Blackburn with Darwen Council is supporting Fuel Poverty Awareness Day.
The nationwide event which is today (Friday February 12) is run by National Energy Action (NEA) and sponsored by EDF Energy. The campaign aims to draw attention to the health problems caused by living in a cold, damp home and the help available to improve living conditions.
Once of the coldest winters in decades has seen more people struggle to cope with the rising costs of keeping their homes warm. The message the campaign is trying to get across is to seek help now if you or someone you know is struggling with energy bills as living in a poorly heated home puts you at risk of serious health problems.
For more information about home energy grants and discount schemes available to help make your home warmer and more energy efficient, contact the Council’s energy efficiency advice service on (01254) 588822.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Vision 2030 conference to discuss future
A major conference is being held to discuss what people want to see in Blackburn with Darwen over the next 20 years.
Council bosses and partners say the long-term "Vision 2030" is essential to help them shape the borough's future.
Over the last nine months hundreds of local people have been part of the research and consultation that has gone into Vision 2030.
Local people involved have been invited to take part in the important conference to give them another opportunity to have a hand in the final Vision.
The Vision has four key themes which will provide a focus to help identify priorities over the next 20 years, including: prosperous towns; safe, healthy towns; clean towns and connecting communities.
The conference, at King Georges Hall, Blackburn, will be held on Friday, February 12, and opened by the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Cllr James Hirst.
It will feature:
* An introduction to Vision 2030 from chair of Blackburn with Darwen Strategic Partnership Mike Murray
* A keynote speech from the Rt. Hon. Jack Straw M.P. on the future national and international challenges for
Blackburn with Darwen
* Presentation of key findings from consultation on Vision 2030 and the draft Vision
* A chance to record comments on the draft Vision in workshop sessions
Mike Murray, chair of Blackburn with Darwen Strategic Partnership, said: "The conference is a way of making sure voices are heard to shape the future of our borough.
"Vision 2030 is an exciting and ambitious project that has sought to engage with the public in different ways.
"We have already had some interesting debates and want to encourage more feedback at the conference to help influence the final Vision document."
For more information on Vision 2030 or to get involved in the online debates go to:
http://vision2030.bwd.public-i.tv/viewfinder_core/
Council bosses and partners say the long-term "Vision 2030" is essential to help them shape the borough's future.
Over the last nine months hundreds of local people have been part of the research and consultation that has gone into Vision 2030.
Local people involved have been invited to take part in the important conference to give them another opportunity to have a hand in the final Vision.
The Vision has four key themes which will provide a focus to help identify priorities over the next 20 years, including: prosperous towns; safe, healthy towns; clean towns and connecting communities.
The conference, at King Georges Hall, Blackburn, will be held on Friday, February 12, and opened by the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Cllr James Hirst.
It will feature:
* An introduction to Vision 2030 from chair of Blackburn with Darwen Strategic Partnership Mike Murray
* A keynote speech from the Rt. Hon. Jack Straw M.P. on the future national and international challenges for
Blackburn with Darwen
* Presentation of key findings from consultation on Vision 2030 and the draft Vision
* A chance to record comments on the draft Vision in workshop sessions
Mike Murray, chair of Blackburn with Darwen Strategic Partnership, said: "The conference is a way of making sure voices are heard to shape the future of our borough.
"Vision 2030 is an exciting and ambitious project that has sought to engage with the public in different ways.
"We have already had some interesting debates and want to encourage more feedback at the conference to help influence the final Vision document."
For more information on Vision 2030 or to get involved in the online debates go to:
http://vision2030.bwd.public-i.tv/viewfinder_core/
Monday, February 08, 2010
Fix the potholes in Darwen - Facebook Group
Local business owner, David Scott approached Darwen Online today to help with his campaign for better roads in Darwen.David, who was recently featured in the Lancashire Telegraph (http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/Poster_campaign_over_Darwen_s_potholes/), asked Darwen Online to help generate support for his petition by creating a Facebook Group.
The group has been set-up today to help generate members in the hope of one day submitting his petition to local MP Janet Anderson. In addition Mr Scott has been asking fellow business owners to display his posters in their shop windows, many of which have agreed having been growing increasingly concerned themselves.
"Many of the shop owners suggested that I should create a Facebook Group to help generate awareness and the majority of them have been more than happy to display my poster in their windows."
He added "The council may have some people believe it is a relatively new problem and that the recent cold weather is to blame. Whenever I've mentioned that to people they're quick to point out the old Beatles lyrics which seem to suggest otherwise!"
If you would like to show your support for the campaign please join the Facebook Group by clicking here.
