Newsletter 337 - May 2005

Chairman's Remarks - Marion Coupe

We wish for quiet times. We would like to have a council, which respects the conservation lobby, which we represent, which consults with others and us over its plans for the town and has the trust of its people. In the pipeline we have two new blue plaques being prepared, a team working on a conservation areas review, a new Town Trail waiting for completion and many other positive projects. Unfortunately, committee members' time is being spent at present in trying to protect various heritage assets of the town. All this campaigning is very time consuming but sadly we have been here before, all the arguments about viability have been heard before. Short termism is still the order of the day.

Our successful campaign to stop the council selling off the foreshore at Lytham to allow development ten years ago has been forgotten in the rush to bring in more revenue by allowing more parking on the Green. No sooner do we celebrate the achievement of a Green Flag Award with the Friends of Lowther Gardens, than the council are suggesting using the Pavilion for their Civic Suite. We would need a lot of persuading to believe that its community arts function would not be threatened. Councillors are saying they "don't want another Ashton Gardens" - another situation where thousands of people object to the sale/change of use of part of the gardens and are ignored? Will thousands object to the plans for Lowther and be ignored?

Our membership has been steadily rising over the last year. Please renew your subscription by standing order if possible as this cuts down on administration considerably.

Lowther Gardens

Meeting on 4th February:

Our last edition mentioned a meeting in Lytham, which had been called by the six Lytham councillors who sit on FBC. They called it to discuss "improvements to Lytham Green". This phrase proved a very emotive one, as clearly one man's "improvement" is another's environmental disaster. About 150 people tried to squeeze into the room. As it turned out, what was being discussed was no threat to the Green. The proposal by Lytham Heritage Group to take over the running of the now closed Old Lifeboat House Museum was welcomed, and the proposal by Park View 4 You group to place expensive play equipment on the foreshore was a non starter because of the high tides. Unfortunately however, councillors Tim Ashton and Bill Thompson made known their support for a new car park on the Green opposite Lowther, and the extension of the car park next to the lifeboat house.

Civic Society public meeting on Friday 15th April:

Its purpose was to make known the position of the Civic Society relating to certain council proposals relating to Lowther Gardens. Snippets of information were starting to circulate and we felt it was time to make our position absolutely clear.

Fylde Borough Council sees itself as needing three different forms of accommodation.

• A "back office" or administrative facility where most staff would work. They propose at present to locate this at Wesham. The present Town Hall would be demolished and replaced by modern flats.

• A "one stop shop" facility to meet the public in the three different parts of the borough. In St Annes this is now at the Public Offices. (This would not be the case had we not submitted this building, successfully, for listing).

• A place for the full council to meet several times a year, and also to accommodate the ceremonial and entertainment functions of the council, ie. The Mayor's Parlour.

We have been aware of this analysis for some time, and also aware that, since discussions and research, which took place as long ago as 2002, Lowther is the preferred site for the latter function. £1m has been earmarked for work to Lowther Pavilion.

It was made clear at the meeting that we will oppose any increase in the bulk, size, and in particular the footprint of the existing Lowther Pavilion, the consequent loss of parking for visitors, the loss of trees and other planting, and the consequent loss of an open aspect to the Green. It would also block the traditional open corridor from Lytham Hall to the sea.

A quality park:

Lowther Gardens has a Civic Trust Green Flag award, largely achieved through the efforts of Yolande Brown and her team of Friends of Lowther. Flower beds have been renewed, the sculpture of the Lytham Shrimper has been commissioned, and there will soon be a cobble clock to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the handing over of the park from the Cliftons to the council of the day. It is a successful space. The imposition of a large and busy facility would change the nature of the park in many ways. Its quiet relaxing ambience would disappear.

Car parking:

We have not become involved in the issue of car parking charges at Lowther. We are however very concerned about the possible implications of the proposed expansion of activities within Lowther Pavilion. It was recently stated by Coun. Tim Ashton, a Lytham councillor, that a car park on the Green would be required in order to serve the new council functions. This proposal, obviously unpopular (if not locally explosive!), is, we are told, being withdrawn. Coun. Ashton is of course right in flagging up that present parking arrangements would not be adequate.

