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Allerdale Community Column

Rebecca Wilkinson

Rebecca Wilkinson

Posted on 21 September 2018

Each week we publish a column in the Times & Star about what's been going on in Allerdale's communities. This week we're talking about Beach Cleans, local events and our annual canvass.

Keeping our beaches clean

This week a fantastic bunch of volunteers joined a community beach clean at Harrington shore to clear the area of plastic and other items that had been disposed of incorrectly. 

The clean-up was organised by the Workington Nature Partnership as part of the Marine Conservation Society’s Great British Beach Clean, which took place from 14 September until 17 September. The campaign sees thousands of volunteers clean up beaches across the UK and collect data to help continue to improve the safety of our beaches.

Allerdale plays host to a number of beaches along its beautiful coastline, and Allerdale Borough Council is currently working with LOVEmyBEACH to highlight the dangers of palm oil to dogs, which has been found on a number of local beaches in recent months. 

Residents and visitors can now report palm oil to the Council through its free myAllerdale app or via its website

Palm oil is a type of oil derived from palm trees which is used in cooking, soap and biofuels and is harmless to humans, however it can be fatal to dogs if eaten. Unfortunately dogs are attracted to the smell, so pet owners are advised to remain vigilant if walking their dog on the coast when a warning is in place, especially around tidelines. 

A fact sheet has been produced with full details of what palm oil is, why it is dangerous and what action should be taken if you spot it can be found here.

Music and Laughter comes to Allerdale

Workington will come to life with live music and comedy this Saturday as the town’s first ever Music and Laughter Festival takes place. Organised by Allerdale Borough Council in partnership with Maryport Blues Festival Ltd, a range of comedians will bring the laughs from 2pm until 11pm. There will also be performances from a range of popular local bands, plus music tribute acts including Abba, Kylie and Meatloaf. 

The free event will be held in a number of pubs including Henry’s, The Ship, The Well, Yankees, Paudas, Chasers, The Miners, Gaslight, The Bluebell, Soul Suite, Red House and Dukes.

Councillor Mark Fryer, Executive Member for economic growth, said: “This is an event with a difference and there will be plenty going on, so make sure you get yourself down for some great performances. As well as creating an event for everyone to enjoy, we also want to help give a boost to the town’s night time economy, so it’s great to see so many local businesses on board. I hope to see people from far and wide come along for a good laugh.”

There is no need to book a ticket and entry to all venues and performances are free. A full schedule of events can be found at www.visitallerdale.co.uk/whats-on

The laughs will continue as the ever popular Taste Cumbria Food Festival returns to Cockermouth from 28th until 30th September, which kicks off with its annual Comedy Night at the Kirkgate Arts Centre on the Friday night from 8pm. 

The weekend will consist of food stalls from local producers, cooking demonstrations and masterclasses with some of Cumbria’s best chefs, a secret gin garden and a beer festival courtesy of Tractor Shed Brewing and Jennings. 

For more information on the event, visit www.tastecumbria.co.uk .  

Annual canvass reminder

“Don’t lose your voice at the next election. If you haven’t returned your canvass form, then do so now to ensure your details on the electoral register are correct.”

That’s the message from Allerdale Borough Council which is currently updating the register.

With local borough elections taking place in Allerdale in May 2019, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.
The form ensures that Allerdale Borough Council can keep the electoral register up to date and identify any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so. This will mean that residents will be able take part in any future elections.

Cllr Joan Ellis, Executive member with responsibility for governance, said: “This year is 100 years since women first got the right to vote. This should act as a timely reminder to everyone of the importance of voting and being on the electoral register. If you haven’t returned your form, please do so now.”

The Council will be visiting any address where a form is not returned over the coming weeks.

People who have moved address recently are particularly encouraged to keep an eye out for the form and check the details. Research by the independent Electoral Commission indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those that have lived at the same address for a long time. Across Great Britain, 94% of people who have been at their property for more than sixteen years will be registered, compared to 40% of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.

If you are not registered to vote at all, go to: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact the council for a form.

Any residents who have any questions can contact the elections team at Allerdale Borough Council on 01900 702 550.