2003/08
Resignation of Councillor Jocelyn Innes
In late June, we received a message from Jocelyn to say that she was suffering from a serious form of cancer, which would require major treatment and a long period of recuperation. Reluctantly she offered her resignation, with immediate effect. We wish to record our great appreciation for her input to the work of the Council, during the short time since election, and we feel that her presence will be sorely missed. Maybe she will be able to return to the Council, when a future vacancy occurs.
New Councillors
At the July meeting, the Council was very pleased to welcome Jack Baker, Pat Pierce, and Pete McSweeney, as co-opted Members. We are sure that they will soon make very valuable contributions to the work of the Council.
Parish Plan
The Plan is virtually completed and should be printed later this month. The formal ‘launch’ of the ongoing action, resulting from the Plan, is scheduled as a meeting to be held on October 1st. It is very much hoped that members of the community will wish to carry-forward our ideals for our village, by offering their services to the “Parish Plan Management Group” (yet to be established).
Arnside Bike and Skate Group
Some people like the idea, some do not! The Parish Council has agreed in principle to allow the group to create a ‘Skateboard Park’ on the Playing Field. This has to be at least 50 metres away from any dwelling, so the choice of sites is very limited. The Parish Council has secured a £1000 grant from South Lakeland District Council, and this will be put towards the cost of constructing the amenity, once the Council is satisfied with the detailed proposals, and feels confident that the ‘park’ will actually be created. Members of the Group are however responsible for raising the remainder of the funds.
Kerbside Re-Cycling
We understand that the District Council proposes to introduce ‘kerbside re-cyling’, in the near future (probably September). We are concerned that members of the public should receive adequate information about the scheme, which currently sounds a ‘bit involved’. The District Council has been given permission to locate their Roadshow on the Playing Field, and it is hoped that a large number of residents will visit the unit, in order to resolve their queries.
Affordable Housing
A request has been received from the SLDC Principal Housing Strategy Officer, Tony Whittaker, that this Council should identify possible sites for the provision of additional Affordable Housing units. Although the Council is in favour of the provision of additional Affordable Housing Units, for young people who have been brought up in the village, it is felt that it would be inappropriate to recommend any particular sites ourselves. However, we would encourage anyone who knows of a suitable site to get in contact with Tony, on 01539-733333.
United Utilities - Proposed Wastewater Transfer Scheme
What can we say?… the mystery continues. We have repeatedly asked for further information, but we still don’t know what is planned. The main concern is that the indecision regarding what will be involved, particularly in the grounds of Ashmeadow, is causing the Abbeyfield Society to review their plans to purchase the House. Hopefully, our next Newsletter should have something positive to report on the subject.
Cemetery Chapel
Lastly, an advert….. There will be an ‘Open Day’ at the Chapel on August 16th. It is hoped that there will be a performance of classical music, and an exhibition of local history. However, the main purpose of the event is to allow members of our community to view the inside of the Chapel, and to appreciate the possibilities for putting the building to better use. We must emphasise that it must always be capable of being put to use as a chapel, at reasonably short notice, but it has had very little use over recent years, and we still have to pay quite a lot of money to maintain it. It is a lovely building, so please come along to view it, and share your thoughts with us.
