Lancaster City Council Officer Profiles
Lancaster City Council has a number of different functions and roles within the district.
We asked staff from across the council to tell us a little about their jobs and the difference they make to the lives of the community.
Port Health Officers
The city council's port health officers are responsible for enforcing legislation put in place by the World Health Organisation, European Union, and the UK Government at the district's two ports, Glasson Dock and Heysham.
The main aim is to prevent dangerous infectious diseases entering the country.
Not for the faint hearted, the job includes crawling through dark and cramped corridors searching out for signs of vermin, insects or mosquitoes (which carry malaria).
Animals and birds onboard vessels are also checked to prevent rabies, cargoes are checked to make sure they do not contain restricted products and crews are given health advice.
Gardener/Arboriculturist
The Lancaster district is blessed with beautiful trees, which enhance our environment.
Unfortunately, sometimes, these trees can prove to be problematic, especially when they have been damaged by stormy weather.
Their job is to make sure that the trees across the district, whether on your street or in the local park, are safe and don't become a hazard.
This means taking away dead branches, pruning branches away from houses and freeing phone lines caught up on branches.
Assistant Licensing Officer
What do tattooists, pet shops, bingo halls, late night takeaways, boarding kennels and amusement arcades all have in common?
Just as with taxis and pubs, they all need licences to operate from Lancaster City Council.
One of the council's regulatory functions, the licensing section is based at Palatine Hall in Dalton Square in Lancaster. It deals with a variety of licences, following laws set down by central Government.
"The majority of the licences we deal with are for taxis and premises selling alcohol and late night refreshment," Stewart explained.
"But we also deal with a range of other licences for businesses and activities that the Government has decided need special regulation."
Festival Market Manager
Morecambe's Festival Market is one of the district's success stories. Opened in 1996, it continues to go from strength to strength and currently boasts 108 stalls and shops.
On top of the local people who use the market, it also attracts visitors from everywhere. This year alone more than 200 coaches, carrying 7,000 visitors, have been to the market to pick up some "bargains by the sea".
Tracey's job entails making sure the market, which is open four days a week, runs smoothly.
"I love my job because it gives me the opportunity to provide the people of the local area and those from further afield with a traditional market, which is a haven of competitively priced goods sold by well established traders who care about their customers."
Tenant Support Officer
With more than 3,800 council homes, Lancaster City Council is the district's largest landlord.
Juliet provides opportunities for tenants to get involved in a number of ways including:
- setting up a Tenants and Residents Association
- the District Wide Tenants Forum, which is attended by tenants, senior council officers, and councillors.
- helping to produce Impact, the independent publication of tenants and residents, twice a year
- checking all new housing information that goes out to the public.
"I am passionate about helping to ensure that tenants have a say in our service," explained Juliet.
"By getting involved our tenants are helping the council provide a better service because it means we can target our resources where they are needed most."
Refuse collector
As one of Lancaster City Council's army of refuse collectors, Peter Jowett is right at the sharp end when it comes to providing services to the public.
One of the longest serving employees in the council, Peter has 'been there, done that' when it comes to refuse collection (including one particularly smelly job when he helped remove a decomposing sheep from the beach in Morecambe).
Much of his current role involves the collection of recyclables, helping to boost the district's recycling rate.
Despite the smell and the dirt, it's a job which Peter is happy to do: "It’s a smelly job at times but it's one I enjoy because of the people I meet doing it." "It's nice to know I'm helping the community and doing a worthwhile job." "We don’t often get a thank you, but when we do they brighten up our day."
Civil Contingencies Officer
We all know that the fire brigade, police and ambulance service all have major roles to play in the event of an incident or emergency.
But did you know that Lancaster City Council can also have a role to play?
The council's Civil Contingencies department plays a lead role in ensuring the Lancaster district has plans in place and is prepared for emergencies such as flooding, flu pandemics, pollution and chemical incidents.
In addition, the council operates a Duty Emergency Incident Officer scheme, whereby a trained officer is available 24/7 all year round to respond to requests from the 'blue light' services (police, fire brigade and ambulance) for support at incidents.
Salt Ayre Sports Centre
Ben France has worked for the city council for four years and is the manager of the Reflexions health and fitness suite at Salt Ayre Sports Centre.
It is part of the city council's commitment to encouraging people to live healthy and active lifestyles.
Ben said: "Exercise and nutrition can have a profound effect on people's health and well-being. We have a great facility at Salt Ayre and such a wide range of activities available that I feel we can offer something to almost everyone."
Consultation Officer
Lancaster City Council is committed to ensuring the community has a voice and plays an active role in helping the city council shape its services.
That's why we employ a consultation officer to help make sure we take the views of the community into account when making our decisions.
We have just published our annual consultation plan, which has details of what we intend to consult upon in the coming year.
You can view it now on our website at www.lancaster.gov.uk/consultation, where you can also register to take part in future consultations.
"I am very passionate about giving people the opportunity to have their say," Jennifer explained.
"By getting involved people can help to ensure they get good services and can influence the council's decisions."
For more information on how to get involved visit contact Jennifer by emailing jwilliams@lancaster.gov.uk or telephone 01524 582268.
