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and Parish Council Clerk to the Council: Karen Little, Nether Bower, , LA8 9BB

7 March 2017

To Members of Skelsmergh and Scalthwaiterigg Parish Council

You are duly summoned/required to attend the next meeting of the Parish Council to be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 15 March 2017 at Skelsmergh Community Hall. Refreshments available from 7.15pm.

Agenda

1. Apologies: To receive apologies and to note the reasons for absence. 2. Declarations of Interest: a. Register of Interests: Councillors are reminded of the need to update their register of interests b. To declare any personal interests in items on the agenda and their nature c. To declare any prejudicial interests in items on the agenda and their nature (Councillors with prejudicial interests must leave the room for the relevant items) 3. Minutes: To consider the approval of the minutes of the last meeting of the Council on 11 January 2017, attached. 4. Open Forum: Residents are invited to give their views and question the Parish Council on issues on this agenda, or raise issues for future consideration at the discretion of the Chairman. 5. Matters Arising from the Minutes 6. Formal Announcements by the Chair, if any. 7. Community Action Plan 2016, to receive update reports on: a. Environment and Community Woodlands: 1. Minutes of Environment Group meeting, 16.01.2017, attached 2. Litter picking, next event 19.03.2017: risk assessment and signs, attached 3. Parish woodland working group, 12.02.2017 b. Highways and Transport: 1. Garth Row 2. Scandale - HGV signs 3. 20mph Dodding Holme 4. A6 grass verge at Kiln Croft 5. Highway project with CCC Area Working Team c. Broadband: information on local B4RN projects d. Community:  Joint event with Community Hall Management Committee, attached  Defibrillator  Good neighbours scheme 8. Upper Kent Local Area Partnership (LAP), 08.02.2017, minutes attached

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Page 1 of 22 9. CALC District Association, next meeting: 09.03.2017, agenda attached. 10. Cenacolo Annual Forum, April: Councillors to put forward items for discussion 11. Finance: a. To consider payments to be made as per Clerk’s report, attached. b. To receive the current bank reconciliation and consider the predicted budget 2016- 2017 year-end position, attached. 12. Planning Applications: a. SL/2016/0904, Land at High Thorn House , LA8 9JX Retention of building and conversion fishing lodge holiday accommodation and site W.C. (Retrospective). PC no comment – . REFUSED on two grounds. b. SL/2016/0992, Land opposite Broadthorn Cottage, Patton, Kendal, LA8 9DR Change of use from agricultural to equine use with creation of vehicular access and car parking area in connection with Broadthorn Cottage. PC objected. Withdrawn. c. SL/2016/1150, Holme House Farm, Skelsmergh, Kendal, LA8 9AQ. Demolition of existing buildings and erection of five dwellings. PC – no comment. GRANTED with 14 conditions. d. SL/2017/1157, High Thorn House, Selside, Kendal, LA8 9JX, Retention of hardstanding for 4no. ancillary touring caravan pitches and infrastructure, retrospective. REFUSED. e. TR/2016/0186, 5 Laverock Hill Mealbank Kendal, LA8 9EP. PC no objection. GRANTED with conditions. f. SL/2017/0052, Goody Nook, Garth Row, Kendal, Erection of new domestic stable block. 13. Correspondence: To consider correspondence highlighted by the Clerk 14. Dates for Next Meetings (venue: Skelsmergh Community Hall, commencing 7.30pm):  Wednesday 31 May 2017 – AGM at 7.00pm  Wednesday 19 July 2017  Wednesday 6 September 2017  Wednesday 8 November 2017  Wednesday 17 January 2018  Wednesday 14 March 2018

Signed:

Karen Little Clerk to Skelsmergh and Scalthwaiterigg Parish Council 7 March 2017

Please note that the minutes of the previous meeting can be inspected on the Parish Council website: http://www.skelscalpc.org.uk/.

