: Hubmaker Media
The BBC is asking the people of Britain to take a walk down memory lane back to 1986 – when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, mullets were the craze, Maradona's "Hand of God" destroyed a nation's World Cup dreams, the first Japanese car manufacturing plant opened in the UK and the ZX Spectrum was the game console of choice.
One of the most comprehensive digital time capsules has been unearthed through BBC Domesday Reloaded, providing a rarely-seen snapshot of what local areas looked like 25 years ago. The public is being asked to explore and, more importantly, update previously unseen images and articles from their local area by going onto the dedicated Domesday website.
The campaign, led by BBC Learning, runs throughout the summer of 2011 and invites you to participate by updating local photos and text which were submitted in 1986.
To Participate in BBC Domesday Reloaded The map on the website is divided into D-blocks and you can find yours by typing in your postcode.
When you click on your local D-block you may find photos and text from 1986, but please note not all D-blocks had submissions.
If there are photos and text on your local or neighbouring D-blocks we would like you to add your 2011 updates.
27th May 2011 GAS FRACKING COMPANY ANNOUNCE OPEN DAY Source: Hubmaker Media
Cuadrilla Resources has announced that it will hold an Public Information Open Day on the 6th June at All Saints Church Hall, Station Road, Hesketh Bank (See Events Page for more details).
Members of the Cuadrilla technical team will be available to answer any questions residents may have about Shale Gas and the controversial Fracking process.
A recent MP's report has rejected a moratorium on shale gas exploration despite claims that there is evidence of environmental dangers. France recently agreed a moratorium on new shale gas projects (potentially with a view to a complete ban), and similar steps have been taken in several US states, after widespread reports of shale gas wells leading to contamination and dangers to homeowners.
The 'fracking' process is where underground shale rock is hydraulically fractured using a mix of water, sand and undisclosed chemicals which are released underground in high pressure bursts to free the trapped gas which then flows to the surface where it is collected.
The much publicised 'burning tap' where gas is claimed to have entered the water supply as a result of fracking activity has been a high profile PR problem for the industry but campaigners in the US say the biggest fear is that the mystery slurry could get into the water supply.
And there have been troubling safety incidents. In late April 2011 a big company, Chesapeake Energy, suspended its fracking in Pennsylvania after one of its natural-gas wells blew out and spilled toxic drilling fluid into a nearby creek.
From the The Economist 11th May 2011: "Activists and scientists reckon that if the process is safe, the companies should come clean. “If they’ve got nothing to hide, why is the industry so paranoid about disclosing their chemicals?” asks Steve Torbit, executive director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Rocky Mountain region. They may have to. The Environmental Protection Agency is studying the process. In 2009, House Democrats proposed legislation that would force the industry to disclose the chemicals it uses in fracking. Several states, including Texas and Colorado, have similar legislation pending.
In the meantime public concerns are growing. Late last month 200 people packed a Bureau of Land Management hearing in Golden, Colorado. Dave Cesark, an executive at Mesa Energy Partners LLC, tried to reassure, saying that fracking chemicals constitute “just a drop in the bucket”: only 0.5% of the total fluids, including water, that the company uses to drill natural gas. The crowd did not, strangely enough, find that entirely reassuring. Some producers will grumble that any regulation of fracking is an unwarranted constraint on their business. But if natural gas is not produced cleanly, it will not prove to be so cheap, either. Full disclosure is a price worth paying."
Cuadrilla Resources point out that "United Utilities has publicly said our activities pose no threat at all to its water supply" and that "All the activity is taking place thousands of feet below the level of the local aquifer; and the site itself is protected by an impermeable membrane to guard against any on-surface spills."
With the rig due on site mid June, this phase of the operation is to explore how much gas there is and how easy it is to extract. Cuardrilla will need to get further approval to set up permanent facilities on the Hesketh Bank site.
