Thornton Action Group AGM 12th January 2011

Chairman’s Report

As one of the residential groups which make up the Protect Wyre Group, we were delighted when the LCC Development Committee rejected the 3rd application for gas storage by Canatxx. PWG had worked hard in encouraging residents to send in their objections and submitted an 80 page document to the LCC. PWG Chair, Ian Mulroy, gave a 30 minute address to the Development Committee at its decisive meeting in January.

The issue has not gone away because Canatxx who now call themselves Halite Energy, intend to submit a fourth application, but this time directly to the IPC, in late spring. We are yet to see the details of this proposal.

Developments within the area of Thornton given approval by the Area Action Plan, are moving forward with the first sod cut for the new housing on the Power Station site and the passing of the plans for the Local Centre at Bourne Hall. These developments will provide funds for sustainable transport measures and local road improvements, but not for the A 585.

Very shortly we will be involved in the consultation on the Local Development Framework. Separate plans are being drawn up for each of the Wyre neighbourhoods (Thornton being one) and consultation will be based on these neighbourhoods with a local WBC Councillor acting as a planning ambassador for each.

An important element of the LDF is the recreational space. Here the recently published Open Space Audit by WBC could prove to be valuable.

The bridge strengthening on Amounderness Way went on for 6 months (Jan-July) instead of the 3 months envisaged originally. During this time, many HGVs avoided the hold ups by using Skippool Road and then Lawsons Road and Trunnah Road much to the concern of residents. Meetings with Lancashire Highways resulted in advisory signs on Skippool Road and Lamb’s Hill. The police were involved on Lawsons-Trunnah where a weight restriction was already in place and being ignored.

During the year TAG helped to carry out two Clean Sweep operations with the WBC and other agencies. Great efforts made by members resulted in Thornton being awarded a silver-gilt award in the North West in Bloom competition. TAG is keen to support Mellonie in the work she does to make Thornton a better place in which to live.

Objections were raised with WBC concerning the closure of the CAB in Wyre following the withdrawal of WBC’s grant.

TAG has organised the Christmas Lights in Thornton – this time for the fifth year – and we have extended into north Thornton by putting lights on a tree outside the Medical Centre. I thank everyone who helped on the sub-committee and collecting donations for their efforts.

We continue to work with Wyre Borough and County Councillors and our two MPs – Ben Wallace and Paul Maynard. We were able to keep Paul abreast of TAG’s concerns when we had an informal meeting in November.

I would like to pay tribute to everyone in TAG who has given their time and energy to all these activities –Peter Tarrant in his first year as Secretary, Mona Whelan our Vice-Chair, Henry Bee as Treasurer and Brian Whelan for updating our web site, which is an important shop window for our activities.

The culmination of nine years working for Thornton, resulted in TAG being awarded the Best Community Group in Wyre at the Wyre Together Awards in December. TAG is recognised for the part it plays in the community, a role which I foresee being further needed and strengthened in the coming years.

Howard Phillips Chair