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Skelsmergh and Scalthwaiterigg Parish Council

Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 11 January 2017 7.30pm at Skelsmergh Community Hall

Present: Parish Councillors: John Chapman (JC) – Chair Mary Chapman (MC) Hermann Moisl (HM) Claire MacLaine (CM) Tim Maggs (TM) Clerk: Karen Little (KL) Parish Residents: Danny Seddon-Roberts, Lauren Seddon-Roberts and Liz Robinson

Minute Business Item Lead Number Person 68/16 Welcome and Apologies Apologies were received from County Councillor Stan Collins (SC). Absent: Councillors Phil Yates (PY) and Phil Rigby (PR). The meeting was quorate. 69/16 Declaration of Interests None declared. 70/16 Minutes of the Previous Meeting RESOLVED - the minutes of the Parish meeting on 15 November 2016 were confirmed as a true and complete record, and signed as such by the Chair. 71/16 Open Forum Mr and Mrs Seddon-Roberts, residents at Broadthorn Cottage, attended to provide details on their planning application (SL\2016\0992 – change of use from agricultural to equine use with vehicular access and car parking). The Parish Council has objected to the plans, advising SLDC to consider including a condition to limit the land to use by the Cottage owners only and questioned the plans for the two onsite shelters, which are not in the application details. The Chair explained the Parish Council’s process to meet the 21-day response timeframe; the response submitted is now non- negotiable. Mr Seddon-Roberts clarified that the application is intended to provide accommodation for their family pets (two Shetland ponies and some pygmy goats) and to improve parking - for their visitors, and to reduce inconvenience for their neighbours. Their plans do not include business activities and extra traffic on the lane is not an expected outcome. They welcome advice from SLDC Planning and CCC Highway Officers to enable their plans to comply with planning/highway regulations. The Chair commended the Seddon-Roberts’ open and frank approach in discussing the details with Councillors. The Council’s concern is that without conditions, if granted, the application would confirm a right in perpetuity for anyone to use the land unconditionally for equine-related business purposes, if future ownership of the land was separated from the Cottage. Mr Seddon-Roberts confirmed that in discussion with SLDC, the two existing shelters (used by the family ponies and goats) will be moved (they are on skids) to a less prominent site in the field. Their current position was due to a misunderstanding that the Seddon-Roberts are keen to resolve; they are committed to retaining the natural beauty of the landscape. They thanked Councillors for their time to hear about their planning application.

No other matters were raised in the open forum. 72/16 Matters Arising from the Minutes 57/16b: Garth Row, site visit from Highways The response from the Highways Department to the Clerk’s repeated communications

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was minimal; there has been no site visit to date. A complaint by a resident, following damage to his visitor’s car, resulted in temporary repairs to the road. Residents are experiencing ongoing inconvenience and risk in using the road – damage would be more extensive if the road was open to through traffic. A permanent solution to the problem (thought to originate from a drain problem) is needed, this would be best timed while the road is closed. RESOLVED: The Chair will send a formal letter of complaint to CCC’s CEO and Highways JC Director, to inform of the unacceptable response received to the Parish Council’s request, and to seek road improvement work to commence at the site asap.

59/16a: Repairs to the Kiln Croft Parish Council Notice Board Following discussion with the Chair, Mr Hawes has produced a detailed repair work schedule and design, at a slighter lower cost than previously reported (£450, cf £480). RESOLVED: Councillors authorised the work to be commissioned, with a desired completion date of the end of February 2017; to be funded by Parish Council money.

61/16: BT Telephone Kiosk (A6, adjacent to the Selside boundary) Following the SLDC consultation, confirmation has been received that the telephone box will remain functional until the local mobile phone signal improves. Councillors discussed the potential use of the kiosk once it becomes redundant. Use as a site for another defibrillator was suggested (if the electric power supply continues) – this may be unnecessary if Selside install one at their Hall. RESOLVED: For Councillors to consider the best future use of the kiosk once the telephone is removed.