If you aren't a member of Facebook you may wish to share your thoughts and show your support via our forum where local residents can have their say on local issues: click here. As you can see many of the problem areas have existed for quite a few months now and Mr Scott is hoping he can generate enough support to ensure the appropriate action is taken.
He gave us a statement to publish online for him:
"The last thing I want to do is campaign but I feel I have no choice. Our building and business is under constant, 24 hours a day tremors caused by heavy traffic hitting potholes whilst passing through Darwen on the A666 and we're already seeing structural damage to our property.
The Council say they have no funds available for resurfacing our roads and on one account our complaint was (quote) 'Not actionable as the potholes weren't deep enough' according to the Highways Department. This was despite the cobbles being clearly visible underneath the tarmac!
After mentioning the campaign, some repair work was completed but two weeks later the tarmac had lifted and the potholes returned. It took the Highways Department less than a minute to complete the work on three separate occasions.
The potholes are a problem for everyone in Darwen, whether it be transport, structural or just simply being a pedestrian.
Hopefully the people of Darwen will support this petition and air their own views and fight for the decent roads we all deserve and pay for."
Break down the barriers and get back to work in 2010
A new awareness campaign has been launched featuring two residents from the borough who have successfully found work as a result of Workroutes.
Workroutes is the best route back to work. It helps those currently unemployed to overcome any obstacles in their path - whether it is child care, training, skills or even confidence.
It brings together all the local organisations and services who can help people, whatever their circumstances. Partners include the Blackburn with Darwen Council employment agency, Jobcentre Plus, the Blackburn with Darwen Information, Advice and Guidance team.
It is hoped that their stories will be an inspiration to others who are considering going back to work but unsure how to go about it.
It follows on from the success of last year’s campaign which featured Peter and Leah.
Anne Walton, 52, from Shadsworth, had been out of work for two years as she recuperated from a neck operation. She was on incapacity benefit and decided that she wanted to get back to work so she contacted Workroutes for help.
Anne was referred to Training 2000, one of the Workroutes partners, and she completed their Impact course. It included first aid, food hygiene, health & safety as well as factors affecting health, confidence, team building, money management and career guidance.
Anne completed the course and now works at a care provider.
Sal Mehuddin, 26, of Wensley Fold, Blackburn, was claiming incapacity benefit due to suffering polio in both his hands and legs.
He had previously worked five years ago and found it hard to find a job which suited his needs. Sal got in touch with Workroutes who were helping him to find work. After a couple of months, he decided it was time to broaden his horizons and took the brave decision to go back to university.
Sal got back in touch with Workroutes once his course has finished and was advised about the help which was available to him.
He found a job as a self employed sales rep in Manchester as part of a Business Development Programme. Eventually he hopes to set up his own business.
If you would like Workroutes to help you, call (01254) 222549, email workroutes@blackburn.gov.uk or text workroutes to 60 300.
Workroutes is the best route back to work. It helps those currently unemployed to overcome any obstacles in their path - whether it is child care, training, skills or even confidence.
It brings together all the local organisations and services who can help people, whatever their circumstances. Partners include the Blackburn with Darwen Council employment agency, Jobcentre Plus, the Blackburn with Darwen Information, Advice and Guidance team.
It is hoped that their stories will be an inspiration to others who are considering going back to work but unsure how to go about it.
It follows on from the success of last year’s campaign which featured Peter and Leah.
Anne Walton, 52, from Shadsworth, had been out of work for two years as she recuperated from a neck operation. She was on incapacity benefit and decided that she wanted to get back to work so she contacted Workroutes for help.
Anne was referred to Training 2000, one of the Workroutes partners, and she completed their Impact course. It included first aid, food hygiene, health & safety as well as factors affecting health, confidence, team building, money management and career guidance.
Anne completed the course and now works at a care provider.
Sal Mehuddin, 26, of Wensley Fold, Blackburn, was claiming incapacity benefit due to suffering polio in both his hands and legs.
He had previously worked five years ago and found it hard to find a job which suited his needs. Sal got in touch with Workroutes who were helping him to find work. After a couple of months, he decided it was time to broaden his horizons and took the brave decision to go back to university.
Sal got back in touch with Workroutes once his course has finished and was advised about the help which was available to him.
He found a job as a self employed sales rep in Manchester as part of a Business Development Programme. Eventually he hopes to set up his own business.
If you would like Workroutes to help you, call (01254) 222549, email workroutes@blackburn.gov.uk or text workroutes to 60 300.
Darwen Deserves Better Roads
Roads in Darwen and Blackburn have been in a poor state of repair for years, but over the previous 18 months or so the number of potholes in Darwen seems to have increased at an alarming rate.
