To keep updated and find out when and where we will be gritting visit:

Twitter - www.twitter.com/lancashirecc

Facebook - www.facebook.com/lancashirecc

Winter website – www.lancashire.gov.uk/winter

Further details regarding Gritting:

Gritting in Lancashire is the responsibility of Lancashire County Council, except for on motorways and trunk roads, where it is the responsibility of Highways England.

• https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/winter/gritting/our-routes/#
• Links available - Report gritting (winter service) to Request a refill, repair or new grit bin: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/report-it/gritting/
• The quickest and easiest way to request a refill, repair or new grit bin is via the Love Clean Streets mobile app.
  

For further information see Lancashire County Council's Winter in Lancashire information pages.

Firefighters ask: "Does Your Hot Water Bottle Need Replacing?" Here’s How to Check

Hot water bottles are a longstanding, low-cost way to stay warm, but they typically have a lifespan of about two years. Do you know how to check when yours will expire?

Here's a quick and easy way to find out: Look for the 'Flower Wheel' or 'Daisy Wheel' on the funnel or neck of your hot water bottle. This will show you the manufacturing date.

How to Read It:

The number in the centre of the wheel indicates the year it was made (e.g., ‘20’ means 2020).

The 12 petals around the wheel represent the months of the year.

The dots in each petal represent the weeks of that month. For example, 3 dots in the fifth petal means it was made in the third week of May.

If your hot water bottle is more than two years old from the manufacturing date, it is at risk of leaking or bursting. For your safety, it's time to replace it!

For further information on staying warm safely over winter, visit our website.

Message Sent By

Zoe Scott
(Lancashire Fire & Rescue, Campaigns Officer, Lancashire)

Should anyone wish to sign up to receive information direct, and have access to reply to these messages please see below:

In The Know - Lancashire

In The Know 'Find out what's really happening in your area - receive regular crime updates, information on road closures, information about fires and other emergencies and learn about what your local neighbourhood policing team is doing.

In The Know is the free messaging service brought to you by Lancashire Police supported by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire County Council where you decide when and how you are kept informed about the issues that matter to you'.https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk/

Lancashire Trading Standards - Consumer Alerts - December 2024

Please find the Consumer Alerts for December 2024 to download below, or alternatively further information can also be found on Facebook page -(20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook

www.lancashire.gov.uk

Please find attached December's Bus Service Changes giving details of forthcoming changes to bus services. This information is also available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/publictransport.

Bus Services Team

Public & Integrated Transport

Lancashire County Council

01772 534511
busservices@lancashire.gov.uk

www.lancashire.gov.uk

For further information please see file available to download below:

If you're struggling to make ends meet, you may be eligible for help from the Household Support Fund. The fund aims to help with short-term living costs such as paying energy and water bills or for food or essential household appliances such as heaters and other important items. For more information on eligibility and to apply, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/hsf

With the arrival of cold weather, we all want to keep our homes warm and cosy. But with heating equipment being a leading cause of house fires in Lancashire over winter, it’s essential to prioritise your safety. The good news? A few simple precautions can help you enjoy the season without worry. In this room-by-room guide, we’ll walk through the most common heating risks and how to address them, to help you stay safe and warm this winter.

Living Room

The living room is often where families gather during winter, making it a prime location for heating appliances and fireplaces.

• Fireplace Safety: If you have a fireplace, ensure its cleaned and inspected annually by a professional. Creosote buildup in chimneys can ignite and cause dangerous fires. Use a sturdy screen or glass door to keep embers from escaping onto rugs or furniture.
• Portable Heaters: Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials like curtains and furniture. Always opt for models with automatic shut-off features in case they tip over.
• Candles: While candles create ambiance, they’re also a fire hazard. Use flameless LED candles as a safer alternative, or never leave traditional candles burning unattended.

Bedroom

Keeping bedrooms warm is a must for restful sleep, but it’s crucial to do so safely.

• Electric Blankets and Heating Pads: Check for frayed wires or old, worn-out products. Never fold or bunch electric blankets, as this can cause overheating. Turn them off before falling asleep.
• Space Heater Placement: If you use a space heater, place it on a hard, flat surface away from beds, pillows, or curtains. Never run extension cords to power these devices; plug them directly into the wall.
• Smoke Detectors: Install smoke alarms in or near bedrooms and test them monthly. These simple devices save lives by providing early warnings in case of a fire.
• Have a Fire Escape Plan: Prepare and practice an escape route with your family so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Kitchen

The kitchen may seem warm and inviting, but using cooking appliances as heat sources is a dangerous mistake.

• Ovens Are Not Heaters: Never use your oven to heat your home. Not only is it inefficient, but it can also lead to carbon monoxide buildup or even fires.
• Ventilation: Make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated if you’re using gas appliances. Check that extractor fans and vents are clear and functioning properly.
• Portable Heaters: If you use a heater in the kitchen, ensure its placed far away from water sources to avoid electrical hazards.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are often chilly in winter, leading many to use portable heaters for extra warmth. While this can be effective, it requires caution.

• Heaters and Water: Water and electricity don’t mix. Keep portable heaters far from baths, sinks, or showers, and only use devices specifically rated for bathroom use.
• Ventilation Fans: Use bathroom fans to reduce moisture buildup, which can damage heating appliances or lead to electrical hazards over time.

Utility Room

Your home’s heating system likely resides in boiler cupboard or utility area. Keeping this space safe is critical for your entire household.

• Boiler Maintenance: Schedule an annual service for your boiler to ensure it’s running efficiently and safely.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Place CO detectors in the same room as your boiler, as malfunctioning heating systems are a leading cause of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you have any concerns about fire safety in your home, you can register for a FREE Home Fire Safety Check.

During a Home Fire Safety Check, our officers will assess your home and advise you on how to reduce any risks. They will make sure you have a working smoke alarm fitted that you know how to test and maintain, and help you put together an escape plan in case a fire breaks out in the future.

Message Sent By
Zoe Scott
(Lancashire Fire & Rescue, Campaigns Officer, Lancashire)

Should anyone wish to sign up to receive information direct, and have access to reply to these messages please see below:

In The Know - Lancashire

In The Know 'Find out what's really happening in your area - receive regular crime updates, information on road closures, information about fires and other emergencies and learn about what your local neighbourhood policing team is doing.

In The Know is the free messaging service brought to you by Lancashire Police supported by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire County Council where you decide when and how you are kept informed about the issues that matter to you'.https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk/

Message Sent By

Zoe Scott
(Lancashire Fire & Rescue, Campaigns Officer, Lancashire)

Should anyone wish to sign up to receive information direct, and have access to reply to these messages please see below:

In The Know - Lancashire

In The Know 'Find out what's really happening in your area - receive regular crime updates, information on road closures, information about fires and other emergencies and learn about what your local neighbourhood policing team is doing.

In The Know is the free messaging service brought to you by Lancashire Police supported by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire County Council where you decide when and how you are kept informed about the issues that matter to you'.https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk/

Please find attached November's Bus Service Changes giving details of forthcoming changes to bus services. This information is also available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/publictransport.

Public & Integrated Transport

Lancashire County Council

01772 534511
busservices@lancashire.gov.uk

www.lancashire.gov.uk

Chimney Safety Tips from Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service

Many people in Lancashire use open fires or log burners fitted to traditional chimneys. If you have a chimney, it’s vital that you keep it clean and in good working condition. Failure to maintain yours can result in a fire or other damage to your property. This advice can help you stay safe:

Actively maintain your chimney every year.

Burn only legal fuel materials, not household waste.

Take care when sweeping ashes so they don’t spread.

Allow ashes to cool thoroughly before binning them.

Check your upstairs and loft space frequently in case of smoke egress from the flue.

If you have a chimney fire, get out, stay out, and call us out via 999.

Do not try to put the fire out yourself.

The National Association of Chimney Sweeps offers a handy online tool to help you find a local chimney sweep.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Protect your home and loved ones by following these essential chimney safety tips.

For more information or to book a Home Fire Safety Check, visit www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/chimney-safety

Message Sent By
Zoe Scott
(Lancashire Fire & Rescue, Campaigns Officer, Lancashire)

In The Know - Lancashire

Should anyone wish to sign up to receive information direct, and have access to reply to these messages please see below:

In The Know - Lancashire

In The Know 'Find out what's really happening in your area - receive regular crime updates, information on road closures, information about fires and other emergencies and learn about what your local neighbourhood policing team is doing.

In The Know is the free messaging service brought to you by Lancashire Police supported by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire County Council where you decide when and how you are kept informed about the issues that matter to you'. https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk/

We wanted to share this fantastic opportunity for you to get involved in a creative project helping tell our local and regional food stories (please see further info below).

All the Cuisine Zine workshops are free to join. Please share with anyone you feel has a story to tell or a passion for food and art.

Regards,

Community Connectors

Dear friends,

We've been awarded some funds from Pots of Possibility to run an exciting project which we would love you to be involved in!

We're running five workshops through autumn and winter exploring how we all experience food, then creating & printing ( on the riso press ) our collective lo-fi alternative food zines and sharing them across our communities.

The workshops are Free but booking is essential.

You can read our CUISINE ZINES BLOG for more information.

Morecambe Community Riso Press

For further information please see flyer below 

We’d like to share details of a Meet Your Muslim Neighbours event at Lancaster Central Library on Saturday, August 31st, from10 am to 4 pm. It’s free, and everyone is welcome.

Please find attached September's Bus Service Changes giving details of forthcoming changes to bus services. This information is also available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/publictransport.

Bus Services Team

Public & Integrated Transport

Lancashire County Council

01772 534628
busservices@lancashire.gov.uk

www.lancashire.gov.uk

For further information please see file available to download below

As we brace for a scorching week in Lancashire, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and prioritize safety. High temperatures increase the risk of wildfires and water-related incidents. Here are some essential safety measures to follow:

www.lancashire.gov.uk

Product Safety Leaflet available to download below:

For further details, including how to Register for this event, please download the notices below:

Did you know that the quickest and most convenient way of accessing council services is online at https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/information/do-it-online. You don’t have to wait until our offices are open to report, apply, book or make a payment. You can save time and do it online at any time, from anywhere and on any device. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can also visit us in person at the town halls in Lancaster and Morecambe. Our customer service centres are open from 9am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday. You can also contact us by phone on 01524 582000.

These are our current most popular 'do it online' services.

Household waste and recycling

• Renew (or take out) a subscription to our garden waste collection service
• View or download your bin collection calendar
• Book a bulky household item collection
• Report a missed bin collection
• Report fly-tipping

Housing

• Apply for housing

My Account

Registering with our My Account service makes it quick and convenient to report, request, book and pay for council services, without having to provide your address and contact details each time.

Lancashire Trading Standards - Consumer Alerts - April 2024:

Please find The Consumer Alerts for April 2024 to download below, or alternatively further information about current scams can also be found on Facebook page - (20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook

www.lancashire.gov.uk

New PCSO

Hello,

I would like to introduce myself, I am Andrea the new Police Community Support officer for Heysham South, Central and Middleton and Overton.

I have spent my 17 year career working in various ward areas including Morecambe town centre, West End and Bare and Torrisholme. I am looking forward to making sure Heysham is a nice safe place for the local residents, businesses and visitors to the area.

You will most likely see me getting my steps in so come and say hello if you see me around. Although I have an idea what the issues are I am open to people letting me know what they think the issues are via the in the know system and you can also reply to this email and I will get back to you.

Kind regards

PCSO Andrea Pagett 7816

(Lancashire Police, PCSO, Morecambe )

In The Know - Lancashire

Should anyone wish to sign up to receive information direct, and have access to reply to these messages please see below:

In The Know - Lancashire

In The Know 'Find out what's really happening in your area - receive regular crime updates, information on road closures, information about fires and other emergencies and learn about what your local neighbourhood policing team is doing.

In The Know is the free messaging service brought to you by Lancashire Police supported by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire County Council where you decide when and how you are kept informed about the issues that matter to you'. https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk/

Could you be a Police Community Support Officer?

Lancashire Constabulary have announced that recruitment is NOW OPEN to join as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

You will hear regularly from your local PCSO on this platform, as they keep you updated and informed about community matters that make a difference to your life, and now is your opportunity to join them.

If you are looking for an exciting, challenging and diverse role, find out more and apply Police Community Support Officer – Lancashire Constabulary

Message Sent By
Lancashire News
(Police, Police, HQ)

In The Know - Lancashire

Measles Preparedness:

Resources are continually being added and updated on the ICB measles webpages LSC Integrated Care Board :: Primary Care (icb.nhs.uk). A BSL video is now available on the ICB measles spread the word page LSC Integrated Care Board :: Help spread the word (icb.nhs.uk) and there is information on vaccinations during Ramadan and some supporting imagery.

· Is your child up to date with their vaccinations? Make sure you check their Red Book or contact your GP surgery to find out & book in any missed doses.
More info: nhs.uk/childhood vaccinations

• Childhood infections can be serious, even life-changing. Is your child protected? Check their Red Book or contact your GP surgery if you’re unsure. nhs.uk/childhood vaccinations
• Immunisations offer the best protection for children against many common illnesses – preventing over 5,000 deaths and over 100,000 hospital admissions each year. Check your child is up to date and contact your GP surgery to book any catch up appointments.
• All routine childhood vaccinations are free, and even if your child misses any doses, you can book a catch up appointment with your GP surgery.
  Check their Red Book or contact your GP surgery to check they’re up to date.
• Immunisation is the safest way to protect children against many illnesses. Is your child protected?
  More info: nhs.uk/childhood vaccinations
• Cases of childhood infections like measles and whooping cough are rising – but they can be prevented. Immunisation is the best defence for children against many common illnesses.
  Make sure your child is up to date and book any catch up appointments with your GP surgery.

Useful links

· NHS England: Childhood vaccinations

· NHS England: Why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself

· UKHSA blog: Protecting your children through vaccination - UK Health Security Agency (blog.gov.uk)

· Department for Education blog: What to do if you think your child has measles and when to keep them off school - The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk)

· Publications and assets for childhood immunisations can be downloaded and ordered for free by healthcare professionals on the Health Publications website.

UKHSA further information:

· Immunisation

· Immunisations: babies up to 13 months of age

· Immunisations at one year of age

· Pre-school vaccinations: guide to vaccinations from 2 to 5 years

· Have you had your MMR?

· What to expect after vaccinations

· Vaccines and porcine gelatine

· Use of human and animal products in vaccines

· Immunisation information for migrants

Please find available to download below - 'Measles What to do Information sheet'

Please find attached March's Bus Service Changes giving details of forthcoming changes to bus services.

This information is also available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/publictransport .

www.lancashire.gov.uk

Community Connectors forwarded Overton Parish Council the attached communications toolkit produced by the UKHSA to support communities with questions they may have about measles and the MMR vaccine.

Please find the toolkit available to download below

We have had reports recently of members of the public being contacted by people pretending to be Action Fraud, asking for the victims to withdraw cash as part of an investigation, then to send it on to them, so we just wanted to help make people aware of these scams and what to do.

Please pass this information particularly if you have any friends or family that might be vulnerable to these type of scams.

Visit Impersonation Fraud | Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk) for more information and advice.

Message Sent By
Will Pomroy
(Police, PCSO, Morecambe)

In The Know - Lancashire

Half Term Activities at the Museum this February

With the half term holidays fast approaching, we wanted to share with you some of the activities available at our Police Museum, based at Lancaster Castle.

It’s cartoon time! Customise your own forensics cartoon with metallic and neon paint, stickers and pompoms.

