Farm Tour

I recently accompanied the Leader of Fylde Borough Council, John Coombes on a tour of farms in the Fylde. Michael Tomlinson of Keep the Fylde Farming helped to set up the tour. We talked to many farmers and members of associated businesses about the issues faced by our rural communities. These dedicated men and women love the Fylde and they love farming, but they are facing very serious challenges. One thing that can be done right now is to encourage all of Fylde's business people to come together around the table to work together to improve Fylde's long term economic viability. Networking can build local contacts which, in turn, may help farmers to promote their produce. We would also like to help farmers identify available funding streams, of which they might not currently be aware.

I sit on the Enterprise and Employment Theme Group of the Local Strategic Partnership, and the rural economy is one of our main concerns. I will be sharing everything that I learned on the Farm Tour with the Theme Group to see where we might be able to further assist our local farmers and Fylde's related industries.

Where Are All The Trees Going?

I have received a great many letters and e-mails recently about trees. It seems that Lancashire County Council is removing them from many neighbourhoods, and then not re-planting with new specimens. When a resident complains, they don't get a new tree; they get tarmac instead. At a time when we are all so conscious of our carbon footprint, isn't it sad that instead of seeing more trees we are losing those we have. I have been speaking to Lancashire County Council about this, and can only hope that my arguments will make a difference. I will keep trying, I assure you.

Friends of Lowther Pavilion

Recently I have been working with a new group, The Friends of Lowther Pavilion. This group is dedicated to raising funds for the improvement of the facilities at Lowther Pavilion, and as an organisation of members to help out at the Pavilion in any way that is needed. I want to insure that the Lowther Pavilion has a bright future, and I think that this Friends Group will be a wonderful way to help make this possible. If you are interested in being a part of Friends of Lowther Pavilion, please let me know at my e-mail address: cllr.fwilson@fylde.gov.uk