Survey - Not as it first Appears

You may be one of 12,000 households in Chorley Borough who have received a letter and housing survey booklet. It has been sent out by Arc4 consultants who are undertaking the survey on behalf of Gladman - part of the developer Fox Land and Property Developments.

Despite referring on the front cover of the survey to Chorley Borough, this is not a Council survey and has nothing to do with the Council.

The Council can do nothing to prevent such surveys but residents have been contacting the Council about it, expressing concern about the level of personal details requested.

The survey has nothing to do with the Council and completion of the survey is entirely optional.

I will try to add the documents, if I can figure out how to include .pdf files in the blog

Burn (or hopefully not)

Many thanks to everyone who has contacted me over recent weeks, primarily regarding Dog Fouling and Speeding, each of which are a problem along the roads and footpaths in the village. More about these later. Each year Chorley Council host a Democracy Day involving year 5 and 6 pupils, last year it was the turn of Charnock Richard School and, as one of the Chorley Health Champions I fielded questions on Being Healthy, this year Internet Safety became my topic.

Democracy Day

Always a great event held at the Town Hall involving year 5 / 6 pupils. This year pupils from St Georges in Chorley, St Oswalds in Coppull and Withnell and Wheelton Primary School were the fortunate students to ask questions of subject experts and a councillor. Subjects included, Fire Safety (more of which later!); Internet Safety; What the Council Does for You; Water Safety, Planning, Meet the Mayor; Community Working; Transitioning to High School; Neighbourhood Working; there were others.

I was fortunate enough to be with a real expert on Internet Safety, Graham Lowe from LCC. The children showed great knowledge of being safe online and were aware of potential dangers as well as the benefits of using the internet in general and social networking in particular.

I learned about CEOPS (the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) http://ceop.police.uk/ a video called Jigsaw  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o8auwnJtqE and Hector the Protector. Hector the Protector is a free download that installs a safety button on your computer. The idea is that if a child (or anyone for that matter) sees something inappropriate, they can click the button and seek advice which, in the case of children, would be from a responsible adult.

The Fire Safety table was where I thought I would be but a last minute change meant that I wasn’t. I walked across to that table during the break and was asked “Do you have a smoke alarm”, well we don’t. It turns out that of all the people in the room (and there were a good few hundred) ours was the only house without a smoke alarm! I have now requested that Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service come to our house to do a fire risk assessment, which is free and something we should have done months, if not years, ago.

To request such an assessment contact the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 1691125 or

http://www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/fire-safety-check/

Lent

When walking through Chorley, after participating in the Democracy Day, I noticed a sign “Ask the Vicar”, there he was, Father Timothy, wrapped up sat on a plastic chair talking to anyone who chose to sit in the chair alongside him. During Lent, people try to give things up and Timothy is offering his time for the benefit of others, this he did last year and is repeating it again this year.

I stopped for a brief chat and discovered that he was regularly supplied with a brew from one of the market stalls and even pies from passing shoppers. Part of (Matthew 6:26-33) The Sermon on the Mount came to mind and made me smile as, sat in the middle of Chorley, Father Timothy was being provided for.

CCH

Chorley Lane Cottages

Work to demolish the three cottages on Chorley Lane has begun, with much scaffolding, as the party wall needs to be maintained to prevent demolition of one more property than is planned. I maintain my opinion that it is a loss that these could not be renovated to an adequate standard as, as I have found, there are a good few in the village who have fond memories of these cottages including one gentleman whose family were born in them going back 3 generations (his mother, her father and his father). However these three cottages will eventually be replaced by two new properties.

Leeson Avenue Garages

Planning permission has been granted to demolish the garages on Leeson Avenue and replace them with a single building comprising four properties. The garages were under-utilised, although those using them have a different opinion! What cannot be questioned is that there were more empty garages than there were garages being used. The plans include parking provision for the properties and for other users. The work should be starting soon and I will keep a watchful eye as to what effect this has on parking in this area.

