NEWSLETTER No. 343 - November 2006

Chairmans Review - Marion Coupe

With the news that the Town Hall is not to be demolished and developed into flats, we hope to be able to look forward to a greater appreciation of our heritage in St Annes. There is talk of an exhibition centre in the soon to be restored Ashton Gardens, and St Annes is applying for Classic Resort status. St Annes Parish Council hopes to stage a "History of St Annes" event next summer, and we expect that Peter Shakeshaft's book on that subject will be published sometime in 2007.

The new plans for the Town Hall are being considered. They are based on the idea of demolishing the building to the rear of the main Town Hall, where the entrance now is. This was once a school. A new office block would be built on this site, linked to the Town Hall.

The present Town Hall (formerly the Southdown Hydro hotel) is full of superb late Victorian features and is the best of the Porritt buildings, most of the rest of which are in a conservation area. The wall and floor tiles, cornices, fireplaces, woodwork, and stained glass are very fine and in good condition. Now is not the time to rip them out, and we hope the council will not do so. The initial plans have envisaged preserving only the Reception Room and its anteroom on the ground floor. The previous council chamber, whose fittings have already been sold on Ebay, would be expanded to encompass the present Mayor's parlour and corridor, destroying many fine features. We have suggested that a better place for a chamber, which is only to be used on six evenings a year, would be in a multi purpose space within the new build. The first and second floor of the Town Hall would be converted to apartments. We would hope that the builder would retain as much of the decorative tilework etc as possible, and that the entire windows in the building would be restored to their original designs.

Mussel tanks / Scruples site, Lytham Green
Proposal for a juice bar

The Civic Society has always been committed to the prevention of commercial development on the beach or Green in Lytham. The mussel tanks on the foreshore at Lytham were built in 1934 as part of an initiative to help the fisheries industry and to cut down on the sale of polluted seafood. Mussels were brought from as far away as Morecambe Bay to be immersed in the clean water of the tanks before being sold. In the post war period the RNLI and the Ribble Cruising Club came to occupy two of the three tanks, and still do. The council decided that a small café should be placed in the remaining third. This grew into several unsuccessful restaurants, a roller skating rink, and the disastrous night club, Scruples. It remained a derelict eyesore for a number of years.

Around 1997 the council decided to sell it to a developer. A great deal of public pressure against the development was put on the council, and the plans for a large building, which we suspect would have been a casino (in the guise of an "Art Gallery"), were eventually thrown out at a public enquiry. The Civic Society embarked upon a fund raising campaign to raise the money to demolish the derelict building, and paid in the region of £14,000 over to the council in the autumn of 1998.

We did this on the understanding that the site would be kept clear of future development and that we would be consulted on any changes to the coastal areas. I refer to the agenda of the Tourism and Leisure Committee of 15th September 1998. It was agreed that:

The Civic Society and all contributors to the resources offered to the council do not wish to see anything built on the site in the future and would like to see this aspect included as part of the agreement to demolish and conditional upon acceptance of the finances tabled.

I was not able to go to the last meeting of the Lytham Community Forum on 26th September 2006. Added on at the end of the meeting in AOB was a proposal to put a juice bar on the Scruples site. The Forum approved the juice bar. We wonder if the councillors who were there or on the circulation list will be able to vote on a subsequent planning application?

The barrister's opinion we have on Lowther Gardens and the Green is relevant here too. Our counsel advised that the gift of the Green from the Cliftons came into the same category as the Gardens, creating a de facto charitable trust.

We are committed to trying to maintain the open and totally non commercial aspect of Lytham Green. If it is felt that the site needs any environmental improvements in terms of paving or planting we will be very pleased to help.

We hope that those on the council who are behind this latest commercial venture will re-consider.

Civic Awareness Seminars

Between now and next April, a series of civic awareness seminars are taking place. They aim:

* To explain how the various tiers of local government work;
* To explain how they fit in to the wider perspective;
* To explain the electoral process, and how we are represented;
* To equip local people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take a pro-active role in civic life.

The seminars are provided free to participants, and held in a friendly atmosphere in the Function Suite at Lytham YMCA, from 7:00 to 9:00pm on Wednesday evenings, approximately every three weeks. More details are available at www.thefylde.biz or ring the group's clerk, Fred Moor, on 01253 728047

The programme began with the history of local Government and how each of the levels, (Parish, Borough, County and Region) fit together. After Christmas the political perspective is aired, and from February attention turns toward the election in May, explaining amongst other things how people who might be interested can find out more about standing for election to one of the Local Councils.

