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Boxing hero drops into school

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:18:02 +0000

IT was out of the gym and back to the classroom as one young boxer headed to his old school with a very famous friend.

Five years after leaving Carr Hill High School, Kirkham boxing prodigy Adam Little was back in the school hall – but this time he had champion boxer Ricky Hatton alongside him.

The 21-year-old, the first professional boxer to be trained by Hatton, was keen to share his inspirational story with the Kirkham school’s pupils ahead of his fifth professional fight next month.

Adam who still trains at Kirkham gym, said: “If after me and Ricky coming here today just one person goes to a boxing gym and it changes them then it’s worth it.

“I was all over the place when I was younger. I was pretty hyperactive and I needed something to put my energy into. I got kicked out of football, rugby and swimming so to find something I was good at and could stick at, it’s made me so much more disciplined.”

Adam was spotted by Hatton – who he describes as his “hero” – as an amateur, and took to the ring as his professional protege for the first time in November.

Ricky told the pupils not to waste their school days.

The 33-year-old, who won four world titles in his career, said: “I never took my schoolwork seriously and gambled on becoming a boxer. The joke would have been on me if I hadn’t made it.”

Aspiring boxer Kyle Fuller, 15, trains at the same gym as Adam and said: “It’s a really good experience to see them and hear about them.”

And year 11 pupil Adam Robinson, 16, added: “The visit was exhilarating, it encourages you to do something.”

Adam’s next fight is in Bury on March 2.

Blackpool comedy great Frank Carson dies

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:25:21 +0000

LEGENDARY comic Frank Carson has died at the age of 85.

The funnyman - who made the Fylde coast his home for many years - lost his battle with stomach cancer, his family said tonight.

Belfast-born Frank had been in ill health and died at home surrounded by his family in Blackpool.

In a statement, his family said Frank was a “husband, father, Gaga and comedian” who had “set off for his final gig today”.

“He went peacefully at his home in Blackpool surrounded by his greatest fans - his extended family. We will be taking him home to Belfast to lay him to rest and celebrate his joyful life.

“It’s quieter down here now. God help them up there!”

The comic, who supported many Fylde coast charities, rose to fame in the 1960s after winning talent show Opportunity Knocks three times. He went on to appear in The Comedians and Tiswas.

Frank had undergone a successful operation for stomach cancer last year.

Born in Belfast on November 6, 1926 to a family of Italian descent, the son of a binman grew up in the Little Italy area of the city and worked as a plasterer and electrician before joining the Parachute Regiment.

He served three years in the Middle East in the 1950s before turning to showbusiness.

Spotted for his stand-up work, he was a popular performer on Irish television before moving to England.

Celebrity friends who died before him included Eric Morecambe, Bernard Manning, Tommy Cooper, Spike Milligan and Norman Wisdom.

He also worked ceaselessly for charity and was made a Knight of St Gregory by Pope John Paul II in 1987, the highest honour in the Catholic church.

Frank dedicated much of his life to looking after his wife Ruth, who had serious eyesight problems, with his sons Tony and Aidan and daughter Majella, despite his own heart problems. They have also put a huge effort into bringing the two sides of the community in Northern Ireland together through education.

His agent said: “His audience and friends alike will remember him as a genuine, kind-hearted and generous man who was also very funny because of ‘the way he told ‘em’.

“We will remember him as one of the nicest people in showbiz, a gentleman and a friend.”

Frank continued to perform his stand-up show until December last year. One of his final performances was for the Duke of Edinburgh.

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Flagship Blackpool store closes

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:21:28 +0000

A FLAGSHIP Blackpool store is set to close with the loss of all jobs.

Peacocks, on Bank Hey Street, is one of 224 stores in the chain to close after the firm was bought by Edinburgh Woollen Mill.

In total, 3,100 staff will be made redundant across the UK. The exact number of jobs to go in Blackpool has yet to be revealed.

KPMG, joint administrators of Peacocks, who were called in in January, made the announcement late yesterday but said the chain’s two other Fylde coast stores – in Fleetwood and Poulton – will remain open.

Jeff Pope, of KPMG, said: “While it is unfortunate redundancies have been necessary, we are pleased that we have been able to preserve the majority of the business and jobs.”

Blackpool town centre manager Eileen Ormand said it was another blow for the resort’s high street.

She added: “I’m absolutely gutted to hear of the closure.

“We just seem to be losing one after another and it’s hard to see a brighter future at the moment.

“It was such a flagship store and a prime destination in town.

“We couldn’t be more sorry to lose it and feel for the management and staff who had been left dangling.

