Phone line warning by council
A RETIRED performer has made it her mission to bring GCSE dance back.
Claire Lloyd, principal of Base Dance Academy, is offering the qualification from her dance school in Ormskirk after noticing a growing demand for the course.
She said that schools were no longer offering dance classes and that as a result colleges have not been getting the intake they want for further learning in the subject.
Mrs Lloyd said: “I’ve been looking into it the past year.
“People want to get on dance courses in the colleges, they have dance skills but they don’t have the theory needed. The arts are suffering.
“Only three schools in the area offer the course but you have to travel outside Ormskirk for them. The kids really want it, I’ve been asked to start doing the course for the past two years.”
Currently schools offer a dance element in GCSE PE courses, which Mrs Lloyd said is a “poor substitute”.
The dance GCSE is open to all ages with no experience needed. Classes are due to start in September and will be taught over one evening a week for two hours. Aspiring dancers would receive their qualification after two years.
Mrs Lloyd added: “I’ve been dancing for over 30 years and have dance change over that time. Creative arts seem to be disappearing, for me its a mission to bring it back.”
PEOPLE who need to contact West Lancashire Borough Council’s emergency outof-hours phoneline on Saturday, September 16 are being advised they may experience some disruption.
The main council number 01695 577177 is available to the public out of office hours for emergencies only.
Essential maintenance is being carried out at the council offices in Derby Street, Ormskirk, on Saturday, September 16 and the phone line may be out of action for short periods.
Normal service will resume when works are completed, and the council expects works to be finished on Saturday, September 16 .
Any updates regarding the potential disruption that become available to the council prior to Saturday, November 16 will be posted on the website www.westlancs.gov.uk.
In case of emergencies involving fire, ambulance and police please call 999.
If your call is of an urgent nature the following telephone numbers may be useful:
Police non-emergency number: 101.
Fire non–emergency number: Ormskirk Fire Station – 01695 572223; Skelmersdale Fire Station – 01695 723853.
Health non-emergency number: 111.
Lancashire County Council: 0300 123 6701.
Environment Agency: 0378 506 506.
National 0800 111999.
United Utilities: 0345 672 3723.
Power cut: Call Electricity North West on 105.
Out-of-hours homelessness emergency line: 0845 371 0898.
Council leader Cllr Ian Moran said: “The council apologises for any disruption caused due to the essential maintenance and thanks you in advance for your patience.”
Many borough council services can be accessed online 24 hours a day, seven days a week by visiting www.westlancs.gov. uk. Grid Gas: