Public Meeting Outcome

The Public Meeting, previously reported on the Wesham Billboard, called by Medlar-with-Wesham Town Council, was held on Thursday 27th November, to hear the views of the public about a potential additional housing development in Wesham.

Cllr Linda Nulty began the discussion by outlining the current situation regarding a potential application on land to the north of the Town.

It was stressed that the discussion should be, at this stage, considered as 'in principle' , as no detailed plans were available.

The Community Centre was packed with residents and interested parties who collectively indicated later that they did not want any more housing in Wesham.

"Wesham has had more than its' fair share of housing in the Fylde"

It was reported that a developer was in discussion with Fylde Borough Council concerning land north of Mowbreck Lane. Whilst no specific plans have yet been lodged with Fylde Borough Council, it seems that there is an intention to put an application in to build around 200 houses.

Medlar-with-Wesham Town Council, when they were made aware of the potential planning application being submitted, decided to call a public meeting to give residents an opportunity to express their views.

Many arguments were put forward by the meeting protesting about the potential plans. In a show of hands the vast majority of the audience indicated they would oppose any plans. Nobody spoke in favour of the idea of having even more housing in the Town.

The following comments were a sample of those made:

• "There are already enough houses in the town and that existing developments remained unsold"
• Fears were raised the additional building would put more pressure on roads and schools, and lead to the loss of open space.
• "The by-pass is already really busy at rush hour and parking at the train station is inadequate. I don't think the road tructure or the railway can handle any more commuters"
• "Any building would severely affect the wild life and the biological heritage site in this area".

Reference was also made to the Housing Section in the recently completed Parish Plan which reinforced the views of the residents as indicated in the responses to the questionnaire issued during the year.

A member of Medlar-with-Wesham Town Council, at the conclusion of the meeting said that the views expressed on the night would be taken into consideration when the Town Council prepare their response to any any plans if and when they are submitted.

Any further views may be made to any Medlar-with-Wesham Town Councillor, or via the 'comments' link below.

PUBLIC MEETING THURSDAY 27th NOVEMBER

A Public Meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 27th November at Wesham Community Centre to discuss the Potential Housing Development on the land at the rear of the Fleetwood Road recreation ground. A notice has been issued to every household in Wesham together with the recently completed Parish Plan.
Page 19 of the Plan (viewable by clicking here) covers a section on 'Housing' and gives a flavour of the current feelings of Wesham Residents.
Also on the Agenda will be the Parish Plan itself and the way to take it forward, Kirkham Baths and the Fleetwood Rd Skateboard Park.

See also the recent Press Releases:-
Gazette Monday 24th Nov
Lytham St Annes Express 20th Nov

All residents are welcome.

Wesham Pays its' Respects on Remembrance Sunday

Officiated by Rev Alan Rawe, Wesham's Community attended in large numbers at the Remembrance Day Service .
Wreaths were layed on the memorial by the following organisations:-
Medlar-with-Wesham Town Council; Fylde Borough Council;The Armed Forces; Christ Church Wesham;Lancashire Constabulary;St John Ambulance;The Scout Association;The Guide Association;St Joseph's Catholic Primary School;Medlar-with-Wesham C.E Primary School;Wesham and Treales Christ Churh Youth Group;Kirkham and Fylde Rural Lions; Mrs Linda Higham and Wesham Community Pride Trust.

The Service was a truly Community spirited mark of respect in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for us during wars.



The Remembrance Day Service has, over the years, increased in numbers attending at the Memorial. For the organisers it was particularly pleasing to see so many young people attending and laying wreaths.

During the service hymns were sung by the congregation accompanied by Carr Hill High School Band, the last post being played by a band member prior to the minutes silence.

"They shall not grow old,
As we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun,
and in the morning,
We will remember them"


A poem was read by Councillor Linda Nulty during the service:

NOVEMBER 11th

I speak for the dead, the dead of all the wars,
They were our parents, our children and the friends of mine and yours.
I speak for those who perished, who died for the common good,
Doing what they had to, in the only way they could.

Don't say that they were heroes, that they sacrificed their all;
They went because they had to, not to answer Britain's call.
And they didn't give their lives away; they were slaughtered where they stood,
Doing what they had to in the only way they could.

No knights in shining armour, defending what was right;
They were ordinary mortals, often petrified with fright.
But the highest place in Heaven, if the Lord is truly good,
Is for those who did what they had to, in the only way they could.