Covenants:

The lease of the gardens is clear. It was the wish of the Clifton family to gift both Green and Gardens to the people of Lytham. The council should:

"not at any time permit or suffer public meetings for the discussion of political, religious or social questions or other matters of controversy ........... nor permit any part of the said land to be used ..........for any purpose than those of public recreation and enjoyment."

Covenants were put in place to this end. It is likely that charitable trusts have been created by these gifts. There are considerable implications if this is the case. We are taking expert legal advice on these issues. Several individuals came forward after the meeting offering to help cover these legal costs. If you too would like to make a donation please let us know. Armed with the appropriate legal opinion, we would go as far as serving an injunction on the council to prevent it taking action against the wishes of the people of Lytham. We would urge all those who care about the environment of Lytham to contact their councillors, officers, MP, and the local papers.

The Meeting:

The above points were made to the meeting. Rod Pothecary gave us his personal views and expressed the outrage of local people at the proposals. It was, he said, clear that the financial figures given by the council were unreliable and selective. The gradual increase in the audience figures achieved by the amateur groups who provide entertainment at their own expense illustrates the popularity of their shows. In contrast, the productions, which are put on by the council, make a loss.

Three representatives of FBC attended the meeting. These were Phil Woodward - Deputy Chief Executive/Executive Director, Paul Norris - Cultural Services Business Manager, and David Wilkinson - Built Environment Business Manager. They answered a number of questions put by the audience, largely on the lines of "that nothing has yet been decided". (In the past officers of the council did not deem it necessary to become involved in "spin", councillors would have answered the questions). Four weeks prior to the meeting we wrote to all six Lytham Councillors asking for their views on the proposed development at Lowther and received no answer from them - until the evening of the meeting when a letter was sent by Coun. Tim Ashton on their behalf. This is part of it:

We are currently taking legal advice on a potential challenge faced by the Council against the future possible uses of Lowther (which may even result in the eventual closure of the facility) and have not yet commissioned architects to investigate options or undertake a feasibility study.

We do not appreciate threats of closure such as this and we would point out that there has never been any attempt by the council to consult with the Civic Society on any of these issues. We of course welcome enhancement of facilities for the community - but not the loss of the pavilion to the council. A report was commissioned from a management consultancy by the council to comment on the running of all its arts and sports facilities. Late in the day, we were given the report to evaluate, and this we have done. The list of consultees for the report largely comprises councillors and officers of FBC.

Witch Wood - Rob Wilkinson

The information boards have been installed at either end of the wood and at the Ringwood Close entrance (see picture). These provide a brief history of the wood and functions of the woodland as well as mentioning that we own the wood - a fact still not fully appreciated by many walkers through the wood. We have seen a number of people reading the signs, but if you have not, then next time you visit take a look.

The next step of our strategy for the wood is to lay a hard path with a Top Trec surface by the school fence opposite the cricket field. Completion of this section will produce a hard path throughout the length of the wood. We have applied for a grant to cover the cost of the work.

Two dog bins have recently been installed at Ringwood Close and Alder Grove entrances. Fylde Borough Council has agreed to empty these on a regular basis. Will dog walkers please ensure they clean up after their dogs and use the bins provided.

Walkers through the wood may recently have seen a tree surgeon felling trees. This was only done in respect of specific trees and after careful consideration, consultation and agreement with FBC's tree officer. The residents have paid for the cost of felling trees near the boundary fence, whilst a Green Partnership Award and a donation have funded the other tree work.

Extensive planting has been carried out over the winter. As compensation for damage caused in January 2004, the contractors for Network Rail supplied us with two hundred and forty small shrubs. One hundred and forty of these were planted in the wood and the remainder in our tree nursery for planting in the wood in subsequent years.

To honour the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977 the Society organised the planting of 130 trees along the Preston Road by unemployed youths with a supervisor. Lancashire County Council insisted on small trees in the line between footpath and cycle track on the south side. We wanted an avenue, but the other side was full of services and unavailable. Over the years many trees have died and tractors have flattened some and so we have replaced them. Now they need some TLC and pruning to keep the track clear. It has taken two Fridays to accomplish the work, but it is well worthwhile to see them neat and tidy, and providing an elegant entry to Lytham.

There will be working parties in the wood each Friday morning, except when meeting on Saturday June 11th. We meet as usual at 9.30 am at the tree nursery (near Skew Bridge entrance). So, if you wish to join our volunteers, just turn up or contact either Bill Thompson on 737795 or Rob Wilkinson on 727611. There will be a break during July and August and work will start again in September.

