I welcome the “Common sense” decision by the Standards Board of England Panel which has thrown out the allegation of ‘bullying/lack of respect’  by Fylde BC Chief Executive, Phil Woodward against former council leader Paul Hayhurst. 

The basis of the allegation stemmed from Fylde BC’s loss of £1.2million in the previous financial year when Cllr. Hayhurst suggested that those responsible for the loss and failure to identify major financial problems for over 9 months should consider their positions and resign. In fact I moved a motion of “No Confidence” in three Conservative cabinet members at the same meeting, held at Fylde Rugby Club, which Cllr. Hayhurst duly seconded. 

After being cleared of the allegations, Cllr. Hayhurst said  “I am delighted with the result. It is a boost for common sense and allows me to continue to say what people are thinking and represent my electorate.”

Local residents and visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the Fylde’s sand dunes.  The Lancashire Wildlife Trust are organising two specially organised events as part of the Wetlands Walking Festival.   People taking part will be able to learn about:-

• the importance of the sand dunes in St Anne’s
• how they ware formed
• what wildlife lives on them and  
•  how they are being protected.  

If you wish to take part meet at North Beach Car park at 10am on Feb 18th or 2pm on Feb 25th   Booking is essential and can be done through 07595 233424  A full list of similar walks in the north west can be obtained from www.merseybasin.org.uk

The first edition of Fylde Matters has just been released. It contains news, helpful information for residents and visitors and a useful What’s On Guide.

This is a new publication in which Fylde Borough Council tells residents about all the good news and explains the background to some of the bad. It promises not to put a ‘sugar coating’ on things – I’ll let residents decide on that.

The paper is free if you wish download it from the council’s website, and,  to reduce costs only a small number of copies will be available in printed format.

Fylde Matters is an electronic newspaper and will be published quarterly. Email alerts will automatically be sent out to those who choose to subscribe. Click here to download your copy.