THE money problems of Lancaster and Morecambe? Lack of trust of the people in the local authorities? The crumbling buildings and businesses in the district? The solutions to these problems facing the new regime at the city council are easy - it's all a question of location and energy!

So says Russian feng shui expert Alexander (Sasha) Anichtchenko who has travelled from St Petersburg to Morecambe.

He made the journey to study from one of the leading Western experts in the 4,000 year old Chinese discipline, Derek Walters, who has just moved to the resort.

Sasha explains the nature of feng shui: "It's common sense really. It's about using elements of nature to bring your home, room, space or building into harmony with nature. It's al0so a fact of physics that energy doesn't just disappear - it moves. So you make a room or building compatible with nature and use the energy that's all around by doing certain things."

We persuaded Sasha to look at the most significant buildings and power centres in the area. Here's what he said:

The Midland Hotel

As soon as I saw and went in this building I knew there was a problem. It was only later that I knew there had been difficulties there but it didn't surprise me. There's one thing that would be so, so easy to solve but I know it is a private building and it would be rude to talk too much about it. All I will say is that the energy just goes right through it and it would be easy to solve. There are also problems with the position of the building but obviously that is too late to change."

The Ashton Memorial The man who had that memorial built still has power in this city beyond his grave. I'm sure the architect had some idea of feng shui basically I don't think it is about a memorial. It is saying, 'I'm still here and I still control this area.' It is in the most dominating of locations. It is interesting that they closed the main entrance. The energy and so the power goes through entrance. By shutting it off it's like the people are trying to lessen his power even now.

After being told Lord Ashton was never truly popular despite spending millions on the city Sasha said he should have lived there at the memorial. Because it has a dome shape that means it is of the metal element which is very strong. He would have been supported by everything below the hill including the people. Maybe he still would not have been popular but the man himself would have very powerful and not just because of his money. If it is true that he lived near his workers in a square, flat house that would mean he would never be popular. It sounds like his house is of the earth element. People want something above, something to look up to.

Lancaster Town Hall

Actually the statue (Victoria Statue in Dalton Square) controls the building and obviously represents the state and I don't think they will have fortune in this building unless the local government is in harmony with the national state. That's what that statue represents. This is not feng shui but I would say the two churches either side would also lend spiritual support. You say one of the churches is now a restaurant (The Sultan). Perhaps the problems started in this government when they lost one of the churches. I would still say it is a very powerful building in its own right. It's on a hill and has a large, imposing entrance so the energy and power will go into it. It's typical of many town government buildings and it's typical for a reason. They are making a statement here. It's also interesting that it was built with the money of this man Ashton and up that hill is the Memorial. The politicians here would always be reminded of him. It is about his power.

Lancaster Police Station

It is a powerful building but it is of the earth element from its shape and colour. It's not all about control but support because it is from the earth and is coming from the people. The big problem here is the entrance - it's on the wrong side. It has its back to the main entrance and so is wrong for the energy. It's not in the best condition and that, combined with mess, means bad energy. The look is bad and that's all part of feng shui as well. What's interesting is there is a church here. They both chose this spot and they both wanted to have this relationship of control with consent from the people.

The resort of Morecambe I am surprised it has such problems. It is in a good location facing the sea with support from hills and mountains behind and to the side of it. Being by the sea is also very good because the energy it creates is good for people. The local politicians must have made some mistakes somewhere.

The Citizen office

No major problems but you really should clear up this mess!

Sasha can help you in your home for a reasonable fee. If you want his help call 425753.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.