Free activity

15 & 16 February

10.30 to 12 noon & 1.30 to 3pm

Just turn up – no booking required

Visit the museums website to get more visitor information, such as directions.

https://www.lancashirepolicemuseum.co.uk/

Message Sent By
Lancashire News
(Police, Police, HQ)

In The Know - Lancashire

If you’re a local resident in receipt of the Universal Credit, you may have received a letter from us and instructions to follow to get financial support from our Household Support Fund towards paying your bills. If you don’t hear from us or struggling to make ends meet, you may still be eligible to apply for assistance from the fund. For more info and to apply online, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/hsf

Please find the Consumer Alerts for February 2024 to download below, or alternatively further information about current scams can be found via Facebook page - (20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook

www.lancashire.gov.uk

The first month of 2024 is complete so here is information about 5 community opportunities for February:

1. Chinese New Year(Sunday 4^th February)
2. Commemorations to mark 20 years since the Morecambe Bay Cockling Tragedy (4^th & 5^th February)
3. HIV Testing Week - PrEp Van in Market Square, Lancaster (Tuesday 6^th February)
4. Take part in an online exhibition for International Women’s Day(closes Monday 19^th February)
5. Disability Access Community Conversation (Thursday 29^th February)

Please scroll to the end of this information for other mentions including a local family’s mission to raise £250,000 to fund research into treatment for visual impairment caused by albinism, videos from Bay Volunteers, and information about the Lancaster District Directory.

1.Chinese New Year – Year of the Dragon (Sunday 4^th February)

The Chinese New Year Festival in Lancaster takes place on Sunday 4^th February. The festival starts at 10am with performances and activities centring around the Market Square plinth and other parts of the city centre.

The official opening ceremony starts at 12 noon in Market Square followed by the lion and dragon parade around the city centre.

The following links provide further information:

https://www.lancasterchinesenewyear.com

https://www.facebook.com/lancastercny/

2.Commemorations to mark 20 years since the Morecambe Bay Cockling Tragedy (4^th & 5^th February)

On Sunday 4^th February an event will take place on West End beach (by the Battery) to commemorate 20 years since the cockling tragedy when 23 people died at Morecambe Bay. There will be a sculptural bonfire, lanterns and music beginning at 4.30pm. At 6.30pm, Long Walk Chinese Ensemble featuring Guo Yue, will perform at More Music (13-17 Devonshire Road, Morecambe LA3 1QT). Other musicians will perform and there will be food. It is a pay-what-you-feel event.

On Monday 5^th February there will be a candlelit vigil on Morecambe promenade at the memorial dedicated to those who died (it is near the RNLI lifeboat station). Candles will be distributed at 5.45pm and the service will start at 6pm.

The Mayor of Lancaster, Cllr Roger Dennison, invites those wanting to pay their respects to bring along candles and lanterns. The service will be led by the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Revd Philip North.

3.PrEP Van in Market Square for HIV Testing Week (Tuesday 6^th February 2024)

National HIV Testing Week is next week (5-11^th February). The charity Renaissance will be bringing their PrEP van to Market Square all day (from 9am on Tuesday 6^th) to talk about PrEP and to offer advice, support and HIV testing.

To ask a question or to request further information, please contact Jane Altham, sexual health practitioner with Renaissance, via email jaltham@ren-uk.com

https://www.ren-uk.com

4.The Woman Who Influenced Me- an online exhibition for International Women’s Day 2024 (Closing date Monday 19^th February)

King Street Arts and Lancaster City Council are working together to mark International Women’s Day on Friday 8^th March.

The Woman Who Influenced Mewill collate responses from people living in the Lancaster district about women they know who have played an important role in shaping their character and interests, being a positive influence in their life.

It only takes a few minutes to submit a response. Entries are open until Monday 19^th February. (It may not be possible to include all responses.)

There is a way to submit online: https://keepconnected.lancaster.gov.uk/international-womens-day (it will be live later this afternoon, 1st February.)

The exhibition will be available at https://www.kingstreetstudios.art on Friday 8^th March.

5.Disability Access Community Conversation (Thursday 29^th February)

A community conversation will provide the opportunity for residents to have their say about the subject of Disability Access in the Lancaster District.

Participants will be discussing, in small groups, where they have faced barriers to access in the Lancaster District (under the four themes of transport, public & private buildings, attitudes and environmental access) and what they feel could improve access in these areas.

The issues identified will inform future campaigns.

There will be two events at Lancaster University’s Management School. The venue has plenty of car parking (including disabled parking bays) and is accessible via bus. Please see the map: https://link.mazemap.com/Fyft0Bzf There will be an afternoon session and an evening session on the same day to enable a wide variety of participation.

Refreshments are available and the event is free to attend.

Partners involved include: NHS, LDCVS, RNIB, Neuro Dropin, Enabling You!, Morecambe Bay ME Group, Lancaster University and Lancaster City Council.

The 2 sessions will be on Thursday 29^th February. The first session will start at 2pm (finishing at 4pm) and the second session will start at 6pm (finishing at 8pm). You only need to attend one session.

Please use this link to book your place: Community Conversation: Disability Access Tickets, Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster | TryBooking United Kingdom

Funding research into treatment for visual impairment caused by albinism

A local family is seeking support to fund treatment into sight loss brought on by albinism. The research will cost £250,000. Please see their Justgiving page for further information:

Abby Arrowsmith is fundraising for Gift of Sight (justgiving.com)

Bay Volunteers

Please take a look at this video (available on social media platforms) to hear Catherine talk about volunteering with Bay Volunteers:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/793627502596551 X: https://twitter.com/BayVolunteers/status/1751341152073081333

If you would like information about Bay Volunteers (becoming a volunteer or asking for support from a volunteer) please contact Matt Parker via email at bayvolunteersmanager@hopelancaster.co.uk

Lancaster District Directory

The Lancaster District Directory helps residents find and get in touch with essential services provided by community groups, the NHS and Lancaster City Council & Lancashire County Council. Use this link to visit the directory: Elemental Software - Population Plus (lancastercvs.org.uk)

If you would like support to use the directory or to ask a question about something listed, or that you think should be listed, please phone 01524 555900 or email digitaldirectory@lancastercvs.org.uk

Kind regards

Adam / Community Connectors

Prevention of Vehicle Crime

It takes a few seconds to steal from a vehicle, many of these crimes are from unlocked vehicles.

Never leave items on display, such as shopping bags, handbags, or coats. Don’t leave spare keys or sat navs in your vehicle, even in the glove box.

At home, don’t leave car keys in clear view from windows or in reach from the letter box. Hook and canes can be used to steal keys through letter boxes. High value and performance cars can be specifically targeted for this type of crime.

Never leave the engine running, especially in frosty weather, car thieves know that people do this.

If you use your vehicle for work, remove your tools or other valuables if possible. Simple things like reversing onto the drive so that the rear doors on a van can’t be opened easily will help to put thieves off.

Park where the vehicle can be well seen, even if it means walking a bit further. Don’t park behind bushes, walls or large vehicles because this gives criminals somewhere to hide. At night try to park in residential areas because people are more likely to be at home not at work.

When using a car park, remove all items on display and think about when you will be returning to the car – will it be dark, if so is there a safer area to park nearer to a street light.

Consider steering locks, alarms, tracking devices and immobilisers and if you have them, use them.

Use anti-tamper or security screws on your registration plate – they can be easily fitted but can’t be removed using standard tools. These are available from various online retailers, DIY and vehicle maintenance stores.

HGV’s and plant are often targeted for diesel theft. Devices are available to buy to help combat this however good security of compounds, lighting, good quality CCTV and natural surveillance will all help to deter this type of crime.

Remember, vehicle crime is an occupation for some people, don’t make your vehicle an easy target for them.

Keeping your keyless car safe

Store your keys away from household entry points. Keeping your keyless entry fob out of sight is not enough - thieves only need to get close to the key to amplify the signal. Faraday Bags can be purchased online and in stores, these will prevent your signal being intercepted and your vehicle stolen.

Despite social media or public opinion DO NOT leave keys in the fridge, microwave or a tin as this may do more damage to the key and is unlikely to be effective.

Review your car security. Check for after market security devices such as steering locks or trackers, which are proven to deter thieves. If your vehicle has a manufacturer's installed tracker, check with your insurance before you alter it as it may invalidate your insurance.

Contact your dealer and talk about the digital features in your car. Have there been any software updates you can take advantage of?

If you have a garage, use it.

See how quickly criminals use these methods to gain keyless entry to a car in the West Midlands:

https://youtu.be/8pffcngJJq0

Message Sent By

Will Pomroy
(Police, PCSO, Morecambe)

Should anyone wish to sign up to receive information direct please see below:

In The Know - Lancashire

In The Know 'Find out what's really happening in your area - receive regular crime updates, information on road closures, information about fires and other emergencies and learn about what your local neighbourhood policing team is doing.

In The Know is the free messaging service brought to you by Lancashire Police supported by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire County Council where you decide when and how you are kept informed about the issues that matter to you'. https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk/

It's bitterly cold this week and we want to remind you to be safe and save if you're trying to cut costs and plan to heat your home without central heating this winter.

You can protect your family and your home, by following these steps:

If you have a chimney, get it swept before use. Only buy portable heaters from reputable suppliers and keep them clear of anything that could catch fire. Make sure electric blankets are in good condition and get them serviced before use. Never use electric blankets and hot water bottles at the same time. Avoid overheating wheat bags – they can catch fire in the microwave.

Visit our website for more safety advice and tips on staying warm.

Message Sent By
Zoe Scott
(Lancashire Fire & Rescue, Campaigns Officer, Lancashire)

Should anyone wish to sign up to receive information direct please see below:

In The Know - Lancashire

In The Know 'Find out what's really happening in your area - receive regular crime updates, information on road closures, information about fires and other emergencies and learn about what your local neighbourhood policing team is doing.

In The Know is the free messaging service brought to you by Lancashire Police supported by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire County Council where you decide when and how you are kept informed about the issues that matter to you'. https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk/

An amber cold-health alert is in place for the #NorthWest so look out for others as the temperatures remain low. For tips on how to stay warm and well, visit: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/winter/keeping-well/

Please find the Consumer Alerts for January 2024 to download below, or alternatively further information about current scams can be found via Facebook page -(20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook. 

PHONE SCAMS

As Christmas approaches, we do not want you falling victim to scams and fraud.

People lose a lot of money to Phone Scams.

Sometimes their life savings. Scammers have figured out countless ways to cheat you out of your money over the phone.

In some cases, they act friendly and helpful. In others, they threaten or try to scare you. They will do what ever it takes to get your money or your personal information to commit identity theft.

One such Scam making the rounds at the moment is an automated phone call that tells you that it is the HMRC. It tells you that HMRC are filing a lawsuit against you because you owe them money. It tells you to press 1 and speak with a case worker. THIS IS A SCAM, END THE CALL IMMEDIATLEY.

If you receive calls from your bank requesting personal account details, or money please think before answering any questions. Always think Scam.

STOP, HANG UP, AND CALL 159. This is a safe phone service to most high street banks who can help.

Message Sent By
Angela Hall
(Police, PCSO, Morecambe )

Should anyone wish to sign up to receive information direct please see below:

In The Know - Lancashire

In The Know 'Find out what's really happening in your area - receive regular crime updates, information on road closures, information about fires and other emergencies and learn about what your local neighbourhood policing team is doing.

In The Know is the free messaging service brought to you by Lancashire Police supported by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire County Council where you decide when and how you are kept informed about the issues that matter to you'. https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk/

Information and advice about how to keep safe and on the move during periods of severe weather in the Lancaster district.

• Follow Lancaster City Council on Twitter for local information and updates and use the links below for county-wide information and reports.
• Follow Lancashire County Council on Twitter for live updates on gritting, school closures and county-wide winter services.
• View our severe weather plan (PDF)

Gritting

Gritting in Lancashire is the responsibility of Lancashire County Council, except for on motorways and trunk roads, where it is the responsibility of Highways England.

• View a map of precautionary gritting routes in Lancashire

For further information see Lancashire County Council's Winter in Lancashire information pages.

To Report Gritting (winter service) Request a refill, repair or new grit bin: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/report-it/gritting/

The quickest and easiest way to request a refill, repair or new grit bin is via the Love Clean Streets mobile app.

Transport and travel news updates

• BBC Radio Lancashire provides regular weather and travel updates for the region

Severe weather forecasts

• Check for severe weather warnings in the north west at the Met Office severe weather warning page

School closures

• School education in Lancashire is provided by Lancashire County Council. For details of any school closures due to severe weather, visit their unavoidable school closures page.

Clearing snow and ice

If you clear snow and ice yourself, be careful - don’t make pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. But don’t be put off clearing paths because you’re afraid someone will get injured.

You can buy grit for your paths and driveways from B&Q, Wickes, Homebase and builders' merchants.

• Tips for clearing snow and ice - Lancashire County Council

Health and wellbeing

During winter more people get ill or are injured than at other times of the year. The NHS has produced some top tips on keeping fit and healthy, including advice on beating the flu:

• Preparing for winter - advice from the NHS

Winter brings with it long and dark nights, the perfect feeding ground for burglars. Make sure you've taken steps to protect yourself and your property:

• Crime prevention advice from Lancashire Constabulary

United Utilities have published advice on how to prevent pipes from freezing in winter conditions:

• Get Winterwise with United Utilities

Flooding

It's not just snow and ice that we have to worry about during the winter. An increased likelihood of rain and high winds bring with them the potential to cause flooding. Check out our flooding advice page for more information on how you should prepare.

Over the last few weeks we have received more reports of people parking up on Car Parks and stopping at roadsides to inhale Nitrous Oxide Canisters either by using balloons or the mouth pieces ( shown )

Any sightings of people using or believed to be using these either report to myself or by contacting 101

Message Sent By
John Jackson
(Police, PCSO, Morecambe )

Should anyone wish to sign up to receive information direct please see below:

In The Know - Lancashire

In The Know 'Find out what's really happening in your area - receive regular crime updates, information on road closures, information about fires and other emergencies and learn about what your local neighbourhood policing team is doing.

In The Know is the free messaging service brought to you by Lancashire Police supported by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire County Council where you decide when and how you are kept informed about the issues that matter to you'. https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk/

Support is available in Lancashire to help people with the cost of living this winter. Residents can find support available to them, locally and nationally.

This includes support for fuel, food, and finances Visit: Lancashire.gov.uk/costofliving

Have you used your Nowcard recently? #TakeTheBus and enjoy free travel with your concessionary pass. From visiting cafes and garden centres to Christmas shopping trips and evenings out, the opportunities are endless your free bus pass. Find out more:

www.lancashire.gov.uk/publictransport #TravelLancs

If you are planning a festive night out this weekend, don't forget you can travel by bus for just £1 after 7pm. This offer is available on single journeys on most bus services across Lancashire 7 days a week. Find out more about great value bus fares www.lancashire.gov.uk/publictransport

Children receiving free school meals can sign up to enjoy free activities during the school holiday with our Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF).Funded by the Department for Education, the programme provides a great opportunity for children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals to get out and about and meet new friends. The sessions include a variety of fun activities and take place from Thursday 21st December until 5th January 2024. They are delivered by a host of providers and include a nutritious meal each day. For more info and how to book, visit:

www.lancaster.gov.uk/holidayactivities

It's freezing at the moment, and energy bills are high, so if you or someone you know is struggling to keep warm, you can always take advantage of the Warm and Welcome Spaces which have opened their doors across the district.
Venues include libraries, community centres as well as church and village halls. For more information on their locations, opening times and what they can offer, as well as other useful guidance to help residents with energy bills and staying warm, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/warm-spaces

Love Clean Streets mobile app

You can report all highways issues to us via the Love Clean Streets app.

If you spot a problem on the highway, you can report it on the go via Lancashire County Council's mobile app. Issues with potholes, a faulty streetlight, blocked drain, cracked pavement, gritting, weeds, trees, plus much more, can be logged easily and in seconds via the Love Clean Streets mobile app.

