I am concentrating in this edition on the issue of vandalism and graffiti.  Whilst we do not suffer from this problem to the same extent as other towns and parishes, it remains a significant problem, and since the damage is usually repaired by the Parish Lengthsman, there is a not insignificant cost which eventually has to be met from the Parish Precept.  It is therefore in the interest of all residents to report such incidents, if seen, so that we, together with the local police, can recover the costs from the offenders concerned.  A typical incident, such as the damage done to the fence at the playing fields, can cost between £200 and £300 to repair.  May I also remind young people using the youth shelter, that whilst it is acceptable to have graffiti on the inside of the shelter, the same does not apply to the outside.

Councillor Gurth Wilson

Chairman to Catterall Parish Council

The Parish Council has a vacancy. If you are interested in the decisions made in your parish and would seek to be part of those decisions, please contact the Clerk on 01995 600689 or one of the Councillors listed on the back page.

Closing date is Monday 6^th March, 2006.

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Catterall Gala will be held on Saturday 3^rd June, 2006 with the procession leaving the Village Hall at 1.30 pm. This event is always well attended and residents enjoy the activities provided on the day. However, there is a lot of work in preparing for the big day and help is always accepted. If you can spare the time and wish to contribute please ring Kath on 01995 604315 or Mark on 01995 609575

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For any person in charge of a dog to allow the dog to foul the footway of any highway or any public place or a grass verge adjacent to the road.

To allow a dog to be on the road unless that dog is on a lead and under proper control.

To allow dogs to foul on the grounds of the local Playing Field and Play Areas.

For a dog to be in a public place and not wearing a collar and tag giving the name and address of the owner.

There are responsible dog owners who take their animal’s excrement home or use the many dog pooh bins in the Village. However, there are owners who use litter bins to deposit dog pooh. This habit causes an unhealthy stench, noted by those who walk past the bin and, as some are located next to bus stops, this is also most unpleasant for them.

Please use the dog pooh bins provided;

Catterall Playing Field,

Village Hall car park,

Stones Lane

or TAKE IT HOME!!

Cock Robin Pre-school is happy to report the success of its latest ventures. The Under-5’s Group, which meets on Tuesday afternoons from 1.30 – 3.00 pm, has been hugely popular and been praised by many carers for the quality of toys, range of activities and very friendly atmosphere. There is a minimal charge of £1.00 per child and anyone interested in joining will be made very welcome. The Group will be open during the half term holiday.

Which meets on Wednesday afternoons from 1.15 – 2.00 pm, has become a hit with the children who attend. Two experienced staff co-ordinate a fun-filled session with 3-5 year old children and present a well planned introduction to early music. The adults seem to have as much fun as the children! Puppets, movement, singing, instruments, rhythm and a lot of laughter make the session’s fantastic fun and value for money at only £3 per child. There is limited number of places still available and names are already being taken for September! If you would like to book a place please speak to Brenda on 01995 603807.

Cock Robin Pre-school is very grateful for the funding received from Garstang and District Partnership which has enabled it to set up these community groups.

The Pre-school would like to thank the local community for its response to our Bag2School appeal; we raised £276 and will be distributing bags again in May. If anyone has any clothing, bags, shoes etc. we would appreciate them being saved for our next collection.

A photographer will be visiting Catterall Village Hall on Saturday 4^th March and anyone is welcome to book a session for a studio style set of prints. Prices start from £25. Please ring Sheena Ball on 01995 600148 for a booking time.

At Christmas playgroup bid a sad farewell to Jo Bradbury when she left to have a baby; her enthusiasm, constant smile and friendliness will be greatly missed. We were very lucky however to find a fantastic replacement in Mary McGowan who not only has an excellent range of qualifications but is already proving very popular with children, staff and parents.

We are grateful that Cynthia Ciggers has joined us as a volunteer helper and are delighted that she is also proving to be an asset to the Group.

We are pleased to report that Cock Robin Pre-school is continuing to attract children from a wide area and will once again be feeding a range of primary schools this year. Names are being taken for September and a few places are available for the rest of this year. Children can begin at the age of two and do not need to be potty trained.

If anyone is interested on any of the above places contact Brenda Challioner on 01995 603807

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The charity will, once again, be acting as hosts to a party of 17 children from Belarus, who arrive on Monday June 5th for four weeks.  This group will include 7 children actually staying in the Parish.  We still need someone to act as a host family for a male interpreter who will accompany the children. 

If you can help in any way, please contact Gurth and Val Wilson (Tel: 01995 604035).

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Catterall Parish Council has joined with Pilling and Kirkland Parish Councils to form a Partnership to discuss matters common to all the Parishes and to form a closer working relationship for the mutual benefit of all. The Partnership is currently discussing the possible appointment of a paid youth worker to serve all three areas. More news in future editions.

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The Parish Council is pleased to announce that CCTV has been installed on Catterall Playing Field. The camera will watch over the field, the Youth Shelter, the Village Hall, car park and skate ramp.

Under the Data Protection Act the Parish Council has taken steps to prevent any observation of private property. Should residents have queries on the system or the extents of the vision of the camera please call at the Parish Office in the Village Hall.

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The Parish Council has received the final plans for the improvements to the A6 from New Lane to Kepple Lane. The plans include the strengthening of the line markings with red highlighting to turning lanes, a cycle track constructed in the grass verge opposite Rogers Garage, Claughton, and a dedicated turning lane for Watson’s Garage, Churchtown.

Plans are available for viewing at the Parish Office.

The Parish Council wishes to congratulate Kirkland and Catterall St. Helen's Primary School on their recent Ofsted achievement.

P C Murphy holds his PACT meetings on the first Monday of the month at Catterall Village Hall from 7.00 pm. Residents are encouraged to attend to report problems or concerns they have with in the Village.

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The Parish Council is intending to consult residents on the future development of the Village Hall. This will include asking you opinions on the type of new facilities you might like to see as well as the running of the new Multi Use Games Area. Questionnaires are likely to be distributes in April.

Catterall Parish Council has an office in the Village Hall, Garstang Road and this is open to residents. Following the closure of the Wyre Borough Council office in Garstang Community Centre, residents are welcome to visit the Village Hall and look at planning applications in Catterall. You are equally welcome to raise any concerns or comments you have about the Village. The minutes of Parish Council meetings are also available for inspection if required.

1, Stone Cross Gardens, Catterall. PR3 1YQ Tel. 604035

51, Meadowcroft Avenue, Catterall. PR3 1ZH Tel. 602260

Castle Close, Castle Lane, Barnacre-with-Bonds PR3 1YQ Tel. 605729

‘Brighouse’, Stones Lane, Catterall. PR3 0HA Tel. 604415

‘Avonlea’, Garstang Road, Catterall. PR3 0HD Tel. 603741

30, Duckworth Drive, Catterall. PR3 1YS Tel. 604588

31, Boyes Avenue, Catterall. PR3 0HB Tel. 603763

7, Hollies Close, Catterall. PR3 0LR Tel. 604700

2, Ashfield Rise, Claughton. PR3 1XN Tel. 604315

33, Boyes Avenue, Catterall. PR3 0HB Tel. 603763

1, Stone Cross Gardens, Catterall. Tel. 604035

C/o Constituency Office, No. 8, Kings Arcade,

Middle Street, Lancaster LA1 1LE Tel: 01524 32027