“My hope now is that the Government’s Portas Review of the high street will help.”

Peacocks employed 9,100 people in 611 stores and 49 concessions, but crashed into administration in January.

While many parts of the firm were profitable, a failure to restructure some £240m of its debts caused its downfall.

It was the biggest retail failure since Woolworths, placing 7,500 jobs in jeopardy.

Edinburgh, which beat off Indian textile and clothing giant S Kumars Nationwide to secure the deal, today said it would attempt to save some of the stores and jobs being lost.

John Gorle, a national officer for the Usdaw union, said: “While this is obviously fantastic news for those workers whose jobs have been saved, it is absolutely catastrophic news for the 3,100 people now facing the dole queue and this remains one of the worst redundancy situations of recent years.”

Stolen metal in busker’s trolley

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:28:32 +0000

POLICE discovered a stolen haul when they searched a shopping trolley being used by a busker.

Thomas Heaney had filled the trolley with copper piping he had taken from a building being renovated and was trying to make his getaway.

Unemployed, Heaney, 21, of Alexandra Road, South Shore, pleaded guilty to burgling an address on Waterloo Road.

He was sentenced to a two months electronically tagged curfew from 9pm to 7am and ordered to pay £40 costs by Blackpool magistrates.

Martine Connah, prosecuting, said on February 10, at 12.10am, police stopped Heaney as he pulled the shopping trolley along Lytham Road.

His trousers and jacket were covered in mud and dust.

When officers asked what he had been doing Heaney said he had been in a field.

When asked what was in the trolley, he replied “Just clothes.”

After copper piping was found in the trolley, police contacted the owner of the property it had been taken from.

The owner found removal of the piping from the address being renovated had resulted in water running into the property. He said he would now have to replumb a water pipe to the mains.

Gary McAnulty, defending, said Heaney had owed his mother money from a time he had stayed with her.

He usually made cash from busking in the town centre, but the weather had been too bad, Mr McAnulty added.

Heaney took the piping on impulse from a property he knew was empty, hoping to sell it.

Olly to headline finale at Proms

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:27:02 +0000

HEARTS are set to skip a beat when one of pop’s hottest talents invites thousands to dance with him under the gaze of Lytham’s iconic windmill.

Fresh from a sell out arena tour, X-Factor star Olly Murs will top the bill for the final night of this year’s Lytham Proms festival.

And the festival’s St Annes-based organisers couldn’t be more thrilled to have secured the star, who has been part of the Illuminations Switch On ceremony for the last two years.

Olly will headline the Sunday night slot, and a spokesman for Cuffe and Taylor said: “We are thrilled to be bringing Olly Murs to Lytham Proms Festival Weekend.

“We wouldn’t want anyone else to be closing the festival this year.

“Olly is a star, and with a sell-out tour, Brit Award nomination and number one album to his name he is sure to thrill the crowds this summer.”

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Hit singles Dance With Me Tonight and Heart Skips A Beat also went to number one, and Olly is promising fans his “best show of the year” when he takes to the Lytham Green stage.

It’s the singer’s only North West date this summer, and he said: “We’re not going too far down the dancing route – I’ll get a bigger band, build that up. I just want to put on the best show of the year, if I can. I want people to come away feeling it was money well spent.”

Olly joins a host of 80s stars – performing on the Friday night as part of the Here and Now tour – and Saturday headliner, Fleetwood’s very own West End star Alfie Boe, on the bill for this year’s three-night festival, between Friday, August 3 and Sunday, August 5.

The organisers added: “Lytham Proms Festival Weekend has really become a renowned event and one that creates a real buzz in the local area. The event has three very different nights of music and Olly will be a memorable way to close Lytham Proms Festival Weekend 2012.”

Tickets go on sale on Friday. For full details see today’s Gazette.

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‘CCTV cash could be better spent’

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:18:45 +0000

SPENDING on CCTV cameras in Blackpool looks set to be cut again this year – as local authorities come under fire for pouring too much cash into surveillance.

Figures obtained by civil liberties campaigners Big Brother Watch show Blackpool Council has spent nearly £1.2m on CCTV cameras in the past four years.

Nationally the pressure group says councils have spent £515m.

It has accused Britain of having an “out-of-control surveillance culture that is doing little to improve public safety.”

Blackpool slashed £908,000 from its parking and CCTV budget last year while this year it is proposing to cut another £100,000 leaving a proposed £125,000 for CCTV in the 2012/13 budget.

Coun Eddie Collett, portfolio holder for community safety on Blackpool Council, said: “I think overall the case for CCTV is far from proven.