The next seminars are:

8th Nov: "How The County Council Works." - LCC Chief Executive's nominee

29th Nov: "Regional Government In The North West" GONW Speaker

Future dates in 2007 are: 10th Jan, 31st Jan, 21st Feb, 14th Mar, 4th Apr, and 25th Apr.

The Civic Society is supporting this initiative as it is important that people understand how we can take part in community decision making.

Running the Civic Society

We have a real need for new committee members. Please consider coming along to a committee meeting, you are under no obligation to join - but might find it very interesting! There are a number of projects we are pursuing at present and a little more people power would increase the speed of - for example - Blue Plaques, and the re-printing of the Town Trails.

It has been noted in the newsletter that one of our oldest members, Bill Makin, passed away last December. We were pleased to learn recently that Bill has left the Society a legacy of £20,000. It is wonderful to think that Bill held the group in such high regard and that he had confidence that it will be spent wisely. We can assure members that it will be used for the benefit of local environmental and conservation projects. In the mean time, we have a special high interest charity account.

Planning

FBC have submitted Regulated Entertainment licence applications (Live music, Recorded music, performances of dance, Provision of facilities for dancing & making music) for both Lytham Green and Fairhaven Lake. The applications are inevitably causing concern for local residents and objections are being made. The applications are currently due to be heard on 31st October.

Building work has started on the Cookson's Bakery site in Lytham. This effectively means that the developer, Kensington, has given up on plans for the controversial "Lytham Quays" development. The latter was to be built upon two levels of parking and would have been a huge addition to the town, in fact a destination in itself, with its own shops and facilities. The present development is a mix of house types, with a large proportion "affordable". The sign at the entrance announces "Lytham Quays". Kensington is the developer of "Cypress Point" and a number of other sites in the town. The latter name is not part of the address of people who live there and we wonder if the Lytham Quays name (not exactly an original one) will stick. We are sorry to see that some of the house types will be repeated in the different developments. The names of the new roads have not been disclosed as yet - it would be refreshing if they could reflect local character and tradition.

The former Blackburn Home, now known as 1 - 18 Dunepoint, 606 Clifton Drive North, St Annes, continues to raise controversial issues. A proposal for poles with cctv cameras on them has been allowed, whereas cameras mounted on the building would have been far less obtrusive. Now a further application for the replacement of 18 open car parking spaces with 18 concealed garages has been lodged. The idea is to screen them by creating a sand dune over them. We are still strongly advising that this development should create only a minimal impact on the dune system. The reasons for this are both for visual amenity and the importance of stabilising the dunes as a sea defence and natural environment. Whereas using covered garages rather than an open car park would be an improvement visually, it is impossible to guarantee such a dune would be stable and remain to cover the garages from view.

Defend the Dunes complained that in the reconstruction of the main building the extent of demolition far exceeds that set out in Government Guidelines and also exceeds what the Officers said would be the case. However, the Officers in drafting the conditions attached to the approval notice set no specific limit on the extent of rebuild. Now, following a report by the Officers saying the conditions have not been breached, the DCC has decided to take no further action.

Defend the Dunes have objected to the garages, firstly, because the original development would not have satisfied Government Planning Guidelines had the garages been included in the first place and, secondly, because the artificial dune used to cover them is not considered a viable long term option for screening the garages.

The FBC sand extraction licence was due to be reviewed by Lancashire County Council in October 2004 but due to the need for environmental impact reports the decision on what conditions to apply has been delayed several times. Natural England (formerly English Nature) and FBC have still to agree these working conditions and a further indefinite delay has only just been agreed by LCC. Meanwhile no restorative work has been undertaken to repair the damage already done to the dunes.

Lytham Police Station & Magistrates Court

Lytham Police Station & Magistrates Court is being put up for auction in December 2006 by the property division of the Lancashire police authority. This is to say the least disappointing because we have been in touch with them over the last few years expressing our concern about the future of this distinctive building. They have allowed us to hold Heritage Open Days in the Edwardian Court Room, and these have proved very popular. Hundreds of people have had the opportunity to have a glimpse into the past. The police had assured us that no "unsuitable use" would be found. Now the doors are open for a pub chain to make a bid. Auctioneers are Roy Pugh and Co who hold their auctions at Manchester Airport. The catalogue will appear on line soon.

Listed building consent will have to be sought for any proposed conversion, and we will oppose any alteration to the courtroom and front of the building

What could be done with the courtroom? Is there an alternative to destruction?

We have proved that there can be a use for the courtroom:

1. Heritage/tourism interest. This is a rare survival of an intact heritage courtroom, magistrates retiring room and cells.
2. The court has been used for educational purposes since it closed in 1998. Citizenship is part of the national curriculum. School children can hold mock trials.
3. It could be licensed for weddings.
4. It would make a brilliant film set.
5. We have held a performance of Gilbert & Sullivan's "Trial by Jury" there - a short piece, with supper provided nearby. This can be repeated. There is room for an audience of about 50.

