Free Holiday Activity and Food clubs are back in Wyre
Bookings are now open for Wyre Council’s popular Holiday Activity and Food Clubs this winter - a programme of free activities for children on benefits-related free school meals.
The local holiday clubs are part of the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF), set up to provide children and young people with fun activities to enjoy with friends, the chance to develop new skills and enjoy a healthy lunch in the holidays.
A range of clubs is being hosted throughout the school holidays by providers across the borough. There’s plenty to enjoy including swimming, arts and crafts, football, boxing, den building and more, plus each child will enjoy a nutritious meal each day.
This is the third year that the council has offered sessions across the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays and the clubs have become increasingly popular. Paid for places are available on some sessions for those that are not eligible for free places.
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community Engagement at Wyre Council comments, “We’re really pleased to be working with our partners again to provide a variety of fun clubs over the holidays to keep kids active, social and to also provide a free meal.
“It’s been great over the last few years to see more and more families benefitting from this free support over the holidays, which can be a really difficult time for some. Over 1000 children have now attended our holiday club sessions and we’re really looking forward to welcoming people back and saying hello to some new faces. If you haven’t been before, do take a look at our website to see what’s on offer.”
Parents of those children that are eligible for a free place and will need to get a booking code from their child’s school before booking. Parents can book up to four days of free sessions per eligible child.
See what’s on and book your place at www.wyre.gov.uk/holidayclub.
Walking and cycling survey
Everyone is invited to take part in a survey to help shape future plans for cycling and walking in Lancashire.
Lancashire County Council, in partnership with Blackpool Council, want to join up the gaps in our existing network of footpaths and cycle routes and provide safer, direct and more convenient routes.
Following feedback from our initial public engagement last year, the councils have produced a draft network map of cycling and walking networks routes in Lancashire. They need people from all areas of the county to provide feedback on anything you think could be improved. The survey will be available on their website until 24 October 2023.
Additional design and feasibility work will be needed to take any of the proposed schemes forward.
You can find out more and take part in the survey at www.lancashire.gov.uk/activetravel
Wyre Council offers financial support for working families |
Issued: 12 July 2023 |
Household Support Grants are now available from Wyre Council for working families struggling with the cost of living.
Wyre Council has received £860,000 for the fourth round of the Household Support Funding from the Department for Work and Pensions to offer financial support to residents who have not had previous assistance.
Since 2022, the council has awarded around £1.2m in three rounds of Household Support Funding, making over 15,500 payments of between £50 and £300 in the form of Post Office vouchers, supermarket vouchers and payments to bank accounts, to households on the lowest incomes.
Now, Wyre Council is able to offer support to those in need who have not qualified for previous Household Support Grants, like those in employment who have dependent children, who earn too much to claim social benefits yet still struggle with the daily cost of living.
To be eligible to apply for help from the scheme, applicants must live in the Wyre area, be liable to pay council tax, have dependent children and not be in receipt of social benefits other than child benefit, and therefore haven’t received any of the cost of living payments made by the Department for Work and Pensions.
The full criteria for applying is:
- you live in Wyre and are a council tax payer; and
- you are a couple or single adult with dependent children in respect of whom you receive child benefit; and
- you do not claim any other social benefits (for example Universal Credit, Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Tax credits); and
- you are responsible for the payment of the household energy bills in respect of your home; and
- you have less than £16,000 in savings; and
- your total annual gross household income is below £40,000 for a single adult and £52,000 for a couple
Councillor Lesley McKay, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Wyre Council comments,
“We are dedicated to ensuring residents are able to receive the support that is available to them and are really pleased we’ve been so successful in allocating past rounds of the fund with our officers making the process as easy as possible for people. We intend to use our fourth round allocation to provide financial support to council tax payers with children, whose incomes are just over the limits for claiming social benefits, but who are nevertheless struggling to meet the increased costs of living.”
Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and awards are at the discretion of the council. Evidence will need to be uploaded as part of the application process, for example; bank statements and wage slips and Wyre Council has the right to refuse an application even if an applicant meets all of the criteria.
For more information and to apply online, please visit www.wyre.gov.uk/householdsupport
Business Grants now available for Wyre’s rural businesses!
Expressions of interest are now open for rural businesses across Wyre to apply for grant funding through the Rural Business Grant Programme.
£140,000 has been allocated from the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund to help supercharge growth and create employment opportunities for the borough’s rural areas. This funding will look to support new and existing rural enterprises and initiatives such as farm diversification, projects to boost rural tourism, and community infrastructure projects including electric vehicle charging stations, all contributing to the wider economy.
Rural businesses are being encouraged to apply for this grant funding through the Rural Business Grant Programme, where eligible applicants can apply for up to 40% of their total project costs with a minimum grant of £20,000 and a maximum grant of £100,000.
The fund will be managed by Lancashire County Council on behalf of Wyre Council and expressions of interest are being taken now until Friday 7 July.
Projects can include funding for the diversification of farm businesses outside of agriculture; tourism, accommodation, food and drink and improved infrastructure for businesses.
Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy and Economic Development, Cllr le Marinel states,
“We are delighted to be able to offer funding to our rural businesses across Wyre, through the Rural Business Grant Programme. We want to encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible, to contact us and apply.”