62/16a3: Continuous spraying of herbicide Councillor M. Chapman confirmed that CCC have sent a letter to the local farmer (produced in discussion with their legal team), advising that indiscriminate blanket spraying of the highway verges contravenes the CCC Environmental Verge Cutting Policy. Mr Huck and Mr Little (CCC officers) were very helpful and sympathetic to the Parish Council representations. The Environment Group will undertake a flora and fauna audit of parish grass verges - Spring 2017.

62/16b2: HGV sign at Scandale From Victoria Upton: apologies for the delay, the signs should be in place at the end of January.

62/16c1: Skelsmergh Hall Following the decision made at the last meeting - the Parish Council will support the Community Hall Management Committee to develop their personnel infrastructure - there has been a lull in activities and communications to progress this. Councillors repeated that the priority is to canvass whether residents support the Hall to remain as a communal asset, and to confirm the extent/form of the support offered (if this is the case). RESOLVED: The Chair will meet and update members of the Community Hall Management Committee with the minutes of the November Parish Council meeting, and ask the Committee to confirm their plans for a joint social event to discuss the future of the Hall. The Parish Council will use the event to display pictures of the work and achievements of the Council to date, e.g. repaired fences, road improvements, bicycle rack (at the Hall), litter picking events, etc. 73/16 Formal Announcements by the Chair: a. Councillors’ allowances, information from the SLDC Parish Remuneration Panel was provided with the agenda. RESOLVED: The recommended allowances, travel reimbursement and subsistence expenses applicable from 1 April 2017 for the Chair and Councillor members were noted.

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b. Clerk’s appraisal. Competed that morning, the evolving role was discussed. No change is needed, Mrs Little is happy to be employed by the Parish Council. Signed paperwork is available. 74/16 Review of Parish Council Business, all documents were provided with the agenda. a. Standing Orders RESOLVED: Approved with no changes.

b. Financial Regulations RESOLVED: Approved with no changes.

c. Risk Register RESOLVED: Approved with no changes. 75/16 Finance, all the supporting documents for these items were provided with the agenda: a. Payments to be made as per Clerk’s report: RESOLVED: To make the following payments: Payee Expenses/Services Amount (£) Karen Little Clerk’s salary 01.10.2016 to 30.11.2016 293.85 CVS Payroll - Clerk’s wages 21.00 Insurance: Public Liability £10,000,000 & Came and Company 165.00 Employers Liability £10,000,000 Karen Little Clerk’s expenses: June 2016 to January 2017 82.36 Primary Care Supplies Mediana A15 Outdoor Community Defibrillator *1,558.80 Ian Robinson Electrical work to fit the defibrillator *180.00 TOTAL £2301.01 *VAT is reclaimable

b. Current bank reconciliation and predicted budget 2016-2017 year-end position Councillors noted the bank reconciliation and the predicted carry forward of approx. £1.5k, which includes reclaimed VAT, and allows for funds to manage the Woodland, the joint event with the Skelsmergh Hall Committee and the notice board repairs. Best use of this uncommitted money to improve local resources/facilities within this financial year was discussed – and further considered under item 76/16c.

c. Council Precept 2017-18 RESOLVED: Councillors authorised the Chairman to sign the formal request for the same precept as last year (agreed at the last meeting, Minute 64/16c), to be submitted to SLDC before the end of January 2017. It was noted that:  The amount received each year is affected by election costs (following an election year), lighting costs and variations to the grant SLDC receives for local allocation.  A year-on year inflation factor is not required due to the consistently maintained credit position. New funding applications from residents and Councillors to support beneficial community projects are welcomed on an ongoing basis. 76/16 Community Action Plan 2016, provided with the agenda. Councillors considered the progress made with the Action Plan: a. Environment and Community Woodlands:  Litter on road verges: the Environment Group continues to organise these events – they are meeting next week (rescheduled due the rearrangements for this meeting). A risk assessment is required to comply with insurance criteria and safety guidance that volunteers need to be at a distance of 1.5m from fast moving traffic (this could require the A6 to be closed in one direction). It was noted that the future Council litter picking events may be limited to the lighter traffic lanes.