I have requested that CCH perform a walkabout and will, if I am advised of dates and times, ensure everyone is made aware when this will be.

Dog Fouling

Many thanks to those who have contacted me regarding Dog Fouling throughout the village, the main areas being, as expected along Charter Lane, Church Lane, Leeson Avenue and Chorley Lane. I am under no illusion and do not expect that the problem will go away overnight, but with some effort we should be able to gradually reduce it.

The removal of some of the dog waste bins has been brought to my attention (Charter Lane and close to the Play Area). Please remember that dog waste can now be placed in any bin and some effort is being expended in increasing the number of these especially in the centre of the village.

School Woodland Garden

Work continues, with the trees being made safe and some planting to take place during the year. A successful Green Partnerships Award, in addition to the original funding from Chorley Council, means that most, if not all, of the planned work can take place.

There have been reports of some recent vandalism in the garden, so I ask that people please treat this area with respect as it is a resource for the school children and needs to be maintained, such that it is safe for them to use.

Speeding

The controversial 20mph zones have now been introduced in Charnock Richard and, as many predicted, are having no immediate impact on the speed of vehicles through the village, especially along Church Lane, Charter Lane and Chorley Lane.

The Parish Council regularly have a Speed Indicator Device (SPID) in place at areas where people are known to speed and where extra care should be taken. These move about and are also shared with Heskin to minimise costs and to ensure they are noticed when in place.

Following a conversation with Parish Councillor Anne Bishop I will be trying to have some additional signage installed, warning of people crossing the road close to the Chorley Lane Bungalows, as that is a particular area where often less agile people cross the road. Please be patient, this signage will not happen within the next few weeks or even months, as I have found, it takes a good while to get anything done.

There are a few determined individuals but it is generally difficult for cars to overtake in Charnock Richard so, if you are driving at a safe speed, within the limit, then those immediately behind you will be doing the same.

Joining Jack

My mistake as I omitted to thank Ian and all the staff at the Football Club, for their efforts in selling the wrist bands in aid of Joining Jack. Your contribution is appreciated, thank you.

Just as a reminder my contact details are:

Telephone: 01257 795559, please leave a message, I will respond to it

e-mail: paul.leadbetter@chorley.gov.uk

Little Donkey

Nativity

I must remember to get to places on time, as I found out on Christmas Eve. Now, I wasn’t late at Church, just on the last minute, which happened to coincide with the realisation that there was no-one to play the part of Joseph. I became a willing volunteer. I just hope people realised the situation, otherwise they will be wondering how many babies I am fathering, as I played the role of Joseph, with Gill as Mary and Frank as Jesus, last year!

I struggle with the formality and reading out of a book format of Church services, as there feels, to me, to be little sincerity about them, but Christmas Eve is far moread hoc and I enjoy it. Each year there is a real donkey and based on recent figures over half of the time it results in a pile on the church floor, this year was no exception.

Speaking of the real donkey, whilst standing ready to make my grand entrance I looked to my right and there it was. Gareth began playing; the congregation began singing, “Little Donkey, Little Donkey on the dusty road…” I went to get said Donkey and it had disappeared! A quick look around the church yard and it was nowhere to be seen. Eventually it was found, not that far off a dusty road! With help it was guided to the Church door and became reluctant to enter Church, I got the job of pushing it from behind, which considering what happened later was probably a close call.

Church on Christmas Eve is always followed by the Children’s Christmas Party at the Football Club, well attended as ever. I’m not sure that my help in the musical chairs really helped, but we muddled on through.

Bouncing

Harry Newbold Cozens is a promising Trampolinist and he lives in Charnock Richard. I had the good fortune to talk with his father, Bryan, recently and quickly began to realise the personal dedication required from parents of talented young sports people. Team events, it seems, attract more attention than individual sports making securing funding support and sponsorship difficult. I will try to point Harry in the direction of funding opportunities and have discussed with the relevant people at Chorley Council, who are going to do whatever they can.