How it works

It’s simple to use and your issue can be logged in seconds.

The reports will come to our highways team in the usual way, but you will be able to report issues on your mobile whilst out and about.

Attaching a photo to your report will help our inspectors to assess the work quickly.

You will also be able to keep up to date on the progress of your report via the app.

*Please note that any reports you make via the app, will not be visible on our Report It website

The app is free to download.

Highways emergencies, such as:

missing manhole cover, diesel, oil or mud spillage, flooding more than half-way across a road, or a dangerous tree can be reported to our highways team on 0300 123 6780 24 hrs a day.

All non-emergency highways issues can be reported via the Love Clean Streets app and website.

Visit: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/.../report-it-on-the-go/

To Report Gritting (winter service) Request a refill, repair or new grit bin: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/report-it/gritting/

The quickest and easiest way to request a refill, repair or new grit bin is via the Love Clean Streets mobile app.

lovetoride.net/lancashire Follow us on social media! | LinkedIn |

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

For further information please see Poster and Flyer available to download below

LATEST NEWS: Public urged to stay safe and keep warm as cold weather health alert issued. Forecasters are expecting temperatures in the region to drop from 6pm tonight (28/11/23) until Tuesday (5th December) as an amber weather health alert has been issued across the whole of the north west. For more information and tips to stay warm this winter visit https://orlo.uk/K6jgy

With an amber cold-health alert in place for the #NorthWest - visit:https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/winter/keeping-well/ for tips on how to stay warm and well this #LancsWinter

Follow Met Office for weather updates. #WeatherAware

For further information see Lancashire County Council's Winter in Lancashire information pages.

Gritting

Gritting in Lancashire is the responsibility of Lancashire County Council, except for on motorways and trunk roads, where it is the responsibility of Highways England.

• View a map of precautionary gritting routes in Lancashire
• https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/winter/gritting/our-routes/#
• Report gritting (winter service) Request a refill, repair or new grit bin: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/report-it/gritting/
• The quickest and easiest way to request a refill, repair or new grit bin is via the Love Clean Streets mobile app.
  

For further information see Lancashire County Council's Winter in Lancashire information pages.

Firefighters shout "no need to speed" this Road Safety Week

Should anyone wish to sign up to receive information direct please see below:

In The Know - Lancashire

In The Know 'Find out what's really happening in your area - receive regular crime updates, information on road closures, information about fires and other emergencies and learn about what your local neighbourhood policing team is doing.

In The Know is the free messaging service brought to you by Lancashire Police supported by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire County Council where you decide when and how you are kept informed about the issues that matter to you'. https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk/

Lancaster City Council has given Overton Parish Council the following information to make aware the availability of grants to help residents in the Lancaster district with any form of disability improve and adapt their homes.

If anyone would like to know more about the grants they can contact a member of the team on 01524 582610. Alternatively, email hiaenquiries@lancaster.gov.uk , or visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/hia

Also for more information, available to download below, is a copy of their latest leaflet, which explains the grants in more detail.

Keep Warm and Safe this Winter

Now that winter’s here, many of us have already started heating our homes.

Staying warm is better for your health – the NHS recommends homes should be kept at around 18°C. But did you know it can be dangerous if you don’t heat yours safely?

Please follow our advice to help you stay safe and warm this winter.

Last chance to apply to be an on-call firefighter!

Applications close tomorrow at 5pm, so if you or someone you know is interested in becoming an on-call firefighter, act now!

By joining our close-knit team, you’ll get the chance to attend incidents on your doorstep and make a real difference in the area you know and love.

Anyone can apply, as long as they meet the entry criteria and are able to respond to the station within the required time. Whether you have a full-time job, are unemployed or are looking for a career that you can fit around childcare needs, the role can complement many different lifestyles. You don’t need any qualifications, but there’s a selection process that will mean you need to pass some physical and practical tests and a medical. Before you decide to apply you need to make sure that you:

Are aged over 18 Have a good level of all-round fitness Live or work within five minutes of the station Have a good standard of eyesight and hearing that is acceptable to carry out the firefighter role (this can be aided or unaided) Have the enthusiasm, time and commitment to participate fully in this essential emergency service

To learn more or apply, visit www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/careers

Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 8th November.

Message Sent By
Beth Garner
(Lancashire Fire & Rescue, Campaigns Officer, Lancashire)

In The Know - Lancashire

Please find the Consumer Alerts for November 2023 to download below, or alternatively further information about current scams can also be found on Facebook page - (20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook

Community Connectors forwarded the information below with Overton Parish Council:

Lancashire Adult Learning is working in partnership with MFC to deliver the following courses from Mazuma Stadium:

• Introduction to Food Safety, 1 day course, Monday 30th October 9.30am - 16.30pm

• Just Breath, 2 week course starts Tuesday 31st October 1.30pm - 4.00pm

• Volunteer Training Programme, 1 day a week for 5 weeks, starts Thursday 2nd November, 9.30am - 12.30pm

• Lancashire Lifesavers,1 day course on Monday 20th November 9.30am - 12.30pm

• Emergency First Aid at Work,1day course, Monday 27th November, 9.30am - 4.30pm

• Paediatric First Aid,1 day course, Monday 4th December 9.30am - 12.30pm

• Medieval Lancashire, 1 day course Thursday 7th December, 9.30am -12.00pm

All courses are free, except the one day first aid course which is £45 unless you fall into the remission category below:

Fee Remission may apply for those who are; unemployed looking for work & in receipt of active benefits or on a low income earning less than £20,319 (evidence of income and benefits will be required on enrolment.)

The course can be accessed from this website: https://www.lal.ac.uk/what-we-do/all-courses/?sString=&sArea=&sTime=&sDay=&sLocation=Mazuma+Stadium+Morecambe+Football+Club&sMode=&c4New=1&search+button=%C2%A0

Best Regards

Community Connectors

In The Know - Lancashire

It’s Candle Fire Safety Week! This annual event is the perfect opportunity to refresh ourselves with the do’s and don’ts of candle use.

As the nights draw in and the weather turns colder, it can be very tempting to light a few candles and give your home a warm and welcoming ambience. Candles can be beautiful, but they can also present a major hazard in the home.

Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service would like you to protect your loved ones by taking extra care with candles this winter.

Some Key Stats:

· Candle fires result in around 350 casualties per year.

· Nearly 40% of candle fires result in death or injury.

Candles cause dwelling fires every single year, but there are a few simple steps you can take to help avoid adding to these startling statistics.

Smoke Alarms

Investing in a smoke alarm is the main way you can protect yourself and your family from all types of fire.

All homes should have a working smoke alarm. This simple piece of equipment can give you the time you need to get out safely and to call 999. Protect your loved ones by investing in a smoke alarm and practicing fire escape routes.

Candle Safety Tips

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy using candles safely this winter:

· Make sure your candles are placed on a stable surface, out of reach of children and pets.

· Keep all naked flames away from upholstery, soft furnishings and other fabrics.

· Do not move the candle once lit.

· Ensure the room is well ventilated and that the candle is away from drafts and air currents.

· Extinguish your candles using a snuffer or spoon. This helps to reduce the risk of accidentally producing sparks when blowing them out.

· Keep scented candles in a heat resistant holder. These candles are designed to liquify when hot, in order to distribute their fragrance.

Book a Home Safety Check

The Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service offers home safety checks to members of the public. We aim to protect our most vulnerable by offering personalised help and advice.

To book your free home safety check, please visit our dedicated web page today.

In The Know - Lancashire

Message Sent By
Zoe Scott
(Lancashire Fire & Rescue, Campaigns Officer, Lancashire)

Retrofit Action Week 9^th – 15^th October 2023

Lancaster Sustainability Hub

Wednesday 11^th October 2023 10am – 2pm

Drop-in to the Lancaster Sustainability Hub (Unit 6, Everard’s Way, Marketgate Shopping Centre, Lancaster LA1 1JF) on Wednesday 11^th October for free advice on energy-saving measures and to watch demonstrations (at 11am and 1pm). Information about secondary glazing, internal wall insulation, draught proofing, optimising ventilation and renewables will be provided with experts in attendance to share their knowledge.

The Lancaster Sustainability Hub is a new initiative, hosted by Green Rose Community Interest Company in partnership with Food Futures, North Lancashire’s Sustainable food network. It is located in the pedestrian area between Everard’s Way at Sir Simon’s Arcade, next to the stairs to Marketgate Lancaster car park.

Lancaster City Council is delighted to be working in partnership with Green Rose CIC for the event to mark Retrofit Action Week 2023. Please see the attached flyer for further information.

Online Workshops regarding Energy and Fuel Poverty

For local organisations and community groups already planning for the winter ahead, the following workshops (provided by National Energy Action and the Centre for Sustainable Energy) may be of interest:

National Energy Action:

• Bootcamp for domestic energy advice

Monday 16^th October

Online with Zoom registration: Meeting Registration - Zoom

Centre for Sustainable Energy:

• Fuel poverty awareness and basic energy advice

Wednesday 25^th October

12 noon – 1.15pm

Online with Eventbrite booking: Fuel poverty awareness and basic energy advice Tickets, Wed 25 Oct 2023 at 12:00 | Eventbrite

• Community approaches to tackling fuel poverty

Wednesday 22^nd November

6pm – 7.15pm

Online with Eventbrite booking: Community approaches to tackling fuel poverty Tickets, Wed 22 Nov 2023 at 18:00 | Eventbrite

• Energy efficiency in your community building

Thursday 18^th January 2024

11am – 12.15pm

Online with Eventbrite booking: Energy efficiency in your community building Tickets, Thu 18 Jan 2024 at 11:00 | Eventbrite

If you would like to request further information or ask a question about Retrofit Action Week 2023 or the online workshops, please email communityconnectors@lancaster.gov.uk.

Kind regards

Community Connectors

Please find below additional information to download:

Overton Parish Council received the following correspondence from Community Connectors:

The Elections Team have requested that we share the following information regarding the Polling Districts and Polling Places Review that began yesterday (2^nd October).

Please see the attached PDF 2023 Polling District Review Notice for information about the consultation. The attached Excel spreadsheet ARO submission 2023 – List of polling stations with recommended changes presents information about proposed changes to polling stations.

Both documents can be accessed via the electoral vacancies and notices page on the Council’s website. Here is the link to the page: Electoral vacancies and notices - Lancaster City Council

If you would like support to access the above information, please contact elections@lancaster.gov.uk.

Questions or requests for further information may also be sent to the same address elections@lancaster.gov.uk.

Kind regards

Community Connectors

communityconnectors@lancaster.gov.uk

We're conducting a review of the polling arrangements used at elections and would like to hear from people about the current polling stations, along with suggestions for alternative sites. The review includes polling district boundaries and polling stations, but does not affect ward or constituency boundaries. To find out more about how you can have your say:

https://loom.ly/nuQyvrc

Please find October's Bus Service Changes giving
details of forthcoming changes to bus services. This information is
also available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/publictransport .

BUS SERVICE CHANGES FOR OCTOBER 2023

LANCASTER SERVICES

Service 1A Morecambe – Lancaster – University (Stagecoach Leaflet)

From 1 October 2023, Stagecoach will revise the timetable, generally adjusting Sunday times to improve overall service reliability.

Service 2X Morecambe – Heysham – Lancaster – University (Stagecoach Leaflet)

From 1 October 2023, Stagecoach will revise the timetable, adjusting some journey times to improve overall service reliability.

SOUTH RIBBLE SERVICES

Service 111 Preston – Leyland – (Wigan)

From 29 October 2023, Stagecoach will revise the timetable, adjusting some PM peak journey times to improve overall service reliability.

HYNDBURN SERVICES

Service 15 Accrington – Great Harwood – Whalley – Clitheroe (LCC Leaflet 6)

From 29 October 2023, Lancashire County Council will revise the route and timetable, adjusting the service to operate between Accrington and Clitheroe and increase the frequency of the Monday to Saturday service. The section of route between Accrington and Royal Blackburn Hospital will be operated by the extension of Stagecoach's Service 59 (see below).

The service will operate between Accrington and Clitheroe via Clayton-le-Moors, Rishton, Great Harwood, Whalley and Barrow Brook.

The Monday to Saturday daytime service frequency will be increased from every 90 minutes to operate approximately every hour.

Through travel and ticketing across Accrington Town Centre with Service 59, to/from Royal Blackburn Hospital, will continue to be available.

Holmeswood Coaches Ltd will continue to operate this service on behalf of Lancashire County Council.

Service 59 Preston – Blackburn – Royal Blackburn Hospital – Accrington (Stagecoach Leaflet)

From 29 October 2023, Stagecoach in partnership with Lancashire County Council will revise the route and timetable to extend regular journeys through to Accrington.

The Monday to Saturday daytime service frequency will be increased from every 90 minutes to operate approximately every hour. A new Sunday & Bank Holiday hourly daytime service will also be introduced.

Through travel and ticketing across Accrington Town Centre with Service 15, to/from Clitheroe, will continue to be available.

ROSSENDALE SERVICES

Service 464 Accrington – Rawtenstall – Bacup – Rochdale (Rosso Leaflet)

From 29 October 2023, Rosso will revise the timetable, withdrawing the following early morning journeys:

0431 Monday to Saturday journey from Haslingden to Rochdale;

0528 Saturday journey from Rochdale to Haslingden.

This follows the withdrawal of funding provided by Transport for Greater Manchester to support these journeys. Alternative journeys are available within 30 minutes for most customers.

Everyone is invited to take part in a survey to help shape future plans for cycling and walking in Lancashire.

Lancashire County Council, in partnership with Blackpool Council, want to join up the gaps in our existing network of footpaths and cycle routes and provide safer, direct and more convenient routes.

Following feedback from our initial public engagement last year, the councils have produced a draft network map of cycling and walking networks routes in Lancashire. They need people from all areas of the county to provide feedback on anything you think could be improved. The survey will be available on their website until 24 October 2023.

Additional design and feasibility work will be needed to take any of the proposed schemes forward.

You can find out more and take part in the survey at www.lancashire.gov.uk/activetravel

Please find the Consumer Alerts for September 2023 to download below or alternatively further information about current scams can also be found on Facebook page - (20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook

Household support fund - apply now Read more

Residents experiencing financial hardship can still apply for help from the Government’s Household Support Fund to pay for essential living costs.

Anyone can apply for the funding if they are over 16 years old, live in the Lancaster District and can prove that they are struggling to make ends meet. The types of short term support the fund can help with include utility bills, essential housing costs, appliances and other items.

For more information and to apply online, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/hsf. If you have any problems applying, email hsf@lancaster.gov.uk with your details or call us on 01524 582000 (select option 7). More help and support for anyone affected by the cost-of-living crisis including those struggling to afford food, can be found at www.lancaster.gov.uk/cost-of-living

Bay Lines – Beach of Dreams finale events, Friday 25 – Monday 28 August.

We are fast approaching the bank holiday weekend and we are looking forward to the culmination of a creative arts journey around 120 miles of the Morecambe Bay coast in which many locals have taken part, shared their stories, pictures and hopes for the future.

You can find out more about the whole project here, which is part of our grant-funded Ways around the Bay programme, to promote active travel and low-carbon tourism in Morecambe Bay.

Bay Lines - Beach of Dreams | Morecambe Bay Partnership (waysaroundthebay.org.uk)

Stricklandgate House, 92 Stricklandgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4PU

morecambebay.org.uk | Donate and support our work | Registered Charity: 1173489

Please see information poster available to download below

Cheap days out by bus

Why not take advantage of our cheap bus offers to visit Lancashire's museums this summer.

There are some great offers on bus tickets running, it’s a maximum of £2 for single journeys on most bus services every day. Also with the new weekender ticket, you can buy a day ticket on the bus on a Saturday for free travel on Sunday.* Kids under 5 always travel free.