26th May 2011 RICCADONNA LOOSES GANGMASTER LICENCE Source: Ormskirk Advertiser
Riccadonna Produce, run by the Edge family, has “with regret” withdrawn an appeal against the Gangmaster Licensing Authority (GLA) to revoke its licence, while strongly denying the investigation’s findings.
The GLA investigation claimed abuses including Physical and mental mistreatment, Debt bondage and payments below the minimum wage. Along with issuing inaccurate wage slips and breaking safety rules, Riccadonna was given 166 penalty points by the GLA. 30 points is the fail mark.
This is the second time Riccadonna has had a licence revoked; the first was in September 2009.
25th May 2011 TRADING STANDARDS WARNING - BANK & INHERITANCE SCAMS Source: Lancashire Trading Standards
Bank Charges
Scam Lancashire residents have been receiving unsolicited telephone calls from a business alleging to be able to retrieve bank charges for a fee of £200.
The resident is informed they are due a refund of bank charges of over £3,000 and advised to go to their local shop and obtain an Ucash voucher/moneygram for £200 which a representative from the business will be round to collect later in the day.
Inheritance Scam
Lancashire residents have received a letter alleging to be from an employee at a Hong Kong bank stating a relative (surname the same as the recipient) has recently died leaving an inheritance of around $6.8 million. The resident is asked to keep the matter a secret and to contact the writer who will share the inheritance. The letter is post marked in this country with a second class stamp affixed.
General advice is to never enter into any negotiation with these style of scams and never give money up front. If you are owed monies, for example for bank charges or for Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) deal direct with your bank.
Such practices can also be reported to Action Fraud, telephone 0300 1232040, website www.actionfraud.org.uk. Refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, Room D21, County Hall, Preston, Lancs PR1 0LD via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506.
17th May 2011 Leisure Lakes Motocross track ordered to close Source: BBC News
The Leisure Lakes motocross track has been ordered to close by WLBC planning inspectors.
The Leisure Lakes track attracted 33 complaints from people living nearby over a four-year period, mainly about the noise.
West Lancashire Council took action against the unauthorised use of the land and the disturbances to residents. At a public inquiry, planning inspector John Braithwaite said the noise was "irritating and impossible to ignore".
He ruled the track was an inappropriate use of land in the Green Belt and had a "serious adverse impact" on neighbouring properties. The council had initially refused planning permission for the track, but the operator appealed. Enforcement action was begun by the council in October 2008 but quashed in June 2009.
However, the council was able to successfully challenge this in the High Court and a judge ruled the original planning application should be re-determined. Leisure Lakes has until 4 June to cease operations at the site, and two months to remove the track and fencing.
The company was also given nine months to restore the land to its condition prior to use as a racetrack.
10th March 2011 MP RAISES ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN VILLAGES Source: Press Release
Lorraine Fullbrook, Member of Parliament for South Ribble has raised the issue of anti social behaviour in the House of Commons.
Lorraine is supportive of the tough stance that the Government has taken on this important issue so far, which blights villages like Tarleton, Banks, Hesketh Bank and Rufford. Lorraine asked Ministers about plans the Government has to assist the police in tackling anti social behaviour. In response, James Brokenshire MP, Minister for Crime Prevention, outlined proposals to reduce bureaucracy and costs for the police and the launch of the consultation for reforming the toolkit for dealing with anti-social behaviour.
Lorraine also raised the importance of engaging young people early in order to prevent anti-social behaviour and was pleased with the response from the Minister who outlined plans to intervene early through the early intervention grant, which will support activities for young people.
Lorraine said: “The problems caused by anti-social behaviour ruin neighbourhoods in local communities across the country. I am pleased that since its formation in May, this Government have shown that they are willing to take a tough approach to anti-social behaviour and not just accept it as a bit of a nuisance. Anti-social behaviour is a crime and a pre-cursor to more serious offending which is why we need to intervene early to stop young people living a life of crime and blighting the lives of others living around them. The early intervention grant and proposals for a national citizen service will encourage young people to choose to be a real part of their communities rather than tormenting them.”
