BYPASS NOT ON GOVERNMENT'S RADAR
8/11/05: The Northern Bypass may be a big issue for local politicians but it has yet to attract much interest from government. Responding to a question from MP Geraldine Smith asking the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the Environment Agency and Lancashire county council on the environmental implications of the proposed Northern bypass, Elliot Morley (Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) told her DEFRA Ministers have not discussed this road with either the Environment Agency or Lancashire county council.
"I understand it is the subject of a major scheme proposal for funding from the Department for Transport," he said in a a written answer in Parliament. "The Environment Agency and other statutory agencies have been asked to comment on it and on a number of other proposals by the Department for Transport."

LOCAL MPS DIVIDED ON TERROR LAWS
8/11/05 by John Freeman: Local MPs will vote again tomorrow on the new Terrorism Bill, which creates several new offences some of which, including the "glorification of terrorism" clause, which have been condemned by the AUT, the higher education union, Liberty and other groups.
While Lancaster MP Ben Wallace has opposed the Bill and agreed that several clauses, including the contentious "glorification of terrorism" clause be deleted so far (see voting record via The Public Whip web site), Morecambe's MP Geraldine Smith is supporting the government's Terror Bill (see voting record).
The Stop the War Coalition, which has been very active in Lancaster, will be lobbying MP's tomorrow. The Coalition argues that as it stands, the Terrorism Bill would criminalize those who oppose terror and whose cooperation is vital to the police in defeating terrorism. The Bill risks dividing communities and undermining efforts to prevent further terrorist attacks.
The most controversial part of the bill will enable the police will be able to hold terror suspects without charge for up to 90 days. But the Bill introduces several new offences which have been widely condemned by human rights groups, including encouraging or glorifying terrorism, preparing terrorist acts and attending terrorist camps.
Opponents of the bill argue the concept of glorification of an undefined word is ludicrous. Writing in The Guardian in September, Simon Jenkins described the bill as "an act of censorship worthy of Joseph Goebbels".
The Digital Civil Rights in Europe group also points out the Terror Act would authorise the Home Secretary to deport any foreigner involved in extremist bookshops, centres, organisations and web sites. The government plans to draw up a list of specific extremist web sites, bookshops, centres, networks and particular organisations of concern.
On the 90-day clause, Liberal Democrats argue the maximum period in custody without charge should remain at 14 days. The Conservatives are arguing for 28 days.
This morning, BBC News reported that Home Secretary Charles Clarke says the government will stand firm on plans to allow police to hold terror suspects without charge for up to 90 days.
Ministers had been expected to offer a compromise deal, following fierce opposition from MP's on all sides but instead a "sunset clause" will be added to the law, meaning it must be reviewed after a year. Labour MP's will be told by party whips to back the plan.
Last week, calls to include "intent" in the encouragement of terrorism clause of the Government's controversial Terrorism Bill lost 300 - 299 in the committee stage of the House.
" The Government's near defeat on the intent amendment clearly shows that across Britain there is great concern about this attack on free speech," feels Director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti.
"There should be equal concern about the re-introduction of internment -- the shocking 90 day proposal should not be reduced to 28 days or any other arbitrary figure. Pre-trial detention powers should not be determined by auction."
The AUT believes a number of the clauses in the Bill - which applies to the whole of the UK - will have a direct impact on academic freedom and members’ ability to teach and research certain subjects. The union has already expressed deep concern about the Terrorism Bill. It is lobbying MP's and Peers from all parties to seek to overturn the offending provisions, and is asking members to do the same.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke sees the Terror Bill as part of a wider agenda, that of strengthening the UK's democracy while also defending it. Speaking to the US Heritage Foundation in October shortly before the first stage of the Terror Bill was passed in the Commons, he argued "I assert... the need to retrain and strengthen our human rights and the values which underlie them. But I say at the same time that the right to be protected from the death and destruction caused by indiscriminate terrorism is at least as important as the right of the terrorist to be protected from torture and ill-treatment."
Anti Terror Acts have been widely condemned in other countries. In Canada, the Canadian Democratic Movement argued the act there was anti freedom.
"The declaration, of "the glorification of terrorism" to be seen as illegal, is in fact an infringement on freedom of expression," one opponent argued, echoing fears raised here. "How can one have a glorification of terrorism when no agreement has been arrived at as to how "terrorism" is to be defined? There are horrific acts carried out by groups seeking many things that fly in the face of the status quo and usually these acts are a reaction to rather than initially initiated.
"The concept of glorification of an undefined word is ludicrous. The very word 'terror' when applied to political concepts creates what it claims to eradicate."
• Definitions of terrorism by Charles Clarke? (article on broadcaster Craig Murray's web blog)
• Read the Home Office's guide to its Counter Terrorism Strategy
• You can now tell your MP how you feel about these new laws (and indeed, about any issue) using the writetothem.com web site.