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 Dog fouling: materials are available as required.  Public footpath maintenance: the County Access Team has completed the survey, work is ongoing.  Parish Woodland maintenance: a Working Party will be convened in February.  Obstructed rights of way: the situation at Dry Lane has reached an impasse. b. Highways and Transport:  Road surfaces, drainage and bridge maintenance: Sprint Bridge is now open to traffic; Burneside Bridge remains limited to single direction traffic and cars/light commercial vehicles only. The issues at Garth Row is the focus for Highway maintenance activity.  Dangerous paths for cyclists/pedestrians: road safety concerns return with the opening of Sprint Bridge, despite the HGV ban.  Danger points on roads: another (near) incident (A6, Kiln Croft) was reported in December 2016; the Chair has lobbied for central road markings at the Highways/ police ‘CRASH’ meetings - expected to be provided in the next financial year.  20mph Dodding Holme: Action: To add this to the action list (site visit with Highways) JC  Safer walking to school: It was noted that the A6 Kiln Croft grass verge is not being trimmed. Action: Agenda item at the next Parish Council meeting. KL  Lack of public transport on the A6: No progress due to the lack of interest from public transport providers. c. Community and communications:  Poor mobile phone and broadband service: The Chair has received a letter from Mr Norman Winter (Selside) inviting interest in joint working to extend northwards the B4RN (Broadband for the Rural North) superfast broadband service from the Skelsmergh boundary, that has been secured by New Hutton Council/Community. The cost of this is unknown. This could be of interest to both commercial and private members of the community. RESOLVED: Councillor Moisl will investigate the proposed project details, timescales and approx. costs to share with residents to confirm whether there is public interest to support a commitment to the project. The proposed joint event with the Skelsmergh Hall Committee would be a good opportunity to discuss this. Action: Cllr J Chapman to reply to JC Mr Winter, referring him to Cllr Moisl.  Improve Communications: A Parish Communications Group may be required if there is strong support in engaging with the B4RN project. An updated database and better communication infrastructure may be established after the joint Hall event.  Defibrillator: A Mediana A15 model will be sent when the cheque (as agreed above, 75/16a) has been received. Information on the product was sent with the agenda. Councillors noted that the Parish Council Standing Orders were followed in seeking the best value model and quotes in procuring this item. A training event (Heart Start) for local people on using a defibrillator (and other techniques) is fully booked.  Mealbank amenity problems: o A memo from a SLDC Planning Officer seems to have successfully resolved the nuisance evening industrial activities. o The hoarding at the entrance to the trading estate continues. It is thought that SLDC has identified the landowner (or heirs) and is communicating with them to make the wall safe, and to remove trees to reduce the burden on the wall. The Parish Council has no powers over this process.  Residents in need of support: Action: the Good Neighbours scheme to be an agenda item KL at the next Parish Council meeting.  Provision of social activities: Action: to seek further information on popular Cllrs community social activities for 2017 at the proposed joint Skelsmergh Community Hall event (as discussed under 72/16).