“It clearly helps detect crime once it has been committed but as a preventative measure it only works in very limited circumstances, one of which is in car parks.

“But when it comes to general surveillance of the population in town centres, there is very little evidence it achieves much at all.

“The money could be better spent on things like more police officers and security officers, and better street lighting.”

As part of last year’s town hall cuts, monitoring of cameras was reduced and the system is now unmanned for three days a week, although cameras are still recording round the clock.

The number of operators based at the monitoring centre, which opened in 2001, was cut from 11 to three.

Nick Pickles, director of privacy at Big Brother Watch, said: “Britain has an out-of-control surveillance culture that is doing little to improve public safety but has made our cities the most watched in the world.

“Surveillance is an important tool in modern policing but it is not a substitute for policing.

“In too many cities across the country every corner has a camera but only a few ever see a police officer.

“Despite millions of cameras, Britain’s crime rate is not significantly lower than comparable countries that do not have such a vast surveillance state.

“There is no credible evidence that more cameras will reduce crime, yet councils have poured enough money into CCTV in just four years that would have put more than four thousand extra police officers on the streets.”

The figures, obtained by Big Brother Watch using Freedom of Information requests, also show Fylde Council has spent £72,533 on CCTV over four years and Wyre has spent £310,466.

A spokesman for Fylde Council said its system was mainly funded by outside bodies including the fire and police authorities.

He said: “It costs very little per year to the council tax-payer and it provides public confidence in town centres and some of our parks. Criminals know if they commit a crime, they are likely to be caught.”

Two additional cameras will be provided in Lytham this spring.

Tram crossing to shut despite fury

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:17:50 +0000

CAMPAIGNERS have lost a last ditch attempt to keep a tram crossing open.

Town hall chiefs have confirmed a decision to close the junction at Lauderdale Avenue in Anchorsholme after it was brought before the council’s executive for a fifth time.

The crossing is now expected to be formally closed to traffic in time for the launch of the new tram service at Easter, although residents are considering a costly legal challenge.

There will still be pedestrian access across the tracks.

Anchorsholme ward councillors Tony Williams and Paul Galley have led the fight.

Coun Williams said: “The fact this decision has been challenged and called in on three separate occasions and been considered five times by the Labour executive shows we have been able to prove there are both doubts and concerns as to the legality and safety of this council’s determination to close the Lauderdale crossing.”

Coun Galley added: “It is very frustrating, and we have now exhausted the call-in process. There now follows a series of questions from residents of the area in regard to their house title deeds and the value of their properties that may have been affected by the closure of a right of way that was granted in 1896.”

Residents are considering seeking a judicial review of the decision.

A 3,000-signature petition opposing the closure was submitted along with concerns from emergency services.

However, the council executive said the crossing needed to be closed to allow the new supertram system to run efficiently and safely, given the increased speed and quietness of the new rolling stock. Following consultation, objections were received in response to the closure order.

The issue went before the scrutiny sub-committee which agreed to refer the decision back to the executive once more.

New chapter at former library

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:11:53 +0000

WORK is due to begin next month on a £1m project to transform a former Blackpool library into a day care centre.

The council is joining forces with health chiefs to create a new hub for people with learning difficulties at the former library on Bispham Road.

It is due to be completed by September and, along with facilities at Whitegate Drive Independent Living Centre, will replace the Langdale Centre in Mereside.

Coun Kath Rowson, cabinet member for adult social care on Blackpool Council, said: “The new building will be much more practical for many people who currently have to travel across Blackpool to use our disabled facilties.

“The plans for the old Bispham Library site look very impressive and we have kept the front of the building unchanged, which was an important part of the design for us.

“We are also retaining the garden at the front of the library as this is a peaceful oasis that is appreciated by many local residents.”

The new facilities will continue to be called the Langdale Project and to be run by the Learning Disability Partnership.

Plans have been approved which will see the demolition of the existing health centre and dental clinic, and the construction of a single storey rear extension to the former library which was replaced by the new Moor Park Library last year.

Air medics hit by charity con

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:46:28 +0000

Cruel con men are literally stripping a Blackpool-based charity bare by stealing recycled clothes donated by the public.

he items are destined to raise vital funds for the North West Air Ambulance charity.

But before they can be officially collected, well-organised gangs collect the clothing using fake flyers and even false uniforms, and then ship the goods for sale to the continent.

The North West Air Ambulance (NWAA) estimates as much as £1,000 a week is being lost because of the heartless thieves.

Towns right across the North West – known to include Blackpool and the Fylde coast – are targeted with the false flyers saying donated clothing will be collected on a certain day but sadly the items aren’t reaching their intended destination.

