Newsletter 01.11.04

Maintenance of Footpaths.

The adverse publicity, and our concerted efforts have failed to get the County Council to improve their maintenance of the public footpaths in Arnside. HOWEVER... The AONB has decided to launch an initiative, which looks likely to dramatically improve matters. Many people know that Tony Riden goes out with teams of volunteers, every Tuesday and Thursday, tackling practical environmental tasks, and we are very grateful to all of them. Now he is in the process of recruiting a team to act as wardens for specific footpaths (not footways). The response from volunteers has been splendid, and we look forward to being able to use our excellent network of footpaths, without a struggle (other than gradients).

Children's Playground

We have now had our Safety Inspection Report, from RoSPA, and it is not as bad as had been feared. We have set up a Working Group, under the Chairmanship of Councillor Sue Gibson, to look at detailed implications, and to obtain estimates. Hopefully we will soon be in a position of being to rectify the deficiencies, so that our children can continue to enjoy the facilities, in relative safety.

Cemetery Chapel

We are almost able to proceed with the installation of essential services, so that the building can be brought into use, on occasions other than warm sunny afternoons. We have a few technical obstacles to overcome, but it shouldn't be long. Watch this space, or the Parish Council Minutes, over the next few months, to see some signs of progress (we hope).

It also seems appropriate to mention that the Local History Society has been formed and there is a suggestion of having it based at the Chapel, once the essential services have been installed. Essentially, this will be independent of the Council, but anyone who is interested is welcome to contact our Clerk (clerk@arnside.gov.uk), who will pass the details to the appropriate person.

Car Park

Most people know that we have any area of the foreshore which is used for the parking of cars. We don't call it a 'car park', because it isn't. In fact, the potholes have grown so big and deep that we can only call it a 'car trap'. We had hoped that those kind people at United Utilities would donate the stone, which they excavated from Ashmeadow, but they couldn't spare any, as they need it at Milnthorpe.

The Parish Council cannot afford to do anything worthwhile, to improve the surface, so we have offered it (on a long lease, at nominal rent) to both Cumbria County Council, and South Lakeland District Council, to form a proper car park (only). We have yet to have their responses.

If you wish to contact any Councillor

Please feel free to telephone any of the following Members:

Or, the Clerk, Peter Challenor, on:

01524-761824, or clerk@arnside.gov.uk

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