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77/16 Feedback on the Local Area Partnership (LAP) flooding event, 25.11.2016. A fact sheet published from the LAP Flooding Conference was provided with the agenda. Councillor Mary Chapman reported that this had been a good conference, a lot of information was provided on the work completed/in progress by the Environment Agency, United Utilities, Gas/electricity providers, CCC and Highways . Advice and resources are available for communities and individuals to plan flooding defences to avoid future flood damage. It was noted that: 557 bridges were damaged across the county by Storm Desmond; work on 327 bridges is set to be completed next year, and a budget of £45million is expected to repair 170 roads. The Gurnal land slippage is NOT included in the repair work list on the CCC website. Action: Cllr J. Chapman to include this in the discussions with Highways at the Garth Row site visit. JC 78/16 CALC South Lakeland District Association, meeting on 24.11.2014, an overview summary was provide with the agenda. Councillor MacLaine highlighted two maters of interest to the parish:  The CCC Highways Department restructure has provided functional roles (not area responsibilities) - Andy Brown is now the Highways Network and Asset Manager covering the whole County. Faults and issues are best reported via the Better Highways email and hotline numbers – progress can be tracked. Funding for future improvements are likely to be reduced - to be from Local Members budgets, currently £6k per member.  Area working (replaces area planning): due to reduced budgets and resources, parishes are advised to focus on one priority local project (only) and to bid for funds/engage the Community Development and Community Support teams as early as possible. Examples of current projects that benefit from Area working were given. RESOLVED: Councillors will consider relevant projects to progress with the Area Working KL Team as an agenda item at the next meeting. 79/16 Planning Applications a. SL/2016/0904, Land at High Thorn House Selside KENDAL LA8 9JX Retention of building and conversion fishing lodge holiday accommodation and site W.C. (Retrospective). PC no comment – Whitwell and Selside, retrospective. b. SL/2016/0992, Land opposite Broadthorn Cottage, Patton, Kendal, LA8 9DR Change of use from agricultural to equine use with creation of vehicular access and car parking area in connection with Broadthorn Cottage. PC objected. c. SL/2016/1150, Holme House Farm, Skelsmergh, Kendal, LA8 9AQ. Demolition of existing buildings and erection of five dwellings. Councillors had a detailed discussion of the plans and the likely impact on the local environment; it was noted that are no details on whether these will be affordable houses. RESOLVED: Councillors decided to submit ‘no comment’ for this application. 80/16 Correspondence Highlighted by the Clerk The LAPS Newsletter, December 2016 was provided with the agenda. 81/16 Dates for Next Meetings (venue: Skelsmergh Community Hall, commencing 7.30pm):  Wednesday 15 March 2017  Wednesday 31 May 2017 – AGM (7pm), followed by ordinary meeting at 7.30pm  Wednesday 19 July 2017  Wednesday 6 September 2017  Wednesday 8 November 2017  Wednesday 17 January 2018  Wednesday 14 March 2018 The Chair thanked Councillors for their contributions and closed the meeting at 21.38.

Signed: Date: ………………………………………. …………………………..… Page 29 Page 7 of 22 PC Environment Group Meeting Monday 16th January 2017 Present: John and Mary Chapman, Julie Waddington, Claire Mclaine, Tony Cousins, Hermann Moisl,

Developments since last meeting on 14 September 2017 1 Litter Clearance Success, 20 volunteers, fewer bags, good lunch Feedback provoked surprise response from new Street Scene manager Ben Taylor, who has advised against litter clearing on major roads such as the A6. We must request signs for back lanes. Formal Risk assessment needs to be carried out. We favoured continuing with litter clearance of lay-bys and safer sections of the A6 as well as the side roads of the parish. Mary will contact Ben Taylor formally to ask if SLDC will clear litter on the A6 as far as Huck's Brow. Request for warning signs for side roads. Risk assessment A6:Tony to map areas where safe working was feasible. Risk assessment : Claire to acquire model forms from CCC Warning signs : Claire to investigate estimate from Andrew Hills sign shop at depot. John to research same from Kendal sign makers "SLOW DOWN volunteer litter pickers clearing verges " Next litter clearing date March 19 or 26th j2017. MC to liaise with Norman Winter (Selside) MC write to SLDC to request information about their intention to clear litter from A6 if we withdraw. MC request grant from PC for £100 pa for biannual expenses. Signs would be an additional request for a grant. Application to be made at next PC meeting on March 15th.

2 Herbicide on Parish verges Tony and Mary had a productive meeting with CCC Highways/ Mr Little and Mr Huck, who have sent an advisory letter to Mr Ladds Janet Antrobus and Judith Wallen have agreed to carry out verge surveys of Helm and Paddy Lane in May and July. Tony, Julie and Mary will assist. Results to be published on website and in News. Other ideas to promote interest :Talk on verges, photographic contest. This discussion was deferred. Mary agreed to visit Mr Ladds for information with John, to request a permanent halt in blanket verge spraying.