Neighbourhood Meeting

The most recent neighbourhood meeting was interesting as it was the first to be run under the new format, involving Parish Council representatives and the County Councillor. The intent is to encourage wider participation and involvement in the various projects. The intent is there, I just hope the meetings become a little more lively and involving, which is difficult as there are only two a year.

Astley Hall Coach House Gallery

Very rarely is it that I have reason to question the way in which a decision is made. I often question decisions, but generally can appreciate that if it has been made in the correct manner then it has been made with the best intentions.

The Coach House Gallery in Astley Park was the subject of an Executive Decision which, having read the supporting report, appeared to have missed out a large proportion of the users of the gallery when making a decision to house a semi-permanent display, leaving other users with nowhere to exhibit.

Christmas Eve in the Town Hall and the call-in papers were handed in, questioning whether sufficient effective consultation had taken place. Not that long after Christmas and people began to telephone me, Chorley Photographic Society, Friends of Astley Park, The Lodge Artists Society, Chorley Paintbox, Chorley Historical Society, Chorley Historical and Archaeological Society to name but a few all contacted me wanting to know what was happening. A meeting was held, in a local hostelry, which was well attended and I advised those attending what the call-in process meant and what was going on. Those present agreed on an extremely able spokesperson, in the form of Glynn Davies of Chorley Photographic Society, to present their case and I had several discussions with him between then and the Overview and Scrutiny meeting at which the call-in would be discussed.

The Council Chamber was packed, which clearly displayed the amount of concern amongst the groups that had displayed in the Coach House Gallery. A round of applause followed mine and Glynn’s speeches (to be honest it was after Glynn’s speech, which just happened to follow mine!). The leader of the council accepted that the consultation could have been better, but maintained it was adequate. It was pointed out that telling someone that the facility is no longer available and having them accept an alternative (or have nothing) is not consultation (another round of applause).

The result was as expected and the decision was held as having been made in the correct manner – I disagree and remain dissatisfied that I was not allowed to answer a question that was put to me, whilst the leader was and that some misleading (not entirely false, but not entirely true) information was presented. The decision may well be the correct decision but the way it was made remains, in my opinion, wrong.

Overall it was a great experience and a privilege to meet people that I would otherwise probably never have met. Chorley truly is a great place with great people.

Fortunately there has been a positive outcome in that representation of users of Astley Hall and Park, on the Astley Advisory Group, is likely to involve more local groups. Additionally the various projects, to provide alternative exhibition space, are being promised to be brought forwards. Thanks to everyone who was involved.

The words of my speech:

“The way in which the executive decision is at question not the decision itself and this is not a criticism of the Chorley Remembers project. I, along with (as far as I am aware) all members of the Council, am fully supportive of the aims of the Chorley Remembers project in ensuring that all those from the town and Borough who fought and died in the service of their country will never be forgotten by current and future generations.

The objection is that the report does not address whether the proposed exclusive use of the gallery, to a sole organisation, meets the original Heritage Funding requirements or whether the gallery is for wider varied community use. Neither does the report identify, that consultation and engagement with the wider community, has taken place.

The report does not address users concerns relating to lack of disabled access in Astley Hall.

The report removes the widely accepted principle that the gallery is for all user groups and an integrated impact assessment does not appear to have taken place.

An integrated impact assessment would have ensured that this decision had considered any positive or negative impacts for Chorley residents with regards to equalities, health and sustainability. It would also have considered reputational impact of the Council. If undertaken an Integrated Impact Assessment would result in an action plan providing some transparency to the decision making process, a process which, in this instance, is opaque at best.

It is, therefore, requested that an integrated impact assessment is undertaken.

The intent of the (£2,479,000) Heritage Lottery Funding for the (Chorley Council) Renovation of the Coach House and Walled Garden was to engage more people and a wider range of people and therefore was intended for all community groups.