Footage filmed on behalf of the charity clearly shows bags of clothes being picked up and put into the back of unmarked vans.

Now the charity, which uses Blackpool Airport as a base and needs to raise £4.2m each year to keep its two emergency helicopters flying, is considering halting all genuine collections of recycled goods for one month in the hope of flushing out this illegal operation.

Charity Chief Executive Lynda Brislin said, “We are appalled people are taking these clothes knowing full well they have been donated to a charity.

“We are sadly thinking of taking the drastic measure of halting our collections for one month in the hope the police and trading standards officials could flush out the people who are hurting the charity financially. I am extremely saddened by this situation.”

NWAA says recycled clothing will only ever be collected in official North West Air Ambulance vans and if anyone is suspicious about the people collecting the items they should immediately contact the charity on 0800 587 4570.

The charity’s plight has received the support of Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson.

He said, “The North West Air Ambulance does fantastic work and people give generously to support their work.”

“Targeting charity collections for financial gain is not just criminal, but deeply wrong. The people who are benefiting from this must not realise that their crimes lead to lost lives.”

>> Anyone wishing to donate to the North West Air Ambulance Charity can do so by calling 0800 587 4570, or by post to: FREEPOST NORTH WEST AIR AMBULANCE, North Mersey Business Centre, Woodward Road, Knowsley, L33 7UY. All cheques should be crossed and payable to North West Air Ambulance.

Strong results for developer behind Blackpool plan

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:37:46 +0000

URBAN regeneration and property development company Muse Developments – delivering Blackpool’s £220m Central Business District regeneration – contributed to a resilient set of preliminary results for the year.

Parent construction and regeneration group Morgan Sindall Group plc recorded profit before tax, amortisation and non-recurring items of £45.3m (2010: £51.3m) with revenue up six per cent at £2,227m.

The group’s forward order book currently stands at £3.4bn with a growing regeneration pipeline of £1.8bn, and a further £600m of regeneration schemes at preferred developer stage.

In Blackpool, Muse is working with Blackpool Council to deliver the £220m business district which will create new retail, commercial, community and hotel space, town centre parking and transport facilities.

Nigel Franklin, joint managing director of Muse, said: “We are actively building new offices, homes and retail and leisure facilities.

“This is an endorsement of our business model which provides both geographic and sector spread through a focus on truly mixed-use development.”

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Assault repairs to cost £2,500

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:41:00 +0000

A POLISH man punched a fellow countryman in the mouth damaging three of his teeth.

Paul Elman, a 29-year-old sales assistant, of Hornby Road, Blackpool, admitted assaulting Radoslaw Pawlik when he appeared before Blackpool Magistrates Court.

Martine Connah, prosecuting, said that on November 4 the victim went to a party at an address in Hornby Road.

After drinking Polish beer he went outside for a cigarette with a friend at 11pm.

Elman approached them, started arguing and punched the victim in the mouth, knocking him to the ground where he hit him again.

Three of the victim’s teeth were damaged and when contacted Elman said he would pay £700 towards dental work.

The victim’s dentist later fully assessed the teeth and said the repair work would cost £2,500.

Martin Hillson, defending, said his client had been dropped off near his home by a friend.

Elman said he saw the victim and another man and they said to him: “What are you looking at, we will smack you.”

Elman was bailed for pre-sentence reports by Blackpool magistrates.

Dog owners get woods warning

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:38:45 +0000

STOP fouling our wood! That is the message to inconsiderate dog owners who are making life a misery for volunteers striving to protect a popular wood.

And the problem of dog mess in Lytham’s Witch Wood is now so bad, the Lytham St Annes Civic Society is calling on Fylde Council to bring in new rules to tackle it.

Cycling and horse riding could also be banned at the beauty spot if the society – which owns the wood – gets its way.

Marion Coupe, the society’s chairman, said: “A huge amount of volunteers’ effort goes into the wood.

“People look after it so carefully but they only have to go into the undergrowth to do some work and they find dog mess. Some people put it in bags and throw it or hang it on a tree.

“This wood is so loved by the responsible dog walkers – and there are plenty of those – but because of the minority of dog owners that go in there and don’t pick up, there’s dog mess.”

The council has the power to introduce a dog control order preventing dogs being let off leads, and will consider the issue at next week’s Community Focus Scrutiny Committee.

It can also introduce bylaws banning cycling and horse riding, something the society claim is damaging the wood.

Mrs Coupe added: “Cycling is very dangerous in the wood because the paths are so wiggly.

“They’re not supposed to go down there but unless there are four of us in the wood we can’t tackle cyclists because people are very rude.