COUNCIL BY-ELECTION IN DECEMBER
8/11/05: Councillor Joseph Ravetz has resigned as City Councillor for the John O'Gaunt Ward, following a recent house move out of the district. A by election for the seat will take place on 8 December, but if you're thinking of running, nominations must be with the Council by Friday.
The council have only released final press information about this today -- giving locals just four days to make a decision to run. Democracy in action!
Councillor Ravetz was first elected to Lancaster City Council in May 1999. His resignation comes as a result of having moved out the district as he felt that it was inappropriate to act as a councillor once the link with the district has been severed.
"I've enjoyed working with all Council members and wish the Council well in the future," he said. "I would also like to say that I have gained immeasurable satisfaction from working with and for the people of John O'Gaunt and I hope that they believe I have served them well.
The vacancy in the John O'Gaunt Ward will be filled by a by-election to be held on 8 December 2005. Nominations close at noon on Friday 11th November.
The publication of the revised Register of Electors based on information obtained at the annual canvass on 15th October is being brought forward to 16th November (rather than the usual 30 November) to ensure that the maximum number of residents in John O'Gaunt will be on the register and able to vote on 8th December.
New applications for postal or proxy voting must be received by 5pm on 30 November and any cancellation or amendment to existing applications must be received by 5pm on 23 November. The Elections helpline on 582905 will answer any queries regarding the election or electoral registration.

MARITIME FESTIVAL SAILS AGAIN
7/11/05: Good news for fans of the Maritime Festival. The popular Easter Festival is to return in 2006, thanks to business sponsorship and grants from government agencies.
Last year, the council decided to change the way they supported festivals and events to stimulate private sector investment in events that would draw in visitors to the district. This, in turn, would not only ensure some great events but keep rises in council tax to a minimum.
The Festivals Innovations Fund was established to provide partnership funding to events and the council has also been able to offer its staff expertise and venues to support festival provision.
To the dismay of many locals, the Maritime Festival looked as though it was a casualty of the changeover, provoking a storm of protest in the local press at its loss. Now, supporters of the festival have been able to secure sufficient external funding for the Maritime Festival to be staged again, but on a smaller scale.
The cancellation of the Maritime Festival was an odd decision by the Council, so it's great to see its return. Internationally renowned as the world's biggest gathering of sea-song and shanty performers, the Festival has won a string of tourism industry awards and accolades, including the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board's 'Best Tourism Experience' in June this year.
The Council says the focus for events next year will again be Lancaster's Maritime Museum and historic quay side and the nearby small port of Glasson Dock. "'I'm delighted that, thanks to the generosity of businesses and also grants from our regional tourist board and other government agencies, Lancaster's much-loved Maritime Festival will take place again next year, albeit on a reduced scale," commented Councillor Ron Sands, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Arts and Tourism said.
"We look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the UK and beyond, who are drawn to our district by the nautically-themed festivities. Our challenge now is to look at ways of facilitating a self-sustaining Maritime Festival in the future."