The Heritage Lottery Funding (£323,000) for the (Chorley PALS Memorial) Chorley Remembers project was for Conservation of the Memorial Arch, Enhancements to the PALS memorial statue and the creation of a NEW exhibition and interpretation space in Astley Hall.

It is, therefore, requested and that the existing exhibition space in the Coach House Gallery remains the accepted venue for all user groups rather than being for a fixed exhibition.

This council executive is keen to explain how emphasis is being placed on getting things done for local people. By changing the way things are done they say they can act on what local people are saying so they can make a real difference allowing people to contribute to their community. This decision regarding use of the Coach House Gallery has not been transparent and, as acknowledged by the executive member for Resources, Policy and Performance (Peter Wilson, week commencing 3 September 2012), there has been no council led consultation with all interested parties.

This council tells us how it wants to do a lot more and be a lot more ambitious for the Borough, yet the ambition to provide fully inclusive exhibition spaces for all local groups appears to be thwarted by nothing more than electrics and IT provision.

The vision of this council, or so we are led to believe, is to be “An ambitious council that achieves more by listening to the whole community and exceeding their needs” Priorities of this council rightly include: “Involving residents by improving their local area and equality of access for all” and “striving to be an ambitious council, doing more to meet the needs of the residents and local area”.

Outcomes from the vision and priorities include: “A wide range of quality recreational activities”; “a council that consults and engages with residents”; “an ambitious council that continually strives to improve”.

The only consultation on this matter appears to have been with the Astley Advisory Group, representatives of which have expressed concern over a lack of wider consultation.

Consultation did take place on the Corporate Strategy, to which I have just referred. 97% of those who responded agreed that it is important for the council to consult and engage with residents. In this instance, however, it appears that the vision and words of the corporate strategy are without meaning, there has been, at best, ineffective limited council led consultation and engagement and the opinion of that 97% is being ignored.

I ask that this council strives to improve, ensure their vision and priorities have substance and are not just rhetoric. You must do what the people of Chorley say is important to them and undertake effective consultation and genuine engagement with the residents of Chorley on this matter.”

And the words of Glyn Davies:

“Mr Chairman, I speak on behalf of three hundred members of six local voluntary organisations, and four thousand members of one regional body, who have made use of the Coach House Gallery in the recent past and would do so in the future had the opportunity to do so not been removed by the decision to hand it over to the exclusive use of a single organisation. They, together with regional artists, have now been denied the opportunity to show their work in Chorley’s only purpose built public gallery – “the perfect setting (of which) has made it a well sought after space for artists from around the North West” (Minutes of this Committee 2011):

• None of the following comments implies any criticism of "Chorley Remembers", but are directed entirely at the actions of the Council, in particular the lack of a proper, inclusive consultative process from the outset, the failure to consider alternative options, and the failure to canvass the opinions of users of the Coach House Gallery. Discussion has thus been stifled.
• The Report indicates that the only alternative option initially considered was to accommodate “Chorley Remembers” in the Townley Parker Room at Astley Hall. Why did the Council fail to consider using some of the funding on offer to upgrade existing under used accommodation on the ground floor of the Coach House? Using one of the Coach House’s general purpose rooms would provide an improved facility as an additional and lasting legacy, while retaining the Gallery in its existing form, thus adding to facilities, not detracting from them. Why is there no evidence of this suggestion, made by several individuals and organisations, having been considered?
• What is the Council’s fallback plan against inevitably waning interest in, and declining visitor numbers to, the permanent exhibition? Will it be left in a few years’ time to gather dust like the existing, shabby Memorial Room? There has been a failure to investigate alternative options.
• Consultation initiated by the Council was restricted to the Astley Advisory Group – all other contacts having been subsequently initiated by local groups who heard of the plan only via the “grapevine”. Ensuing proposals for replacement accommodation have been universally deemed inadequate by all the groups in question.
• The Coach House was refurbished with 80% Heritage Lottery funding – in the order of £2.5M. During the Lottery Funding process it was proven that there is “inadequate provision of exhibition space for public use in the Chorley Area”. Ceding the provided facility to a single organisation is not only a clear change of use but also denies its use to the majority of the town's organisations and returns Chorley to the former woeful state which was deprecated by the Heritage Lottery. I ask if the Heritage Lottery Fund has been properly consulted about this change of use? Have they been made aware of the inevitable unwelcome outcomes?
• I ask what consideration has been given to the negative impact on people with disabilities who wish to attend exhibitions. There is no alternative exhibition space in Chorley with comparable disabled access. I understand that there is a statutory duty to carry out an Equalities Impact Assessment for all council decisions to assess their impact on disabilities groups. What was the outcome of the mandatory consultation with the Equalities Forum and if no such consultation took place, why not?
• The decision to hand over the Gallery was an Executive Member Decision – not a decision taken at, or debated by, a Council Committee. Why was this conducted in what seems to have been “stealth mode”? Was it to avoid any possible challenge by Councillors?