“The Government’s radical reforms on policing give people a real say on how crime is fought in their local area. For the first time, local people in South Ribble will get the chance to elect someone to hold their local police force to account, through the policing.uk website local people can see where crimes are committed in their neighbourhood and I also urge local people to fill in the Government’s consultation on anti-social behaviour.”
19th February 2011 COUNCIL TAX SCAM Source: Lancashire Trading Standards
Lancashire residents have contacted Trading Standards to report a council tax refund scam.
Residents have received a phone call allegedly from their local District Council telling them they are entitled to a refund of their council tax and a payment of £7000 can be paid into their account. The caller requests confirmation of the consumer’s name and address and then asks for bank account details to transfer the money. The caller than asks for £100 fee to process the refund.
Trading Standards have confirmed that the caller is not calling on behalf of their district Council and advise that consumers should not give out bank details to unverified callers.
Anyone who has given out their bank details to a caller like this should contact their bank immediately. Anyone who thinks they might be eligible for a refund should contact their local council directly on a verified phone number. If you are entitled to a refund on your council tax you should never be asked to pay a fee to receive a refund.
26th October 2010 BANK CALLS WARNING Source: Lancashire Trading Standards
Lancashire Trading Standards service has received complaints relating to unsolicited phone calls to consumers, where the caller states that the call is from the 'Fraud Credit Line'.
The caller then claims to be ringing on behalf of a named bank. They ask the recipient for their credit card number and other personal information, but do not ask any of the usual verification questions or give the caller's name when requested. The caller asks for the consumer by his or her full name including middle names, but when challenged refuses to give any contact details for the consumer to check on or call back on, and ends the conversation.
We can only assume this is another bogus company attempting to obtain personal information and advise extreme caution when contacted unexpectedly in this fashion.
Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If anyone has received threats or lost money they should contact the police.
Complaints have been received regarding letters received by consumers from MCO Capital Limited about a repayment of a loan. It is believed that MCO Capital Limited is a legitimate loan company and that a number of people from across the UK have had their identity stolen in order for fraudsters to take out loans, in various names, with MCO Capital Limited.
If you have received one of these letters and have not taken out a loan, DO NOT IGNORE IT. It may affect your credit rating and you may find bailiffs on your doorstep if you do not take action to inform MCO you did not request this loan.
MCO have asked that complainants should write to them to confirm that a loan has not been requested and payment has not been received. Their address is Imperial House, 15-19 Kingsway London WC2B 6UN.
Anyone receiving such letters may also wish to conduct a credit reference search (with an agency such as Experian) to ascertain if any fraudulent applications have been made against their name and address. There will be a charge for this service.
If you have lost money to a fraudster, please report it as soon as possible. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If anyone has lost money they should contact the police. If you need any more advice contact Action Fraud via their website www.actionfraud.org.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
Consumers are warned to beware of traders targeting rural Lancashire residents, by offering to tarmac roads and drives using material allegedly left over from council work.
On one occasion an older farming couple in the Hyndburn area was told that the men were working on a neighbouring road and had ordered too much tarmac, which is not believed to be true. They were charged over £2000 to cover their drive with tarmac.
On a second occasion a cold caller used a similar story and told a farmer in the rural outskirts of Chorley that he was working for the council and had left-over tarmac to use up, which was offered at £2.50 per square foot.
These individuals are not council contractors and Lancashire County Council would like to make it clear that they are not carrying out official work on the highways.
A fake address in Sheffield is given and the work is overcharged and consists of a surface skim which is unlikely to last long. One of the men has an Irish accent and drives a silver car.
Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506
27th August 2010 'BEST EVER' GCSE RESULTS FOR TARLETON HIGH SCHOOL Source: Southport Visitor
Tarleton High School is celebrating their best ever GCSE results.