With 6 county council museums to explore across Lancashire, there's lots of options for days out to keep the kids entertained in the summer holidays and beyond. There's plenty of exciting activities at our museums this summer, with most open through to October half term.

Find out more about our bus ticket offers and the different museums you can visit at – www.lancashire.gov.uk/publictransport

The fare offers are funded by government as part of the council's Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Please see additional information poster available to download below

Please find the Consumer Alerts for August 2023 to download below, or alternatively further information about current scams can be found on Facebook page, www.facebook.com/StanleyDards/

Please find below August's Bus Service Changes. This information is also available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/publictransport.

Kind Regards,

Public & Integrated Transport Lancashire County Council 

www.lancashire.gov.uk

BUS SERVICE CHANGES FOR AUGUST 2023:

LANCASTER SERVICES

Service 88 Lancaster – Cockerham – Garstang – Pilling – Knott End LCC Leaflet 7

Service 89 Lancaster – Cockerham – Pilling – Knott End

From 27 August 2023, utilising funding from HM Government through the Bus Service Improvement Plan and the Local Transport Fund, Lancashire County Council will revise the route and timetable to introduce additional new public transport links in South Lancaster and Over Wyre.

New Service 88 will be introduced between Lancaster and Knott End via Garstang, to operate in conjunction with existing Service 89 between Lancaster and Knott End, enhancing the overall service frequency across much of the route. The services will operate between Lancaster and Knott End via Glasson Dock, Cockerham, Garstang (88), Nateby (88), Pilling and Preesall.

The combined Monday to Saturday service frequency will operate approximately hourly across the end-to-end route, with the unique sections approximately two-hourly. A new Sunday & Bank Holiday two hourly daytime service will also be introduced.

Certain new Service 88 journeys will additionally serve Garstang Academy on schooldays, replacing School Service 813 and partially replacing School Service 509 to improve sustainability by incorporating those duplicated sections of route.

Kirkby Lonsdale Coaches will continue to operate these services on behalf of Lancashire County Council.

Consumer Alerts for July 2023

Beware cold callers offering to jet wash driveways in the Fylde area.

Cold callers have been delivering flyers and approaching residents in the Fylde area offering to pressure wash and seal drives. Concerns are that the price for the service is excessive, and that no sealant is being applied. Be very wary of responding to flyers, best advice is to find a known local trades person who can carry out the work for you.

Remember for most contracts agreed in your own home you should be given, in writing, details of your 14 day right to cancel.

Trading Standards advice is to never do business with cold callers. The Safetrader scheme can help you find a trader in your area, contact 0303 333 1111 or go to www.safetrader.org.uk

Beware 'click to call' online insurer advertisements

This scam occurs when you are looking up your vehicle insurer's details on your mobile phone after a collision. Misleading 'click to call' advertisement results paid for by dodgy claims management firms can show up and appear to represent the insurer, tricking the victim into tapping the ad and believing they are calling their insurance provider.

The scam claims management firm will work alongside unscrupulous companies that provide costly support services which you may be charged for, when all along you believed you were dealing with your insurance company under your fully comprehensive policy.

Use caution when using a search engine to contact your insurance company after a collision, double check the web address. Carry the number independently in your vehicle in case of an accident. If you believe you have been part of this type of scam, contact your own vehicle insurance company as soon as possible to make them aware.

Copycat website for blue badge

Copycat websites look very like the official website but are offering to carry out the service for you for a fee, usually a much higher fee than you would have to pay using the official route. A resident of Preston recently fell foul of this scam, applying for a blue disability badge via a website they believed was their local council website, paying £49 for the service rather than the official charge of £10.

Always double check the address bar when applying for a government service to make sure you are on the genuine '.gov.uk' website. The address should begin 'https://' which ensures there is encryption in place to protect your personal details. Always check the home screen for the website – some copycat websites even say they are not the official site.

Parcel Delivery Fraud

This long-standing scam is still doing the rounds. Remember, if you receive a text or an email claiming to be your delivery company wanting to reschedule or charge extra fees, be on the alert. Are you expecting a parcel? Keep track of your online orders, the scammers send this email out whether you are expecting a parcel or not, just in case you respond. In some cases victims received an email relating to the tracking of parcel supposedly on its way to you.

The scammers will try to charge an extra fee to reschedule delivery and could also be trying to obtain personal and banking details from you.

Contact the Trading Standards Service via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133

Report fraud to Action Fraud, www.actionfraud.police.uk, Tel 0300 123 2040

Details of phishing scams can be forwarded to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk

The alerts can also be found on Facebook page - (20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook

www.lancashire.gov.uk

Please see also file available to download below:

Please see July's Bus Service Changes giving
details of forthcoming changes to bus services. This information is
also available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/publictransport

BUS SERVICE CHANGES FOR JULY 2023

LANCASTER SERVICES

Service 1/1A Heysham – Morecambe – Lancaster - University (Stagecoach Leaflet)

From 2 July 2023 Stagecoach will revise the route and timetable, adjusting the route in the Heysham area to restore the service around Mossgate Park. Minor timing adjustments will be made to some Monday to Friday peak journeys to improve overall service reliability.

Service 4/X4 Lancaster - University (Stagecoach Leaflet)

From 2 July 2023 Stagecoach will revise the timetable, adjusting the times for the University holidays.

FYLDE SERVICES

Blackpool Transport Service Amendments

From 23 July 2023 Blackpool Transport will introduce several revisions to their network for the summer season, including some general timing amendments to overall service reliability, as follows:

Service 1 Fleetwood – Cleveleys – Blackpool – St.Annes

The route and timetable will be revised, extending the route on weekends through to St.Annes.

Service 2 Blackpool – Poulton

The timetable will be revised, introducing additional am Monday to Friday peak journeys increasing the frequency at these times.

Service 2C Blackpool – Poulton – Knott End

The timetable will be revised, in partnership with Lancashire County Council, introducing additional evening journeys and increasing the weekend frequencies. Saturday daytime will be enhanced from hourly to half-hourly and Sunday daytime will be enhanced from every 90 minutes to hourly.

Service 3 Cleveleys Park – Cleveleys – Blackpool – Mereside

The timetable will be revised, adjusting the last evening Monday to Saturday journeys to finish up to an hour earlier.

Service 4 Cleveleys – Blackpool – Mereside

The timetable will be revised, adjusting some journey times.

Service 5 Victoria Hospital – Blackpool – Halfway House

The timetable will be revised, adjusting last evening Monday to Saturday journeys to finish up to 30 minutes earlier.

Service 6 Grange Park – Blackpool – Mereside

The timetable will be revised, adjusting last evening Monday to Saturday journeys to finish up to 30 minutes earlier.

Service 7 Cleveleys – Blackpool – Lytham St.Annes

The timetable will be revised, adjusting last evening Monday to Saturday journeys to finish up to 30 minutes earlier.

Service 9 Cleveleys – Blackpool

The timetable will be revised, adjusting some journey times.

Service 11 Lytham St.Annes – Blackpool

The timetable will be revised, adjusting some early morning Monday to Saturday journeys.

Service 14 Fleetwood – Blackpool

The timetable will be revised, adjusting some journey times.

Service 15 Staining – Victoria Hospital – Blackpool

No changes.

Service 17 St.Annes – Blackpool

The timetable will be revised, adjusting some journey times.

Service 18 Blackpool – Mereside

The timetable will be revised, adjusting some journey times.

PRESTON SERVICES

Preston Bus Service Amendments

From 23 July 2023 Preston Bus will introduce several timing revisions to their network for the summer season, including some general timing amendments to overall service reliability, on the following services:

Service 6 Preston – Brookfield – Red Scar

Service 8 Preston – Moor Nook

Service 19 Preston – Royal Preston Hospital

Service 31 Preston – Savick – Lea

Service 35 Preston – Tanterton

Service 100 Larches – Preston – Faringdon Park

Service 23 Preston – Royal Preston Hospital – Asda

Along with the timing adjustments, the route will be amended to operate both directions in Fulwood along Pittman Way/Olivers Place to/from Asda.

Service 61 Preston – Lytham St.Annes – Blackpool

From 23 July 2023 Stagecoach will revise the timetable, adjusting journey times to improve overall service reliability in and out of Blackpool during the summer holidays.

Service 68 Preston – Kirkham – Blackpool

From 23 July 2023 Stagecoach will revise the timetable, adjusting journey times to improve overall service reliability in and out of Blackpool during the summer holidays.

WEST LANCASHIRE SERVICES

Service 300 Liverpool – Haskayne – Halsall – Southport

From 23 July 2023 Arriva will revise the timetable, adjusting some journey times to improve overall service reliability.

Service 310 Skelmersdale – Ormskirk – Maghull – Liverpool (Arriva Leaflet)

From 23 July 2023 utilising funding from HM Government through the Bus Service Improvement Plan, Arriva in partnership with Lancashire County Council, will revise the timetable to extend the Monday to Saturday Evening and Sunday daytime service beyond Maghull throughout the whole route to Ormskirk and Skelmersdale.

These new Monday to Saturday Evening and Sunday daytime service journey extensions will operate every hour.

Service 313 Skelmersdale – Birch Green – Ashurst Circular (LCC Leaflet 21)

From 23 July 2023 utilising funding from HM Government through the Bus Service Improvement Plan, Lancashire County Council will introduce a new Monday to Saturday Evening and Sunday daytime service on the route between Skelmersdale, Birch Green and Ashurst.

The new Monday to Saturday Evening and Sunday daytime service extensions will operate every hour.

Arriva will operate these new journeys, there will be no changes to the Monday to Saturday service provided by Preston Bus Ltd on behalf of Lancashire County Council.

Service 375/385 Wigan – Skelmersdale – Ormskirk – Southport

From 23 July 2023 Arriva will revise the timetable, adjusting some journey times to improve overall service reliability.

Kind Regards,

Transportation Officer Public & Integrated
Transport Lancashire County Council T: 01772 534511
www.lancashire.gov.uk

Also available to download below - July's Bus Service Changes giving
details of forthcoming changes to bus services. This information is
also available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/publictransport

Please see below link to the Lancashire County Council website for an update on the South Lancaster to M6 Road Scheme:

Transforming travel in Lancaster - Lancashire County Council

Kind Regards,

Infrastructure Delivery Team

Planning and Environment

Lancashire County Council

Tel (01772) 530604

www.lancashire.gov.uk

Consumer Alerts for June 2023:

Beware bogus roofers & tree services in the Lancaster area

A householder in the Lancaster area asked a roofer they understood was working down the road to fix their roof. A small amount of work was carried out and the householder paid £500 up front, expecting further repair work to continue the next day. No one turned up. The householder wasn't given any paperwork and does not have any contact details for the trader.

Another instance in the Lancaster area saw a cold caller offering tree services, charging a resident over £1500 for one hours work cutting down some trees.

Please carry out your own research before employing a trader. Always get name and address details, without this it can be difficult to trace a trader if things go wrong. Be clear on the price before you agree to any work.

Remember for most contracts agreed in your own home you should be given, in writing, details of your 14 day right to cancel.

Trading Standards advice is to never do business with cold callers. The Safetrader scheme can help you find a trader in your area, contact 0303 333 1111 or go to www.safetrader.org.uk

Chartered Trading Standards Institute scam letter

Investors who have previously put money into potential scam land and wine investments are asked to be aware of a current scam, received via letter, claiming to be able to release and return their money.

The letter purports to be from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), providing the Institute's genuine Basildon address on deceptively convincing letter headed paper. It encloses an invoice stating that there will be an upfront cost of £2000, saying the payment will give them authorisation to release the money from an escrow. They claim that this money is refundable five days after a successful funds transfer to the consumer.

This is a scam, the CTSI are not an enforcement agency, they do not send out letters offering refunds, or carry out investigations.

Beware online advertisements

After a consumer in Nelson lost £400, residents are being warned about scams where you are asked to buy products from online companies, via adverts on search engines.

The deal is that they then refund you plus commission, saying this is a way to boost their apparent sales and profile. As well as taking part in possible fraudulent advertising, the "purchasers" are then victims of an attempted scam. After a number of small purchases, they are asked to buy a £400 item- and then told in order to get their money back they have to join the scheme formally, which costs £900.

Facebook marketplace scam buyer

A Lancashire resident wanting to sell their laptop advertised it on Facebook marketplace and secured a sale. The laptop was mailed, and a screen shot of the payment transaction was provided. However, the money did not arrive, and the seller then received a suspicious sounding request allegedly from the seller's bank asking for further monies to be sent before the payment could be released.

Always be on the alert for potential scams if buying or selling via online marketplaces. Research methods of payment that carry purchase protection.

Contact the Trading Standards Service via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133

Further alerts can also be found on Facebook page - (20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook

Join the conversation on Travel and Climate Change

We are making great strides towards tackling climate change and through projects such as the decarbonisation of Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, the purchase of electric vehicles including bin trucks, and improving the energy efficiency of our buildings, we aim to be net carbon zero by 2030.

However, the city council’s emissions are only a small part of the bigger picture. One of the major contributing factors of climate change is how we travel around. We all need to be able to access the things that are necessary to lead a good life but how do we do this at the same time as reducing the emission of harmful gases? Although roads and transport fall under the responsibility of Lancashire County Council, here at Lancaster City Council we want to lead the conversation and help to find solutions.

That’s why, over the next few weeks, we need your help to answer the question “How can we as residents of Lancaster district access the resources we need to lead a good life by moving around freely and at the same time reducing emissions?”

Want to discuss travel & climate change? Get involved in the conversation here at www.lancaster.gov.uk/travel

Message from Mark Davies, Lancaster City Council Chief Executive can be viewed here

We would also appreciate if you could circulate this invitation to your wider community

If you have any queries please email us at climate-emergency@lancaster.gov.uk

Thanks in advance

Lancaster City Council

Home Instead Lancaster: New community initiative.

We have set up a Dementia and Companionship Café at Williamson Park to support people with dementia as well as providing a safe, supportive environment for their families and friends.

Poster also available to download below

Please see below the latest North West Coastal Access newsletter - May 2023.

National Hoarding Awareness Week

At Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. That's why we are joining forces with the National Hoarding Awareness Week campaign, taking place from 16th May to 22nd May, to shed light on the dangers of hoarding disorder. We want to emphasize the serious impact hoarding can have on individuals, families, and communities, particularly in terms of fire hazards.

Did you know that approximately 5% of the UK population is affected by hoarding disorder? Hoarding not only poses health risks but also significantly increases the chances of a devastating fire. The accumulation of combustible materials, like paper and cardboard, creates a highly flammable environment that can fuel a fire, spreading rapidly and putting lives at risk. Additionally, blocked exits make it difficult for individuals to escape in emergencies, further amplifying the danger.

Preventing hoarding-related fires requires a collaborative effort from individuals, families, and communities. National Hoarding Awareness Week provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about hoarding disorder and the associated risks. By raising awareness and taking proactive steps, we can help prevent hoarding-related fires and ensure the safety of ourselves and our communities.

Here are some practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of fire:

If you are concerned about a loved one's hoarding behavior, we urge you to complete the form on our LFRS home fire safety check page. Our team of experts will provide personalized fire safety advice. In certain cases, if you meet specific criteria, they will even visit the property in person to assess how improvements can be made.

Remember, help is also available from your GP, the NHS website, and Mind. These resources can provide further information and support for dealing with hoarding disorder.

Should anyone wish to sign up to receive information direct please see below:

In The Know - Lancashire

In The Know 'Find out what's really happening in your area - receive regular crime updates, information on road closures, information about fires and other emergencies and learn about what your local neighbourhood policing team is doing.