MUSIC FESTIVAL BURSARIES OFFERED
7/11/05: The South Cumbria Music Festival returns to the Coronation Hall, Ulverston, next April and is offering several bursaries.
A friendly well organised competitive festival event that includes music dance and speech with 30 years experience this year the Festival is offering bursaries to the total of £4000, including the opportunity for five winners to go to a residential course of their choice. Whether a stage/rock school or registered music/drama academy the Festival will assist the winners of these fabulous prizes.
How do you enter? Contact 01229 823432 for a free syllabus with all details or go to the Festival web sitewww.scmfweb.org.uk and download one now. "We want to help all young aspiring performers," said a spokesperson.
The South Cumbria Music Festival takes place March 25th - April 2nd 2006 in Coronation Hall, Ulverston.

LIGHTING THE DARKNESS!
7/11/05: More Music in Morecambe and the community of the West End are preparing to light up the West End of Morecambe at the second annual lantern festival on 7 December
Lantern processions have a long history in China, Japan and across Europe to celebrate religious festivals and to mark significant milestones in the year and are an inspiring way to bring people together. The first lantern procession in the West End brought hundreds of people out on to the streets to mark the beginning of the festive season.
The lanterns made from willow and tissue will be created with children at local primary schools and at the Messy Gang workshops at the Hothouse on November 12. 12, 19, 26 and on December 3 between 1pm and 3pm.
The workshops will take artistic and cultural inspiration from around the world and will provide local people with the opportunity to learn new skills in a creative environment. Everyone is welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The Messy Gang sessions are run in partnership with the Adult College as part of its Family Learning Programme and are FREE. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. A free creche will be provided .
Join in the fun, make a lantern and be part of this magical community event.
For more information and to book a place please contact MMM on 01524 831997

PRIDE SEEK PERFORMERS
7/11/05: The Pride Cabaret, organised by Lavender Lounge, is looking for performers! If you have a short act and would like take part or for any other queries about the cabaret, please contact lavenderlounge@hotmail.com
Also wanted: volunteers to help out with compèring the evening (men particularly welcome!!)
The Pride Cabaret will be held at the Gregson Arts & Community Centre on Friday, 9 December at 8:30 pm.

LOKI IN LONDON
5/11/05: Lancaster band Adventures of Loki will be in London on Tuesday 22 November at The Bull & Gate, Kentish Town... onstage at 10.00pm. If you're in the our gritty capital then, as per usual you need a flyer with our name on it to get a pound off the door, you can print one from the Bull & Gate website (www.bullandgate.co.uk), or indeed fashion your own in a Blue Peter style!
Loki have now joined the myspace revolution, a web site aiming to promote new bands, and as a special treat 'suck it and see' is available to download in full from there: http://myspace.com/theadventuresofloki.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE MUSICIANS' CO-OP?
5/11/05 by John Freeman: Local musicians are asking for support keeping Lancaster's Lodge Street-based Musicians Co-op open. The future of the 20-year-old co-op may be in doubt after the Council rescinded a proposal, made in 2002, to negotiate a new lease to give them greater security in their present building.
Although the council has offered the Co-op new premises within the new development being planned by Centros Miller on Lancaster's Canal corridor, there are no written guarantees of new premises, and it's feared the town could lose this inspiring resource and meeting place.
"Without the music co-op, The Adventures Of Loki would not exist," says one member of that upcoming band. "It's where we recorded Feminine Side, it's where we keep our equipment and it's where we write songs and rehearse."
Top producer Paul Tipler and members of James and Three Colours Red are just some of the people who have used the Co-op in their quest for musical success.
Green councillors have also raised concerns for the Co-op's future. "This decision has all the hallmarks of the former Navigation pub on the canal corridor opposite White Cross," feels Jon Barry, referring to the much loved and attractive locally run pub which was closed down and demolished because councillors refused to give it the protection it deserved.
"I'm very worried that the places that make Lancaster a special place to be are slowly being picked off and done away with," he said shortly after the Council's cabinet decided to rescind the lease proposal last month, arguing that other facillities and small businesses in the area are also under considerable threat. "We need to protect places like the Musicians Co-op, the Dance School and all the small business units on this site. "
But Council leader Ian Barker seems adamant the Co-op's is safe. "There is a great deal of misinformation being put about," he told Virtual-Lancaster. "I agree the Musicians Co-op is a valuable resource. That's why we want to incorporate it in any development plans."
As far as the Council is concerned, any new lease for the Co-op's current building at 1 Lodge Street behind the Grand Theatre was contingent on the Co-op securing funding to improve the building, "which they have not been able to do," says Ian. "Instead they will be offered facilities in the new development."
However, Co-op member Tom Myall says that although the council says there is no threat from the regeneration, they have, as yet, no written guarantees.
"Unless there is an element of compulsion on the developer we are in danger," he told the Morecambe Visitor.