Students and staff at the school celebrated their record breaking year when the results were announced this week. The number of pupils gaining A* and A grades has risen to a high of 29 per cent this year and Year 11 pupils equalled the schools best ever results with 80 per cent achieving five or more A* to C grades.
Some of the students at the school achieved particularly outstanding results, most notably Tom Cowin who gained 11 A*s and three As, Sian Butler who achieved 10 A*s and six As and Aiden Hipwell who got seven A* and seven A grades. More...
23rd August 2010 MP WARNS OF POSTAL SCAMS Source: Press Release
Local MP for Tarleton, Banks, Hesketh Bank and Rufford, Lorraine Fullbrook is this month highlighting the issue of Postal Scams, that are increasingly trapping local people.
Commenting on her concerns, Lorraine who lives in Tarleton said… “I was recently visited at my one of my local surgeries by a local Crime Prevention Officer and an independent member of the South Ribble Older People’s Partnership. The issue they discussed with me is an extremely serious one which has been raised on many occasions over the years by both the local and national newspapers and news – but as these unscrupulous people become more inventive in how to steal money from people, we must all continually make people aware of this horrendous practise. The Crime Prevention Officer presented me with a 6-inch high pile of mail which contained many different examples of letters delivered by post, personally addressed local people. In one individual case, there must be over 250 letters to just one elderly lady. Many of the letters are repetitive but here are some examples:
"The visions I have had of you will radically change your near future...In total over 50 million pounds destined for your bank account in less than 3 months" This one is telling the woman that she is going to win the Euro Millions lottery draw three times in three months – the letter concludes by asking for a payment of £45 via cheque or postal order.
Another type of letter - again supposing to predict the future - attaches little fake coins or "amulets" advertising their “power” to bring "immense wealth". This one asks for credit card details with number-security code, date of birth and a signature. Many of the letters are headed with photographs of supposed "famous/celebrity" psychics with daft names such as Ircan Mage or Jackie Stallone.
The scare-tactic letters: "We know your life lines. We know what can happen. This is also why we have to warn you...we are very concerned. We see you in big danger" This particular letter vaguely requests a sum of £27= as a contribution to save a person from harm or danger.
Then there are some of the more standard ones: "High End Prize Agency of Western Europe Match-Up...we have located the owner of £1,280,856.00". This particular type of letter says that "you are under no obligation" but ask the recipient to sign and return the form. Please be aware that this can be used as a signal of intent and gauges how persuadable or vulnerable the recipient is in order to send further letters which do ask for money OR to call a telephone number at an exorbitant charge per minute of the call.
A further example is a letter or postcard advising the recipient that they have a parcel awaiting delivery – which the recipient has never ordered – and requests that a telephone call be made to arrange delivery. There is no parcel; there is no delivery waiting but the telephone charge can be in the region of £6.00 per minute.
Some of these letters are of very poor quality print, but one can only imagine these being very frightening to receive. All in all there are so many different variants of these bogus and scam letters. They range from correspondence by fake "psychics" to fake firms assigning "cash prizes" amounting from thousands to several million pounds - often, if not always, asking for the person's credit card details at the most extreme level.
What is particularly concerning is that all of these letters affected just one of my constituents. Many of us receive the odd one of these letters and we just throw them away. However, for some of our more vulnerable people, they can escalate devastatingly. They become frightening to receive, and they are far easier to be taken in by than many of us realise.
It is important to remember therefore that if the contents of these letters appear too good to be true, they almost certainly are.” Please help me to raise awareness of this despicable practise. Please talk to your family, friends and neighbours.
This is beyond a disgrace and together we can all play our part and do our bit to do all we can to make life as difficult as possible for these thieves and help stop this al together.
I will be raising this issue with my parliamentary colleagues for them to spread the word to their constituents – and I will be raising this matter in the House of Commons to try and stop it”.
12th August 2010 Free FIRE SAFETY CHECK Source: Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Promote Free Home Fire Safety Checks Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service offer free Home Fire Safety Checks to every householder in the county.