As there has been a failure to consult all concerned parties and to consider all options, I ask this Committee to recommend that the decision making process be revisited and conducted with probity, transparency and the thoroughness and inclusivity that the people of this Borough have a right to expect from their elected representatives, and that have been woefully lacking so far.”

Summaries of planning applications and delegated decisions related to Chisnall Ward are covered in my blog Chisnall Planning www.chisnallplanning.blogspot.com

A Star is Born?

Withington Lane in Heskin is presently the subject of a consultation period for a 20mph zone, which will be limited to school arrival and departure times. This little lane amazes me and in particular the size of some of the vehicles that use it. Recently, I followed a lorry turn right into Mill Lane from Preston Road then continue down Mill Lane, onto Chisnall Lane then Withington Lane before turning right onto Wood Laane and going through Heskin. it would have been far easier, safer and shorter for the journey to be along Park Hall Road from Mill Lane.

The Railway Bridge on Chorley Lane in Charnock Richard was planned to be repaired between 3 and 11 November 2012, these repairs did not take place. Good and bad, the good is that the bridge remains weak meaning vehicles over 18 tonnes are discouraged from using it and divert away from it. Bad that some of these heavy vehicles divert along Church Lane, passing the school and also bad that the bridge remains untidy and needing a coat of paint. I have been in contact with LCC and Network Rail who have stated that the work has been put on hold and will take place “at some point” in 2013.

Well, the inevitable has happened and those running Camelot theme park have thrown in the towel, announcing that it will not be reopening in 2013. I have no knowledge of what is happening regarding the site, all I know is that the site owner is a property development company, I also know that Chorley Council policy is that a site previously used for recreation in the green belt should be adequately marketed as such before consideration will be given to change of use and that the site is not a site for development in the emergent Chorley Borough Plan. I have little doubt that the site owners will want to develop the site for housing. I have my own opinions about the concept of a residential development on the site, but without a plan it is difficult to comment. All I can promise is that I will represent, to the best of my abilities as I have with previous and on-going planning applications, anyone who approaches me with their opinions whether they be in favour of, or opposed to, development.

Whilst an outline application, at the moment, I am carefully watching planning application 12/01148/OUT as it is a development in the Green Belt, albeit infill. The outline plan is not, in my opinion, in sympathy with the neighbouring property, however as an outline plan I will not be objecting. Hopefully, if the outline plan is approved, I will be able to work with the applicant towards a development which satisfies us both, and the other neighbour, before full planning consent is sought.

Balfour Beatty, on behalf of United Utilities, are digging a big hole in Charnock Richard and I have been looking into it, they are also digging another one in Coppull and I have been looking into that also! The work is part of a £13million project to clean up the River Yarrow. During heavy rainfall the sewers become overwhelmed and untreated water enters the river system leading to the Rive Yarrow. The holes are for storage tanks to contain the water for pumping into the sewage system once the rainfall has eased. The tank at Charnock Richard can store up to 8,000 cubic metres (about 1¾ million gallons) of water.