What would we like to see on the site as a whole?

The modern extensions in the rear could be re-developed for housing, and the old court cocooned with a separate entrance, managed by a charitable trust.

We would not like to see a theme pub called "The old nick"!! This would lead to the destruction of original features, and cause a lot of disruption in a residential area.

We urge everyone to contact their councillors, MP, the police authority, the press, English Heritage, and the auctioneers. Please protest loudly! The Civic Society will be contacting as many people as we can.

Here are some historical details about the police station:
Lytham Police Station, with integral Magistrates Court, is a complete contrast to the style of other public buildings in Lytham. During the late nineteenth century Lytham's population, and that of its new neighbour, St. Annes, grew considerably, and it was recognised that Lytham badly needed its own Court House. The nearest court, Kirkham, was small, uncomfortable and too far for people to travel.

At first it was thought that the old police premises in Bannister Street could be extended and modernised, but the authorities concluded that these should be demolished and replaced with an imposing new structure. They appointed Manchester architect Henry Littler, who also designed the old St Annes College and parts of Rossall School, and awarded the contract to Henry Mogridge of Lytham. Building began in late 1900, and, apart from the brickwork and slating, the work was sub-contracted to local craftsmen. The total cost was over £7,000. The opening ceremony took place in August 1902, and the first chairman of the bench was Thomas Fair, the Clifton Estate agent.

The two-storey Edwardian Baroque style building is faced in Enfield bricks, with Holmfirth stone in the front ornamentation. It has a hipped slate roof and a number of fascinating architectural features including a distinctive arched porch at ground level surmounted by a large Venetian style door fronted by a bowed stone balcony. An unusual feature is a large octagonal turret to one side.

Number One Courtroom has some of the finest court fixtures in Lancashire, including the magistrates' bench with retiring room, and a central prisoner's dock with stairs leading down to the cells below. The gaslight fittings survive and have been converted to electricity. The Court has a beautifully plastered Gothic ceiling with two large leaded-light windows with a central red rose of Lancaster. The window in the north wall bears the Lancashire coat of arms. The public entrance is in North Clifton Street. Sadly, the Court was closed at the end of 1998 but has since been opened to the public annually by the Civic Society for Heritage Open Days.

Details of all planning and licensing applications and decisions can now be seen on the website of Fylde Borough Council at www.fylde.gov.uk

Wreck of the Mexico - Rachel Battersby

We are fast approaching the 120th anniversary of this terrible night. A service of remembrance will be held in the Parish Church of St Anne on the 10th December. We intend to launch an appeal for funds to restore the churchyard monuments where those who perished are buried. The fundraising leaflet will be distributed as far and wide as possible and I hope you all enjoying reading it and the details we have found out about the disaster and the memorials.

The sculptures seem to originate from Scotland and are by a highly respected member of a Victorian dynasty of talented sculptors - William Birnie Rhind. The white sandstone used in the monument on St Annes Promenade ("William Johnson") originates from Edinburgh, and the red sandstone used in the graveside memorials is likely to have come from the Glasgow region. Both the intricate St Cuthbert's monument and the Promenade monuments were carved in Edinburgh. The Rhind family of sculptors, stonemasons and architects worked from both major Scottish cities, and are well-known internationally, having produced the sculptures in the Carnegie libraries in the USA and many statues in Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow. WB Rhind won awards from the Royal Scottish Academy where he regularly exhibited. At the time when our sculptures were made, WB Rhind had his own studio in Edinburgh where he produced sculptures for the Scottish National Portrait Gallery (1898); the Scotsman Building (1900); the Professional & Civil Service Supply Association, George Street (1903-7) and Jenners, Princes Street (1893-1903).

Witch Wood - Dennis Leyland

In case members walking through Witch Wood wonder why there is continuing activity on the Lytham side of Middle Bridge, rustic furniture is being produced. A large beech had to be felled a year or two ago, for safety reasons, and when the idea arose that a seat be placed in the wood, in memory of Bill Thompson, Chris Blackburn suggested that it could be Alpine style, cut from a log, and, being our chainsaw specialist, is in the midst of learning a new trade! The intent was to produce a bench with backrest, but, because of rot in the tree trunk, a long table is likely to be the result, with smaller logs mounted as bench seats. Watch for developments.