There is a two stage application process for local businesses looking to apply. In order to determine initial eligibility interested businesses must email
If your project fits with local priorities and meets the eligibility requirements you will be invited to proceed to full application.
For further information, please visit: www.wyre.gov.uk/UKSPF
Cosy Homes in Lancashire.
Qualifying residents can receive grants up to £38,000 for measures such as Air Source Heat Pumps, various insulation methods and Solar PV Panels.
Visit https://www.chil.uk.com/
Any help would be greatly appreciated and if you need any more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Win a Green Waste Collection subscription from Wyre Council completely free!
Wyre Council is offering automatic entry into a free prize draw for every person who re-subscribes or signs-up to the Green Waste Collection service for 2023/2024, no later than Sunday 18 June, as part of their Great Big Green Week activity.
There’s three subscriptions up for grabs and the lucky winners will be announced on Monday 19 June at the end of the Great Big Green Week.
It’s easy and quick to enter, simply sign up or re-subscribe to the Green Waste Service 2023/2024 quickly and easily online at www.wyre.gov.uk/greenwaste and you’ll be automatically entered into a free prize draw and will be refunded the total amount of the subscription if you win.As a thank you to all of the service users, Wyre Council are opening up the prize draw to anyone who has already signed up for the 2023/2024 service this year, so don’t worry if you have already signed up, as you will also be automatically entered into the prize draw and will have your chance to win too!
The prize draw is to encourage people to use the council’s Green Waste Service and to celebrate the community action which helps to tackle climate change and protect nature. To have your chance to win, be sure to enter no later than Sunday 18 June.
Green Waste is collected by Wyre Council and delivered to Iron House Farm, Out Rawcliffe under the direction of waste disposal authority Lancashire County Council. There, your green waste is processed through open windrow composting, where the material is broken down in the presence of oxygen to form composting, which can then be used again.
Learn more about the Green Waste Service and enter the free prize draw here: www.wyre.gov.uk/greenwaste
Press release - The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024
Do you know a voluntary group that deserves recognition for the work it does? Why not consider nominating it for a national award?
Terry Hephrun, Chair of the Lancashire Panel for The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) said “Following the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III has graciously agreed to continue the Award by agreeing to launch The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. It is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon groups of this kind and is equivalent in status to the MBE. Every day, millions of people across the UK are making a difference by volunteering. Each year, outstanding examples of this work will be celebrated through The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).
“As such, The King’s Award not only serves to provide recognition of volunteer groups, but also demonstrates the high respect in which volunteering is held. Its purpose is to recognise exceptional groups of individuals who are giving their time freely for the benefit of others and are making a real difference in the communities they serve. In this Coronation year, it seems appropriate to look to encourage a good number of nominations for Lancashire.
“Groups must be nominated for the Award - self nomination is not permitted. A group (three or more people) can be nominated if it is based in the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The group has to have been volunteering for the benefit of people in the UK or overseas for at least three years and more than half its members must be volunteers who have the right of residence in the UK. It must provide a specific local benefit and Groups solely concerned with fundraising for charitable purposes or operating solely for the benefit of animals are not eligible.”
Groups who were previously successful in the Awards speak highly of the impact the Award has had on their organisation eg
“Winning the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service has increased morale, given us a renewed sense of purpose and a determination to continue our work in the community. We are grateful for the recognition that the award has brought to our club, and we will continue to serve our community with passion and dedication.”
“We are convinced the recognition helped us gain grant funding late last year. We are very proud to have received the Award.” The KAVS Team at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport administers the Award and will happily help with any queries. You can contact them at
Further details on eligibility criteria and the nomination process (which is a fairly straightforward online system) are available from: https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/
Nominations for the 2024 awards can be made from 1 June 2023 and the closing date is 15 September 2023.
For further information, please contact Terry Hephrun, the Chairman of the Lancashire Advisory
Panel for The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Join the Big Green Get Together!
Wyre Council is hosting a Big Green Get Together at Wyre Estuary Country Park to provide a fun day out for families and bring the community together to tackle climate change. Pack up a plastic free picnic and come along for a day of live music and entertainment in the outdoor performance space at the park. Entry is free and there’s no need to book.
Taking place on 10 June from 11am to 3pm there’ll be lots to enjoy on the day. Delight in a special performance of ‘Seed’ at 12pm and 2pm – a heart warming story about friendship and one man’s struggle to look after nature. Intimate and explosive, this one-man static street theatre show is full of captivating images, puppetry and giant inflatables with live and specially composed music.
Throughout the day there will be live music on the solar powered stage, plus fun games for children to play including a nature trail around the park. Help artists on site to create a big junk sculpture or have a go at making musical instruments from things you’d normally throw away.
There’ll be a big plant swap where you can bring spare plant pots from your garden and pick up new seedlings or even bring any spare plants you might have and swap them for something different.
Visitors can work together with Wyre’s rangers to make bug hotels with wood from the park or have a go at making wildflower bombs to plant at home.
You’ll even be able to write your letter to tomorrow and pledge to do your bit for our planet.
Mark Billington, Corporate Director for Environment at Wyre Council comments, “Join us at the beautiful Wyre Estuary Country Park to celebrate Great Big Green Week. There’ll be lots to take part in on the day and you can enjoy a day exploring the park. Take the kids on the natural play area or explore the woodlands and den building area, walk along the paths by the estuary or just sit and enjoy the views.