Yes, there has been a lot of work being carried out throughout the town including the new leisure centre, Darwen Academy and various regenerations such as those being carried out near Harwood Street. BUT is this really a valid excuse for letting the roads fall into such a sad state?
As residents of the town start to become increasingly frustrated with the poor road standards we are trying to find out "Which is the worst road in Darwen?" and are looking to compile a top 5 'worst roads' chart.
To begin with we're running a poll to see which area visitors think is worst affected by poor roads, visit http://www.darwenonline.co.uk/forum/Darwen_Roads to cast your vote.
From there we will start to ask for nominations for the worst individual road before launching a new poll. Feel free to submit photographs as supporting evidence!
You'll notice signs have started to appear in local shop windows encouraging for Darwen to unite in protest about the roads. We're encouraging visitors to contribute to an online debate and help nominate the worst affected roads in Darwen.
Yes, there has been a lot of work being carried out throughout the town including the new leisure centre, Darwen Academy and various regenerations such as those being carried out near Harwood Street. BUT is this really a valid excuse for letting the roads fall into such a sad state?
As residents of the town start to become increasingly frustrated with the poor road standards we are trying to find out "Which is the worst road in Darwen?" and are looking to compile a top 5 'worst roads' chart.
To begin with we're running a poll to see which area visitors think is worst affected by poor roads, visit http://www.darwenonline.co.uk/forum/Darwen_Roads to cast your vote.
From there we will start to ask for nominations for the worst individual road before launching a new poll. Feel free to submit photographs as supporting evidence!
You'll notice signs have started to appear in local shop windows encouraging for Darwen to unite in protest about the roads. We're encouraging visitors to contribute to an online debate and help nominate the worst affected roads in Darwen.
Friday, February 05, 2010
'Not In My Name' comes to Darwen
The highly acclaimed theatre production, “Not In My Name”, comes to Darwen Library Theatre on Monday March 1, with performances at 1pm and 7.30pm, as part of a sixty plus performance tour throughout Lancashire.
The play, written and directed by Alice Bartlett, was originally commissioned by Lancashire Constabulary under the ‘PREVENT’ counter-terrorism agenda, and is produced by the North-West company Theatre Veritae.
The play provides a catalyst for the audience, comprised primarily of young people aged 14-plus, to be able to ask questions and speak about terrorism and extremism in a safe learning environment.
The strong messages contained within the script promote racial equality, mutual understanding, and cohesion.
Alice Bartlett developed the script using actual words spoken by young people and people working in communities via interviews and workshops whilst researching the project and the story is a cautionary tale about the aftermath of a fictional terror attack in the centre of a small northern town.
Consequently, the play, hard- hitting and impactive, pulls few punches, and in a survey produced following the successful scale tour in April 2009, one impressed 15-year-old wrote – “Very well done guys, a great piece that’s informative and very thought-provoking.”
This innovative and gritty dramatic approach clearly had a positive learning effect - the 2009 survey demonstrated that of 4000 who went to the play, a massive 99% indicated that they found the work “challenging, informative and relevant”.
Supt Andy Pratt, the PREVENT lead Officer for Lancashire Police said;
“Not In My Name” in 2009 was well received by all the pupils and teaching staff throughout Lancashire . On this current tour however we would welcome not only young people but at certain venues adults such as parents and adult members of the wider community to attend. “
The success of the project has attracted significant interest beyond the Lancashire boundary and the 2010 tour will now be extended to include performances in Merseyside, Cheshire, Durham and Greater Manchester.
For details of forthcoming performances and availability please contact Theatre Veritae at info@theatreveriate.com
The play, written and directed by Alice Bartlett, was originally commissioned by Lancashire Constabulary under the ‘PREVENT’ counter-terrorism agenda, and is produced by the North-West company Theatre Veritae.
The play provides a catalyst for the audience, comprised primarily of young people aged 14-plus, to be able to ask questions and speak about terrorism and extremism in a safe learning environment.
The strong messages contained within the script promote racial equality, mutual understanding, and cohesion.
Alice Bartlett developed the script using actual words spoken by young people and people working in communities via interviews and workshops whilst researching the project and the story is a cautionary tale about the aftermath of a fictional terror attack in the centre of a small northern town.
Consequently, the play, hard- hitting and impactive, pulls few punches, and in a survey produced following the successful scale tour in April 2009, one impressed 15-year-old wrote – “Very well done guys, a great piece that’s informative and very thought-provoking.”
This innovative and gritty dramatic approach clearly had a positive learning effect - the 2009 survey demonstrated that of 4000 who went to the play, a massive 99% indicated that they found the work “challenging, informative and relevant”.