These checks involve a crew visiting your home and giving fire safety advice, as well as fitting smoke alarms where necessary. Any resident within Lancashire can request one and they are completely free of charge.
The Home Fire Safety Checks include:
• Providing and install FREE 10-year smoke alarms where necessary.
• Giving life saving advice in the event of a fire in your home.
• How to make a fire escape plan for you and your family.
• Practical advice on identifying fire hazards in the home.
All Home Fire Safety Checks are carried out by employees of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service who will show identification when they arrive.
To book a free Home Fire Safety Check, please contact us by calling Freephone 0800 169 1125 quoting SA003
11th August 2010 Free Learner Drivers support scheme Source: Lancashire County Council
Do you take a learner driver out for extra practice sessions or know someone who does? Have you heard about Lancashire County Council’s FREE Pre Pass Support Scheme?
What is it? The FREE award-winning course is designed to help anyone who takes a Learner driver out for extra practice sessions. It will help mentors understand how they can provide the best support and advice for the Learner alongside their professional driving lessons.
When and where is it? The course is held on a Saturday at our Road Safety Training Centre in Leyland. We are running the course on the 14th August, 11th September and 9th October 2010.
How much does it cost? Nothing! The course is totally FREE and we will also provide you with a FREE lunch and refreshments.
What happens on the course? There is a theory and practical session which both the Learner and Accompanying Driver can attend. The course gives friendly support and advice so you both get more out of extra practice sessions. There is also an interactive workshop for the Learner which will provide lots of useful tips to help them prepare for their test.
Contact us now to book your place on a course Call Chris Dunderdale on 01772 534593 Email chris.dunderdale (at) lancashire.gov.uk
2nd August 2010 TRADING STANDARDS UPDATE Source: Lancashire Trading Standards Service
JOB-HUNTERS are being warned that some adverts for mystery shoppers, offering earnings of £300 per week, which have recently appeared in newspapers, are likely to be a sophisticated way to acquire bank details. When responding to an advertisement consumers are then asked for personal details and up-front payment.
This is yet another home-working scheme designed to part job-hunters from their money while offering very little in return. We are strongly advising people not to get involved with anything involving the words "Mystery Shopper".
When applying for any home-working job, the moment there is any mention of asking for up-front payment people should walk away.
Trading standards officers are also warning residents to beware scams involving tickets for the 2012 Olympic Games. Be aware that tickets will not be available until 2011 and will only be sold through the official website and authorised ticket resellers.
Residents may pre-register for tickets free of charge from the official 2012 Olympic website although pre-registering does not guarantee tickets. You will not be asked to pay money or sign a contract till 2011. If any website offers bargain tickets before 2011 it will be fraudulent.
Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506
21st July 2010 FURTHER POLICE APPEAL AGAIN FOR CRASH WITNESSES Source: Lancashire Constabulary
POLICE have issued a further appeal for witnesses after a 35 year old man died following a road traffic collision in Much Hoole near Preston.
The collision happened near to San Marco's restaurant at 3.40pm Sunday 11 July 2010 on the A59 Liverpool Road at the junction with Liverpool Old Road.
Two vehicles, a red Honda Civic and a silver Kia Sedona, both travelling in the direction of Preston, collided before leaving the carriageway. Sadly, the driver of the Civic, who was from Euxton, was pronounced dead at the scene. His three year old daughter who was also in the car suffered a fractured collar bone and was treated at Royal Preston Hospital.
Having reviewed CCTV of the area from the time of the collision, police are keen to trace the drivers of three scooters that were travelling from Tarleton towards Preston along the A59. The three are seen overtaking a double decker bus, ending up behind the Honda and the Kia.
It is not clear where they have continued onto following the collision and police are keen to speak with them as they could be key witnesses to what happened.
Sergeant Alan Baron said: "A full investigation into this collision remains underway and I am very keen to speak with the three scooter drivers as they could have vital information that could help us piece together exactly what happened.