“We want the community to come together to stand up for nature and join the fight against climate change. As well as being a great family day out, our Big Green Get Together is a fun way to raise awareness of ways we can all work together to protect our planet.”
The event is part of The Great Big Green Week, the UK’s biggest ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. Come and have some fun and see how you can get involved.
Supporting residents this Dementia Action Week
Next week sees the start of Dementia Action Week and Wyre Council is highlighting its range of activities that are perfect for those with dementia and their carers to enjoy.
Running all year round, the council supports a programme of art groups, guided walks and reminiscence sessions that are open to all, including those living with dementia and their carers. During Dementia Action Week there’ll be something on every day across Wyre to give a taster of what’s on offer. The sessions are free and there’s no need to book, just come along:
Monday 15 May
Just Reminiscing session at Poulton library 10am – 12pm,
Fun Arts at Knott End library 1pm – 2.30pm
Tuesday 16 May
Just Reminiscing session at Cleveleys library 10am – 12pm
Wednesday 17 May
Art, Take Part at Garstang library 10am – 12pm
Thursday 18 May
Just Reminiscing session at Alexandra care home, Poulton – 2pm – 4pm (invited residents only)
Fun Arts at Garstang library 9.30am – 11.30am
Friday 19 May
Just Reminiscing session at the Healthier Fleetwood unit, Affinity – 11am – 1pm (a reminiscence and creative session collaboration with the Peter Lyttle Foundation to raise awareness of early onset dementia).
As well as regular activities like these, the council also offers support to those with a disability, which people with dementia may be entitled to, through its Care and Repair team. This includes adaptations to the home and small repairs such as changing light bulbs and fitting smoke alarms. The team can also help those needing support to apply for disability benefits.
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community Engagement at Wyre Council comments, “Dementia Action Week is a great way to raise awareness and encourage people who are concerned about someone they know to seek help. We understand how important it is for those living with dementia to have opportunities to be active and connect with others and our activities are a great way to do just that. Everyone is welcome please do come along.”
For more information on support and other activities available please visit www.wyre.gov.uk/dementia
If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss you can get further advice at alzheimers.org.uk or by talking to your GP.
The Beat Feat. Ranking Jnr and local band Ska Face come to Marine Hall, Fleetwood this May!
Date: Saturday 27 May at Marine Hall, Fleetwood
Time: 7.30pm
This May, Marine Hall Fleetwood will be host to one of the most popular influential bands of the British ska movement - Birmingham born band The Beat featuring Ranking Jnr.
From Soul, Reggae, Pop and Punk, The Beat created an infectious dance rhythm and along with their contemporaries: The Specials, The Selecter and Madness, became an overnight sensation and one of the most popular influential bands of the British ska movement.
The band continue to perform all the classic hits - 'Mirror in the Bathroom', 'Hands Off ...She's Mine', 'Too Nice to Talk To', 'Save it for Later' and many more in their dynamic live shows.
Also bringing their infectious stage show of power, energy and drive, local ten-piece band Ska Face will be supporting on the night.
Formed from the desire to return to the classic sounds of our youth, Ska Face contain members ranging from 24 to 74. They are old enough to know better but young and foolish enough to attempt to re-write the rule book and enjoy music with the passion and honesty that it was designed for.
Ska Face keep it real and enjoy every minute with an infectious stage show of power, energy, and damn good tunes that you just have to dance to. There is no better remedy to a stressful week than a dancing like a loon... and that is just the band!
If you want authentic Ska and 2 Tone and an evening that packs a punch from the first note you won’t be disappointed.
To book tickets for this iconic gig visit www.wyretheatres.co.uk or call Marine Hall Box Office on 01253 887693 Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm
Walk This Way to Garstang Walking Festival 2023
Garstang Walking Festival is back for 2023 and tickets are on sale now.
Taking place from 5 to 14 May, the festival is coordinated by a brilliant volunteer group, the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival, and is supported by Wyre Council. This year there’ll be over 40 walks for all ages and abilities. It’s the perfect chance to experience the best of springtime in the countryside.
As this year’s walking festival coincides with the coronation of His Majesty The King, Wyre Council is introducing a brand new coronation walk on Monday 8 May. Taking place at 2pm from Chesestanc Square, this will be one event you don’t want to miss! During the two mile walk, you’ll come across live music and entertainment and have the chance to take part in an interactive trail. Suitable for the whole family, including your four-legged friends.
To showcase the festival and help people find out more about walking in the area, Wyre Council is hosting a new taster event, Walk this Way, in Cherestanc Square on Saturday 15 April from 11am-4pm.
Meet the fantastic walk leaders and volunteers who will be on hand to answer all your questions about the festival, including what’s on and how to book.
There will be three free guided taster walks to get you in the mood, all starting and finishing at Cherestanc Square:
- Garstang and the Lancaster Canal – 11.30am – 12.30pm
- The Millennium Green Walk and Tramper Trek – 1.30pm – 2.30pm
- Garstang and the River Wyre – 2.30pm – 3.30pm
The council will be joined on the day by other exhibitors including Wyre Rivers Trust, an environmental organisation who will be leading some exciting activities on the day.
There will also be activities for children to take part in, an art exhibition at Garstang Library and don’t miss the larger-than-life musical sheep!