Other business Woodland Matters There are a number of jobs which need tackling in the Parish Woodland: birdboxes to be cleaned and numbered, painting of hut and gate, coppicing hazel, construction of habitat piles, singling. First work party date Sunday Feb 12 th 10-1pm ( followed by an All Day Breakfast at Selside.) Request for volunteers to be put on PC database and website.

Footpath Maintenance March 15th Wednesday 10-1pm MC to circulate details We plan to strim the PRoW opposite Burton House in early May.

Dry Lane We discussed the flooding of Dry Lane. Tony suggested a freedom of information request Relating to recorded substances coming out of the former tip and drainage of beck in vicinity of Poppy Farm. Mary will request information on records from both CCC and the Environment Agency concerning the orange beck which flows into Lightwater and the Mint.

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Page 8 of 22 Himalayan Balsam Following the discovery of the extent of the invasion on the Sprint at Thornyslack and Low Underbrow Farms and the upper tributaries of the Mint, we shall start work on bashing the Balsam in mid May, continuing during the summer. A large team will be needed. Mary will organise, requesting new volunteers from the parish. Mary will request that the larger Rivers Trust group will take over responsibility for tackling the Grayrigg to M6 /Flodder Beck area.

Winter talk On Feb 24th at 7.30pm David Walmsley will give an illustrated talk "The Natural History of Bees" in The Community Hall. Claire will produce flyer and posters for the publicity. Hermann, please will you send email to our contacts. Mary and John will do the refreshments.

Dog business in Mealbank The nuisance has abated.

Noise and industrial pollution in Mealbank Julie has received no official response from SLDC. We suggested that she should send an official letter of complaint to SLDC CEO Laurence Conway. Scrap cars and other waste is being dumped near the bridge. Hermann will visit Lucien to request action from Mealbank estates to deal with this unsightly environmental issue.

Publicising this Environment Group We need more active members. Let's get newcomers to come along to the woodland, balsam and footpath work parties .

Next meeting Wednesday 1st March venue to be arranged. Mealbank?

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Page 9 of 22 From: Mary Chapman [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 02 February 2017 21:57 To: Claire Maclaine Cc: Karen Little ; Tony Cousins ; Julie Waddington ; Hermann Moisl ; John Chapman Subject: Fwd: Temp Signs - guide price

Dear Claire, These signs look just right. I think we should order four and hope everyone agrees. Here are my suggestions for the wording. Any other ideas?

SLOW DOWN LITTER CLEARERS AHEAD

COMMUNITY LITTER CLEARANCE SLOW DOWN

CAUTION VOLUNTEERS CLEARING LITTER TODAY

From: Maclaine, Claire Date: 2 February 2017 at 08:58 Subject: FW: Temp Signs - guide price To: John Chapman , Karen Little

John/Karen

Please find below a quote for foamex signs. The County Council uses this material for temporary signs and it is lightweight, weatherproof and reusable. Method of mounting is normally punched holes and zip ties which means you can tie them to any suitable structure – sign post, fence etc. As long as signs are only out for a limited period and collected promptly there usually aren’t any objections from the highways authority.

Andy asked for some indicative wording to use to create the attached proof – this can be changed prior to printing.

Thanks

Claire

Page 10 of 22 From: Hill, Andrew Sent: 01 February 2017 13:08 To: Maclaine, Claire Subject: RE: Temp Signs - guide price

Hi Claire,

Please find a proof attached.

5mm Foamex Sign @ 500x300mm c/w printed sign face

The price would be £15.00 for one sign, and there would be a discount for orders of 5 signs or more.