“We don’t want to cover the wood with notices but a bit of help from the council would not go amiss.”

The report to go before next Tuesday’s meeting states paths in the wood – and nearby Linnet Lane Wood – have been cracked by cyclists and riders. Before any changes are made, the council will embark on a public consultation to gather views on what should be done.

The meeting takes at 6.15pm in St Annes Town Hall.

Clearer fares bid for taxi journeys

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:13:29 +0000

COUNCILLORS are bidding to find a way of making taxi fares clearer to local residents.

Fylde Council is concerned although there is a maximum taxi fare set by then, up to five different tariffs are being operated in the borough.

The council’s public protection committee – who first raised the issue last year – had asked officers to investigate whether it was possible for the council tariff to be shown on the meter, and any discounts only applied at the end of the journey.

As it stands, Whitesides taxi company offer two separate fares – both lower than the council maximum – and Premier Fylde charge the council maximum for taxis hired off the stand or flagged down and a separate tariff for journeys booked through the company’s operator.

The situation has led to safety concerns from independent hackney carriage proprietors, who feel they are bearing the brunt of customers confusion and are being accused of overcharging.

But, in a report to go before the committee on Thursday, the council’s officers state it would be “unlawful” to force taxi drivers to only discount at the end of the journey.

Instead, the committee are being asked to consider instructing officers to undertake a consultation exercise, with a view to attaching a condition to the Hackney Carriage Proprietors Licence requiring signage to be displayed in the vehicle clearly indicating the fares charged.

The report to councillors states: “It could be reasonably necessary to condition the Hackney carriages so that fares are clearly displayed and impose a condition requiring the vehicle to display or explain any differences between the different tariffs in use.”

The council has stressed it has no issue with discounted fares, viewing them as “beneficial” to customers and fair competition.

‘Kill cops’ pervert jailed over threats

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:08:48 +0000

A PERVERT convicted of making indecent images of children threatened to kill the police officers involved in his case.

Keith Barrow told his probation officer he would not comply with a Sexual Offences Prevention order and, if he was sent to prison, he would buy a gun and shoot the police officers.

Preston Crown Court heard the 46-year-old, formerly of the Promenade, Blackpool, also threatened to go after the officers’ families.

His remarks were taken seriously and Barrow was charged with making threats to kill.

Jon Close, prosecuting, explained a sentence of 18 months supervision was imposed at Guildford Crown Court in January last year for offences of making and possessing indecent images of children.

He said: “His behaviour throughout the proceedings was a cause of concern. He was volatile, unpredictable.

“It appears he was unhappy with his guilty plea. Attempts were made to withdraw that plea. He blamed his legal team, refused to accept his conviction and also blamed the officers who investigated the case.”

Barrow was living in a hotel in Blackpool when he had a meeting with a probation officer on January 19 last year.

Mr Close added: “He claimed he wouldn’t comply with the conditions of the order and should the police arrest him he would kick them and break their legs.

“He said if the police were to arrest him and he should go to prison, he would sell his van, buy a gun and shoot three to four police officers.

“He made threats to shoot the police officers involved in the previous investigation, saying they had wrecked his life and if he couldn’t get to them he would go after their families. After shooting officers he would turn the gun on himself, he said.”

Barrow pleaded guilty to making threats to kill although he maintained he could not remember what was said to the probation officer.

He was sentenced to 27 months in jail at Preston Crown Court yesterday. A restraining order was also made not to contact two particular police officers.

Barrow Rachel Woods, defending, said: “He doesn’t have the means or the criminal sophistication to have done any of those things he claimed he was going to do.

“He accepts in making the threats, in the circumstances he did, it was bound to lead to some genuine concern on behalf of the recipients. But he had no idea where those officers reside.”

Judge Pamela Badley told Barrow: “That was a very wicked thing to say, particularly because all of the individuals, the police officers themselves, were public officials trying to help you in order to ensure you become a decent member of society.

“Your frustration with regard to the way in which your conviction had been misunderstood was not to be held at their door.

“Threats to kill are always looked at seriously because it is the effect upon the person listening that has to be ascertained.

“Whether you had the intention to carry out those threats is entirely a different matter.”

Strong response to supermarket plans

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:04:43 +0000

PLANS for a new Supermarket in Thornton were given a warm welcome after they went on public display.

Bosses at Sainsbury’s say almost 85 per cent of responses to their consultation on the plans for Fleetwood Road North, next to Thornton Cleveleys FC, have been positive.

The retailer staged an exhibition of its plans at the football club – which will be unaffected if proposed new store gets built – over the weekend.

