Friday, February 29, 2008

Kirkham Baths Petition

An online petition has been created to go straight to the Prime Minister in an effort to make the Fylde Borough Council Cabinet comprehend the folly of closing the vital Public Baths in their Borough.
Please visit The Petition Page then sign up if you agree.

Add your name to the growing list!

Normal Service Resumed!

After a brief period of being 'Out of Service' the Town Clock has now been adjusted and reinstalled.
We apologise for any inconvenience.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

SPEED INDICATOR DEVICE START UP

Wesham Town Council now have their own Speed Indicator Device up and running. The first installation was completed on 26th February at the Weeton Road site. The unit will later be rotated between this location and Fleetwood Rd. Arrangements have been made with Lancashire County Council for further locations to be identified within Wesham.
Cllrs Theresa Mcgardle and Alan Clayton will be monitoring the battery life of the unit over the next few days before arranging to move it to the other site.

After its' initial switch on, Cllrs McGardle and Clayton were pleased to see a calming effect on motorists who clearly slowed down once they were 'clocked' above 30mph and shown a 'Frowny Face'. The Yellow Jackets and Hard Hats may have also had an influence!

If you are aware of any 'hot spots' for speeding traffic please complete the feedback form at the bottom of this page for additional sites to be considered.

Friday, February 15, 2008

The Swimming Baths Saga Roll's On and on and >>>>>>

Further developments reported in the Blackpool Gazette may account for the reasons why the two Swimming Baths have been identified by the Cabinet as an easy option to close in order to recover the 'lost' funds (£609,000). Yesterday's apparent stage managed Cabinet meeting was nothing short of a farce with all Councillors apart from the 'few' being allowed to speak. Despite their best endeavors the Chairman ruled that no Councillor, other than the Cabinet could make a contribution, even to clarify a written question. Given the unbelievable budget crisis, many, many questions need much fuller answers than the rehearsed twaddle that was witnessed by the public yesterday.

There is clearly a lot more to the story yet to be told!

Take a look at this link>>>>click here

Also take a look at what another observer makes of it all >>>>>>

And some more disgruntalled observers of the undemocratic process>>>>>

Medlar with Wesham Parish Plan


Watch out for the Questionnaire currently being delivered to every household in Medlar with Wesham.
Complete it and return it to enter the FREE draw with a chance to win Marks and Spencers' vouchers.
1st Prize £50
2nd Prize £25
3rd Prize £10
Wesham Post Office
Wesham Co-op Late Shop
Wesham Community Centre

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Kirkham Baths Update

The Lytham St Annes Express is currently reporting a "Victory for People Power" after Cllr Simon Renwick voted against the proposal to close the swimming baths. Whilst it is very encouraging to see support from the Medlar with Wesham Ward Fylde Borough Cabinet Member, it must not be overlooked that the motion put to accept the budget, and the resultant closure of the pools, was actually carried.

Further investigations are now to be conducted before the Full Council Meeting (March 3rd) to devise a 'rescue package' to keep Kirkham Baths open. The same unfortunately does not appear to be in place for St Annes Baths.

Cllr Liz Oades, who represents Kirkham and as an independent councillor, says "it is a victory for people power".
Cllr Renwick, despite not being at the Kirkham Public Meeting, has clearly been made aware of the overwhelming response from the public to keep the baths open.
For there to be a truely "People Power" success, it is now essential that the Full Council agree to not closing Kirkham Baths. Be aware though that, at the moment, the Cabinet have actually recommended closure, despite Cllr Renwick's protestations, which unless it is overturned on March 3rd will be the end result!

The fight must continue to influence as many Fylde Borough Councillors as possible to take the same tack as Cllr Renwick.

A march to protest about the proposed closure of both the St Annes and Kirkham pools will take place on Saturday, March 1st in St Annes from 11am.

The public must not be lulled into a false sense of security by hearing that one member of the cabinet voted against the proposal to close the baths when the remainder of the Cabinet did so!

March 3rd is the critical date for the final decision.

Click here to read the Lytham St Annes Express Report

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Lowther Car Parking Charges...a step nearer ?

