The Politics Show BBC1 TV : Baths Closures

On Sunday 16th March 2008, The Politics Show , covered an item about the closure of swimming pools , in particular, St Annes baths. During the presentation a very eloquent young lady (aged 13) was interviewed when she expressed her concern at the closure of the baths and made reference to a web site she has constructed.
The contents of the site are well worth a visit. For ease of locating it, click here

Michael Jack MP to Quit his Seat

Michael Jack has announced that he is to stand down at the next General Election. For full story click here

KIRKHAM BATHS

A Public Meeting, arranged by the 'Friends of Kirkham Baths', is to be held on Tuesday 18th March 2008 at 7.30pm at KIRKHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE. The purpose of the meeting is to create a committee to research funding streams and best practice on pool management to prepare for any further cuts in Council Funding.

Representatives from Parish Councils and members of the public are invited to attend.

Wesham Community Pride Trust Next Meeting

The next Wesham Community Pride Trust meeting will be held on March 26th 2008. Committee members will be informed of the Agenda in due course.

We have recently been reminded that attention is required at the Everest Court Pergola. I am pleased to report that this item along with a number of other projects are already included on a rolling work programme for the summer months. We, the WCPT, are most grateful to the Probation Service who have agreed to help us and include this and many other projects in this years' programme.

During the winter months the Probation Service have removed all the wooden benches from the Town and they have been painted and repaired as necessary. The benches are scheduled to be replaced in the next few weeks.

A True and Accurate Report of the Fylde Borough Budget Meeting

For a precise summary of the disgraceful events that took place at the Fylde Borough Council Meeting held on Monday 5th March 2008 Click Here

Increasing Usage of the Wesham Billboard

I am pleased to report that the numbers of new and returning visitors to this site are increasing day after day. If you find the content of value and informative, would you consider e-mailing your friends to advise them of 'The Wesham Billboard' ? (click on the envelope below)

======================================================
St Annes Baths
The recent crisis with the closure of the St Annes pool has galvanised many people from Kirkham, Wesham and St Annes into questionning the cabinet's decision. If you are frustrated by the current situation then this site can be used to express your feelings.

An interesting quote found by a contributor to the 'Politics Show' :-

"If you govern without the consent of the people, they will, eventually, rise up and revolt against you".


Thank you for visiting.

Fylde Borough Council Cabinet .................

A High Performing Council ???

Not the opinion of the disgruntled crowds

For A Link Not to be missed click here !

Kirkham and St Annes Baths .....An opinion

Despite the best endeavours of the Public and Opposition Councillors, the Conservative group have decided to close St Annes swimming baths.

The Independent Group fought valiantly at last nights' Borough Council meeting to save BOTH of the pools. Despite submitting several workable amendments with sensible budget rearrangements, to save both pools, the Conservative group were having none of it and were determined to implement their amendment (delivered only 5 minutes before the meeting) to keep Kirkham open but to close St Annes.
Whilst Kirkham will remain open it must be remembered that this is just "a stay of execution" as stated by a cabinet member. No doubt this stay of execution will remain in place until after the County elections next year!

Feelings ran high from the (enforced limited) number of members of the public who described the proposition put by the ruling group, as being "shameful". Protestors claimed that the only reason that Kirkham was saved was because of the County Council elections in 2009. Throughout the 5 hour proceedings, the public enthusiastically applauded the amendments put by opposition Councillors, to try and save the St Annes pool as well as Kirkham's pool.

A spontaneous roar of approval was heard by the public when there was a vote of no confidence of Cllrs Coombes, Rigby and Ashton on the grounds of total mismanagement of the budget.

No such applause or sounds of approval was ever heard for any speeches made by the ruling group. Indeed the Mayor had to call a temporary halt to the meeting because the public felt so strongly against what was being suggested by the Cabinet members. They made vocal comments to indicate their anger.

At the times of voting, which became a predictable outcome, sounds of "baah baah" was overwhelming each time the conservative group raised their hands in unison.


It was also extremely noticeable that hardly any conservative Councillor, other than the Cabinet, made any comment throughout the 5 hours, clearly it was "a done deal".

The majority party were able to win at every stage demonstrating a severe lack of democracy with this appalling cabinet system.

The cabinet members certainly capitalised on their position......it is said that a picture counts for a thousand words! Put your own interpretation on the picture!

Cabinet members voting to close St Annes Baths and the Kirkham One Stop Shop

For other comments and reports click here

SPEED INDICATOR MK2 DEVICE

If the Speed Indicator Device currently being installed at various sites in Wesham, fails to reduce traffic speeds on our Roads, then I am planning to arrange for the latest 'Deluxe' (Look Closely!)version to be permanently fitted.

You have been warned!

Only joking !!!

Overwhelming Display of 'People Power' in Kirkham

Click here to see many PICTURES OF THE MARCHES

Kirkham and Wesham was on Saturday morning (March 1st) witness to an overwhelming display of support from residents from Kirkham, Wesham and the surrounding Parishes. The march was organised to make their feelings known to the ruling group at Fylde Borough Council of their concern for the current proposal for the two swimming pools to be closed, to plug the £1.2M defecit.
The cabinet have already voted in favour of closing the baths but the final decision is to be made on Monday 3rd March at a meeting to be held at 5pm at the Fylde Rugby Club premises. The opposition group led by Cllr Liz Oades are ready to propose an alternative budget which they are hoping will save the pools.
Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting at Fylde Rugby Club to further indicate to Fylde Borough Councillors their concern.

Today's march commenced at 10.00am at the Market Square and made its' way to Wesham before returning to the Market Square.. The crowds stretched as far as the eye could see and organisers and local Councillors were delighted by the strength of support.

Special thanks MUST be made to our local Police Officers for the excellent support and handling of the march, which they provided in their own time.

Overall it was an excellent display of the Community Spirit enjoyed between the two towns to send a message to Fylde Borough Councillors, in particular the Cabinet and the ruling group.

THE TRUTH BEHIND IT ALL ? >>>>>Click here for a very informative interpretation of the current position

and for more information visit the Blackpool Gazette's Report by clicking here.