Lytham Quays - Marion Coupe
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The plans by Kensington Developments for a £650m marina re-development at Dock Road with 3,000 flats are being submitted in May. Director Malcolm Hawe said:
"We will be putting a colour, glossy brochure through the doors of every house in Fylde as well as opening a shop in Lytham to keep people fully informed as to what's going on every step of the way."

It is likely that the proposals will go to a public enquiry. If they are allowed, Lytham will be radically changed forever.

The Sand Dunes

Don Moore and the Defend the Dunes Group continue to voice their concerns.
One of the first tasks set out in the joint FBC/ Blackpool Council Dune Management Plan, and scheduled for completion by the end of March 2005 was the restoration of part of the dunes.

On a recent inspection it was found that there were no markers showing an exclusion zone close to the dunes where stockpiling and vehicle activity were not allowed, sand was still being stockpiled against the dunes and was in fact still being shovelled up by mechanical diggers in the very areas where the dunes were supposed to have been restored. Fylde BC have repeatedly been asked by Defend the Dunes and English Nature to have working practices changed so that the toe of the dunes is not continually removed by the mechanical diggers as they load sand into the lorries. This would enable the dunes to accrete, or grow. The Civic Society first noted this damage to the dunes and sea defences in 1982 and still nothing is done to control the contractors who remove the sand.

Inspirational England

John Westmoreland's presentation to the society on March 16th was quite inspirational. His photographs of the English countryside, collected over many years, were artistically melded with the best of English composers. The result was an emotional appreciation of the very best of the English countryside through all seasons of the year. John is the secretary of the local branch of the CPRE and his devotion to the countryside was evident.

Recital by Students of Barbara Robotham

This event was delightful as ever and we are very pleased to be able to help these hard working and talented students from The Royal Northern College of Music. We had a special surprise treat this year when Barbara herself sang, "We'll gather lilacs". Soloists this year were Nadine Livingstone, Lucy Fussell and Kevin Jones, accompanied by Roderick Barrand. The audience of over sixty people had a wonderful evening and we thank Barbara for making it possible.

The Talbot Hotel

We have been very concerned indeed about the plans proposed to change this landmark building into shop units and flats. These include the removal of all ground floor features in the Clifton St and Bath St elevations, and a large two-storey extension to the rear. The building dates to about 1840, with alterations in the Arts & Crafts style of 1904. The portico has the date of 1904 on it, and the windows are pleasantly asymmetric. Large shop windows and extra doors are to be put in to replace these character features. A huge rear extension (over the present courtyard) will, we feel, dominate the Georgian/early Victorian cottages of Bath Street, all of which are listed. The context of the listed cobble barn in South Clifton St will be destroyed. Add some shop signage and lighting and what was an essential part of old Lytham will start to look like something, which has escaped from Heathrow Airport.

The local paper wrongly reported that there had been no objections to these proposals. Both ourselves and The Heritage Trust for the North West objected strongly but were totally ignored.

Parking in Front Gardens

We love our cars and we have to put them somewhere. The practice of removing one's front garden and making it into a car park has been growing over the years. In the past councils have been happy to allow the pavement to be lowered but now a backlash is developing as the character of residential roads is seen to change - for the worse.

We are told that there are a number of reasons for this trend. Households have two or more cars and wish to guarantee spaces. They do not wish to care for their front garden, as it is not private enough to sit in or play football in. Having a smart car there is a conspicuous display of wealth.
The Environment Committee of the London Assembly has recently started to act on the issue, as the problem is particularly acute in London. They found that:

• Loss of front gardens is ugly

• It causes environmental damage, as water cannot soak into the ground and pours into the sewers instead, increasing the risk of flooding.

• It reduces biodiversity, leading to a loss of habitat for birds, insects and plants.

• Street trees are affected. They have to send out their roots further as the water is not soaking into the ground, increasing risk of subsidence.

• Street trees may be removed to allow the access.

They are advocating tight restrictions on the creation of new cross-overs, more Tree Preservation Orders and more Conservation Areas.

In Lytham St.Annes there are a number of streets where this is happening, the garden wall is demolished and the whole of the front garden is laid with out of keeping paving. It does not make financial sense either. In fact, in a street where only one or two houses have off street parking, the value of those will go up compared to the rest. But if everyone removes their garden and replaces it with hard standing, the value of the entire street goes down!