With Kerry Towers United Utilities Project Manager

Someone said to me recently that they can tell it’s winter when they trip over the dog poo rather than stand in it. An amusing comment, but with a serious message (for want of a better phrase!). The council (Parish and Borough) have been good around Charnock Richard School in responding to requests and sweeping up leaves, thereby preventing any dog foul from being hidden. I continue to say this but it is local people who are allowing their dogs to foul our local pavements; the solution to the problem is, therefore, in the gift of local people.

Really proud of Roxanne and her performance in the Adlington Music and Arts Society (AMAS) production “A Christmas Cracker” her roles of an Elf and Snowman were particularly memorable and she enjoyed the singing I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus as a duet. Roxanne was awarded for her efforts as the youth member with most commitment, perhaps a Star has been born, Roxanne enjoying herself is the most important. Her prize is a ticket to see the Lion King, at the Palace Theatre, Manchester.

Charnock Richard Pre-School AGM is on 19 December in the Dog and Partridge staring at 7pm, all should be over in time for us to enter a team in the Pub Quiz, which starts at 9pm.

That’s all for this year, may I take this opportunity to wish everyone all the best for the festive season and the year ahead?

Summaries of planning applications and delegated decisions related to Chisnall Ward are covered in my blog Chisnall Planning www.chisnallplanning.blogspot.com

We’re Going Down The Pub (Sham 69, Hurry Up Harry)

We’re Going Down The Pub (Sham 69, Hurry Up Harry)

There were many doubters but the Dog and Partridge, on Chorley Lane in Charnock Richard has, once again, opened its doors. The opening night attracted a large number of people however, since then, it has been, in the words of Tony the landlord, “steady” but the look on his face suggested a steady trickle rather than a steady flow and the times I have been in, it has been quiet. Food will be on offer from around the end of November, so hopefully things will pick up soon after. For those who read this and want the pub to continue to trade, remember that it can only do so with customers and support, without which it will close, probably never to be re-opened.

The Hinds Head, on Preston Road, Charnock Richard has a new manager and things are looking promising. A lick of paint and a thorough clean inside, the same outside has been happening this week, plus removal of those terrible plastic hanging baskets is encouraging. The beer tastes better than in recent times and there is a plan to provide food in the near future. This pub has struggled recently having had several managers in a short period of time and as with the Dog and Partridge, will only survive if it has support.

 

The Farmers Arms in Heskin held their annual bonfire on 5 November. A good night was put on, according to Roxanne, who went there with Sharon and Caitlyn. I enjoy visiting the Farmers Arms, Frank is frequently cuddled by Ann the landlady. The pub is well managed and has local support, the food is good (half price on a Monday after 6pm) and we are always made to feel welcome.

The Brook House pub, on Barmskin Lane in Heskin, closed at the beginning of 2012 and was sold by auction, at the same time surrendering its premises licence. The pub is currently subject to a planning application for conversion to a private dwelling. The application for conversion to a private dwelling, which was recommended for refusal, was withdrawn prior to the Chorley Borough Council Development Control Committee meeting on 30 October. I have no doubt that the application will be resubmitted and whilst it would be a loss to have the pub converted; conversion must be preferable to it being left to become derelict.