Around 100 people took the opportunity to speak with members of the development team and a preview event was also held, attracting around 30 councillors, officers and community leaders.

The initial feedback received from members of the public showed almost 85 per cent of responses in favour of the proposed development.

Jo Hawley, Sainsbury’s regional development executive, said: “We’re delighted so many people took the opportunity to come along to the public exhibition and have a look at the proposals.

“From the feedback we’ve received, it’s clear that the local community are pleased to see new investment in the local area, improved retail choice and the creation of around 400 new jobs.

“We’ll continue to consult with the local community right up until we submit a planning application to Wyre Council.

“I’d encourage people who didn’t have the chance to attend the exhibition to either have a look at the plans online, follow the Twitter feed for regular updates or speak with our consultation team should they have questions.”

The proposed 50,000sq ft store is set to create 400 jobs in the area – alongside a further 400 which will be created by another Sainsbury’s store in Blackpool’s Central Business District. One third of the jobs will be full time.

The proposals were met with a mixed response on their announcement with some traders welcoming the jobs, while others feared the store would take trade away from town centres.

Anyone who wishes to give the firm their views can do so at {http://www.sainsburys-thorntoncleveleys.co.uk|www.sainsburys-thorntoncleveleys.co.uk|Click here to visit the website}, by following @SSL_TC on Twitter, or by calling 0800 319 6162.

Failing car salesman turns to drug peddling

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:28:34 +0000

A MAN told police he turned to drug dealing because his car-selling business was not doing well.

Forty bags of mephedrone – known as “bubble” – and of cannabis were found at Travis Hilton’s home when police carried out a drugs raid there.

Hilton, 64, of Langdale Road, Mereside, pleaded guilty to possessing methoxetamine and cannabis with intent to supply the drugs.

Martine Connah, prosecuting, said how on December 20, at 5.30pm, police executed a search warrant at Hilton’s home.

Six snap bags of cannabis were found in a coat pocket and 32 bags of bubble in a safe on the landing.

Ms Connah added: “He told police his business selling cars was slow and that is why he was selling drugs. He said it was the first time he had done any dealing.”

David Charnley, defending, said his client had no previous convictions for drug offences.

He was bailed to appear for sentence at Preston Crown Court on March 29 by Blackpool magistrates.

Metal thieves smash into scrap firm

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:23:03 +0000

A FYLDE businessman is offering a £1,000 reward in a bid to catch robbers who ram raided his premises, leaving thousands of pounds of damage.

Andy Gillett, who owns Lytham St Annes Skip Hire and Gilletts Environmental Ltd, says raiders broke into the premises on Boundary Road in Lytham by ramming a vehicle through the 16ft high steel gates.

The burglars then stole scrap metal and tools, leaving Mr Gillett with a loss of more than £3,000 and damage in excess of £2,000.

Mr Gillett, from Lytham, said: “They’ve been quite brutal in the damage they have done. They have used a large vehicle to ram the steel gates. They are 16ft high and 15ft wide and they’ve smashed them up.

“You can see skid marks on the ground where they have been ramming into the gates.

“They’ve cut the locks off the shipping containers and stolen copper, stainless steel and equipment including a boring tool.

“This is the fourth time I’ve been robbed in two years. They are taking my livelihood away from me.”

Mr Gillett, who received a phone call from another businessman on the site on Sunday morning to say the premises had been turned over, is so determined the thieves are caught he is offering a reward which leads to the conviction of the crooks.

He is also spending £5,000 on installing more security, including extra gates and CCTV cameras, at the site to prevent another raid.

He added: “I’m offering £1,000 for the conviction of whoever is responsible. I’m so angry. They need to be caught.”

Police are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

It is thought the burglars broke into the premises sometime between 11.30am on Saturday and 10.30am on Sunday.

A police spokesman said: “Officers have carried out inquiries with nearby local business and made house to house inquiries. They have also been looking at CCTV and crime scene investigators have been at the site.

“An incident like this has a massive impact on a business and we would urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious over the weekend or if they have come across anyone trying to off-load the stolen goods to contact us.

“The neighbourhood policing team have been made aware and are carrying out reassurance work in the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Lancashire Police on 101.

Elton John to play massive Blackpool concert

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:04:03 +0000

ELTON John - the world’s most flamboyant showman - will play a massive live concert on Blackpool’s Golden Mile this summer.

The “Rocket Man” today confirmed he will be the first act to grace the resort’s new Tower Festival Headland, on Saturday, June 16.

Sir Elton told The Gazette: “I’ve played more than 3,000 concerts – but I haven’t performed in Blackpool for 30 years.