Supt Andy Pratt, the PREVENT lead Officer for Lancashire Police said;
“Not In My Name” in 2009 was well received by all the pupils and teaching staff throughout Lancashire . On this current tour however we would welcome not only young people but at certain venues adults such as parents and adult members of the wider community to attend. “
The success of the project has attracted significant interest beyond the Lancashire boundary and the 2010 tour will now be extended to include performances in Merseyside, Cheshire, Durham and Greater Manchester.
For details of forthcoming performances and availability please contact Theatre Veritae at info@theatreveriate.com
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Natalie uses eBay to start a quiet ‘Revolution’ on Darwen Market
Despite the tough economic times, business is booming at Darwen Market with four new traders recently taking up pitches.
One of those, Natalie Cooper, recently opened her stall, Revolution Clothing, after finding it in the most unlikely of places.
Says Natalie: “I was looking through eBay and saw it was up for sale. I’ve always had businesses but took some time out recently to have a baby. I was looking to get back into it though and seeing what was available.”
Natalie placed a bid and was delighted when she found out she’d won the auction.
Natalie adds: “It’s a fairly unusual way of buying a business but I came to have a look round the market and saw how busy it was. It’s not too far from where I live and is in a perfect location.
“After I bought the stall we ripped everything out and totally re-stocked it. It was a menswear stall before but we got an addition to the licence so we could do ladies wear as well.”
Revolution Clothing now sells everything from designer wear and casual clothes to going out gear and underwear.
Adds Natalie: “You meet a good variety of people from all walks of life at Darwen Market and everyone’s very friendly. I’m really happy here.”
Darwen market boasts over 90 stalls under cover, offering an amazing variety of produce and specialist items. Parking is also free.
Visitors can expect to receive a warm and friendly welcome and an attentive and uniquely personal service from the stall holders, many of whom have long standing associations at the market; sometimes stretching back through generations.
One of those, Natalie Cooper, recently opened her stall, Revolution Clothing, after finding it in the most unlikely of places.
Says Natalie: “I was looking through eBay and saw it was up for sale. I’ve always had businesses but took some time out recently to have a baby. I was looking to get back into it though and seeing what was available.”
Natalie placed a bid and was delighted when she found out she’d won the auction.
Natalie adds: “It’s a fairly unusual way of buying a business but I came to have a look round the market and saw how busy it was. It’s not too far from where I live and is in a perfect location.
“After I bought the stall we ripped everything out and totally re-stocked it. It was a menswear stall before but we got an addition to the licence so we could do ladies wear as well.”
Revolution Clothing now sells everything from designer wear and casual clothes to going out gear and underwear.
Adds Natalie: “You meet a good variety of people from all walks of life at Darwen Market and everyone’s very friendly. I’m really happy here.”
Darwen market boasts over 90 stalls under cover, offering an amazing variety of produce and specialist items. Parking is also free.
Visitors can expect to receive a warm and friendly welcome and an attentive and uniquely personal service from the stall holders, many of whom have long standing associations at the market; sometimes stretching back through generations.
Have your say on future development
How much new housing should be built in Blackburn with Darwen and where should new homes be developed?
Where should new jobs, industry and shops be located? How much development should we allow in the countryside?
These are all questions which need answering as part of the consultation on Blackburn with Darwen Council’s core strategy.
The core strategy is a planning document which sets out future planning policies for the borough and highlights where/how much development will take place.
The consultation is running until Monday, December 21 and then all comments will be forwarded to the Secretary of State.
A display is being held at Blackburn and Darwen Markets where residents can view the plans.
Copies can also be found at Blackburn Town Hall, Blackburn Library, Darwen Town Hall, Darwen Library, Mill Hill Library, Livesey Library, Roman Road Library and Barlow Institute.
Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “It is important that residents have their say on how they want the future shape of the borough and this includes everything from housing to shops to business parks to green spaces.”
Alternatively, you can also view the document on our website www.blackburn.gov.uk
Where should new jobs, industry and shops be located? How much development should we allow in the countryside?
These are all questions which need answering as part of the consultation on Blackburn with Darwen Council’s core strategy.
The core strategy is a planning document which sets out future planning policies for the borough and highlights where/how much development will take place.
The consultation is running until Monday, December 21 and then all comments will be forwarded to the Secretary of State.
A display is being held at Blackburn and Darwen Markets where residents can view the plans.
Copies can also be found at Blackburn Town Hall, Blackburn Library, Darwen Town Hall, Darwen Library, Mill Hill Library, Livesey Library, Roman Road Library and Barlow Institute.
Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “It is important that residents have their say on how they want the future shape of the borough and this includes everything from housing to shops to business parks to green spaces.”
Alternatively, you can also view the document on our website www.blackburn.gov.uk
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