Would you like to see an alley-gate scheme in your neighbourhood?

Residents in Blackburn with Darwen are being asked to put forward areas to be considered for a new crime prevention initiative.

Alleys, ginnels or walkways are useful for residents to access the rear of their properties or as short cuts – but they are also used for crime and anti social behaviour.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has already identified areas in the borough to become pilots for the first alley gates and these will be installed shortly

The lockable gate at the entrance to an alley or walkway restricts access to householders who have a key. (picture for illustration purposes only)

Before a decision is made on whether an alley gate will be installed, the proposed areas will be looked at in more detail.

A 28 day statutory consultation will be held and residents directly affected by the scheme will also be contacted, before a final decision is made. All householders affected by the scheme are entitled to a key at a cost of £10.00

If the area is not found to be suitable, alternatives measures will be looked at to address the problems being suffered by local residents.

The Blackburn with Darwen community gating project was set up following a recommendation by councillors to address concerns about domestic burglaries, anti-social behaviour, deliberate fire setting as well as significant fly-tipping in some areas of the borough.

Local councils have been given powers to make “gating orders” where it can be shown that problems of persistent crime and anti social behaviour are made worse by a right of way remaining open.

If you think a scheme would be suitable in your area, contact your local councillor, shared neighbourhood team or the gating co-ordinator on (01254) 585784.

Take part in crown green bowling free as part of re:fresh

Season tickets are now available at centres across Blackburn with Darwen, for the 2009 crown green bowling season, and anyone aged 16 or over who has a beez card and fits the re:fresh criteria, can get their ticket free as part of the re:fresh your health and wellbeing scheme.

Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture said: “Bowling is a sport for all ages and I’m pleased that bowlers can now get their tickets free as part of re:fresh. I’m particularly please that so many young people are now taking part in the sport.”
Tickets are available from Audley Sports & Community Centre on Chester Street, Shadsworth Community Centre on Rothesay Road and the Regency Gym at Darwen Vale High School.

The Council’s bowling greens open on April 9 for 2009 season.

For further information about crown green bowling telephone Steve Lee on (01254) 680012.

For information about the re:fresh scheme or how to get a beez card telephone (01254) 682037.

Try Your Hand At Willow Weaving

A willow-weaving weekend is planned for this Saturday and Sunday in Corporation Park, Blackburn.

Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture said: “This is another example of the wide variety of activities on offer across Blackburn with Darwen.

“Willow weaving can be enjoyed during any season of the year, not just summer time and can be restful and therapeutic. On a practical level it is much cheaper than buying the ready made article so can save you money.”

The activity will take place between 10am and 3pm on both days at the West Park Lodge entrance to Corporation Park.

For full information telephone (01254) 692203 or if you wish to buy a book on the subject visit Amazon

Blackburn and Darwen Brass band make a big noise at Butlins

Blackburn and Darwen Brass band beat stiff competition to win the Butlins Mineworkers Open brass band festival.

The band beat over 26 other brass bands in their section to take the first prize in the competition with a musical piece written especially for the competition. The music was called Hostile Skies and written by Richard Grantham. The competition featured bands from all over the UK, making the win extra special for "B and D", the premier brass band in the area.

Steve Rigby, Director of Culture, Leisure and Sport at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said, “I am delighted for the band and their success in the competition. They set an excellent example and inspiration to other local groups and I wish them well for the future.”

The band will travel to Holland in July to play in the World Music Competition, but before that faces a stiff test in Blackpool on 1st March at the qualifying contest for the National Finals, for which the band qualified last year. You can check out the bands progress and local concert calendar at www.blackburnanddarwenband.co.uk

Half Term Activities In Blackburn & Darwen

The 2009 Multi Sports Festival is taking place at Pleckgate High School in Blackburn, over the February half-term break, 16 – 19 February.

Thirty places are available to children aged between 9 and 16. Children can have the opportunity to train and have high level coaching in Table Tennis, Basketball, Football, Athletics and Badminton.

The sports festival is priced at £20 per child and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

For more information or to book a place for your child, contact the sports development team (01254) 587243 or e mail sportsdevelopment@blackburn.gov.uk

Learn New Skills To Beat The Credit Crunch

Learning new skills could help local people beat the current economic gloom and doom.

That’s the message from Blackburn with Darwen Council which has just launched a new adult learning programme with over 70 new courses.

The programme ranges from useful courses for work, such as computing or first aid, to recession busting skills such as cookery or sewing to help people save money and confidence boosting and keep fit to help them feel better.

“It’s a very wide ranging programme and there’s plenty of help and support for anyone who hasn’t been in a classroom for a long time and feels nervous about getting back to learning,” said Councillor John Slater, executive member for neighbourhoods and customer service.

“We often find people who start with a simple course, such as learning how to send emails or cookery, get such a boost to their self esteem that they go on to take more courses and qualifications. The more people can upgrade their skills and confidence, the better, particularly in these difficult economic times.”

Among the courses on offer is one looking at new world foods, where people can bring their own ingredients to taste and try out recipes along with courses in internet shopping, healthy eating on a budget, keep fit and nail art.

Full details of all the courses are available in a free booklet called Courses for adults, learning for life and leisure. It’s available from the Council’s learning centres in Audley and Queen’s Park, Bank Top and Darwen (access point) or by calling (01254) 585564.

UK Recession - It's Official

Official figures released today have confirmed the UK is in a recession following the sharpest quarter on quarter shrinkage of GP in almost 20 years.

The GDP (gross domestic product) for the UK shrank for the second successive quarter when figures showed a decline of 1.5% between October and December 2008.

The fact that the UK is now in a confirmed recession comes as no surprise but the actual figures are actually worse than predicted and many experts now believe the recession could extend into 2010 making it the worst economic situation since World War II.

Household Litter On Our Streets

Littering is still a problem in Blackburn and Darwen, and the problem isn't just confined to people disposing of empty crisp packets, drinks cans or cigarette buts while out and about.

It has been reported that some people have left household waste in back alleys across the town including Christmas trees, sofas, electrical items and car tyres. These items are probably dumped in the hope that the council will eventually remove the rubbish at no expense to their original owners.

However, a Blackburn man is today counting the cost of leaving rubbish in a back alley.

Mohammed Patel of Walter Street, Blackburn, failed to appear at Blackburn magistrates court on Friday (January 16). He was convicted in his absence of failing to comply with a section 46 notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, requiring him dispose of rubbish correctly in the bin.

Patel was fined £350 with £377 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. The case was brought by Blackburn with Darwen Council after the offence in October.

A reminder that people are made to pay for their irresponsible actions when caught.