Our Annual Away Day

Our visit to Yorkshire on 17th April took us through the snow-covered hills of the M62 to a very cold Halifax. Members of the Halifax Civic Society, who had coffee ready for us in the Square Chapel Centre for the Arts, gave us a warm welcome. This former chapel is, unusually, square. In a town largely built of stone, it was built in brick in 1772.. It was a busy place until the mid 20th century when decline set in with social change and it became derelict. It was saved by local people getting together and refusing to give in. There are now over 150 inspiring arts events are held each year. Our enthusiastic guides took us on a tour around the town, and the magnificent Piece Hall. It was only the cold weather and the need for lunch, which made us leave this interesting town. Halifax has an 18th century stately home in its centre designed by John Carr of York with plasterwork by Guiseppe Cortese, like Lytham Hall. The house was overtaken by the Victorian town and is neglected but there are hopes it will be restored soon. As in most towns there are some horrible 60's carbuncles but the richness of Halifax's 19th century past is very much there to be seen and appreciated. The HQ of the Halifax Bank (HboS) was interesting to say the least and had absorbed within it the façade of an interesting Masonic building.

We then went on to Shibden Hall and grounds for a guided tour of the mainly 17th century house restored by the infamous Anne Lister in the early 19th century. There is an aisled barn full of carriages and other interesting artefacts. Many thanks to Hilda Partington for organizing this visit, and of course to our friends in the Halifax Civic Society.

Last year we visited Victoria Baths and Lyme Park. Has anyone got a good idea for next year?

The Borough Art Collection

It was good to see this featured in a national paper recently. Our council is being forced into making decisions about the collection because they intend to sell off the Town Hall, and the paintings are mostly in the basement, where they have been for over 50 years. Various proposals are being put forward, including:

* Loaning the valuable Fuseli to a national collection

* Allowing the new Booth's supermarket destined for Lytham to display some.

* Displaying some at Lytham Hall.

* Displaying some at other council venues.

What is particularly depressing is the fact that various councillors are now - yet again - starting to "talk the collection down" as though it were a terrible encumbrance. Rather than a wonderful asset, which they have failed to use for the benefit of the town and its visitors, they see the wonderful collection of sculpture and paintings as mere bric a brac. The present situation is a scandal; the opinions loudly stated by some senior councillors are ignorant to the core. We can only hope for more enlightened times...........

• travel easily and safely

• develop policy through consultation

We agree with both these, but implementation is another matter.

The second speaker was Mr.Craig Fairbrother, from Lancashire Licensing Officers Institute, talking about the effect of the new Licensing Laws. There are some disturbing aspects imminent, namely that all music needs licensing, such as bands playing in a procession, such as Club Day. This is another hurdle for organisers.

There was of course, the A.G.M. itself (no organisation changes) and interesting reports from Societies. We then had an interesting tour of the village itself (containing two cruck framed buildings of 1698) and a look around the ancient church of St.Helen, Garstang Parish Church, some parts dating from 1200, and also displaying medieval wall paintings of the fifteenth century. An interesting day in a little visited part of Wyre.

Exhibition - The Heritage of Lytham St Annes

We will be holding an exhibition in Lytham Heritage Centre for the first time. The dates are 4th October - 6th November 2005. If you would like to help in any way please let us know and you will be very welcome. The mainstay of the exhibition is photographic, but we will be showing, on DVD, some old film footage featuring local scenes and events. However we are on the lookout for more.

If anyone has any cine or video footage of any scenes or events in the town and would like to share it with us, please contact John Bentham on 781994, or email bentham23@btinternet.com

Membership.

Subscriptions are now (1st May) due for the year 2005 -06. We hope that you will continue to support us, and even better, pay by standing order. If you permit us, and pay tax, we can also claim Gift Aid on the subs. A large membership is very important to us, as we then directly represent a sizeable number of people. Details on how to pay are enclosed.

Our end of the year membership, on 30th April, stood at 467 an increase on last year.

Coming Events

Thursday 15th September 2005 Bowling Club Lytham

Annual General Meeting with cheese and apple pie. General discussion

Views of the Blackburn home close to demolition

If you would like to comment on a planning application write to:

The Manager for the Built Environment
Fylde Borough Council
Town Hall
St Annes
FY8 1LW