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community Engagement at Wyre Council comments,
“Garstang Walking Festival has taken place annually for nearly 20 years and is still going strong thanks to the hard work of the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival, the volunteers, the walk leaders and the staff who put such a fantastic event together.
“Walk This Way is a great chance for people to find out all about this year’s festival and celebrate Wyre’s fantastic countryside.
“The coronation walk will be a lovely way for the people of Wyre to come together and celebrate the commencement of our new monarch’s reign.”
Find out more about Garstang Walking Festival and book your tickets at www.wyre.gov.uk/garstangwalkingfestival
Wyre Council awards millions of pounds in financial support funding to Wyre residents
Since January 2022, Wyre Council has been committed to processing and awarding grant funding to its most vulnerable residents, helping those who have been worst affected by the increases in household energy prices and cost of living pressures.
Over the last year, the council has awarded around £1.2m in three rounds of Household Support Funding, making over 15,500 payments of between £50 and £300 in the form of Post Office vouchers, supermarket vouchers and payments to bank accounts, to households on the lowest incomes. In addition, the council has also provided £51,000 of support to local foodbanks across the borough as well as awarding a local domestic violence refuge a payment of £10,000 to help meet its increased energy and food costs and over £13,000 to support the Warm Spaces scheme.
During 2022 the council also awarded £6,388,350 in £150 Energy Rebate payments to 42,859 Wyre residents with homes in Council Tax bands A – D, plus over £265,000 in Discretionary Energy funding to help over 1,700 families with household members suffering from additional physical and mental needs.
A £150 payment has also been awarded to all families in receipt of Local Council Tax Support, but whose homes are in council tax bands E- H, meaning they did not qualify automatically for the £150 Energy Rebate payment. Alongside this, 3,218 council tax payers in receipt of Local Council Tax Support have been awarded up to £25 as a reduction on their council tax for 2023/24.
Councillor Michael Vincent, Leader of Wyre Council states,
“We are dedicated to ensuring every resident is able to receive the support that is available to them and are really pleased we’ve been so successful in rolling the funding out from the various government schemes, making the process as easy as possible for people. It is extremely gratifying to know that we have helped thousands of our most vulnerable residents and vital organisations across the borough who have been affected by the increases in household energy prices and the cost of living pressures.
“We will of course, ensure this commitment is continued as the Government announces further support schemes.”
The Government has recently announced that there will be a fourth round of Household Support Funding in 2023/24, although the amount the council will receive has not yet been confirmed, they will be looking to use the allocation to provide financial support to council tax payers with children, whose incomes are just over the limits for claiming social benefits, but who are nevertheless struggling to meet the increased costs of living.
To find out what schemes are currently available and how to access them, visit the homes, benefits and council tax section on the Wyre Council website www.wyre.gov.uk
Join the Wyre Coronation Celebrations
Wyre Council is hosting a royally great day out on Monday 8 May, in honour of the coronation of His Majesty The King.
Garstang has been chosen as the host town for Wyre’s coronation celebrations and there’ll be a family friendly interactive walk, live entertainment, music and fun for everyone to enjoy.
From 12pm to 4pm there’ll be entertainment in Cherestanc Square and in the picnic area behind High Street car park, with a few surprises along the way too!
Don’t miss the Wyre Coronation Walk starting from Cherestanc Square at 2pm - a fantastic addition to the long standing Garstang Walking Festival, also taking place in May. From Cherestanc Square the walk will go down one of Garstang’s many weinds, pass through the high street and on to the riverside paths of Millennium Green. Follow the two-mile trail and discover magical acts along the way! All ages can take part, bring your dog too! Fancy dress is welcome and there will be commemorative medals for anyone who takes part.
The walk will be animated with street theatre, live music, arts and craft activities and children’s games. Take a break at the family area at Millennium Green then follow the trail quiz on the second part of the walk. There will be free family outdoor theatre shows to enjoy in the family area at the green at 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Come and watch Theo and the Lost Crown, it’s great fun for all the family. (Please note dogs are not allowed in the family area).
Also, in Cherestanc Square will be Wyre’s Big Help Out. In tribute to His Majesty The King's public service, Monday 8 May is being marked nationally as The Big Help Out to encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the coronation. Pop down to the marquees in the square to find out what volunteering opportunities there are in your area.
Councillor Michael Vincent, Leader of Wyre Council comments, “We’re excited to bring a brilliant day of coronation celebrations to Wyre. It’ll be a great atmosphere with music and eye catching live acts throughout the afternoon.
“Don’t miss the inaugural Wyre Coronation Walk. We are introducing the route as part of Garstang Walking Festival and it’s our hope that it will take place during the festival every year. Garstang Walking Festival is organised by an amazing group of volunteers, as is the Millennium Green which forms part of the walk route, so it seems fitting to host our day of celebrations on the nation’s Big Help Out day.
“Here at Wyre we are lucky to have hundreds of volunteers who give their time, talent and dedication to support our services and I’d like to thank each one of them. Come join us on the day and chat to some of the people who help us throughout the year. See how you can get involved.”
The Coronation Walk is open to all. You can follow the walk at your own pace. For those with limited mobility, electric trampers can be hired, please email
The 2023 search is on for Wyre's young stars
Nominations are now being sought for Wyre’s most inspirational young people. If you know a young person who excels in their area, why not nominate them for the Sheraton Trophy?