“I’m looking forward to revisiting this legendary seaside town and playing on the Golden Mile, right near Blackpool Tower. See you in June!”

The last time Sir Elton took to the stage was in November 1982 when he played two nights at the Opera House.

Tickets for his 2012 return - which is set to be a 10,000 sell out - will go on sale on Friday at 9am ({http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/local/elton_john_ticket_news_1_4267653|click here for more ticket details|Click here for more ticket details}).

The gig, which will feature Sir Elton’s full band, is a major coup for Blackpool Council’s marketing firm Marketing Blackpool which is working with London-based promoter Marshall Arts.

FOR THE FULL STORY SEE TUESDAY’S GAZETTE

Unions back pension fight

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:58:33 +0000

FYLDE coast civil servants have backed a legal challenge which has been launched to fight cuts to their pensions.

An appeal hearing has started at the Royal Courts of Justice challenging the Government’s switch to use the consumer price index (CPI) instead of the normally faster-rising retail price index (RPI) when measuring price increases influencing pension upgrades.

The Government claims CPI is more appropriate. But unions have always contended the change would cost the average worker £15,000 over the course of their pension.

The move was announced by Chancellor George Osborne in June 2010 budget, without consultation or negotiation.

Duncan Griffiths, representing government workers at Norbreck and Warbreck for the PCS Union, said: “The switch is an example of how this Government wants public servants, pensioners and people entitled to benefits to pay the heaviest price for the recession.

“For new entrants to the civil service it means an immediate cut in their pensions, ripping up an agreement we reached just a few years ago. It is estimated that the change will cost public sector workers about £15,000 over an average retirement.

“We refuse to accept civil servants, nurses, teachers and council workers should be bullied into paying more and working longer for less, just to pay off debts racked up by greedy bankers who are still pocketing their bonuses.”

A Treasury spokesman said: “The reforms will save the taxpayer billions of pounds and significantly improve the long-term fiscal sustainability of this country.”

But Mr Griffiths said there were other ways to save. He added: “Cut pension tax relief for higher rate taxpayers, scrap the Trident missile system and tax the rich – 50 per cent rate on earnings over £150,000 a year would raise an additional £1.8bn.”

Widow backs site safety campaign

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:44:45 +0000

THE widow of a joiner who died after plunging 20ft from unstable scaffolding has backed a new safety initiative which aims to reduce deaths on construction sites.

Christine Walton’s husband, Peter, suffered catastrophic head injuries after an unsecured board gave way. He died five weeks later in hospital.

Mrs Walton, from Anchorsholme, said: “Peter is still my first thought in the morning and my last at night.

“We are all pushed by money and time constraints but work should still be checked.

“If someone had done that where Peter was working, he would still be alive today.”

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will spend the next month visiting sites in Lancashire where refurbishment or repair work is being carried out as part of a country-wide drive to improve standards.

Mrs Walton, 57, added: “Any initiative that helps to tackle deaths, and prevents other people from having to go through what I and my family went through, has to be a good thing.

“Peter trusted the scaffolding had been erected safely, but it wasn’t. He died because the companies responsible for his safety didn’t do their jobs properly.

“Health and safety should be at the forefront of employers’ minds in the construction industry, as what happened to Peter could happen to anyone.”

Mr Walton, a 55-year-old father-of-two, died following the fall at Altham Industrial Estate near Burnley in May 2006.

GlenMill Group Developments Ltd and Howorths Scaffolding Services Ltd were fined after pleading guilty to a charge of exposing to risk persons not in their employment.

During 2010 and 2011, four workers were killed while working in construction in Lancashire and 71 serious injuries were reported.

Dorothy Shaw, HSE’s principal inspector for construction in Lancashire, said: “The refurbishment sector continues to be the most risky for construction workers, but small changes to working practices can make all the difference.

“Poor management of risks in this industry is unacceptable. Even the smallest of firms should have a culture which allows workers to raise issues.

“As we have demonstrated in the past, we will take strong action if we find evidence workers are being unnecessarily put at risk.”

Two Blackpool clubs on the market

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:53:43 +0000

BLACKPOOL’S clubland is set for a shake-up after two of its biggest premises were put on the market.

The former Syndicate club on Church Street has been remarketed with a leasehold guide price of rent in excess of £100,000 per year.

Previously the ABC cinema, the building is almost 50,000sq metres of clubbing space.

It is thought anyone taking on the premises would have to re-apply for licences to operate as a club.

And Talbot Square sister venues Hush and Rumours have been put on the market for £975,000 – for the business and building – by Blackpool’s Duxburys Commercial.