In The Know is the free messaging service brought to you by Lancashire Police supported by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire County Council where you decide when and how you are kept informed about the issues that matter to you'. https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk/

Residents experiencing financial hardship can apply for help from the Government’s Household Support Fund to pay for essential living costs. Anyone can apply for the funding if they are over 16 years old, live in the Lancaster District and can prove that they are struggling to make ends meet. The types of short term support the fund can help with include utility bills, essential housing costs, appliances and other essential items. For more information and to apply online, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/hsf

Lancashire Trading Standards - Consumer Alerts May 2023

Beware cold callers in the Burnley area.

A householder in the Burnley area received a knock on the door from roofers claiming there was a pre-arranged agreement for them to carry out work to the roof. The cold callers were on the roof for no more than 5 minutes asking for nearly £700. The householder did not have that much cash in the house but did hand over some cash as the traders were pushy and the householder felt threatened.

This is a scam, no work was carried out to the roof. Be very suspicious of anyone knocking on your door claiming work you are unaware of has been agreed. Double check with other members of your household.

Roof repair cold callers in Rossendale & Preston.

Reports have been received from residents in the Rossendale and Preston areas where they have agreed to some roofing repairs after being cold called. The work has been of very poor quality, often with capping falling off shortly after being fitted, gutters still leaking after a repair has been carried out and the traders not coming back to rectify. Householders were asked to pay in cash, in one case VAT was charged, but the trader was not VAT registered.

You can check a UK VAT number via the www.gov.uk website.

Trading Standards advice is to never do business with cold callers.

The Safetrader scheme can help you find a trader in your area, contact 0303 333 1111 or go to www.safetrader.org.uk

WhatsApp 'I've lost my phone' scam

Beware receiving a WhatsApp message from someone pretending to be your son or daughter claiming they have lost their phone. The message will of course come from an unknown number but you’re your instinct will be to reply to help them out. The sender, pretending to be your son or daughter will then ask for money, eventually providing bank account details to pay this money into, sometimes with the explanation that the account number is that of a friend, as your son or daughter cannot access their account due to supposedly losing their mobile phone.

This is a version of the 'Hello Mum' WhatsApp scam. Be on the alert if you receive such a message, ring you son or daughter independently.

Mobile phone upgrade scam call

Beware receiving a phone call, supposedly on behalf of a mobile service provider, offering an upgrade. Once the scam caller has gathered the necessary personal details, they then contact the phone company, which posts out a new handset to the victim’s address. When it arrives, the victim is contacted again and told that the wrong phone has been sent and is asked to post it back – this time, to the scammer’s address.

Once the scammer receives the new phone, they disappear – leaving the victim with no phone and a new, more expensive contract.

Contact the Trading Standards Service via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133

The alerts can also be found on Facebook page -(20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook

The Health Improvement Team are keen to hear about people's
experiences and interactions with the NHS Health Check in Lancashire,
even if they have never taken up the opportunity of receiving the NHS
Health Check.

We would be most grateful if you could share the following link and
encourage as many people as possible to complete the survey.
https://forms.office.com/e/c1P63nLSpt

The results will help inform future delivery models to better enable
the population of Lancashire to make positive lifestyle choices.

Please do not include any personal, sensitive or confidential

information in your responses.

If you would like to discuss any of the answers you have provided or
require any further information relating to the NHS Health Check in
Lancashire including how to arrange the check in school, please
email:healthimprovement@lancashire.gov.uk

Kind Regards, The Partnership Development Team

Overton Parish Council has been asked to share the following from Community Connectors regarding Crowdfund Lancashire Community and Sport Fund:

On behalf of Lancashire County Council, we’d like to share details regarding the Crowdfund Lancashire Community and Sport Fund. A number of projects across the district are ending soon and are very close to reaching their target.

Those projects are:

• https://www.spacehive.com/lancasterfaust - Community Production of Faust – 5 days to go and £263 left to raise.
• https://www.spacehive.com/lancasterdinofest - Lancaster Dino Fest 2023 – 11 days to go and £596 left to raise.
• https://www.spacehive.com/over-kellet-jubilee-bells-project - Over Kellett Jubilee Bells Project – 11 days to go and £881 left to raise.
• https://www.spacehive.com/be-part-of-lancaster-music-festival-2023 - Lancaster Music Festival 2023 – 12 days to go and £1866 left to raise.

We’d also like to inform you of two projects that have been successful:

• https://www.spacehive.com/everybody-dance
• https://www.spacehive.com/lunesidebowlingclublancaster

Round 2 of Crowdfund Lancashire launches on Tuesday 16^th May 2023.

There will be a free launch event online at 12 noon. Please sign up here: Crowdfund Lancashire - Launch Event Tickets, Tue 16 May 2023 at 12:00 | Eventbrite Please share this invite with your networks and community contacts.

Kind Regards

Community Connectors

   Overton St. Helen's Primary School Traffic Issues

At the local Overton Parish Council meeting last night an item was raised regarding the parking outside the Overton St. Helen's Church Of England Primary School, please can I ask if any parents attending the school NOT to park near the entrance / crossing area.

Please can we request that you stop / park in a safe and legal area nearby.

With the help of the Road Safety Officer at Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Constabulary we will be monitoring the morning start times and afternoon finishing times.

Should anyone wish to Reply to this Message please use:

https://stayintheknow.co.uk/Alerts/WebReply/80574

Message Sent By
John Jackson
(Police, PCSO, Morecambe )

Please find the notices of election for Thursday 4^th May 2023 available to download below. They are also available on the City Council’s website Electoral vacancies and notices - Lancaster City Council.

Latest LCC Update 5th April 2023: Details of all current electoral vacancies and notices please use this Link Electoral vacancies and notices - Lancaster City Council.

The nominations for this year’s local elections which take place on Thursday 4th May have now been published and available to view – http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/.../voting-and.../vacancies

Alternatively, Overton Parish Council and Overton Ward Election Notices are available to download in Additional Documents below:

Please find everything you need to know about Photo ID for the May 2023 English Local Elections detailed in the Booklet from The Electoral Commission available to download below:

The following Briefing has been received from the Partnership Development Team, Lancashire County Council:

Bad weather brief – March 23 (v1.0)

As you may be aware, the Met Office have forecast some cold weather across the County over the next few days. This may lead to outbreaks of sleet and snow, with road surface temperatures likely to fall below zero. As usual, our fleet of gritters will be working hard throughout this period to keep Lancashire's roads moving.

In an ideal world our gritters would treat every road on the adopted highway network. Unfortunately, this is not possible. Instead, we do everything we can to keep traffic moving on the priority road network in the county.

Our winter service plan details our priority road network, and how we decide which roads to treat. You can find out more about this plan, and our full winter service, online at: Winter in Lancashire - Lancashire County Council.

In addition to our gritting operations, we also provide more than 2,600 grit bins across the county. These are usually at locations not on an existing gritting route, or where we have identified a particular hazard. We fill all of these grit bins before the start of the winter season, and as often as possible thereafter. You can see all of our gritting routes, and our grit bin locations, online at: Winter in Lancashire - our gritting routes.

Please do not send any grit bin requests to the Highways District Lead Team, you can request a new grit bin, or a grit bin refill/repair, by using the ‘Love Clean Streets’ app. However please review the criteria to ensure it is met, prior to requesting a new grit bin, you should also be aware that its quite unlikely at this stage in the season for any new grit bins to be installed.

The app is free to download and simple to use. It allows anyone to log a request in seconds on their mobile phone or tablet whilst out and about. It also allows for the inclusion of photos, which helps us assess the request quickly.

You can find the app by searching for ‘Love Clean Streets’ on the Apple Store or the Google Play Store online. Alternatively, you may wish to call our Highways Helpline on 0300 123 6780.

Love Clean Streets mobile app

South Lancaster to M6 Road Scheme - Public Consultation

You may be aware that we have previously consulted on the preferred routes for the South Lancaster to M6 Road Scheme in 2020. We are now consulting on the pre-application design stage of this scheme.

The consultation will take place from 2^nd March 2023 until 22^rd March 2023.

Details of the proposals can be found on the attached newsletter. Additional details, plans and the survey can be found on the Lancashire County Council Website www.lancashire.gov.uk/Transforming-Lancaster-Travel. The online survey will provide the opportunity to comment on the proposals.

2 drop in events are also being held at Ellel Village Hall where you will be able to view the proposals and speak to Lancashire County Council staff. Details of these events can be found on the newsletter attached and on the website.

We look forward to seeing you at one of the events or knowing more about your views by receiving a completed survey.

Infrastructure Delivery Team

Planning and Environment

Lancashire County Council

Tel: 01772 535479

www.lancashire.gov.uk

Please see Transforming Lancaster Travel Newsletter - March 2023 available to download below

NoWcard English National Concession Major Renewal March 2023.

March 2023 is the 3^rd major renewal of NoWcards since the introduction of English National Concession on 1^st April 2008. As passes have a maximum expiry date of 5 years, there is a higher volume due for renewal on 31st March and the beginning of April 2023 than normal. This year we have had to reduce costs by not sending renewal forms to everyone. However, we now have a new dedicated online portal for making new applications and ordering renewal passes.

As the renewal process has changed and so as not to inconvenience regular bus users we have automatically renewed NoWcards for those who have used their pass in the 12 months prior to December 2022; the passes have been sent to the addresses we have on record.

Love Clean Streets mobile app.

Report It on the go

If you are already using the Love Clean Streets app, then you should continue to use this to report highways issues on the go to us, using your mobile or tablet. This is the easiest and quickest way to report highways issues.

Any reports you make via the app will not be affected by the changes to our website.

Changes to the Report It website

From Wednesday 22 February, any highways issues reported to us on our website, will be made on the Love Clean Streets website.

You will still be able to access the advice and guidance on Report It in the same way you can now, however, you will be redirected to the third-party Love Clean Streets website to make your report.

Create an account

When using the website, you may not notice a big difference and we have tried to make this change as seamless as possible. However, you will need to create an account with Love Clean Streets before making a report on the website. To do this, you will need an email address and password.

If you have already created an account via the Love Clean Streets mobile app, you will be able to use this to login to the website, however you will need to save a password.

Tracking your reports

Any reports submitted to the Report It website, prior to Wednesday 22 February, will be available to view on the Love Clean Streets website from 27 February 2023. You will be able to track the progress of these reports by searching any of the following:

• Category
• Ward

If you have submitted reports to the Report It website in the last 3 months, you should have received an email, informing you of the changes, and giving you the option to consent to your reports being made available in Love Clean Streets. If you do not provide your consent to this, you will still be able to search for your report via category or ward – it will just not be attributed to your Love Clean Streets account.

Further information

Information about the changes is available on our website here: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/report-it/report-it-changes/

Love Clean Streets mobile app.

Consumer Alerts for February 2023

Beware cold callers offering driveway work

Beware being cold called by traders offering driveway work. In one case a central Lancashire resident agreed to their drive being cleaned and resealed. On returning from the bank with cash the trader claimed the work was finished and left with the money. It was later found out that the trader had not applied any sealant and that water had been poured over the drive to give it an instant 'wet look'.

Roofing Scam

A South Lancashire resident was cold called and agreed to one half of their roof being retiled. The job soon escalated to include the other half of the roof. Money was paid, over £5000, and shortly after the householder experienced leaks via the roof. On inspection no work has taken place on one side of the roof, the other side the tiles have been removed and then put back.

Always do your own research to find a reputable trader, ask for recommendations from family and friends and use known local tradespeople.

Trading Standards advice is to always say no to cold callers. The Safetrader scheme can help you find a trader in your area, contact 0303 333 1111 or go to www.safetrader.org.uk

Beware Amazon scam telephone call

A Lancashire resident was landed with a bill of almost £3000 after receiving a phone call purporting to be from Amazon and claiming their account had been hacked.

The victim was asked to log into their Amazon account to find an iPhone they had not ordered, in their basket. When typing in a search as requested by the scammer, there was an error message. The shopper was then asked to download Amazon to their desktop and allow the caller access, then to log into Paypal and provide One Time Passwords.

The resident's identity was stolen by the scammers. Please do not allow yourself to be caught off-guard, be suspicious, even if something seems to ring true - for example, an error message in the place where the caller says it should be.

Scam flight booking email.

Residents are warned about scam emails that appear to come from genuine airlines- but with small differences in the email addresses when the detail is checked. They target consumers through unsolicited phishing emails, deceptive advertising, and fake websites- then vanish and become uncontactable when they have your money.

One recent scam resulted in a loss of £1470 paid on airline tickets by a Lancashire consumer. The scammers request admin fees or claim flights have been cancelled and demand rebooking fees (not something a genuine airline would do), sometimes followed by requests for yet more money to secure the ticket.

Be wary of heavily discounted ticket offers or last-minute deals from traders you have not dealt with before- check the genuine website independently.

Beware online subscription traps

Online shoppers are asked to be on the alert after a Lancashire shopper inadvertently agreed to a membership plan when purchasing goods. Sometimes websites can provide attractive discounted prices for shoppers, but you may not realise you are agreeing to a monthly subscription until you see payments coming out of your bank account.

Goods sometimes sold in this way can include leisure/ sportswear, jewellery and cosmetic products. Always check the terms and conditions, websites should always make any subscription requirements very clear to shoppers. If you have signed up, legitimate websites should let you cancel the subscription at any time.

Suspicious phishing emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk

Contact the Trading Standards Service via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133

Further information about current scams can be found on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/StanleyDards/

Introducing the Lancaster District Directory

From time to time, we all need some extra support. Across the Lancaster district, community groups and charities are there to help us deal with all sorts of difficulties.

Whether we want to improve wellbeing, cope with the cost of living, join social activities, or get specialist support for other issues, there’s plenty on offer – but it can sometimes be difficult to find out when and where help can be found.

So if you’re going through a challenging time or simply need a wellbeing boost, take a look at https://directory.lancastercvs.org.uk on your computer, tablet or smartphone – help could be closer than you think.

Browsing the Lancaster District Directory

Serving Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and our rural areas, the directory lists groups, classes, activities, and advice. You can use a map to find out what’s available in your area, or browse categories focused on different needs.

For example, we know that some will face difficulty heating their homes or making hot meals this winter. The Food & Keeping Warm category has information about thirty warm hubs, food clubs, and community cafes in all parts of our district, while the Money & Housing category lists advocacy services, energy saving support, and debt advice help.

Alternatively, if you know someone who needs a bit of a wellbeing boost this new year, why not look at the groups and activities in the Nature/Wildlife/Environment section and share some sessions they might enjoy? From walk-and-talks on Morecambe prom to harvesting spuds at Claver Hill, there are lots of structured activities to help them spend some time in nature.

Your GP is also a partner in this project. If they believe that you could benefit from non-clinical support, a member of staff can ask your permission to be referred into a hub run at LDCVS, where our social prescriber will get in touch to help to link you with an organisation which can provide suitable services and activities.

And if you know of people who are doing vital work locally but aren’t yet listed, we’re keen to hear about them. Just email directory@lancastercvs.org.uk to let us know.

Lancaster District CVS: Lancaster District Digital Directory:

https://directory.lancastercvs.org.uk

Conversations happen everywhere within our communities. Alongside its partners, Lancaster City Council has been hosting regular online conversations. Topics of discussion have included health and wellbeing, food insecurity, homelessness, prosperity and the environment. To make these conversations matter, we really want to know what's important to you and how and where you want to talk to us about it.

Please take a look at our survey and let us know.

The link to the survey can be found here and it is scheduled to close on Friday 17^th February 2023.

Great value bus fares on most Lancashire bus services for evenings out and weekend travel

Passengers can now benefit from reduced fares including single ticket bus journeys for just £1, after 7pm,7 days a week.*

Also, for travel at weekend, Lancashire residents can get a new Weekender ticket, buy Saturday to get Sunday free.**

Funded by HM Government in support of Lancashire County Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan, these discounted tickets will be available until at least March 2025. Funding of £34.1m has been granted to implement a range of measures to make buses the best travel option for more people working in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen.