F.Lacey

Wesham Skateboard Park Official Opening

Wesham's new skateboard park has been officially opened by the Mayor of Medlar-with-Wesham , Cllr Michael Devaney. The event took place on Thursday evening (6th November 2008) attended by members of Wesham Town Council; Lancashire County Cllrs, Bernard Whittle and Liz Oades; Fylde Borough Cllr, Linda Nulty; former Chairman of Fylde Children and Young People's Group, Richard Nulty; Executive members and Officers of the Local Strategic Partnership; Fylde Borough Officers; local skateboarders and mountain bikers.
Cllr Devaney paid tribute to all those involved in achieving the new facility for the youth of Wesham and Kirkham and he outlined the work and funding that had gone into the project by the Local Strategic Partnership, particularly the Play Partnership as part of the Children and Young Peoples Group, Fylde Borough Council and a small sub committee of Wesham Town Council .
After the formal opening, the skateboard was put to good use by local youngsters anxious to demonstrate their skills!

Remembrance Sunday Service

The Annual Commemoration Service will take place on Remembrance Sunday (9th November) at The Wesham War Memorial. The congregation will assemble at the War Memorial from around 10.20am to then march through the Town returning to the Memorial for the Remembrance Service. The service will be led by Rev Alan Rawe. Everyone will be most welcome to join the congregation and, if they wish, to lay a wreath.
(Please contact Alan Clayton 683712 if you would like to lay a wreath)

New Scout Centre Opening

The Mayor of Medlar-with-Wesham and Town Councillors were amongst the many invited guests to the official opening of the new Scout Centre on Friday 24th October. The Scout Centre, built with the help from many local businesses, was formally opened by Michael Jack M.P, ably assisted by Master Sam Clegg (Cub Scout).
John Barnes's dream came to reality after many years of planning. John, who layed the foundation stone was given an emotional standing ovation when he received a certificate in recognition of his efforts. John, a life long Scouter has been actively involved with the First Kirkham and Wesham Scout Group for over 30 years also received recognition for his exemplary service to the Scouting movement.
An excellent audio presentation was given by Mr Geoff Sumner who had recorded the entire process from demolition of the old 'Scout Hut' to the fine purpose built 'Scout Centre' .

Further work is anticipated to complete the building once the final funding can be achieved. The Scout Group are currently raising the remaining £14,000 necessary and would value and appreciate any contributions towards their goal.

Potential Planning Application Mowbreck Lane

PUBLIC MEETING 27th November 2008

Arranged by Cllr Linda Nulty, Wesham Town Councillors recently held an informal meeting to discuss a potential planning application for housing on the land at the rear of the Fleetwood Road recreation ground, (yet to be submitted to Fylde Borough Council.) It was agreed that at the next Medlar-with-Wesham Town Council meeting (held on 21st October) it would be proposed that a 'Public Meeting' would be arranged to give residents an opportunity to be made aware of the potential proposals and to listen to their views.

At last nights Town Council meeting (21st October) Cllr Nulty proposed that the meeting would be held at Wesham Community Centre on THURSDAY 27th November, at 7.30pm. All Councillors agreed.

Further details will be circulated in a leaflet to be delivered to every household.

North West In Bloom

Wesham receives an award in the 2008 North West In Bloom Competition!

Click here to see the Award Certificate and News

The Chairman and Secretary of Wesham Community Pride Trust, Alan Clayton and John Westmoreland, were delighted to accept the award at the prestigious North West In Bloom civic pride event held at the Liverpool Echo Arena on Tuesday 7th October.
They were presented with the award of Best Small Town Joint Second Runner Up by the Lord Lieutenant for Merseyside, Dame Lorna Muirhead and the Mayor of Trafford in front of 500 invited guests.

In making the award the judges took into consideration not just our magnificent floral displays, but also the efforts made to encourage community involvement and pride in our local environment. They were particularly impressed with the facilities for children and dog walkers at Doorstep Green, and also the high standard of gardens throughout Mowbreck Park. The judges also took into account the contributions of Operation Cleansweep and the Best Kept Gardens Competition to the appearance of the town.

The award is also a well-deserved recognition of the high standard of work by the Fylde Borough Council Parks Team in planting and maintaining our floral displays throughout the year.

Wesham Community Pride Trust would like to thank everyone who has played their part in improving our town and achieving this award!

KIRKHAM BATHS UPDATE

For the latest situation on the future of Kirkham Baths visit the web site by clicking here

KIRKHAM BATHS REGENERATION

"CALLING ALL SUPPORTERS OF KIRKHAM BATHS"

There will be a Public Presentation at Kirkham Community Centre on

Tuesday 7th October 2008 at 7pm

If you are supportive of keeping the baths open go along to hear from the Rural Splash Team what progress has been made and what the future holds.