"I would also renew the appeal to anybody else who may have witnessed anything to come forward."
Anybody with any information should contact police on 08451 25 35 45 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
12th July 2010 FATAL CAR CRASH - WITNESSES SOUGHT Source: Chorley Citizen
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 35-year- old Euxton man died following a road accident.
The collision happened yesterday in Much Hoole near to San Marco’s restaurant at 3.40pm on the A59 Liverpool Road at the junction with Liverpool Old Road. More...
7th July 2010 HOSEPIPE BAN ANNOUNCED Source: United Utilities
We have announced that we will impose a hosepipe ban following the driest start to a year since its records began. It is the first hosepipe ban in the North West for 14 years.
The ban will come into force on Friday July 9 at 6am.
21st May 2010 DAVID SUTHERS SWORN IN AS MAYOR Source: Lancashire Evening Post
South Ribble’s new mayor has been sworn in to take the chains of office.
Councillor David Suthers is the 37th mayor of South Ribble. He ran Junction Garage in Longton with his wife Madge, before retiring in 1999.
He became a councillor for Little Hoole & Much Hoole Ward in the same year and he also serves on the board of New Progress Housing, has been a governor at Little Hoole Primary School for 18 years, and is a past president of South Ribble Rotary Club.
He said: “The last 12 months as deputy mayor and mayoress has provided us with good training and we are very much looking forward to the year ahead. It is a great honour to be carrying out this civic duty and we hope to meet a lot of interesting people and raise money for our chosen charities.”
He will raise money for St Catherine’s Hospice, Derian House, and Life Education Centres for Lancashire. More...
21st May 2010 SCHOOL ANNOUNCES SWIMMING POOL REFURBISHMENT PLANS Source: Tarleton High School Press Release
Tarleton High School’s popular swimming pool will be given a much needed refurbishment this summer.
A major water leak had threatened the closure of the pool due to the cost of the repairs needed. The school has worked closely with Lancashire County Council’s Property Group to jointly fund the refurbishment that will cost over £250,000.
The Hesketh Lane school pool closes on Sunday 30th May with the works continuing through the summer. The pool has a target reopening date in early September if everything goes to plan. Most of the work will be underground and so will not be obvious to swimmers.
The refurbishment includes; excavating the existing pipe work on the pool side and replacing it, replacing the filters, pumps and pipe work in the plant room and retiling the pool itself. This will stop the water leak, increase the water quality for bathers and reduce the energy costs by making use of available technologies. The swimming pool is used for swimming lessons by hundreds of children from the surrounding areas and is a valuable local resource in an area surrounded by waterways and canals.
In addition, local swimming clubs and groups use the facility for training. The pool is also popular with locals who can hire the pool for swimming parties or use the pool during the public access sessions.
20th May 2010 HaLF TERM SOCCER SCHOOL Source: Hubmaker Media
Preston North End goalkeeper and UEFA Licensed Coach Roy Tunks, is hosting a Soccer School for footballers from 8-11 years at Penwortham Leisure Centre during the half term holidays.
If any junior players are interested, pleasecontact the Penwortham Leisure Centre on 01772 747272 at the earliest as places are limited.
12th May 2010 TRADING STANDARDS WARNING - INTERCOM SALES Source: Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Service
Please be advised that a number of complaints are being received relating to cold calling by men selling intercoms systems to residents of sheltered accommodation and local authority housing throughout the Leyland, Preston, Lancaster and Burnley/ Pendle areas.
Various reports have been received and there are believed to be two companies currently operating in this way. One company, which gives a Blackpool address, advises residents that the cost of the intercoms is usually £80 but will cost £40 if purchased through the Council. Sometimes residents believe the intercoms are linked to police schemes, or to their housing provider, none of which is true.
A second set of two salesmen, sometimes giving Lancaster addresses, are operating in the east of the county and appear to be charging around £250 for intercoms systems. Residents are led to believe the company is connected with the housing provider and are shocked at then having to pay. Plesae be aware these companies have no official links, the products may not work, and damage may be caused to doors etc when a drill is used during the fitting.