Controversial development plans for Lancaster?
Centros Miller were selected by the Council as preferred developer for the 10-acre (4-hectare) Canal Corridor North site earlier this year (see CM's April press release), which is principally owned by the council and Mitchell's Brewery. The proposed mixed-use development -- which will begin with a master-planning exercise that will involve extensive public consultation -- is intended to extend the city’s retail and leisure amenities. A new Debenhams department store is likely to be part of the proposals.
However, some the company's developments in other towns have caused much controversy, mirroring concerns that are beginning to be raised in Lancaster. In Bury St. Edmunds, Centros Miller employed media consultants, a public relations company and the local press to argue for their vision for the future of Bury St Edmunds and promote plans (read a February 2005 CM press release outlining those plans here) for their redevelopment of the Cattlemarket, which have now received planning permission from the local council. Opponents say the proposals will fundamentally ruin the character and lay-out of the town.
Although CM says an independent poll found that the majority of locals support the development, opposition group Knights of St. Edmunds argue Bury St Edmunds has overwhelmingly rejected the plans on the three separate occasions. At a heated council meeting in November 2004, campaigners won the right for a local vote on
the Council’s plans for the town. When votes were cast in early December, an overwhelming 82 per cent of residents rejected the plans. But the Conservative Council took a
different view, according to research by the New Economics Foundation (PDF document). "We think the silent majority wants the project to go ahead," said one official. (There appears to be a long history of CM getting what it wants despite local opposition: in 1998, CM got permission to develop a four storey retail and residential development from Greenwich Council despite local outrage – and the fact that planning permission for the Cutty Sark Docklands Light Railway Station had also being granted to another developer MAB Ltd (see news story from the Borehamwood Times). However, I have been unable to discover, so far, if building work finally went ahead, so if anyone knows, please get in touch).
The Knights of St. Edmund are now so angry that Centros Miller has been given the go ahead for the development, they plan to unleash the curse of St. Edmund on the company with a public and formal cursing ceremony on 20 November, to once again summon the avenging saint and dread King to smite the town's enemies.
The campaigners say invoking an ancient curse is far from extreme in the face of CM's plans. "This development will blight the lives of thousands of Bury St Edmunds people," opponent Alan Murdie told the Daily Telegraph. "It will condemn the elderly to spend their twilight years shuffling round a soulless 'shopping hangar' terrorised by youths in hooded tops and the other things that afflict these developments."
(Bury St. Edmunds has a long history of opposing unwelcome re-development: in 1828 townspeople apparently rioted when cattle market was moved from the town centre).
There have been problems with some of Centros Miller's other developments: the final design for Wheavers Wharf in Kiderminster left many disabled people with no means to get out of some car parks, according to a local news report in the Shuttle/Times, prompting the managing director of Highstone Estates, which owns the £60 million development to admit a mistake had been made building the complex.
• Read Virtual-Lancaster's earlier feature on development plans for Mitchells Brewery and Kingsway
• Read the New Economics Foundation's document, "Clone Town Britain" (PDF format)