Every year the Mayor of Wyre presents the prestigious Sheraton Trophy to a rising star who has brought pride to the borough as a result of their achievements.
Wyre Council wants to hear about young people who have excelled in any walk of life, be it sport, the arts, community work, volunteering or achievement against the odds.
One deserving winner, chosen by the outgoing Mayor Councillor Julie Robinson, will be presented with the trophy at the Council’s Annual Meeting on Thursday 18 May.
What is the Sheraton Trophy?
The Sheraton Trophy takes its name from HMS Sheraton which was awarded the Freedom of the Borough in recognition of support given to Fleetwood by the crew during the 1977 flood emergency when the ship was visiting the port.
In 2022 the trophy was awarded to Rose Brewin, a rising star who had brought pride to the borough as a result of her achievements. She had raised nearly £2,000 over the previous two years for her church and Brian House. During lockdown Rose organised food collections, and made up 10 - 15 bags of food each week for her local food bank. She also undertook a wide range of other activities that were of assistance to other members of the community.
How to nominate someone
Do you know an inspirational young person like Rose? To nominate them please provide the full name, age and contact details of the person you are nominating, plus a description of why you think they are inspirational, and send your nomination by either email or post.
Email:
The deadline for entries is 5pm Monday 3 April 2023.
Wyre residents need photo ID to vote at local elections in May
Wyre Council will be holding Local Government elections on Thursday 4 May 2023 and this is your chance to elect the representatives for your ward who will shape and make decisions on Wyre Council’s services which affect everyone living in the twenty four wards in Wyre.
For the first time, residents in Wyre will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year’s local elections taking and are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of ID.
If you are not registered to vote, you will need to register by Monday 17 April to vote in these elections. Register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you’re not sure if you’re registered to vote, call Electoral Services on 01253 887236 to check.
The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.
You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:
- Passport (this can be used even if it’s out of date, as long as the photo looks like you)
- Driving licence (including provisional licence)
- Blue badge
- Certain concessionary travel cards
- Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Biometric Immigration document
- Defence identity card
- Certain national identity cards
You will only need to show one form of photo ID. It needs to be the original version and not a photocopy or photograph.
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID
If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply for this at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk.
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to the electoral services team at Wyre Council.
You do not need photo ID if you are voting by post. To apply to vote by post, you can complete a postal vote application form and return this to Wyre Council by Tuesday 18 April. You will then receive your ballet paper in the post. Please return this to Wyre Council by Thursday 4 May.
If you choose to vote by proxy (allowing someone you trust to vote on your behalf) the person you choose to vote on your behalf will need to provide their own photo ID to be able to cast your vote. They will not need to show your ID when voting on your behalf. To apply to vote by proxy, complete a proxy voting application form and return this to Wyre Council by Tuesday 25 April.
If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request any of the application forms mentioned, contact the Electoral Services Team at Wyre Council on 01253 887236 or email
Cllr Michael Vincent, Leader of Wyre Council said:
“With local elections taking place in Wyre on Thursday 4 May 2023, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.”
Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance, said:
“Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling stations on the Electoral Commission’s website.”
Find out more
To find out more about the upcoming local elections visit www.wyre.gov.uk/elections
If you have any questions or for more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
Get around for £2 this winter.
Whether you are heading to work or into town, from 1st January to 31st March a single bus journey will cost no more than £2 on most routes across England.
Free Holiday Activity and Food clubs in Wyre this Christmas
Bookings are now open for Wyre Council’s popular Holiday Activity and Food Clubs this Christmas - a programme of free activities for children on benefits-related free school meals.
The local holiday clubs are part of the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF), set up to provide children and young people with fun activities to enjoy with friends, the chance to develop new skills and enjoy a healthy lunch in the holidays.
A range of clubs is being hosted throughout the Christmas school holidays by providers across the borough and include a variety of fun activities alongside a nutritious meal each day.
There’s plenty to enjoy including swimming, arts and crafts, bowling, dance, netball, football, boxing and more.
This is the fifth programme the council has offered following sessions across summer, Christmas and Easter since 2021.
Paid for places are available on some sessions for those that are not eligible for free places.
Parents of those children that are eligible for a free place and wishing to make a booking will need to get a booking code from their child’s school. Parents can book up to four days of free sessions per eligible child.
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community Engagement at Wyre Council comments, “We’re really pleased to be working with our partners again to provide a variety of fun clubs over the holidays to keep kids active, social and to also provide a free meal. The clubs proved really popular in summer with over 400 children attending over 3000 sessions and we hope the Christmas clubs are just as helpful to families on free school meals. There are clubs in different locations for different age groups so if you haven’t been before, do take a look at our website to see what’s on offer.”
See what’s on and book your place at www.wyre.gov.uk/holidayclub.
Free parking across Wyre every Friday and Saturday in December
In a bid to boost footfall and sales on the high streets and to make it easier for residents and visitors to get out and socialise, Wyre Council will make all council owned car parks free on Fridays and Saturdays during December.
Friday 2 and Saturday 3 December
Friday 9 and Saturday 10 December
Friday 16 and Saturday 17 December
Friday 23 and Saturday 24 December
Residents and visitors will be able to park for free for 3 hours in long stay car parks and 2 hours in short stay car parks. If you buy a ticket or use your residents parking permit (except Rough Lea Road & North Promenade) then the 3 hours free time will automatically be added on to the normal expiry time.