We would be grateful to receive any further intelligence on these salemen, especially if they are currently trading in an area. Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506 and ask them to pass the information to trading standards straight away. If there is any fraud or criminal damage the matter should also be referred to the police.
24th March 2010 BNP TO STAND FOR ELECTION Source: Champion News
The British National Party has announced that BNP activisit Rosalind Gauci will be fighting for the South Ribble seat at this year's election. More...
10th March 2010 CALLS FOR A59 Speed Limit CUTS Source: Lancasire Evening Post
The speed limit on one of the main routes into Preston is to be slashed by 20mph after two deaths.
Highways chiefs at County Hall want to cut traffic speed on the A59 to 30mph and 50mph between Penwortham and Longton.
Campaigners claim the speed reduction doesn't go down far enough. and want a 50mph limit from as far away as where the San Marco restaurant in Much Hoole. More...
15th February 2010 SCAM UPDATE Source: Lancashire Trading Standards
Residents are advised that there are several scams and possible unfair practices hitting Lancashire at the moment.
South Ribble- consumers have complained about a cold caller who phones, saying that he is from British Telecom, and that he is offering a new service called "Do Not Call". For a one off payment of £9.95 the consumer can take advantage of a life-long service banning cold calls. Financial information to pay for this service is then requested over the telephone. Consumers are warned that these phone calls are not made on behalf of BT, and asked not to give personal information to companies they do not know over the phone.
South Ribble, West Lancs- "Supporting Arms" bags have been left for collection at various locations, asking for unwanted goods. These are not left on behalf of a registered charity, and unfortunately the collections sometimes coincide the collection of other bags left by properly registered charities. Please be aware that the profits from sales of goods given to such companies as Supporting Arms are likely to go to support private businesses rather than charitable enterprises.
Throughout Lancashire- consumers selling goods on ebay are warned that after notification by ebay that a sale has been successful, you may receive a fake email, very official in appearance and purporting to be from Paypal, requesting that you post the item and send them the tracking number. The email states that payment has been received but is in a holding account till paypal receives the requested information, at which point they will release the money. Believing that the email is genuine, the seller then posts the item abroad, only to find later that the paypal email is fake when no payment is received. Please be very careful when sending any goods abroad, especially to Africa where many of these scams originate.
Throughout Lancashire- Businesses, schools and nursing homes across the county are being warned to watch out for bogus invoices that claim to be from directory publisher Yell in relation to its products and services. The warning comes after a number of complaints, including one from an Accrington primary school that recently received a bogus £500 invoice. The scammers seek to mislead Yell customers into signing up to fake advertising contracts which sometimes result in repeated requests for payment by phone. Some people may be duped into thinking they are taking out Yell advertising or renewing existing advertising programmes. Bogus order forms are sent by e-mail or fax and contain look-alike "Yellow Pages" branding. Customers who return the form subsequently receive invoices and requests for payment. Some have even received threatening telephone calls. In one instance, scammers set up copycat websites resembling Yell.com. Yell customers should be particularly alert to any correspondence they receive containing contact or bank account details in Holland or Germany. Some of the names to beware of are:
• Yellow Page UK or Yellow Page AG, which displays an inverted "walking fingers" logo.
• Yellow Pages 24.
• UK Yellow Guide.
Anyone receiving contact from these traders or anyone similar should ignore any order forms and should not pay any invoices.
Throughout Lancashire- Another lottery scam apparently based in Italy- the name given is Chic Express, giving an address in Piemonte- the unsolicited letters claim the consumer has won £66,000 but needs to send a £20 administration fee in the envelope provided. The letters purport to come from Collins & Partners Practice, so-called experts in security & financial transfers.
Residents are strongly advised never to give out personal bank details in response to an unsolicited call or mailing.
Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any loss of money the matter should also be referred to the police.
Warning issued by Dawn Robinson, Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Service, please call 01772 532763 for further information.
14th January 2010 BANK HALL PLANNING APPLICATION Source: Lancashire Evening Post
Moves are being made to restore a Lancashire landmark which dates back to the 17th century.
A planning application has gone to Chorley Council for work to Bank Hall in Bretherton to convert a large part of the building into private accommodation but the 1832 entrance hall, the hall behind it and the clock tower may be opened up to the public.
10th January 2010 SCHOOL CLOSURES UPDATE Source: Hubmaker Media
Tarleton High School will open on Monday 11th January for ALL PUPILS. Parents are asked to ensure the conditions of opening are observed.
8th January 2010 SCHOOL CLOSURES UPDATE Source: Hubmaker Media
Tarleton High School will open on Monday 11th January for year 11 pupils.
The suituation regarding school opening for years 7, 8, 9 and 10 TBA
7th January 2010 SCHOOL CLOSURES UPDATE Source: Hubmaker Media
Tarleton High School will be closed on Friday and a decision on opening next Monday will be advised as soon as possible.
7th January 2010 BORROW ATTACKS HOON IN LEADERSHIP ROW Source: Hubmaker Media
Two former Cabinet ministers, Mr Hoon and Ms Hewitt, have called for a Labour leadership contest claiming that unless the issue of the leadership was resolved, it could undermine Labour's general election campaign.
In reply to the email, South Ribble MP David Borrow responded:
"Dear Geoff,
Thank you for your e-mail. I am very disappointed and I disagree with you in every detail. I do not believe that the Parliamentary Labour Party is divided over the question of leadership, other than by a very few malcontents. I did not expect you to have become one of them.
Any leadership ballot (whatever the result) would be seized upon with glee by our political enemies and be immensely damaging to the Labour Party and our prospects at the forthcoming election. I believe you and Patricia have misjudged the mood in the PLP and I feel there is no pressure for a ballet only months before the General Election.
I would suggest, for the best interests of the Labour Party and your Parliamentary colleagues, that you now provide us all with a period of silence until after the next election."
6th January 2010 FURTHER SCHOOL CLOSURE ANNOUNCED Source: Hubmaker Media
Tarleton High School have announced they will remain closed tomorrow, Thursday the 7th January.
5th January 2010 SNOW JOKE FOR BRETHERTON SKIER Source: Mirror.co.uk
Bretherton's Dave Ryding might be one of our big skiing hopes for this year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver - but he isn't happy when the snow began to fall in Britain.
He grumbled: "I wanted a break from my normal routine - I did not want to see any snow."
"I'm sick of the stuff. I was slipping all over the place. Transport was carnage.
Dave, 23, spends several months of the year training in Austria and is now rated as the British No.1 for slalom. More....
2nd January 2010 TARLETON DANCER IN BBC SHOW FINAL Source: Lancashire Evening Post
Dancer Alistair makes move for TV crown
A Tarleton farmer's son turned ballet dancer is to star in a new BBC TV talent search to find Britain's best dancer.
Former Tarleton schoolboy Alastair Postlethwaite, now 28, who won a place at the Royal Ballet School at the age of 11, is a finalist on new primetime BBC1 show, So You Think You Can Dance.
Alastair, who grew up on Longlands Farm, in Tarleton, and still stays with his parents between jobs, mucked out, herded cattle and worked on the family stall in Chorley Market in between working on his dance moves as a child. More....
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The fracing fluids used by Cuadrilla is 99.75% composed of fresh water and sand. This water and sand combination is supplemented with microscopic amounts of everyday chemicals typically found in people’s homes: Polyacrylamide friction reducers (00.075%), commonly used in cosmetics and facial creams, Hydrochloric acid (00.125%), frequently found in swimming pools and drinking water wells, Biocide (00.005%), used on rare occasions when the water provided from the local supplier needs to be further purified.