11:19am Wednesday 26th September 2007
By Lindsay Hoyle
The concept for a dedicated sporting village in Chorley has received widespread support from sporting and community groups throughout the borough.
Further support has also been expressed from other bodies such as Lancashire Sport and the North West Development Agency.
The report conducted by Strategic Leisure into the feasibility of the sports village highlights this level of support and the lack of provision of sporting facilities within our local area.
The report also looks at estimated costs which are projected at £10m to construct such a facility and £300,000 annual running costs.
Funds are available through the Football Foundation, the North West Development Agency, and UK Athletics for such developments.
In addition, by following other examples of similar developments, commercial and leisure and recreation provision can be provided which would provide income to offset such costs.
The people of Chorley are poorly served by sporting facilities and it only acts as a barrier, particularly to youngsters, if they can't access the necessary facilities and coaching they need to enhance their sporting potential.
Chorley already boasts some local sporting heroes. How much better could we do with a local sporting village?
I am sure that with some imagination and vision this concept could be turned into a reality.
If the council has the will and courage to take this forward it could make a real difference to the local community.
I was delighted to officially open the new premises for NSG Environmental. The company has moved to Buckshaw Village and specialises in nuclear decommissioning and waste management operations.
NSG have been leaders in this field for many years and moving operations to their new building, Scientia House, has allowed them to expand for future business operations.
Before the opening took place, guests were invited to look at the different machinery and methods they have developed to facilitate decommissioning which is hugely important if we are to safely decommission former nuclear plants and take care of radioactive waste.
The Government has announced that a new carers strategy will be launched next spring.
The strategy will focus on measures such as the annual carers' grant to every local authority, the right of carers to request flexible working, enhanced pension rights for some carers, the planned national helpline and expert carers' programme.
In developing this strategy, the Government is embarking on a far-reaching consultation with carers and their representative organisations.
This process is being undertaken in partnership with Carers UK, the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Crossroads, the Children's Society and other relevant organisations.
It will include a major event in every English region during September and local meetings organised by carer's projects.
Further details can be found on the website via the link below, by typing New Deals for Carers in the search bar.
I believe that carers have a right to expect an NHS and social care system which is on their side and support to ensure that they have a life of their own alongside their caring responsibilities.
It is essential that the new carers strategy is shaped by the experiences and aspirations of carers themselves.
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