Peter Bowden, owner of Sanuk on the Promenade, said times were hard – but Blackpool’s night time economy would emerge stronger than ever.

He added: “One of the good things we’ve seen recently is the cumulative impact policy which says that this is the area set aside for bars and clubs so we will see reinvestment in the area.

“It will help, during the next few years raise the bar higher and higher

“It’s hard times for everyone at the moment – not just the nightclubs and bars.

“We’re in the same recession everyone is in, but we will be well-placed in Blackpool, especially with all of the investment coming in from Merlin.”

The large venues are joined on the market by 400-capacity Liquid Lounge on Topping Street, at £130,000.

Mr Bowden added: “All the different aspects of the resort have to live together – it’s important to have the families back here but equally we’ve got to look after the stags and hens who come to Blackpool.

“We’re doing reasonable business still at Sanuk, but the biggest change is that young people don’t come out until later and instead spend their money in supermarkets.

“It would be good to see the spotlight put on them for their drinks offers – we have to be reasonably cheap now to compete with their deals.

“But I think there is a strong future for the clubs and bars in the town, especially with all of the investment going on.

Previously accused punched by missing girl’s brother

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:04:14 +0000

A MAN once accused of being involved in the disappearance of Blackpool schoolgirl Charlene Downes was punched in the face by her brother.

Wharehouseman Robert Downes, 20, hit Mohammed Reveshi in the eye and shouted: “That is for my sister.”

Reveshi was assaulted outside his home on Caunce Street, Blackpool, after he had just got out of his car, Blackpool Magistrates Court was told.

Downes of Boothley Road, Blackpool, admitted throwing the single punch to the victim’s eye which drew blood.

Alison Quanbrough, prosecuting said the assault took place on February 8.

Landlord Mr Reveshi had locked his car when he noticed Downes who was about six yards away.

Downes came towards him and flung a single punch and made another remark as he pointed at Mr Reveshi stating: “You are dead….”

When questioned he admitted what he had done and said he had drunk four can of strong lager prior to the incident.

Mr Reveshi was charged with helping in the disposal of her body which the prosecution later alleged at Preston Crown Court had been put in the food chain.

The case against Mr Reveshi collapsed because of the quality of police covert evidence was questioned.

One officer involved was ordered to quit Lancashire Police.

Downes was granted bail until February 28 so that reports can be prepared on his by the Probation Service.

He must have no contact with Mr Reveshi and must not enter Caunce Street as terms of his bail.

PM’s pledge to BAE’s workers

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:35:02 +0000

FYLDE coast MPs have pledged to continue the fight to help BAE recover its multi-billion pound Indian deal.

And they spent time with the Prime Minister yesterday to hear how the fight to secure the order is going on.

BAE’s bid to supply India with 126 Eurofighter Typhoons was struck a devastating blow when France’s Rafale aircraft was selected as its preferred option.

The French bid is understood to have been lower than BAE’s – but the Indian authorities have yet to examine the detail around technology transfer and the manufacturing facilities offered by the two countries.

Any deal would see the vast majority of the planes assembled on Indian soil – meaning there will be no job losses at Warton should the deal not be won.

Fylde MP Mark Menzies and Wyre and Preston North MP Ben Wallace joined Ribble Valley’s Nigel and at Number 10 Downing Street to discuss the Indian deal with Prime Minister David Cameron.

Mr Menzies said: “We were supposed to be there 20 minutes, which doesn’t sound a lot – but it is for Downing Street – and we stayed for more than half an hour.

“The Prime Minister talked us through what he’d been doing regarding the Indian deal.

“There’s been around 50 ministerial visits to India since the coalition took over, and there has been meetings with BAE’s chief executive as well.”

Mr Menzies said talks had also taken place with German Chancellor Angela Merkel as her country was the lead partner in the Eurofighter consortium on the Indian bid.

Mr Menzies added: “The Prime Minister accepted the Typhoon is a technically superior aircraft to anything the French can build.

“He was also full of praise for the Lancashire workforce.

“The Prime Minister was in a determined and resolute mood and he is of the opinion that while BAE is not the preferred bidder at this stage, the Government will do everything it can to put forward its case.”

BAE bosses have pledged to continue fighting for the Indian contract.

Dassault, the French aviation company behind the Rafale, has previously been named preferred bidder on other projects, but has lost the bid when other factors, such as how it would help infrastructure in the buyer’s country, have been examined more closely.

BAE is still in talks over hundreds of potential job losses at the Warton site – but pledged from the outset there will be no more should the Indian deal collapse.

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