NO FUTURE FOR NIGHTINGALE FARM?
4/11/05: Locals will have a chance to discuss the future of Lancaster's long controversial Nightingale Hall Farm rendering plant later this month. A major fire has thrown up many questions about the future of the Fats and Proteins premises.
The fire which has wrecked much of the plant was so bad an Operation Merlin (chemical fire) was declared on Monday morning and council officers assisted emergency services in dealing with the problems caused by the blaze. As thick black smoke billowed from the burning plant, Environmental Health officers gave advice about the smoke emissions and Police asked residents -- including the Ridge Estate -- to stay indoors and close windows. Christchurch School was closed to children for staff training. Pupils at Central Lancaster High were also kept indoors and where parents could be contacted (in the majority of cases) they were sent home.
Nightingale Hall Farm has brought misery to local residents for years because of the smells caused by rendering of animals.
Following the fire, the council says it's unlikely that the plant will be back in production for several months. Arrangements have been made to transport unprocessed animal material to other rendering plants.
Nightingale Hall Farm's owners were in process of applying for a new licence under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control regulations, which will replace the current authorisation under the Environmental Protection Act. That application has not yet been determined, so City Council leader Ian Barker -- who has long campaigned for the plant's closure -- has asked council officers for an urgent update on how this major fire affects the application.
Local councillor John Whitelegg also wants to see the Farm closed. "The plant has to go and we have to start looking at ways to get it moved," he said. "I've written to the Deputy Prime Minister and asked him to prepare a plan to move the plant."
But rumours are circulating that the company is planning a major expansion despite the fire. Virtual-Lancaster has received as yet unconfirmed reports that that Fats ands Proteins have bought the 100 acres of land that has come up for sale around the Young Offenders prison.
Locals will get the opportunity to air their views at a meeting in the Gregson at 7.30pm on the 28th November to discuss NHF matters.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOURPUSS!
4/11/05 by Perksy: This Saturday, 5 November, the promoters and breaks outfit SOURPUSS are celebrating their 5th birthday with a great big party at Bentham Town Hall, that well loved venue for those of us who love our dance music. Even if it is in Yorkshire.
The night starts at 8pm upstairs with DJ Magra and Rob da Pensioner , followed at 9.00pm by Nick Dent (of Tangled/breaks), then from 10 til 12 our three lads who make up Sourpuss, otherwise known as Cheeky Munky, Mr Ed,and Grum, with their vocalist Miss Bels alongside. Finally the lovely Koma & Bones will be delighting the crowd until 2.00am with some surprises and their usual sheer brilliance. TCR, the record label host to Koma & Bones, is also celebrating their 100th release, which is Rennie Pilgrem's new album, breaks fans. (see Perksy Jobsworth's past interview in the VL archive)
As if this wasn't enough, there's all sorts going on in the other room, courtesy of the OHANA sound system, noted for their free parties near Manchester ­ in fact, Sourpuss hope the whole event is characterised by the positive attitude and warm spirit of the free party scene. Sourpuss and Perksy say: Its ok to be nice!
Ohana are joined by J Don, and the room's music policy is wide ranging ­ funked up dub, reggae, and jungle. There will be full décor in both rooms, and a soft drinks bar ­ BYOB, and keep it tidy, people!
Sounds like an evening from heaven. I'll be there, representing Virtual-Lancasterand having a great time ­ read all about it here next week, featuring an interview with Cheeky Munky and Mr Ed, talking about technical stuff for you geeks out there, also quality tropical ailments, and a heated argument about Pendulum.
The message from the boys is simple: "Enjoy the s*** outta yourselves! We've made sure it'll be an excellent evening!"

TAN HILL CONSULTATION
4/11/05: Would you like to see Skerton's Tan Hill Allotment site developed as community allotments again? Would you be interested in having a plot or maybe in managing the site as part of an Allotment Association?
There will be an event at Skerton Learning Centre on Mainway, next to the Skerton Primary School on Tuesday 15th November at 7pm. There will be light refreshments provided.
Joy Grayson, Environmental Co-ordinator at Lancaster City Council said: "Nothing has been decided yet, as we would like to hear the views and concerns of the local community first. If you have any old photographs of the allotments, when they were in use, please bring these along too."
Skerton Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Olive Bradley said the feedback she had received form residents was favourable and was looking forward to a positive response at the meeting.
She said: 'A lot of people have mentioned the allotments to me in the past and it would be nice to see them in use again.''
For more information, contact Joy Grayson, Environmental Co-ordinator at Lancaster City Council on 01524 582061.

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