Other pubs and restaurants within Chisnall Ward include: Alison Arms, Preston Road, Coppull, where there is an annual folk festival; Amelies, Preston Road Coppull, which has a good reputation for good food; The Bowling Green, Preston Road, Charnock Richard, for a carvery; C&B Chip Shop on Preston Road Coppull; Eccleston Delph, Halfpenny Lane, Heskin, has a friendly no nonsense café; Heskin Hall off Wood Lane, Heskin, is good for a brew; Hunters Lodge or rather the destination venue Baku Lounge, Preston Road, Charnock Richard, is a new venture; The Oak Tree, Preston Road, Coppull which unfortunately is closed and deteriorating; Park Hall Hotel (Brookes Restaurant, Sams American Diner, Mallards Lounge Bar); and the Days Inn on the north bound Motorway services serve food and drink. I will have missed some out, it is not intentional and if you let me know then you will be mentioned in a future post.

Brief Update

As I am writing this the sun is shining for the third consecutive day, it’s a bit chilly though. When the schools returned after the summer break the sun also shone for two days. However brief this was the weather was bang on, a glorious weekend for Charnock Richard Scarecrow festival. Our scarecrow, with Joining Jack T Shirt, was sat proudly on our front hedge, in common with many in the village it was the subject of many a photograph and even a twitter post. The official facebook page is worth a look www.facebook.com/,,,

Nature

This is the time of year that hedges have been growing all year and need cutting. I have been asking for over 12 months now for the hedge at the old Chisnall Colliery site to be cut and it has eventually been done, the height was reduced by Chorley Borough Council, for which I thank them. Additionally the pathway along Park Hall Lane is suffering from overgrown weeds, especially towards the Wood Lane end. I am told these are to be cleared over the next few weeks, effectively returning the pavement to its original width. The pavement on Charter Lane was repaired within two weeks of my reporting it, so occasionally things do happen in good time.

Charnock Richard School’s woodland garden has had some work carried out during the holiday period and there are now, once again clearly defined pathways, many thanks to Chorley Borough Council for organising this and accepting the funding application. Some benches have been promised from Astley Park, so they have a good pedigree. Thanks to Mark Maloney for his generous offer, which we just might take up. Further grant funds will be required to complete some of the work and then we need to arrange future upkeep.

Highways

Ashdale Close in Coppull now has the double yellow lines at its junction with Spendmore Lane, hopefully this will reduce the frustration of residents of Ashdale Close and also increase road safety. It is interesting to note that the lines are no further round the corner than is stated in the Highway Code, for parking distances from road junctions. Highway Code Rule 243 “DO NOT stop or park opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space”.

20mph zones are gradually being introduced throughout Chorley. I do question the priorities applied as it seems as though many of the estates are being included before roads outside schools, I would have thought keeping children safe would have been a priority. The side roads in Heskin are not planned to become 20mph zones. However there is to be a 20mph zone, operating at school arrival and departure times, outside Pemberton’s Primary School on Withington Lane.

United Utilities

Whilst on the subject of parking and Coppull, there is much concern amongst the residents of Tansley Avenue and Burwell Avenue, regarding parking restrictions being imposed during the works being undertaken by United Utilities in improving the quality of water in Tanyard Brook. A public meeting took place on 18 September, in St Oswald’s Club which could have been run better. People complained they were not getting answers but were not allowing the representatives of United Utilities to speak. From my dealings with United Utilities, over the equivalent works in Charnock Richard, they have been extremely responsive and do listen to public opinion, if that opinion is well considered and put forward. My surprise is that, during the planning process, a condition has not been included restricting HGV movements during school peak dropping off and picking up times. I will follow this up with Lancashire County Council but suspect it is too late to change an approved plan.

Planning

The bungalow next to the Bowling Green has been demolished making way for a new bungalow to be built there. This can only be a good thing as the building was in a poor state of repair. An application for demolition of 94 Chorley Lane Charnock Richard and replacement with a detached house has been submitted, this is the old farmhouse (currently painted orange). It seems a shame to lose another of the character properties from the village, but there appear to be no planning reasons to refuse this application although that decision will lie with the Development Control Committee.

