I know that many are worried about the dead fish recently seen in Fairhaven Lake and other watercourses. I am assured that this is unrelated to any sewage discharges and is a nationwide issue, the result of the recent hot weather. I have been speaking with the Environment Agency and Lancashire Fire and Rescue about their work to support Fylde Borough Council in re-oxygenating Fairhaven Lake by circulating the water and pumping in cooler fresh water. These conversations also gave me the chance to again raise the recent flooding issues we have seen and the need for substantive progress in resolving these.
Earlier in the week I was in Parliament and spoke in Prime Minister’s Questions, raising the economic, environmental, and geo-political case for the nuclear industry, a sector that brings such significant investment and employment to Fylde and the wider North West. I thanked the Prime Minister for his support for the industry but urged him to commit to ensuring that the pipeline of new nuclear projects is powered by Springfields manufactured fuel, safeguarding existing jobs and skills at the site while creating high-skilled & well-paid job opportunities for young people in Fylde.
Lytham Club Day was, as ever, a fantastic occasion. With the weather playing its part, I was proud to join Fylde Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Cllrs Cheryll Little and Peter Anthony, in the parade and soak up the atmosphere created by those in attendance. As is tradition, Lytham selected its new Rose Queen, Phoebe, and I want to wish her and her retinue all the best for the coming year following her coronation and the Sunday service at St Peter’s Church.
These occasions do not happen overnight and are only possible thanks to the efforts of volunteers, community groups and businesses; my thanks to who all contributed towards a wonderful parade and the weekend of events at Lytham Hall.
Small local business has always been a real passion for me, and what better way to spend the weekend than welcoming two brilliant new businesses to St Annes. On Friday I visited the newly opened Jai Lounge on St George’s Road, a coffee lounge and restaurant whose modern take on traditional curries and Indian street food offers something for everyone.
Following Club Day, the party atmosphere continued in St Annes as I cut the ribbon to mark the opening of Barrumba, a new wine and cocktail bar on Wood Street. It was great to chat with Erdal and Selvan about all their work behind the scenes to revamp the premises and, as guests enjoyed live music and dancing into the Saturday evening sunshine, it was evident what a fantastic addition the bar is to St Annes’ night-time scene.