This is in addition to the Department for Transport’s fares initiative of three months of single bus fares for no more than £2 for a single journey until 31 March 2023.

Find out more about the discounted tickets at Bus service changes - Lancashire County Council

* Not available on Blackpool Transport services except services 74 & 75

** Buy any ticket on a Saturday and get the equivalent for free travel on Sundays.

www.lancashire.gov.uk/publictransport

Forwarding on behalf of the Communities Together Group:

The Communities Together Group is pleased to announce that the Festival of Culture will take place on Sunday 5^th March 2023 between 3.00pm and 5.30pm at the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (LICA) at Lancaster University.

The festival will be suitable for families and include food, performances and music. More information about the event will follow in due course, but for now please save the date.

Best Wishes

Communities Together

Overton Parish Council have been asked to share the following email:

Good Afternoon

We have been asked to share the following employment opportunities by three organisations that work very hard to make the district better for everyone. Please take a look.

Let’s Be Friends

Let's Be Friends are looking to recruit a Network Coordinator and a Volunteer Coordinator. Both posts are for:

·16 hours per week @ £12.60 per hour

·Self-employed roles with an initial 12-month contract

·Flexible hours

·Based in the community with ability for some home working

The deadline to apply is 11.59pm on Wednesday 1st March 2023

If you are interested in this post please email your CV and a covering letter to lbflancastermorecambe@gmail.com or call Dusty Thomas for an informal chat on 07875025009.

CancerCare

CancerCare are looking for a motivated Youth Worker who is passionate about making a difference to young people’s lives who have been affected by cancer or bereavement. 21 hours a week, Tuesday-Thursday 1.00-8.30pm term time (day time during the school holidays)

If this is you please click on the link below or for more information email Louise.Andrews@cancerCare.org.uk

https://cancercare.org.uk/careers/youth-worker-2

LESS and Food Futures

LESS and FoodFutures are recruiting for the following opportunities:

FoodFutures Network Builder & Facilitator

Purpose of the job: To work with the FoodFutures coordinator and the Communications and Engagement Working Group to develop a Local Food Champion Network; grow the FoodFriends scheme to reach 500 members; develop a business and enterprise network aligned with the Good Food Manifesto.

Application deadline: Friday 27th January 2023

Read the job description and find out how to apply HERE

Closing Loops REconomy Coordinator

Purpose of the job: To coordinate and oversee the delivery of the REconomy element of work in the Closing Loops project and support the development of a regenerative economy in North Lancashire.

Application deadline: Friday 27th January 2023

Learn more about the role and how to apply HERE

FoodFutures Fundraiser (freelance position)

Purpose of the job: To provide as-needed funding advice and support for priority FoodFutures projects, lead on the delivery of the Strategic Fundraising Plan and by extension, the Our Food Futures strategy.

Application deadline: Friday 27th January 2023

Read the full role description and find out how to apply HERE

Could you be a local food champion?

The local food champion network aims to support people in finding their place and role within the wider FoodFutures network. For more information and to register your interest, please complete this form. You could also join an intro session on Saturday 28th January 2023 1-2pm at Lancaster Potato Day: https://foodfutures.org.uk/events/local-food-champion-intro-session/

Kind regards

Community Connectors

RE: ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

LANCASHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

(LANCASTER AND PRESTON CITY) (AMENDMENT TO PERMIT PARKING PROVISIONS) ORDER 202*

The County Council is considering the above proposal, the effect of which will be to introduce the measures as set out in the attached Public Notice.

Lancashire County Council

www.lancashire.gov.uk

We have been asked to share details of a Rural Cost of Living Survey that has just launched by the Rural Services Network in partnership with the Citizens Advice Rural Issues Group.

Independent research commissioned by the RSN in summer last year shows rural areas are suffering more acutely from the cost of living crisis compared to urban areas.

To lend more weight to the argument for more funding for rural areas the RSN is calling on as many rural residents as possible to complete a Rural Cost of Living Household Survey.

The purpose of the survey is to understand more about rural household budgets at, what is, a very difficult time for many.

Research has shown that those living in rural areas face extra costs and we now want to explore the impacts for households.

But we need your help and want to receive as many survey responses as possible, whatever your household’s income or financial position. This will help us to engage more effectively with Government Departments, MPs and other policy make

You can complete the Survey by clicking here.

Please forward the survey link to all your contacts, networks, family and friends living in rural areas – the greater the response the better.

The survey closes on 31 March 2023.

Kind Regards

Community Connectors

Families of children with special needs and disabilities can qualify for help from a Lancaster district charity.

The charity, the James Bond / Henry Welch Trust, encourages grant applications to benefit children with special needs and also adults suffering from chest or lung disease.

Applications are encouraged from residents of the administrative area covered by Lancaster City Council who have limited income to apply for grants towards equipment or services to improve the quality of their lives.

If you – or others you are in contact with - would like further information or to apply to the Trust for help, contact (preferably by email):

The Clerk to the Trustees

The James Bond / Henry Welch Trust

c/o Democratic Services

Town Hall

Lancaster

LA1 1PJ

or telephone: 01524 582135

or email: democracy@lancaster.gov.uk

The James Bond / Henry Welch Trust

Registered Charity No: 222791

Consumer Alerts January 2023

Beware claims you have damp in your home.

Residents in the Chorley area have reported receiving phone calls from a man claiming to know that there is a lot of damp in their house. He then asks if he can come round and check the inside of the house, including the attic. When one householder said they would pass the phone to their son, the man ended the call at once.

Please do not get drawn into conversation with cold callers - just say no and put the phone down. Be wary of letting anyone you do not know into your house, regardless of any offers they may give you relating to insulation and damp proofing.

If you believe you have a problem with damp in your home do your own research and call traders yourself. A good tip is to search online for reviews of traders before employing them. If possible, use know local trades people.

Trading Standards advice is to always say no to cold callers. The Safetrader scheme can help you find a trader in your area, contact 0303 333 1111 or go to www.safetrader.org.uk

Big Brand Scam Emails

Beware receiving an email impersonating big brands such as Amazon, Currys, Aldi and Asda. The emails suggest you have won a prize, a gift voucher for £500 or sometimes more, or claim you have been chosen to enter a loyalty programme and invite you to click onto a link. The emails imply the offer is for a limited time or the reward is for a limited number of people, urging shoppers to respond quickly.

Close inspection will show the email has not come from a legitimate email address. However, the scammers have taken this a step further and examples have been found where the email address is spoofed to look like it has come from the genuine retailer.

These scams are all trying to gather personal information. If you believe you may have entered sensitive information such as your bank details into a third-party site via a suspicious email, get in touch with your bank.

Suspected scam 'lost parcel' email.

If a parcel or goods you were expecting to arrive has got lost in the post or has simply never arrived, please remember, in most situations your contract is with the business you bought the goods from, and you need to go back to them to claim your money back, not the parcel delivery company.

This reminder follows after a Lancashire consumer received an email alleging to be from a parcel delivery company, supposedly relating to goods they had ordered that had never arrived. On replying to the email, the customer was offered a percentage of the value of the goods as a refund. This sounds like a scam email phishing for bank account details.

Suspicious phishing emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk

Contact the Trading Standards Service via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133

Further information about current scams can be found on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/StanleyDards/

The winter season means some big changes for everyone. The days get shorter, the temperature drops and pressures across the healthcare system increase. However for many it’s also a time of joy, a chance to visit family and friends and to begin a new year with clear goals.

Bay Health and Care Partners have been promoting local support throughout the winter period, to ensure that our local population can get the help needed closer to home. Unfortunately pressures continue to grow, both within the hospitals and also in individual families, so we are sharing our top five ways to look after yourselves and your loved ones.

Heating:

As the temperature drops it’s very important to keep warm at home. Unfortunately, this has its own challenges this year, but help is available. Green Rose in North Lancashire and The Green Doctor in South Cumbria are organisations that can help you keep your home warm.

They can arrange a free visit to your home and help you make it more energy efficient, including applying for grants to help with the financial costs.

Warm Spaces:

Morecambe Bay has a number of warm spaces available where people can get a hot drink and some food, as well as a place to simply warm up. Local councils have lists of places available and you can search online to find your nearest one. Warm spaces are free for the public to use and are run by local organisations and councils.

Financial Support:

Costs are going up and incomes are often not keeping pace, pressures to provide for friends and family, increased heating bills; all of these problems can combine to cause significant difficulty for people.

Local support is available for those struggling financially, Citizen’s Advice services are able to work with everyone to help balance the books, or assist with managing debts which feel out of control. Their specialist teams can help ensure all eligible benefits are claimed.

Staying Safe:

As days are shorter and the temperature drops, there is an increased risk of accidents. Wearing appropriate footwear is one of the best ways to avoid slips and falls, a very common cause of injury during winter. In addition bright clothing can help to be seen in the dark, especially for people who enjoy jogging.

Food:

Foodbanks across Morecambe Bay are able to provide basic essential meals to those who need them, however referrals need to be made from organisations such as homeless charities, Citizens Advice or the local council.

Looking after our own health can help ensure the NHS is able to help those who really need it.

Useful links:

Green Rose - https://greenrose.org.uk/

Green Doctor - https://www.groundwork.org.uk/greendoctor/

Lancashire: https://news.lancashire.gov.uk/news/county-council-launches-lancashire-warm-spaces-grant-scheme

Cumbria: https://new.cumbria.gov.uk/warm-spots

South Lakes: https://www.southlakescab.org.uk/

Barrow and Furness: https://www.barrowcitizensadvice.org.uk/

North Lancashire: https://www.northlancashirecab.org.uk/

NHS 111: https://111.nhs.uk/

North Lancashire: https://morecambebay.foodbank.org.uk/

South Lakeland: https://kingsfoodbank.org.uk/

Barrow and Furness: https://barrow.foodbank.org.uk/

New £2 flat fare scheme on most Lancashire bus services

All main Lancashire bus operators are taking part in a scheme offering a maximum fare of just £2 for any single journey between 1 January and 31 March 2023.

Passengers will benefit from three months of bus fares of no more than £2 for a single journey as part of the Department for Transport’s new fares initiative.

All adult, concession and child single tickets on eligible routes will be capped at £2, with any single tickets previously cheaper than this remaining the same price. School only buses are not part of the scheme.

Find out more about the £2 flat fare scheme

Severe weather

Information and advice about how to keep safe and on the move during periods of severe weather in the Lancaster district.

• Follow Lancaster City Council on Twitter for local information and updates and use the links below for county-wide information and reports.
• Follow Lancashire County Council on Twitter for live updates on gritting, school closures and county-wide winter services.
• View our severe weather plan (PDF)
• For further information see Lancashire County Council's Winter in Lancashire information pages.
  

• Website - www.lancashire.gov.uk/winter

  Twitter - www.twitter.com/lancashirecc

  Facebook - www.facebook.com/lancashirecc

Gritting

Gritting in Lancashire is the responsibility of Lancashire County Council, except for on motorways and trunk roads, where it is the responsibility of Highways England.

• View a map of precautionary gritting routes in Lancashire
• https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/winter/gritting/our-routes/#
• Report gritting (winter service) Request a refill, repair or new grit bin:
• https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/report-it/gritting/

For further information see Lancashire County Council's Winter in Lancashire information pages

Website - www.lancashire.gov.uk/winter

Twitter - www.twitter.com/lancashirecc

Facebook - www.facebook.com/lancashirecc

Transport and travel news updates

• BBC Radio Lancashire provides regular weather and travel updates for the region

Severe weather forecasts

• Check for severe weather warnings in the north west at the Met Office severe weather warning page

School closures

• School education in Lancashire is provided by Lancashire County Council. For details of any school closures due to severe weather, visit their unavoidable school closures page.

Follow this link: https://bit.ly/3VIzZWL which provides information for:

Energy bills & staying warm

Information and advice to help your household stay warm and save money.

If you would like to speak to someone directly regarding your energy issues our phone lines are open 9am (10am Wednesdays) to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You can call us on 01524 582000, or email customerservices@lancaster.gov.uk.

Energy bills & staying warm

Funding available to support Communities

Help with your bills & how to maximise income

Warm and Welcome Spaces - View these locations on a map and get directions

Other help and support

LANCASTER.GOV.UK

Energy bills & staying warm - Lancaster City Council

Please find attached December's Bus Service Changes information giving details of forthcoming changes to bus services.

This information is also available at www.lancashire.gov.uk, just search for 'Bus Service Changes'.

Transportation Officer

Public & Integrated Transport

Lancashire County Council

www.lancashire.gov.uk

BUS SERVICE CHANGES FOR DECEMBER 2022

LANCASTER SERVICES

Service 5 Overton – Heysham – Morecambe – Carnforth

From 27 November 2022 Lancashire County Council, in partnership with Stagecoach, will revise the timetable to introduce an hourly Monday to Saturday evening service throughout the whole route.

Service 42 Lancaster – Garstang – Poulton – Blackpool

From 27 November 2022 Lancashire County Council, in partnership with Stagecoach, will revise the timetable to introduce a Monday to Saturday evening service throughout the whole route.

RIBBLE VALLEY SERVICES

Service 22 Clitheroe – Whalley – Blackburn – Royal Blackburn Hospital – Shadsworth

From 27 November 2022 Lancashire County Council, in partnership with The Blackburn Bus Company, will revise the timetable to introduce an hourly Monday to Saturday evening service throughout the whole route. Additional Sunday daytime journeys from Blackburn to Shadsworth and Clitheroe will also be introduced extending operation through to approximately 1830.

Transdev will also make changes to some Monday to Saturday morning and early evening journeys and some minor changes on Sundays.

FYLDE SERVICES

Service 1 Fleetwood – Cleveleys – Blackpool

From 19 December Blackpool Transport will revise the timetable, adjusting the service to operate an hourly daily daytime service.

Service 20 Blackpool – Staining

From 19 December 2022 Blackpool Transport will withdraw all journeys on the service. Lancashire County Council has stepped in to provide a replacement – see Service 72 below.

Service 72 Staining – Victoria Hospital – Layton Square – Blackpool

From 19 December 2022 Lancashire County Council will introduce this new temporary replacement service to maintain the bus service link between Staining and Blackpool Town Centre. This will allow time to evaluate how best to maintain access to a local bus service to Blackpool for residents of Staining.

New Service 72 will operate every hour during Monday to Saturday daytime between Staining and Blackpool Town Centre, via Victoria Hospital and Layton Square. The service will be operated by Transpora (previously Coastliner) on behalf of Lancashire County Council.

Single fares will be unchanged and whilst Blackpool Transport's range of tickets will no longer be available, the County Council's range of daily and weekly tickets will be available for regular travellers.

CHORLEY SERVICES

Service 2 Chorley – Brinscall – Abbey Village – Blackburn (previously 2A)

From 27 November 2022 Lancashire County Council, in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Chorley Borough Council, will revise the route and timetable of the Monday to Saturday evening and Sunday daytime service, extending it to operate hourly throughout the whole route between Chorley and Blackburn.

The route on all journeys between Feniscowles and Blackburn will be revised to operate via Livesey Branch Road and Ewood. Stagecoach will continue to operate these journeys on behalf of Lancashire County Council.

There are no changes to the Monday to Saturday daytime service operated by The Blackburn Bus Company on a commercial basis.

Service 119 Chorley – Astley Village – Chorley

From 27 November 2022 Lancashire County Council, in partnership with Chorley Borough Council, will revise the route and timetable of the Monday to Saturday evening and Sunday daytime service to operate hourly.