Cllr Roger Berry, portfolio holder for Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety, commented,
“This is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to have easy access to our high streets for their festive shopping and socialising. We want to make it as easy as we can for everyone to prepare for the festive period so go out, meet friends, buy presents and most of all have a wonderful festive time.”
For a full list of council owned car parks in Wyre, visit www.wyre.gov.uk/parking.
Fleetwood is turning Festive!
For the second year running Fleetwood is turning festive and once again hosting three days of Christmas celebration and cheer where residents and visitors will experience all the magic of the season with exciting events, live performances, amazing activities and more!
Wyre Council, in partnership with Fleetwood Town Council and the Festive Lights Committee are hosting a variety of free festive family celebrations across the town from Friday 25 November to Sunday 27 November.
On Friday 25 November the Fleetwood Festive Lights Lantern Parade assembles at 5.30pm for 6pm start at Fisherman’s Walk / Ash Street. The streets will be illuminated with lanterns arriving back at The Marine Hall for the phenomenal big switch on and festive entertainment.
On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November, The Marine Hall has a magical Festive Fayre starting each day from 10am opened by the Mayor and Father Christmas on Saturday 26 November. Brimming with delicious festive food and drinks, Christmas crafts, gifts and more, plus carol singing, an elf on the shelf trail, walkabout Christmas crackers, a naughty Christmas tree and children’s rides.
Be sure to also visit Fleetwood Market on Saturday 26 November. The largest indoor market on the Fylde Coast packed with 100’s of stalls – perfect for Christmas Shopping. Throughout the day there will be free Christmas crafts suitable for all ages with all materials provided.
To top off the weekend, Father Christmas will be taking time out of his busy diary to come to Fleetwood. The Mount Pavilion will be transformed into a winter wonderland befit for Santa’s Grotto with the big man himself ready to greet families over the Fleetwood Christmas Festival Weekend. The grotto will open from 11am until 4pm on Saturday 26 November and 10.30am until 4pm on Sunday 27 November. A magical annual tradition for many families filled with surprise and wonder. Additional dates in December are also available.
Tickets will be available to purchase in person from Marine Hall Box Office or over the phone 01253 887693 from, Monday to Friday 10am – 3pm. Additional dates for Santa’s Grotto throughout December are also on sale.
Cllr Lynne Bowen, Leisure, Health and Community Engagement Portfolio Holder comments, “We are thrilled to once again host Fleetwood Christmas Festival Weekend this year, with the events and activities scheduled bringing Christmas cheer to everyone in the town.
“The Festive Light event is always a joyous occasion and with lots of additional exciting activities organised for everyone to enjoy it is sure to be a weekend to remember and a chance to create some magical memories for our residents and visitors to the town”.
Find more information and to keep up to date with Fleetwood’s Christmas Festival Weekend here: https://fb.me/e/2ivpfB4IX
Come along to Wyre’s Older Persons’ Festive Fayre
On Wednesday 7 December, Wyre Council is hosting an afternoon of comfort and joy at their Older Person’s Festive Fayre. Come along to Poulton Community Hall on Vicarage Road from 1.30pm to 4.30pm where you’ll find information about local clubs to join, volunteering opportunities and things to do in the area. Council staff will also be on hand to answer any enquiries.
There will be festive entertainment, singing and refreshments. It’s free and there’s no need to book.
Exhibitors on the day will include:
· Wyre Council – with information about council services, volunteering opportunities, activities in the great outdoors and recycling advice
· U3A - a charity that provides the opportunity for those no longer in work to come together and learn for fun
· Poulton library
· NHS social prescribers
· Cleveleys Probus
· Care and repair
· Lancashire Fire and Rescue
· Poulton Bridge Club
· Poulton in Bloom
· Poulton and Wyre Railway Society
· Poulton Historical Society
· Lancashire Volunteering
· LPM Dance
Councillor Lynne Walmsley is Wyre Council’s Lead Member for Older People and comments “We are very much looking forward to bringing together the great variety of social groups and activities on offer in the local area for our older residents. If you’re new to the area or recently retired and looking to meet some new people or start a new hobby, this is a great place to start. Our staff will also be on hand to answer any questions you might have about council services, plus we’ve got some nice festive entertainment lined up. Come and join us for a chat, a brew and a mince pie.
“This is our first Older Persons’ Festive Fayre and if it proves popular we are hoping to host more across the borough.
“If you know of anyone who might benefit from coming along please let them know and help us spread the word.”
New tourist information point for Garstang Library
Wyre Council and Lancashire County Council are working together to transform the way customers access information about the local area with plans to relocate tourist information provision to Garstang Library.
Currently based at the Visit Garstang Centre in Cherestanc Square, which the council leases from Booths, a new tourist information point has been proposed for the library. This will allow extended opening hours and provide a boost to footfall for the library, as well as delivering both efficiency savings for Wyre Council and a new income stream for the library.
A report published this week has been approved for Wyre Council to give notice on the lease of the current Visit Garstang Centre and enter into a lease with Lancashire County Council to create a tourist information point within the library. The space will provide a range of information about Wyre, what’s on and where to visit, that people can browse at a seated area or take away. Customers will also be able to look through the Discover Wyre website on a user friendly touch screen kiosk and find out more about Wyre’s towns, villages, events and attractions.