The car parking charges at Lowther Gardens proposed by Cllr Simon Renwick seem to be a step closer despite public opposition. For a full account of the latest situation click here.

It also seems that Fylde Borough have to pay for their massive financial defecit somehow and they are trying to plug the gaps by commencing car park charges and then proposing to remove services such as the Swimming Baths , Fairhaven Lake and Lowther itself !

Lowther will no doubt survive!

Kirkham Baths Meeting

Hundreds of people turned out to the Kirkham Baths meeting to express their overwhelming concern for the potential closure of the swimming baths at Kirkham and St Annes.

Speakers encouraged residents to contact the Borough Councillors and in particular the Cabinet Councillors, to voice their concerns, before the Cabinet meeting, to be held on Thursday 14th February.

The Portfolio holder for Tourism and Leisure; Cllr Simon Renwick was unavailable to attend the meeting to indicate whether or not he is in favour of closing the swimming baths.

Further details can be found by clicking here.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

New Tourist Guide Content

The new Fylde Borough Tourist Guide contains many interesting places to visit and explore and boasts many Family activities. What a great shame that due to the poor financial state at Fylde Borough, amongst the threats of closure are the boating lake at Fairhaven and the swimming baths.
The threats of closure for the two swimming pools are:-
The St Annes Swimming Pool which is located on the Promenade adjacent to The Island. Catering for Public swimming, aquarobics, swimming tuition, swimming and lifesaving clubs, fun swims and also birthday parties.
Closer to home is the Kirkham Swimming Pool, located on Station Road, Kirkham
Similarly catering for Public swimming, swimming tuition (adult and child), aquarobics, swimming and lifesaving clubs, fun swims and birthday parties.


If you don't want to see the closure of these essential sites, make your feelings known at a Public Meeting to be held at Kirkham Community Centre on Tuesday 12th February at 7pm.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Normal Service will be resumed as soon as possible!

The Town Clock has been temporarily removed.
Since its' installation we have been monitoring the accuracy and found that over a period of time it has developed a +/- two minute discrepancy.
After examination it was found that this was due to a faulty gear mechanism which has now been sent back to the suppliers for a replacement. The new unit will be fitted as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience.


Wednesday, February 6, 2008

URGENT BATHS CLOSURE MEETING

AN URGENT public meeting has been called as fears grow that Kirkham Baths will be a victim of the council's £2m financial crisis.
The future of the facility will be discussed at a cabinet budget meeting on February 14 along with St Annes pool and other amenities. Fylde Council is facing a £1.15m deficit and needs a further £1.1m. It insists no decisions have yet be made on any closures.

People are being urged to attend the meeting on Tuesday, February 12 at 7pm at Kirkham Community Centre.

For the full story click here

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Spot the (Deliberate?) Mistake !

Does somebody, somewhere not know where Wesham is?
Take a look by clicking here

Encouraging Use of Wesham Billboard !

2000 Hits since its' start up.........
In less than two months, the 'Wesham Billboard' has had 2000 hits. Thank you for visiting.
A 'hit counter' can be seen at the bottom of this page.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

New Glossy Tourist Guide For Fylde

The Good News
A new glossy brochure has been launched to entice tourists to Fylde.
The magazine, which will be available in tourist information centres, has been produced by Fylde Council to try and bring more visitors to the area.The brochure is packed with inspirational views of the countryside, all the best places to eat out and do a spot of shopping and the rest of all the best bits the Fylde has to offer.

The Bad News
The publication and announcement does unfortunately seem to be badly timed given the current concern (click here) for the possible closure of the main tourist attractions in the Fylde, such as the St Annes and Kirkham Swimming baths, Lowther Pavillion and Fairhaven Lake. One has to ask what then are the best bits of Fylde left other than shopping, eating and countryside?

Click here to see the views of the public ! Three readers must have had some choice expressions !

Have you any opinions or comments? If so please complete the form at the bottom of this page, or add your comment to the Growing Numbers of contributors to the Blackpool Gazette article (Click on above).