The Sunday service journeys will operate direct to Astley Village, no longer serving the Euxton Tesco car park, which can still be accessed along with other services at the bus stops on Southport Road.

Stagecoach will continue to operate these journeys on behalf of Lancashire County Council.

There are no changes to the Monday to Saturday daytime service operated by RS Tyrer Ltd on behalf of the county council.

Bus Services revised over Christmas & New Year

Please note that bus and rail services will be revised over the Christmas & New Year period.

For further information contact Traveline 0871 200 22 33 (calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge) or visit www.traveline.info

Opening times over the Christmas & New Year period for Traveline 0871 200 22 33:

Friday 23^rd 0700-2000

Christmas Eve 24th 0700-1800

Christmas Day 25th Closed

Boxing Day 26th 1000-1600

Tuesday 27th 0700-2000

Wednesday 28th 0700-2000

Thursday 29th 0700-2000

Friday 30th 0700-2000

New Years Eve 31st 0700-2000

New Years Day 1st 0800-2000

Normal Traveline hours resume 2nd January 2023

(0700-2000, 7 days a week).

The alerts can also be found on Facebook page -(20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook

Please see the attached files available to download from the Health, Equity, Welfare and Partnerships team at Lancashire County Council regarding 0-19s Health Visiting and School Nursing Survey

lovetoride.net

Also please see attached file

Information supplied by Lancashire County Council:

Please see below information about this year's National Highways and Transport (NHT) survey.

Lancashire County Council is asking for residents' views on their highways and transport services – from the condition of roads and footpaths to the quality of cycling facilities. The results of the annual survey will be compared with the views of other members of the public across 111 local authorities in England & Scotland to help the council make future decisions on where they prioritise resources.

Complete the survey before the end of February 2023 at https://www.nhtnetwork.co.uk/isolated/data/scorecard/new/bespoke/122

Follow us on Twitter @lancashirecc and search #LancsRoads for messages to re-tweet from your Twitter account.

Like us on Facebook from your Facebook profile and share our #LancsRoads posts.

Follow us on Instagram and re-gram our #LancsRoads posts.

Love Clean Streets app for the fastest way to report a highways fault or go to Lancashire.gov.uk/report on our website

The next round of the Lancashire Community Food Grant Scheme is now open for applications. The grant scheme is for community groups within Lancashire and is aimed at local organisations within the voluntary, community and faith sector, including parish and town councils, that deliver projects to tackle food insecurity.

Groups can apply for up to £3,000 and there is a total of £127,000 funding available in this round.

Funding can be used on:

• Equipment
• Venue hire/premises costs
• Volunteer and organisational training
• Volunteer expenses
• Food
• Projects and activities that build resilience of service users
• Organisational staff costs

Applicants who have previously received funding from the Lancashire Community Food Grant Scheme are eligible to apply, as long as they have completed and returned the project progress report for their grant.

The closing date for applications for the current round is Sunday 15^th January 2023. An advice and Q&A session for groups looking to apply will be held on Thursday 8^th December.

To apply for the grants, and to find out more about the grant scheme and advice session, please visit https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/council/grants/community-project-support/lancashire-community-food-grant-scheme/

Kind regards

Partnership Development Team

Lancashire County Council

http://ow.ly/lrJx50Lr42m

If you're entitled to a #WinterFuelPayment for 2022 to 2023, you'll get an extra £300 for your household.

#HelpForHouseholds #CostOfLiving

Department for Work and Pensions - DWP

If you are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for 2022 to 2023, you will get an extra £300 for your household. To find out more visit: http://ow.ly/lrJx50Lr42m#HelpForHouseholds

The £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment will start being paid to over 11.6 million pensioners who are also in receipt of the 2022 Winter Fuel Payment. For the majority payments will be automatic. You do not need to contact us unless the money is not in your account by 13 January 2023. To find out more visit: http://ow.ly/sNwE50LLZWb#HelpForHouseholds

https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/community-hub

The Community Hub aims to support communities across the Lancaster District. Customer Services and the Community Connectors are part of the Community Hub and are here for you.

Our Community Hub is open 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday Tel. 01524 582000

Community Hub locations and times:

https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/cost-of-living/where-to-find-us

Lancaster City Council Community Hub, we pride ourselves on our flexibility of being able to go out into the community and offer advice and support to our residents.

By offering a face-to-face service, including the option for video appointments, we aim to reach out to communities across the district and be accessible for those who need us most.

We can assist with enquiries regarding council services, and signpost to relevant departments and other community and organisational support.

https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/cost-of-living/where-to-find-us

Community Connectors are a team within Lancaster City Council to help to connect you with the services you need within the council and to make the council more accessible. Our local (Overton) Community Connectors contact is:

• Adam Kirkby
• akirkby@lancaster.gov.uk

https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/cost-of-living/financial-support-for-households

Are you a permanent resident in the Lancaster district and struggling to pay your bills due to the cost-of-living crisis?

Perhaps your energy bills are higher than most because there is someone with a disability in your household that needs to keep warm or depends on the running of medical equipment

If so, you might be able to apply for help from the Discretionary Energy Rebate Scheme.

We will just need you to provide proof of your address and recent bank statements.

To apply, go to www.lancaster.gov.uk/support and click on the Discretionary Energy Rebate Scheme drop down.

The deadline to apply is Monday 21st November so don’t miss out.

Our helpline number for advice and support is 01524 582000 (press option 7 when prompted).

Please see Download Notice for full details

Warm and Welcome Spaces

The colder temperature and the expense of turning on heating has been the topic of conversation for many of us this week. Vulnerable people in cold homes throughout the day is a serious concern.

Lancaster City Council has a list of venues in the district that offer a warm place, accessible for free or with a small donation. The list of warm hubs can be found on the Council’s Cost of Living microsite.

Follow this link to the page about energy bills & staying warm: Energy bills & staying warm - Lancaster City Council Select the dropdown Warm and Welcome Spaces.

The venues have been mapped on a Google map and can be viewed by following this link: Warm and Welcome Spaces - Google My Maps

If you are a venue, or know of a venue, that would like to be listed as a warm and welcome space, please email communityconnectors@lancaster.gov.uk. Please use this address to request further information or make a suggestion.

Kind regards

Community Connectors

Closing Loops World Cafes:

This autumn FoodFutures are officially launching their new project 'Closing Loops'. Through the project they'll be supporting community-led action and local initiatives to transform waste into a valuable resource whilst cultivating a circular and regenerative local economy.

As part of the launch they're hosting World Cafes across North Lancashire. They have two final world cafes coming up and would like to invite you to join them in Morecambe or Caton for a relaxed evening of delicious food and inspiring conversations. Please use the registration links below to sign up:

·9th November at The Salvation Army Hall, Morecambe : Register Here

·19th November at The Victoria Institute, Caton: Register Here

All events are in the evenings and start at 5.45pm with food served at 7.30pm.

Farmstart: Call for Trainees for 2023 now open:

Our 2023 FarmStart Programme is now open for applications!
Are you interested in growing food on a commercial scale, or setting up a small-scale horticultural business? Would you like to play an active role in setting up new food growing enterprises around North Lancashire? We are looking for a group of committed, enthusiastic and local trainee FarmStarters to join our team at our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) market-garden at Old Holly Farm (near Garstang) and Polytunnel in Whitelund (Morecambe) for a full growing season of hands-on training in 2023. For further details, information on our November taster days and a link to the application pack please follow this link:https://foodfutures.org.uk/apply-to-be-a-farmstarter-in-2023/

This can also be found on the Scambuster Stan page (20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook if using social media. 

The Alerts can also be found on Scambuster Stan page(20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook if you use social media for messaging.

Available to download from the file below

Please see attached poster

Press Release from Lancaster City Council:

Floral tributes laid in Lancaster and Morecambe in tribute to the Queen

The Mayor of Lancaster has laid floral tributes in memory of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Councillor Joyce Pritchard placed bouquets of flowers in Dalton Square in Lancaster and the sunken gardens at Morecambe Town Hall on Friday.

Members of the public who would like to make their own floral tributes are encouraged to use the same locations.

Books of condolence have also been opened at both Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls 9am to 5pm weekdays, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday, or a digital book has been opened by Lancashire County Council, which can be viewed on their website at www.lancashire.gov.uk.

Details of the proclamation of the new King have also been announced. Nationally this will take place on Saturday in London, followed by regional proclamations the following day.

The High Sheriff of Lancashire will read the proclamation at 1pm on Sunday from the steps of the Harris Museum in Preston, and this will be followed locally later in the afternoon.

The Mayor of Lancaster will read the proclamation from the steps of Lancaster Town Hall at 3pm and Morecambe Town Hall at 4.15pm. The books of condolence at both town halls will be available to sign before and after the reading of the proclamation.

The Union Flag, which has been lowered to half mast at both Lancaster and Morecambe town halls, will be raised following the national proclamation and lowered again on Sunday afternoon.

                  Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II  1926-2022

Overton Parish pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Critical and Creative Approaches to Mental Health Practice Drop In at the Gregson

Reimagining mental health: A day of talking, reading, viewing and creating

Saturday 22 October, 10am to 5pm

The Gregson Centre, 33-35 Moor Gate, Lancaster LA1 3PY

There can be a lack of choice about how mental distress is understood and responded to. In order to increase what is on offer, and/or make informed decisions about what is there, we all need opportunities to share experiences and learn about alternative social understandings of, and responses to mental distress.

That is why CCrAMHP (Critical and Creative Approaches to Mental Health Practice) was set up in Lancaster in 2011 – to widen the conversation about mental health.

Since its inception, CCrAMHP has been active in seeking to promote creative and critical practice in mental health, through dialogue, mutual learning and creative activity. We have met over 100 times, with contributors coming from as far afield as the USA and Uganda. See http://www.ccramhp.org.uk

Membership is open to people with lived experience of mental distress (whether through using mental health services or supporting family or friends), mental health practitioners, students, educators, researchers and all interested others. Through reading and doing things together, viewing films and getting into conversation we make room for the sharing of experiences, ideas and practices.

The distress arising from the Coronavirus pandemic has reminded us all of the power of community and arts-based responses – particularly in situations of unknowing and uncertainty.

We know that so much more knowledge is held locally than we have been able to draw upon to date. We would like to broaden our networks and to get into conversation with others.

In conjunction with Asylum Magazine and the Madzine Research project at UCLAN, we are providing a day of activities and opportunities to share knowledge with individuals and community groups in Lancaster district. We aim to increase our collective confidence to help develop existing services and to intervene in new, creative and supportive ways.

Although this will be an in-person event, we will be making the resources available online, as well as organising some online discussion and zine making as follow-up.

We are looking for people to help to publicise and/or facilitate discussion and activity on the day. Please get in touch if you would like to help!

FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT: ccramhp@gmail.com

Lancaster Fun Palace 2022:

• SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER (10am-4pm)
• at Lancaster Library & other city venues

Where there will be activities to take part in including: Drama, Arts, Crafts, Science fun, Photo walk, and much more. FREE fun for all ages!

For more information please email: funpalacelancaster@gmail.com

Consumer Alerts for September 2022.

The Alerts can also be found on Scambuster Stan page (20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook if using social media.

'The following message comes from Drew Bennellick, Head of Land and Nature Policy UK at National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Please feel free to respond directly to the survey if you/your group have any experience or views to share, and please pass it on to any of your local contacts who may also have a connection with on-the-ground environmental projects.'

Subject: National Lottery Heritage Fund - Survey (Closing 5th September 2022)

We have recently launched an opportunity for people and organisations to influence how we invest our annual £300/350million and I’m keen we hear from those working in the environmental sector.

For the last four years investing in landscapes and nature has been a key strategic funding priority and we are now asking stakeholders and the public what our priorities should be for the years ahead. On average around 25% of our investment since 1996 has been invested in supporting landscape, marine and nature projects, so on that basis we might be investing anywhere between £600m to £800m in this sector depending on the outcome of this current review.

Whilst the museums and built heritage sectors are very good at responding, the environmental sector tends to be smaller and quieter. I wondered therefore if there is any chance your organisation might be able to promote this ‘have you say’ opportunity to your membership, as well as to staff and other associates?

Below are links to two online surveys, both of which close on 5 September 2022. The first is a survey aimed at organisations and the second is a shorter public survey for individuals so please feel free to share that with staff, volunteers or friends.

Please help us to make the very best use of National Lottery Good Causes funding going forward. If you have any questions please drop me an email.

Link here to the organisations online survey: https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/form/strategy-survey (Also attached is a pdf of the survey questions to allow you to canvas views across your organisation before completing and submitting the online form).

Link here to the shorter public survey: https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/form/strategy-survey-public

The Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire makes final call for nominations for the 2023 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

(please see attached Press Release)

Local Bus Service Changes, for wider Lancashire Services please download the attached File.

LANCASTER SERVICES

Service 4 Lancaster – Lancaster University (STL Leaflet)

From 4 September Stagecoach in Cumbria & North Lancashire will reinstate the full service following the end of the school holidays.

Service 100 Heysham – Morecambe – Lancaster – Lancaster University (STL Leaflet)

From 4 September Stagecoach in Cumbria & North Lancashire will revise the Monday to Saturday daytime timetable, restoring the frequency back up to every 15 minutes following the end of the school holidays. Evenings and Sunday services are unchanged.

This information is also available at www.lancashire.gov.uk, just search for 'Bus Service Changes'.

Please find attached the application form for the Population Health Investment Fund.

The Population Health Investment Fund application round opened on the 1^{st of} August and runs until 1^{st of} September 2022.

Projects awarded funding must begin delivery by 31^st March 2023.

Completed forms, and any enquiries, should be sent to: lscicb-mb.poph@nhs.net

Consumer Alerts can also be found on Scambuster Stan page (20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook if you use social media for messaging.

Our aim is to open up conversations of how Covid life is now.

Tell us your stories. How are you living now? What has changed?

The last two years plus have been very tough on us all.

We want to share your stories by making art with you.

This event is for all but particularly families and children.

By using Print work and Poetry, recorded voices, whether you choose to rap or talk or make. Workshops are all day.

*Bring your own picnic to enjoy in the Storey Gardens, or utilise the Printroom café bar in The Storey who serve food until 3pm and drinks until 5pm.*

DATES

Wednesday 27 July 2022 - Thursday 28 July 2022

LOCATION

The Storey, LANCASTER
27 MEETING HOUSE LANE, LANCASTER, LANCASHIRE LA1 1TH

https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/29174

Ukrainian guests are invited to go along to the first session to find out more and help identify what support is needed.

Children are welcome - there will be an area where children will have access to games, books and a tablet.

Lancashire County Council are providing a translator.

These alerts can also be found on Facebook page - (20+) Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan | Facebook

Household Support Fund, Discretionary Energy Rebate Scheme and the Lancaster District Hardship Fund

Please follow the link for more information:

Financial support for households - Lancaster City Council

Notice of Modification Order 

Section 53 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

The Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way for the County of Lancashire 

The Lancashire County Council restricted byway along Moss Lane, Overton

Definitive Map Modification Order 2022 

Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Annual Governance & Accountability Return 2022.

The Lancashire Choir of the Year competition has just been launched and is open to community choirs across Lancashire. The idea of the competition is to celebrate choirs from across Lancashire. The choirs could be faith choirs, workplace choirs, friends who come together to sing, or those who sing for health and wellbeing. Entry is also open to school choirs whose members are all aged 12 and over. We want to spread the message about the competition far and wide and would appreciate the support of town and parish councils in displaying and sharing the information. More details about the competition can be found at

www.lancashire.gov.uk/choiroftheyear

Next Mayor of Lancaster to host jubilee tea party

Anyone who was born in 1952, or has memories of the day Her Majesty the Queen acceded to the throne, is being invited to join the next Mayor of Lancaster for a celebratory event.

Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne in 1952 and is the longest serving British monarch.

A four-day weekend from Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5 will celebrate this platinum occasion and a host of special events are being held across the Lancaster district.

As part of the celebrations Councillor Joyce Pritchard, who will take over the mayoral reins in May, is hosting a tea party on Saturday June 4 for those who turn 70 during 2022 or remember the day in 1952 when the Queen acceded to the throne.

Starting at 2pm at Lancaster Town Hall, it will provide a fitting way to celebrate the jubilee and provide an opportunity for people to share their memories of what life was like 70 years ago.

Councillor Pritchard said: “It will be a huge privilege to serve as mayor during the Queen’s jubilee year and what better way to celebrate than with people who turn 70 during the 70th year of her reign.

“It would be equally lovely to hear the memories of people who remember what life was like back in 1952 and can share how society has changed over the last 70 years.”

Only a limited number of tickets are available and they will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so get your request in quick.

To request a place at this special royal occasion email mayor@lancaster.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday May 27.

If you can’t make it, Councillor Pritchard would still love hear your memories and see your photographs from 1952. They can also be sent to mayor@lancaster.gov.uk.

Introducing the Anne Robson Helpline - if you or someone close to you is dying, you can talk to us.

At the Anne Robson Trust we aim to be there to listen to anyone who faces dying or the imminent death of someone they care about. We know that facing the end of life can leave you feeling isolated and alone.

Being able to access support is so important. Gaining knowledge of what may happen towards the end of life and being prepared helps both the person dying and their loved ones to feel a sense of control.

Calls are free and confidential. Call us on 0808 801 0688 - we have time to talk

Please visitwww.annerobsontrust.org.uk/helpline-service to find out more.

Lancaster City Council are currently reviewing their Housing ASB services, and have commissioned RESOLVE as an independent ASB specialist membership organisation to support them with this important work.

The Council’s Housing ASB service is keen to hear the views of their tenants and residents, about the ASB services that are currently being delivered.

We are inviting you to take part in this tenant/resident survey because we truly value your opinion and want your views and suggestions to help shape and influence any changes and improvements we make as a result of this service review exercise.

If you click on the link below it will take you directly to the survey which should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. The survey will remain open until the end of May 2022

Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond to this survey (please click on this link)https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DQYRT52

Many Thanks

Paula Shakespeare

Community Housing Manager

Directorate for Communities and the Environment | Council Housing

Email: pshakespeare@lancaster.gov.uk

Web: www.lancaster.gov.uk

This weeks litter picking route. 

This weeks litter picking completed around the village

Advance tickets available from the bar, priced at £15 each which includes your first cocktail and canapés.

https://www.facebook.com/The-Ship-Hotel-Overton-102386048589722/

Lancaster Music Festival wanted to share with you details about this year’s exciting festival.

There will be over 30 venues, 250+ acts, 14 busk stops, 2 shop-front juke boxes, 2 secret venues, 25 participation events, 3 musical theatre shows and an art exhibition.

The ‘Special Events and Join In!’ sections on the main webpage include many events that are in partnership with other local arts organisations and community groups with shows, events and workshops including sessions for all ages such as yoga with live Indian music, baby sensory sessions, community drum circles, a sound trail with music therapist Fredrik Holm, and lots of art and dance sessions that people can join in.

There will be a performance of the LMF Bollywood dance troupe who will perform with Bollywood band, Bollywood Pandits, in Sun Square and at the Gregson Community Arts Centre on the Sunday 17th.

Everything apart from Secret LMF is free. As there is limited availability for a lot of the events they advise booking places asap!

For more information and listings see the website https://lancastermusicfestival.com/

Lancaster Music Festival wanted to share with you details about this year’s exciting festival.

There will be over 30 venues, 250+ acts, 14 busk stops, 2 shop-front juke boxes, 2 secret venues, 25 participation events, 3 musical theatre shows and an art exhibition.

The ‘Special Events and Join In!’ sections on the main webpage include many events that are in partnership with other local arts organisations and community groups with shows, events and workshops including sessions for all ages such as yoga with live Indian music, baby sensory sessions, community drum circles, a sound trail with music therapist Fredrik Holm, and lots of art and dance sessions that people can join in.

There will be a performance of the LMF Bollywood dance troupe who will perform with Bollywood band, Bollywood Pandits, in Sun Square and at the Gregson Community Arts Centre on the Sunday 17th.

Everything apart from Secret LMF is free. As there is limited availability for a lot of the events they advise booking places asap!

For more information and listings see the website https://lancastermusicfestival.com/

Please find attached the Lune Valley Rural Housing Association 2021 Annual Tenant Report for you to share with your Parishes and Councillors.

I have also added the link below for you to share to the Lune Valley Rural Housing Association website. This will help local people to register their interest for affordable housing on the Choice based lettings websites.

http://www.lunevalleyhousing.co.uk/new-homes.html

Kind Regards

Emma.

Good Afternoon,

In response to Covid-19, Lancaster City Council launched a Community Hub to provide help, advice, and support to residents across the district.

With our town halls currently closed to support the NHS in its efforts to test and vaccinate people, the hub is currently operating from a number of mobile locations.

To help us shape this service and ensure it’s operating at a time and location that’s convenient for you, please complete our short survey and give us your views.

To find out more and take part in the survey visit: Your Community Hub | KeepConnected (lancaster.gov.uk)

Kind Regards,

Community Connector Team

Please find attached a list of the dates for the remaining meetings in 2021.

Hello,

Lancashire Fire and Rescue have asked for us to share with you their Community Risk Management Plan Consultation.

The draft Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) sets out how Lancashire Fire and Rescue will make Lancashire safer over the next five years and identifies the greatest risks to the people and communities of Lancashire.

They need your views on the risks identified and how they plan to prevent, protect and respond to them.

The link to complete the survey is here: Community Risk Management Plan | Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (lancsfirerescue.org.uk)

The survey takes approx. 8 minutes to complete and consultation closes on 21^stSeptember 2021.

Kind Regards

https://morecambenhs-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/frailty-coordination-hub-ensuring-people-receive-the-right-care-in-the-right-place

Furniture available.

Good Afternoon,

Eggcup have asked to share with you details of furniture available for distribution in the community.

If you have groups/ individuals interested in taking any of the items, please contact Phil Tarney at Eggcup.

phil@eggcup.org

Please note that Eggcup cannot guarantee being able to help with delivery of items.

Phil will be able to advise on options available for this.

Kind Regards

Community Connector Team

An Investor in People/Positive about Disabled People.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKHMRCED/bulletins/2e7e1ab

Please see the information below about the Consultation being undertaken by the Police and Crime Commissioner

Regards,

Marion

Public consultation - Police and Crime

I'm just getting in touch to make you aware of our public consultation that is currently underway this week, asking for views about police and crime priorities across Lancashire to help inform a new Police and Crime Plan.

The survey will close on Monday 6^th September

The link to the survey is below. If you'd like to raise any issues outside the survey itself please email yourvoice@lancashire-pcc.gov.uk

Lancashire PCC Consultation (snapsurveys.com)

Please click the link to take a look at the partner pack.

https://boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2023-Review-Partner-Pack.pdf?utm_source=partnerpack&utm_medium=nalcemail&utm_campaign=bcereviewslaunch

Our registered volunteers will be joining the Keep Britain Tidy spring clean.

Please find attached a copy of our update of the England Coast Path project in the north west.

Please use the northwest.coastalaccess@naturalengland.org.uk mailbox for any queries, to unsubscribe or speak to the team member you have been in contact with.

Many thanks

Kath

Kath Sallabank

Adviser

North West Coastal Access Delivery

Cumbria Area Team

Murley Moss

Oxenholme Road

Kendal

Cumbria LA9 7RL

0208 720 3155

www.gov.uk/natural-england

Beware Doorstep Callers Offering Property Repairs and Maintenance

A vulnerable resident in the Pendle area reported cold callers offering to repoint ridge tiles and replace broken tiles. The job and price soon escalated to include further repair works, payment was asked for in cash, luckily the bank intervened and the Police were contacted.

The South Ribble area has also reported cold callers offering roofing repairs and driveway work .

If you need work doing to your property Trading Standards would advise to always use local known trades people, ask family and friends for recommendations and get 3 quotes. Always make sure you have a full valid address and contact details prior to agreeing to any work with a trader.

Trading Standards advice is to always say no to cold callers. The Safetrader scheme can help you find a trader in your area, contact 0303 333 1111 or go towww.safetrader.org.uk

Gardening Work Scams

Householders are reminded to use caution when they obtain traders they have not used before from the many sites where consumers and traders can post jobs. A Leyland resident posted a gardening job on one of these sites and lost a deposit of over £1000 to a trader, who took the money but did not return and is not answering the householder's calls.

A resident in West Lancashire paid a cold caller a £100 to carry out gardening work, again, the trader took the money but did not return to carry out the work.

Do not pay money up front apart from small costed amounts for materials where necessary, make sure you have full costed contract details bearing the trader's name and address and any agreed work in writing before the job starts.

Cold Caller Offering Boiler Servicing

Residents in rural areas north of Lancaster should be on the alert after a report was received where a vulnerable resident was cold called by a man offering to service their boiler. It is suspected that the same cold caller had been knocking on doors in the same area the previous week offering to clean gutters.

HMCTS Spoofing Phone Call

Beware receiving a call alleging to be from the HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Scammers mimic legitimate phone numbers , known as spoofing, and may allege that you owe HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) money and that a warrant for your arrest has been issued. Scammers may also tell you to look up contact details for HMCTS to verify the number they are using to call.

HMCTS is separate from HMRC and is not involved with tax payments and will not call or email you about tax matters. HMRC does not use any HMCTS phone numbers.If you receive a call or email, or any type of contact, do not provide any personal details or make a payment.

Scam Warranty Telesales

Please use caution if you are contacted by a telesales call offering to sell you a warranty or home appliance insurance. While many cold calls are trying to sell a new policy, many claim your existing cover is expiring and you need to renew, regardless of whether you had cover in the first place.

Reports have been received where householders suffering from dementia have been targeted, being contacted by multiple companies all selling similar insurances for items that the householder does not own or are worth considerably less than the cost of the insurance.

Businesses offering insurance policies should be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority who also offer an ombudsman scheme, check the register atwww.fca.org.uk .

Phishing Alerts

Be on the alert for a phishing email fromTV licencing that states due to outdated TV account details your account will be suspended unless you provide your date of birth, current address, telephone number and payment method. The email provides a link to 'Visit TV licencing now' and advises you to keep your details up to date to prevent cybercriminals accessing your data.

Beware of afake Sainsbury'semail stating you have been selected to participate in a gift card giveaway, the recipient is invited to enter personal information on a linked website. This is a scam.

Similarly be on the alert for a phishing email alleging to be fromJust Eat offering a £50 gift card, again taking you to a link requesting personal details.

Also doing the rounds is a phishing email alleging to be fromYahoo asking you to upgrade 'here'.

ADVLA phishing email from an email address G.O.V.U.K states that the payment for your latest vehicle tax invoice failed. It continues to say that some of the billing details associated with your account might have expired or were otherwise changed. You are invited to click on a link to a secure page to enter your details.

Phishing emails can look as if they have come from a trustworthy entity and can make you panic into divulging personal information, often implying a service will be withdrawn or you will not be 'legal', or tempt you by the lure of a refund or a voucher.

If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, forward it to theSuspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) atreport@phishing.gov.uk.

Scams can be reported to Action Fraud, contact 0300 123 2040 or go towww.actionfraud.police.uk.

Contact the Trading Standards Service via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133

If you'd like to find out more, please contact:

Lancashire County Council Safe & Healthy Travel Team

Email: safertravel@lancashire.gov.uk

Telephone: 01772 537960

Best Regards

Amanda Downes

The video is on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/RneOrUUyLiw or you can download the video using the WeTransfer link: https://we.tl/t-Y9lrZyqLvW

Orange Button Community Scheme

I have been asked to share some information about suicide awareness training.:

People who are having thoughts of suicide, or who are worried about a friend or family member, can now push the button when they see someone wearing a distinctive orange badge, and ask them for information and support.

The orange button is worn by people in Lancashire and South Cumbria who have undergone extensive suicide prevention training, and while they are not able to counsel people, they can provide comprehensive signposting to relevant services.

There is also an orange button sticker that can be supplied to businesses and organisations such as cafes, shops and pubs, to place in a prominent window alerting people to trained staff available to help.

If you would like to find out how to become involved in this scheme, you can use the link on the attached PDF

We are running a campaign to promote the good work of our highways maintenance service and encourage online participation in the NHT (National Highways and Transport) survey. A new video will be launched of people's frequently asked questions answered by our highways engineers, with a call to action to complete the survey. There will be ongoing social media to push the survey until it ends in Feb 21.

Key messages

· Despite a challenging year, the county council's highway maintenance service still managed to fix 92% of potholes on time.

· Winter is always a time when more potholes appear on our roads and pavements with a combination of cold and wet weather. A wet, stormy winter caused more potholes than usual this year (28% more than last year).

· This extra pressure was combined with lockdown, when staff were diverted onto other urgent work and only able to respond to safety critical defects.

· The team have been busy catching up and are now well on track to meet their target of fixing most potholes within our response time of 22 working days.

· The county council is responsible for 4,600 miles of highway, it's a massive task to maintain and we must focus our efforts on priority routes and repairing more serious potholes.

· We have invested in new technologies including jetpatching and the multi hogs to fix potholes more efficiently and improve your roads.

· You can tell us what you think by completing the2020 online survey

· We still need your help over the winter in reporting potholes which meet our required levels for work viaReport It on our website.

How you can support the campaign

Please help us to promote the campaign in your area and encourage people to complete the survey on the webpage - www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/pothole/

You can also direct people who want to report a pothole to the Report It tool on our website

Please support our digital campaign by sharing and commenting on our social media posts:

Follow us on Twitter @lancashirecc and search #LancsRoads for messages to re-tweet from your Twitter account.

Like us on Facebook from your Facebook profile and share our #LancsRoads posts.

You can tell us what you think of your roads and complete our survey.www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/pothole/#LancsRoads

On Monday evening (23^rd November) members of our People's Jury returned their verdict on what more needs to be done locally to tackle climate change.

They include suggested improvements in areas such as communications and education, waste and recycling, food production and farming, housing, transport and council leadership.

We'd love it if you could join us at an open public meeting taking place on Monday 7^th December 7pm to find out more about the work of the jury and its recommendations, as well as contributing ideas on what we need to do next.

To register your interest for the event visit https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/launch-event

You can find out more about their recommendations on our website - Lancaster.gov.uk/jury-recommendations.

Kind regards,

Community Connectors Team

https://greenhomesgrant.campaign.gov.uk/?fbclid=IwAR1MK8-n2FhV7GceYLl28rcRhvS0pQldKsG66ohsHqjR7j8vZ2-m_7Rttgg

Travelling Safely on Public Transport Campaign

A new public transport campaign by Lancashire County Council advises on how to travel safely and asks residents to use public transport responsibly to help stop the spread of corona virus. Our operators are working hard to ensure vehicles are as clean and safe as possible but we all have a part to play.

The current advice is to –

· Reduce your journeys if possible, avoid unnecessary travel and stay local.

· For shorter journeys, walk or cycle if you can to save space on public transport for those who need it most.

· If you do need to use public transport, try to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes to allow social distancing.

· Over 11s must wear face coverings throughout the journey, and in bus and train stations unless exempt.

The campaign will particularly target young people on Instagram to promote the use of face coverings, following feedback from public transport operators that young people are failing to wear them, or are taking them off, particularly on school buses.

For the latest information on using public transport in Lancashire visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/publictransport

Assistance for residents if they are on certain means tested benefit or on a low income with health vulnerabilities