Relocating the service to Garstang Library will allow for the continuation of the council’s tourist information provision in the area whilst also bringing together a range of public services in one location.
In addition, a hot desk space and meeting facilities will be retained in the town for council staff to use, helping to build relationships with Lancashire County Council and other partners already using the library. This will benefit both councils and improve the library’s sustainability through increasing its offer to the public as well as a modest financial contribution under the new lease.
Garstang Library is open six days a week including Thursday night, which is more than the current Visit Garstang Centre, making it more accessible during longer and more varied opening hours.
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community Engagement at Wyre Council said, “We are fully committed to encouraging more people to visit Wyre. We have recently invested in a new Discover Wyre website which is due to go live this month and have employed a marketing officer dedicated to promoting Wyre as a place and all the brilliant things there are to do here. We are installing digital screens in our town centres to advertise what’s on in the area and we hope to work with local tourism businesses to promote everything our great borough has to offer.
“We are pleased to be joining other local services such as the Children and Family Wellbeing Service at the library to create a community hub in Garstang and enhance the sustainability of the library for years to come.”
Cllr Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services at Lancashire County Council, said, “Relocating the tourist information provision to Garstang Library will yield several benefits to Wyre residents and those visiting the area.
"These proposals will make the tourist information point more accessible and bring more people into Garstang Library, enhancing what is already an excellent offer.
"The proposals are also financially responsible, making some vital savings for both councils at a time when every penny counts."
Digital sessions for the local community
Wyre Council recently joined forces with Torentum Primary Care Network to deliver a training course to enable residents to get online. The course ran throughout February and into March at Thornton’s Medical Practice on Church Road, Thornton.
The course, delivered by Wyre Council’s Digital Web Officers covered a range of topics including emails, search engines, web browsers, social media, online banking and shopping, video calling and information on how to stay safe online.
Wyre Council is aware of the need for local communities to obtain skills and knowledge to access information and perform key tasks online, and help reduce social isolation through online engagement.
The training provided attendees with the confidence to use their technological devices easily and access the internet safely.
Malcolm Holroyd, a resident in Thornton who attended all five sessions said ‘I found the course really informative and useful. Plenty of time was spent with each attendee to ensure they got the help they needed. There was a lovely atmosphere and it was a great way to meet other people’.
Jo Carson, Social Prescriber Team Leader for Torentum Primary Care Network said ‘Our patients really benefitted from these sessions. They received invaluable advice on how to use their devices to reconnect and tackle problems they previously came across using these devices.
Wyre Council and Torerntum Primary Care Network plan to continue working together to deliver monthly drop-in sessions for residents who would benefit from support to use their devices and access the internet safely.
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community Engagement at Wyre Council comments, “Our ambition is to help residents with their health and wellbeing. These sessions have supported residents to connect with friends and family online, access essential services and much more. I hope the sessions in Cleveleys will benefit many more people and encourage them to enhance their digital skills".
The monthly drop-in sessions will be held in the Community Room at Cleveleys Health Centre on Kelso Road on Thursday 14 April, Thursday 12 May and Thursday 23 June from 10am-12.30pm. The sessions are free and anyone who is struggling using their device to get online is encouraged to come along.
Wyre Wheels returns to Memorial Park
Wyre Council’s inclusive cycling sessions are returning to Memorial Park, Fleetwood next week, giving those who are disabled or recovering from injury a chance to enjoy bike riding.
Wyre Wheels is run in partnership with the Wheels for All initiative, a nationally recognised programme that encourages people with disabilities and differing needs to engage in cycling. By using specially adapted cycles, the activities are both physically and mentally stimulating and above all fun for everyone involved.
If you have limited mobility and would enjoy cycling in the park, you can join the Wyre Wheels sessions every Friday starting on 25 March. Sessions run from 10.30am until 1pm (with the last admission at 12.30pm) and cost £4. There is no need to book, just come along. Individuals and groups are welcome.
You’ll have the opportunity to ride adapted bicycles including trikes, side-by-sides, hand bikes, quad and wheelchair bikes. The sessions are run by trained leaders who have the knowledge and confidence to work with adapted cycles.
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community Engagement at Wyre Council comments, “After so long spent under coronavirus restrictions it’s great to be able to launch our health and wellbeing programme again. Wyre Wheels gives everyone the chance to enjoy the benefits of cycling. It’s a great way to be active and enjoy some fresh air now that the weather is improving and spring is approaching. Join us every Friday and enjoy the benefits of cycling in a sociable environment.”
The council is also looking to expand its volunteer pool to allow even more people to take part in Wyre Wheels and is hosting an open day for anyone who wants to find out more. The Wyre Wheels volunteer open day is on Friday 1 April from 10.30am – 1.30pm at Memorial Park. You can learn about becoming a volunteer, try out all the adapted bikes, meet the friendly team and see the bikes in action with some of the regular participants. Alternatively get in touch with the council at
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Wyre’s budget for the year ahead
Wyre Council’s budget for the year ahead was approved at Full Council on Thursday 10 March 2022. The council has decided to follow the government’s lead to maximise spending power potential whilst keeping costs low for residents, raising council tax by just £5 a year, or 10p per week on a Band D property.