Heskin building applications are few but the application for change of use of the Brook House pub (12/00802/FUL) has generated much concern from what is generally one of the quieter areas of Chisnall Ward. It would be a great shame to use this community facility in what is a remote location, making it even more important as a meeting place and real hub of that part of our community. I have submitted my letter stating why the community facility should be retained and why the proposed extension and new outbuilding are unacceptable, all inked to National and Local Planning Policy.

Summaries of planning applications and delegated decisions related to Chisnall Ward are covered in my blog Chisnall Planning www.chisnallplanning.blogspot.com

Who Let the Dogs Out

This was going to appear in the Charnock Richard Chronicle but I missed the deadline, so I will post it here and add it to the Christmas Chronicle. Whilst it is aimed at Charnock Richard the message (no pun intended) is the same everywhere.

Of all the things that people contact me about, the one that constantly concerns people more than anything else and yet could be so easily solved, is that of Dog Fouling.

The Problem

Dog fouling is a major issue throughout the country and Charnock Richard is no exception, indeed some that I have talked with has said they cannot believe how bad it is and that it is considerably worse than anywhere else they have ever lived.

Dog fouling is the most offensive type of litter on our streets and as people tend to walk their dogs around their locality, those not cleaning up are essentially pooing in their own back yard. The major problem areas, in Charnock Richard, seem to be the area within the Charter Lane, Church Lane (especially close to the school), Chorley Lane triangle, which is where people live.

Most dog owners are responsible and clean up after their pet. However there are a minority who do not. Our own dog will do her business in our garden then somehow minutes later, whilst taking her for a walk, will do the same at the roadside (which I clean up and place in a bin, any bin will do).

Why is Dog Fouling a Problem?

Dog fouling is not only unpleasant but it can also be dangerous with the biggest threat to public health being from toxocariasis.

Whilst the effects of contracting toxocariasis can be devastating, most people’s knowledge of toxocariasis is limited to hearsay and hysterical media reports. However some of the facts are:

·         The eggs of the Toxocara worm take over two weeks to hatch and become active, meaning there are no health risks to you from immediately clearing up after your dog.

·         The majority of pet dogs with the Toxocara worm are pups between two weeks and six months of age or pregnant bitches. 

·         Foxes and cats also act as hosts to the Toxocara worm.

·         The incidence of all Toxocara-induced diseases in the UK is only two cases per million of the population. However, this still means that about 40 people are needlessly ill each year. Generally these people are children between 18 months and 5 years old.

·         The eggs of the Toxocara worm, if deposited in soil, can lie dormant for up to three years, if the conditions are right. They are highly resilient to temperature changes and chemical disinfectants have little effect on them.

  

Whose responsibility is it to clear away dog fouling?

It is the responsibility of the dog owner, or the person in charge of the dog, to clear up any dog foul left by their dog. If you fail to clean up after your dog you will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for £75, or if the case goes to court a fine of up to £1,000 a criminal record and court costs.

Being unaware that the dog has fouled, or not having a suitable means of removing the poo is not a reasonable excuse for failing to clean up after your dog.

Responsible Dog Owners

The majority of owners are responsible. It is easy for all dog walkers to be responsible and clear up any dog fouling:

·         Be prepared and take enough bags with you

·         Clean up after the dog

·         Put the waste in a bin, it doesn’t have to be dog bin an ordinary litter bin will do, or take it home with you

·         Don’t go to the effort to bag it then throw it in the hedgerow!

What we can do about dog fouling?

The Neighbourhood Officers and Local Beat Officers will issue fixed penalty notices to anyone not clearing up after their dog.

If you see someone who lets their dog foul and doesn't clear it up report it to Chorley Council on 01257 515151 or www.chorley.gov.uk/dogfouling.

A Simple Message

There is a “Don’t be a Dirty Dog” campaign throughout Chorley and a national Keep Britain Tidy “Dog Poo Fairy Campaign” both aimed at educating dog walkers and reducing the amount of muck left on our streets, the overall message is simple:

Bag It and Bin It.

If all dog owners did this then Charnock Richard would be an even better place to live.