Tree vandalism - Dennis Leyland

The report in the Express of the tops of trees bordering Fairlawn Road being sawn off will probably have been seen. We believe that these trees, along the border of triangle at the very west end of Lytham Green, were planted by the Civic Society. Certainly Bill Thompson had the Witch Wood working party there on more than one occasion to replace dead and damaged trees. It is so unfortunate that they have been damaged because it is always difficult getting trees established close to sea. We are pleased that the Council has promised to replace those that were vandalised.

Witch Wood - Rob Wilkinson

The award of a Green Pennant for Witch Wood is particularly pleasing as it recognises the management of local green spaces by voluntary and community groups. As part of the Green Pennant assessment process the site is judged against a number of criteria such as: -

- a welcoming place
- healthy, safe and secure
- well maintained and clean
- environmental sustainability
- biodiversity and heritage

A big thank you to all who have contributed to this success. We must continue to set high standards, for example we have recently purchased an additional dog bin at 'Middle Bridge' entrance from Ringwood Close.

Last winter we planted many trees with our successful 'Plant a Tree' initiative. People have named trees after family, friends or pets. Members may be interested in taking a walk through the wood and seeing what has been done.

Last winter some local residents found it hard to resist buying a small bag of logs for £1. These will be on sale again this winter - just turn up or contact the group on our mobile telephone 07780 838876.

There will be working parties in the wood each Friday morning, except when meeting on the following Saturdays: November 11th, December 9th, January 13th and February 10th. 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 Rob Wilkinson on 727611.

Regional AGM

NW ACTS (The North West Association of Civic Trust Societies) is holding its AGM this year in Manchester on Sat/Sun the 18th /19th November. The weekend will be packed with talks and visits, including to the Ancoats World Heritage site. We can go on one or both days. Please would interested members contact Marion Coupe or Kate Cartmell for further information. Arrangements can be made for travel and overnight accommodation is available.

NW ACTS represents all 95 Civic Societies in the North West and hopes to strengthen the movement by means of improved communications and networking at events such as this. Cost is £15 per day including lunch.

We were delighted that Stephen Langtree, the chairman of NWACTS, could spend a few days with us recently. Stephen was formerly chairman of Chester Civic Trust and hosted a visit there from our Society a few years ago. It was good to be able to show him our achievements in Witch Wood and to discuss various local issues with him such as the Blackburn Home planning debacle. Like most people involved in planning and conservation who live elsewhere he was surprised that FBC have never had a Conservation Officer. We look forward to meeting him again at the Regional AGM.

Newsletter Sponsor

The eagle-eyed amongst you may notice a slight change in our newsletter sponsor this quarter. Whilst Dutton Forshaw on Vicarage Lane remain our sponsors, they are now selling new and used Hyundai cars rather than Nissan. We wish them well in their new venture.

Coming Events - Hilda Partington

Wednesday 22nd November
Assembly Rooms 7.30pm

"Blackpool Regeneration"- A talk by Reg Haslam, Director of Development, ReBlackpool. Many of us have seen the regeneration going on in Blackpool and are interested in how it will proceed in the future. Reg Haslem is involved in the regeneration and able to impart much information on the new and interesting development evident in the town. Do come along and bring your friends. We want a good and lively audience with questions galore for what we hope will be a good evening.

Friday 15th December
Assembly Rooms 7.30pm

Christmas Celebration
Musical entertainment- Ken Dagger along with some of the talented singers from the Marton Operatic Society. If you saw their recent production of "the Mikado" at Lowther Gardens then you know the treat in store. Buffet by Marie Stewart and up to the usual excellent standard. This is our festive time of year when we can all meet to celebrate the season of goodwill and friendship. Please return your booking forms promptly with stamped addressed envelope. Closing date Tuesday 12th December. Cost £10

Sunday 7th January
Dalmeny Hotel 12.30pm

Note the change of venue for our New Year luncheon. Regretfully we had to leave the Chadwick hotel after many enjoyable and satisfactory years. The dining area restricted available seating which meant some members were disappointed with their applications. The Dalmeny offers a larger dining area, along with an adjacent bar. There will be a three course chicken lunch and coffee. Vegetarian meals are available on request. Let's start the New Year well with a warm and friendly celebration. A popular event so please return your booking forms promptly with stamped addressed envelope. Closing date Tuesday 2nd January. Cost £13-50

Wednesday 17th January
Assembly Rooms 7-30pm

Sustainable Architecture
Joel Firth, RIBA, Firth Associates, Architects, Lytham.
More details later.

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*** Christmas BARGAINS ***

Don't forget these ideal presents

"The Listed Buildings of Lytham St Annes" book
"The Town from the Sand" dvd

Only £10 each to members - ring Rob Wilkinson on 01253 727611