Wyre Borough Council met on 11 September 2025, and councillors discussed a range of issues including concerns about the Jameson Road landfill site, updates on local government reorganisation, and the progress of various initiatives funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund¹. The council also noted reports from cabinet members and lead members on topics such as climate change and mental health.

Jameson Road Landfill

Councillors discussed ongoing concerns about odour issues and potential land contamination related to the Jameson Road landfill site, with Councillor Roger Berry, Deputy Leader and Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety Portfolio Holder, responding to questions from Councillor Kevin Higginson regarding Bourne Ward. Councillor Rob Fail, Leader of the Opposition, stressed the importance of the council objecting to the planning application for a proposed incinerator at the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone.

Councillor Berry also addressed questions about the recent Life in Wyre survey results and their connection to concerns about the Jameson Road landfill site, the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone, climate change, and potential land contamination.

Councillor Michael Vincent, Leader of the Council, was absent, but his report included an update on the Jameson Road Landfill. The report noted that the council is continuing to work with the Environment Agency, Lancashire County Council, and the UK Health Security Agency to find a resolution to the odour issues. The council is using its powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to investigate the odours as a statutory nuisance, which could lead to an abatement notice being issued to Transwaste.

The report stated:

We continue to use our powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to investigate the odours from Jameson Road landfill as a statutory nuisance and this could result in the council issuing an abatement notice to Transwaste. To do this we must collect evidence to the standard required to satisfy the legal criteria for a statutory nuisance and for this we need the help of residents and businesses to complete diary sheets describing how the odour has impacted on the enjoyment of properties and gardens.

The council is encouraging residents and businesses to complete diary sheets to help collect evidence. The council's environmental team is also using a handheld 'Jerome' monitor to measure hydrogen sulphide levels. Specialist waste and minerals consultants have audited the landfill operations, and the council is awaiting their final report and recommendations.

Local Government Reorganisation

Councillor Vincent's report also provided an update on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and Combined County Authority updates. The council is continuing to develop proposals to meet the government's deadline of 28 November 2025. Wyre Council is working with other authorities to develop a proposal for a three-unitary Lancashire, while other councils are considering four and five-unitary models. Lancashire County Council is working on a two-unitary model.

All Lancashire authorities have collaborated on a county-wide resident survey to gather views on the future of local government. The results of the survey and feedback from stakeholders will be included in the proposals submitted to the government in November. A member working group has been established and has held its first meeting to receive a briefing on LGR.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

Councillor Peter Le Marinel, Planning Policy and Economic Development Portfolio Holder, provided an update on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). He noted the success of events such as Flakefest 25, Tram Sunday, and Wanderland, which were kickstarted by the arts and events programme for Wyre. The ongoing Cleveleys programme of events are utilising the recently pedestrianised Princess Road, funded by UKSPF.

A new pilot project delivering youth markets across Wyre has been awarded UKSPF and is set to launch in October. The Positive Futures project team is working with economically inactive residents and Lancashire County Council to support the engagement of Wyre's NEET (not in employment, education, or training) young people.

Wyre hosted its final UKSPF national evaluation workshop with Ipsos Mori on 22 July.

Street Scene, Parks and Open Spaces

Councillor Simon Bridge, Street Scene, Parks and Open Spaces Portfolio Holder, reported on several initiatives. A new Friends of Wyre Estuary group has been formed to focus on improvements at the Wyre Estuary Country Park and Rossall Point Tower and to explore external funding opportunities. The Wyre Estuary Country Park has retained Visit England's Quality Assured Visitor Attraction Accreditation.

Wyre has received five Green Flag Awards for its parks: Vicarage Park and Hawthorne Park in Poulton, Wyre Estuary Country Park in Thornton, and Memorial Park and The Mount in Fleetwood. Refurbishment of the children's play areas at Hawthorne Park have been completed.

The new green waste collection service commenced at the start of July, with over 23,000 properties subscribed in advance. Wyre was successful with a bid to the Coastal Fountain Fund for a water bottle refilling station to be located near the public conveniences at the Marine Hall.

Resources

Councillor Lesley McKay, Resources Portfolio Holder, reported that agreement has been reached on the 2025/26 pay award, effective from 1 April, which sees a 3.2% increase for all staff pay. The seventh round of the Household Support Fund (HSF) began in April 2025, and Wyre has now received the funding. Direct awards in the form of supermarket vouchers have been issued to households who receive Localised Council Tax Support (LCTS).

Climate Change

Councillor Sir Robert Atkins, Lead Member for Climate Change, submitted a report updating the council on the work conducted to reduce emissions in Wyre. The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plans document was endorsed on 12 September 2024. The council held four free tree giveaway days for Wyre residents at Wyre Estuary Country Park to launch the strategy.

The Helping Wyre Council prepare for the 'Simpler Recycling' rules Task Group was formed on 19 September 2024. In December 2024, the Climate Change Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee was briefed on the council's carbon footprint. On 12 June 2025, the group discussed issues surrounding the Leisure Procurement Strategy, requesting a further update at the December 2025 meeting.

Other Matters

• Councillor Lynne Bowen, Leisure, Health and Community Engagement Portfolio Holder, reported on the success of the Garstang Walking Festival and Wanderland 2025. She also noted the opening of the new Bike Repair Workshop at Marine Hall Gardens and the launch of the Fylde and Wyre Adult Social Care Prevention and Early Intervention Fund.
• Councillor Berry reported on the success of the Health and Housing Coordinator Service pilot and the Community Safety Partnership's efforts to provide diversionary activities for young people. He also mentioned the Wyre Beach Management scheme, which remains on budget and ahead of programme.