Councillor David Henderson, Leader of Wyre Council comments, “We continue to provide excellent value for money for our residents. From April, the overall cost of our services for a Band D property will be just 59p per day.
“Wyre Council collects Council Tax on behalf of all the authorities that provide services in the area, however Wyre's portion represents only 10.5% of your total bill. If you live in a Band D property for example, you will pay £214.74 Wyre Council for the year.
“Over the last 12 years Wyre has along with other local authorities experienced a reduction in government funding. We have prepared for this by reducing spending, not increasing the level of borrowing and balancing the books through efficiency savings, income generation and prudent financial management including exploring commercial opportunities. We also have an excellent track record in efficiency savings which has protected residents from the full impact of reductions in funding. We've saved nearly £7m between 2010/11 and 2020/21 that's an average of £626,000 per year. We are proud of what we have achieved this year and what we have planned for the future.
“We have committed, for the tenth year running, to protect our most vulnerable residents by limiting the localised council tax support scheme for those previously on full benefit to a contribution of 8.5%, which is significantly lower than most neighbouring local authorities.
“Citizens Advice will continue to receive funding from Wyre at the same level to support their free debt advice service, which helps those affected by welfare reforms, and we will continue to deliver a care and repair service which offers free advice and support to both the over 60s and disabled people.
“The Household Support Fund launched in January and we have distributed tens of thousands of pounds already to those on low incomes to support fuel poverty. Following the government’s announcement in February, the council will be pivotal in delivering the Energy Bill Rebate scheme with payments of £150 to households in council tax bands A to D.
“We have launched our Citizen Access Portal to allow residents and businesses access to services online 24 hours a day, seven days a week and have over 13,000 users signed up already.
“We have continued our support for the NHS, using our venues to host vaccine clinics, allowing thousands more people to get their vaccines and give themselves the best protection possible against COVID-19. Wyre has one of the highest vaccine rates in the county and we are proud to have played our part in that.
“We have declared a Climate Emergency and committed to reducing the council’s emissions by at least 78% by 2035, before achieving net zero by 2050. We are leading by example and have become the first carbon literate council in Lancashire. We have started a review to look at how mitigating the impact of climate change can be better considered in our Local Plan. We are in the process of installing rapid charging points in our car parks for taxi drivers and residents, and have added electric vehicles to our fleet. We have also begun the planting of 25,000 new trees across Wyre.
“We have Introduced a ban on the release of sky lanterns and helium balloons on council land to reduce plastic waste locally and begun to trial meadow creation as part of our grassland management. More recently we have secured a grant to put in place de-carbonisation measures at Fleetwood market to allow the installation of renewable energy technologies. We are working on a number of flood protection schemes to protect homes and businesses in Wyre including the Wyre Beach and Dune Management Scheme - a £42 million scheme which will protect over 11,000 properties. We know there’s still a long way to go; but together, we can make a difference.
“We are working hard to help businesses get back on their feet. Since 2020 we have paid £52 million to businesses in grants. Through our Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme we have helped businesses to open in vacant town centre premises and at Fleetwood Market, giving our high streets a boost. We are re-launching our Wyred Up, our business support network and are pleased to be hosting the Wyre Business Awards again later this year.
“We have set up town centre partnership boards across Wyre to boost regeneration bringing together key stakeholders to form future plans for our town centres.
“Work on Project Neptune has begun and is due to finish this spring. The ‘Neptune Fish and Food Processing Park’ development located on Fleetwood Docks will provide a modern facility to support fish processing businesses, safeguard jobs in the industry and create up to 100 new ones.
“A key priority for us is to welcome people back to Wyre. We are working with event organisers to enable events across the borough once again, as well as hosting a number of events of our own to help boost visitor numbers and provide entertainment for local people. Our theatres have reopened and we have made improvements to Fleetwood Market including a new outdoor street food courtyard and an art gallery space as an extension of the Market House Studios.
“We have invested £1.5 million of funding into our leisure centres and have launched two new weight management programmes to help people reduce their health risks and improve wellbeing. Our Healthier Wyre and Great Outdoors activity programmes are back up and running, offering a wide range of activities for people of all ages and abilities, many of which are free.
Ferry Beach, Marine Beach, Rossall Beach and Jubilee Beach have all received Seaside Awards. Poulton's Vicarage Park, Hawthorne Park and Wyre Estuary Country Park in Thornton and Fleetwood’s Memorial Park have all received Green Flag Awards again alongside the Mount gardens which received a Green Flag Award this year for the first time.
“The Mount Pavilion is now open following extensive refurbishment thanks to a £1m personal donation from Mrs Lofthouse and a further £2.4m of grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and is being used to host events including weddings. In recognition of Mrs Lofthouse’s generous personal donations and the work she has done for Fleetwood, we have created a commemorative memorial board in the gardens at the Mount to memorialise the tremendous impact she had on the town.
“As we look to the future with positivity following the pandemic, we are working on a garden of reflection at the front of the Civic Centre in Poulton. It is hoped this will provide a peaceful space for people to sit and take a moment to reflect.
“Communities remain at the heart of everything we do and we will continue to find new ways of working, improving our services and providing excellent value for money so that we can achieve our vision to ensure Wyre is a healthy, happy and greener place where people want to live, work, invest and visit.
Find out more at www.wyre.gov.uk/budget