7019 Minutes: of a Special Meeting of the Arnside Parish Council, held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside, on Thursday 11th December 2003.

7020 Present: Chairman - Councillor D.M.(David) Willacy, Councillors P.E.(Ted) Casey, J.M.(Jean) Colwell, J.P.(John) Gallagher, K.(Ken) Hargreaves, R.J.(Ros) Hunt, T.(Terry) Keefe, P.A.(Peter) McSweeney, the Clerk - P.G.(Peter) Challenor, and one member of the public.

7021 Apologies for Absence: Councillors J.G.(Jack) Baker, C.J.(Chris) Murphy, M.P.(Pat) Pierce, the Treasurer - A.(Tony) Cookson.

7020 Parking of vehicles

At the invitation of the Traffic, Parking and Transport Group (APMG), Mr Geoff Ellis presented a report of recommendations prepared by the Group, in response to a request from the Council. The object the report is to present suggestions for ways of relieving traffic congestion, caused by cars parked on roadways, within the constraints of a County Council budget of £10,000, during the current financial year.

The report indicated that the constraints are such that the only practical approach is to recommend the provision of parking restrictions at locations of existing congestion. Specific recommendations supported by a sketch plan, presented to the Council, are:

1. Station Road

Double Yellow Lines along the north-easterly side of the road, from the point of entry to the foreshore to a point opposite the entrance to Saltcotes Hall.

Double Yellow Lines along the south-westerly side of the road (a) from a point opposite the access to the Railway Station to the point at which the pavement kerb is discontinued, (b) limited-time parking from the point opposite the Railway Station entrance to the Bus Stop (to act as a ‘drop-off’ parking facility only), (c) white lines and wording at the bus stop and farm-gate entrance to the field, and (d) two stretches of Double Yellow Lines, of sufficient length to create passing-places, in the length of the road between the point of access to the public footpath (across the field) to the point at which the existing yellow lines commence (near to Ashleigh Court).

2. Silverdale Road

Double Yellow Lines along the south-westerly side of the road from the junction with Redhills Road to the commencing of the existing yellow line near the entrance to Chapel Lane.

Double Yellow Lines along the north-easterly side of the road from the pedestrian access gate into “Braemar” to the point of the private vehicular access to the rear of the former Claremont Flats.

7021 Recommendations to be submitted to County Highways

RESOLVED that the recommendations of the Traffic, Parking and Transport Group, be endorsed by this Council, and that implementation be recommended.

RESOLVED that the section of Double Yellow Lines recommended for the easterly side of Silverdale Road be extended to include the length outside the former Claremont Flats, extending to the point where the road levels out, near “Sunnycote”. Also a white line be provided outside the entrance to Sunnycote.

RESOLVED that a further section of Double Yellow Lines be recommended for both sides of Silverdale Road, from the road entry into Spinney Lane, past the entrance to Stewart Close, to the boundary between no. 1 Stewart Close and the electricity substation.

RESOLVED that County Highways be asked to consider the provision of “Parking for Residents Only” notices in Stewart Close.

RESOLVED that County Highways be asked to quote the cost of implementing these recommendations and be advised that further recommendations are being considered, for implementation during the current financial year.

7022 AONB Draft Management Plan

A comprehensive draft response was presented by Councillor Keefe and the details were considered by Members. The contents of the document were unanimously endorsed, but there was also a comment that Carnforth Railway Station does not currently function as a Main Line Station and several other additional points were suggested.

Members expressed concern at the perceived cost of the document, having regard to the fact that it is still in draft form. It was also thought that there should be an Executive Summary, especially as there is considerable repetition in the main document.

RESOLVED that Councillor Keefe’s draft response be amended so as to include the additional comments, and then be submitted as the formal response of this Council.

7023 Update on the proposed Waste Water Transfer Scheme (United Utilities).

The Chairman advised the meeting that the Abbeyfield Society has been informed, by the agent for United Utilities, that work is now to commence in March 2004, and that this work includes the digging of a tank in the grounds of Ashmeadow.

It was noted that the Clerk had sent an e-mail to United Utilities, asking for a statement to be made available for this meeting, but a response had not been received. Members were concerned that there has not been any formal consultation with the Council about this apparent change of plans.

RESOLVED that the Clerk should make a formal request for a meeting with United Utilities, and the date suggested be 8th January 2004.

7024 Recommendations of the Boundary Committee.

The report on the interim recommendations of the Boundary Committee, relating to new unitary authorities for Cumbria and Lancashire had been received and been available for study by Members for a period of at least 3 clear days before the meeting. The Clerk had also circulated his summary report, with the agenda.

RESOLVED that this Council supports the Boundary Committee’s Option 2, and in particular, for the formation of a new unitary authority comprising the present Districts of Barrow-in-Furness, South Lakeland and Lancaster City.

Peter G. Challenor

Clerk to the Council