Regards

Andrew Hill Senior Sign Maker

Sign Shop | Highways & Transport Environment | Cumbria County Council Skirsgill Depot | Skirsgill Lane | Penrith | CA10 2BQ m: 07917532168 e: [email protected]

Serving the people of Cumbria

www.cumbria.gov.uk

Page 11 of 22 Page 12 of 22 From: John Chapman [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 09 February 2017 15:44 To: Karen Little ; Hermann Moisl ; Claire MacLaine ; Isobel Mary Chapman ; Phil Rigby ; Tim Maggs ; Phil Yates Cc: Ian Kell Subject: Community Hall

At the Community Hall Management Committee meeting last night we had a further discussion about community engagement, primarily concerning the future of the hall management but also, regarding the parish council. It was agreed that there should be a general invitation to a 'Meet, Greet and Get to Know You' event provisionally pencilled in for the evening of Friday 21st April at the Hall. I should be grateful, therefore, if councillors would try to set this date aside, awaiting confirmation from the hall committee.

Provisionally, the plan would be for some displays to be prepared to illustrate the history and achievements of the hall and its supporters so far and similarly a summary of the PC, its functions and recent achievements with a possible power point display as well.

There are to be refreshments in the form of drinks and finger food, the event to run from approx. 7.30-9.30

The essential aim is to explain the current circumstances and to encourage more volunteers to come onto the management committee ( and/or possibly the PC) the idea being that face to face conversation may be more effective than the written circulars have hitherto been.

At the same time I will be seeking help from CALC and ACT regarding the recruitment of a paid administrator for the Hall, something we agreed to at the November meeting.

It would be useful, if members have ideas or suggestions for the event, for them to be ready to share them at the next PC meeting in March and if Karen could note this for the agenda together with a proposal to put £150 into a joint pot to fund the event.

Meanwhile, this can also serve as reminder that there will be a volunteering morning at the Woodland this coming Sunday, 12th February from 10.00 am. Flapjack will be provided! Bring a flask. The tasks will mainly be sorting material already coppiced into firewood, poles, peasticks and finally, habitat piles. I aim to finish at about 1.00 pm in order to leave time to get to the Selside All-Day Breakfast before it closes at 2.00pm.

I look forward to seeing some/all of you there. Best wishes, John

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Meeting Wednesday 8 February Skelsmergh Community Hall 7.00pm

Present: Hermann Moisl (Skelmersdale), John Heap (Old Hutton and Holmescales), Robert Courtier, Jackie Bettess, Peter Lansberry (), Norman Winter (Selside), John Farmer (Longsleddale and LDNPA), Julie Knowles (Stainton), Stan Collins (CCC)

Officers: Simon Blyth, SLDC, Gillian Holmes (CCC),

In attendance: Nick Raymond (CCC Highways), David Lambert (Grange and Lakes ICC).

ITEM Key Points/ Actions

1. Welcome, Apologies: Amanda McCleery, Martyn Welch, Mary Chapman (Skelsmergh and Scalthwaiterigg), Brenda Gray, Peter Introduction and Thornton, Arthur Capstick (Staveley). apologies

There were no members of the public present. 2. Notes of meeting 5th October: Approved held on: Disclosures of interest: None AOB: None

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ITEM Key Points/ Actions

3. David Lambert,  Looking at how to engage with communities better Project Manager,  Bettercaretogether project now 2 years old bettercaretogether:  Lancashire and South Cumbria STP area due to commence in April 2017 Overview of the  Morecambe Bay area has a funding gap of about £20 million Integrated Care  Task is to work better and educate the population about using facilities and services wisely Communities and  Key is to relieve pressure on hospitals how communities  GP Practices trying to work smarter – more integrated and joined up can be involved.  good example of best practice – using technology to combat geographical isolation  Integrated Care communities (ICC’s) – 12 across the Bay area, 7 in South Lakeland  Based on population sizes  Identify local groups to work with and pilot initiatives  UK LAP majority in Kendal ICC; Kentmere and Staveley in Lakes ICC  Kendal ICC Priorities and projects for 2017: Children’s health, stroke pathway, muscle and skeletal, fraility (issue across this area), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Dementia.  New acute initiative: Patient initiated follow up: out of hospital patients given choice of follow up (via card contact).  Advice and guidance initiative: Advice from a specialist consultant via conversation between GP and consultant can avoid a hospital visit  Want communities to get involved in process. Question responses:  Trying to put choices back with patient and GP rather than consultants  Patient needs to understand which is the appropriate service/ facility to attend  DL: Coniston Carers delivering care locally through local volunteers. Trying to replicate this in Grange and Lakes ICC.  JF: Strong but isolated communities here in South Lakeland – work with them.  DL: Schools health initiatives – walk a mile a day.

3. Telecomms: Key Points Norman Winter and  NW: A6 north of Kendal – 1 public telephone. Patchy mobile signal - 0 to 4g in Selside. John Heap  Online map shows what providers think we can get. Interface between  However visitors from abroad using roaming can access any providers. local government  5 miles outside Kendal and the signal is worse than deserts and seas in last 15 years. 2 Page 15 of 22

ITEM Key Points/ Actions and mobile  2013 - Treasury backed infrastructure plan: 4g to 98% of population indoors by end of 2017 – we are nowhere providers. near this. Rural coverage.  Planning law changes included guidance on new masts – low take up.  In 2014 the Govt committed to £5billion to improve mobile coverage by 2017.  However mobile infrastructure project closed down leaving 520 potential mast locations with non-existent coverage. 250 miles of roads in Cumbria with no coverage.  Emergency Services have their own network – “airwave”.  Connecting Cumbria says new “airwave” contract (2018) will be extended to general public.  Digital Economy Bill going through Parliament now:  OFCOM to be able to fine mobile companies for not fulfilling commitments.  Relax planning restrictions and reduce the cost and planning issues associated with deploying mobile phone infrastructure  In place 2021

 JH: Mobile UK : represents UK’s 4 mobile network operators  EE have greatest coverage, followed by Vodaphone, 3 and O2.  90 backbench MP’s have said that mobile phone users should be able to roam between the 4 UK mobile phone operators in not spot areas.

 JF: LDNP: aerials and masts building not a problem – but lack of companies coming forward  Emergency Services replacing their aerials – look to put pressure in authorities to widen usage of these facilities  LAP could ask SLDC to add influence to this. (JF to email SB)  SC: Met CEX of Ofcom recently. Raised life-threatening issues due to lack of signal on rural roads. They said planning and highways were issues. Meeting again in 6 months. Failing to recognize the issues and realities of rural life. 4. Cumbria Key points Highways: HIMS GH: Newly developed Highways Information Management System (HIMS) system has been tested internally – going to (Hotline) and full council on 16th Feb. Robert Courtier and Mandy Lane (LAP Highways sub group) will user test after this. Launch 20 Capital Programme March. RC: The County Council highlighted difficulties in Highways around delivering capital projects and communicating adequately in a Local Committee report last November. LAP’s argue that local knowledge will help Highways to deliver local priorities more efficiently, strategically and in a joined up cost effective way. 3 Page 16 of 22

ITEM Key Points/ Actions

SC: Members have £6000 Highways budget each in their divisions. Parishes should contact county councillor for smaller projects. RC: 10 year programme more effective? NR: Capital programme requires member approval, not officer. Introduces delays. Members request low cost works, but often requires high officer capacity. Reducing staff numbers reduced staff capacity, making it difficult to achieve smaller projects. Giving priority to isolated small works is difficult to deliver efficiently. RC: Can LAPs join together in more strategic ways and join up projects across the area? JF: HM: Offered good examples of Highways work. JH: JK: Hotline working well.

5. Authority for Key points local emergency SC: Flood review group for Staveley Parish Council. Flooding damage worsened as parish didn’t have authority to close action to prevent the road. Individual action closed road in the end. People driving through floods endanger themselves and others. Bow flooding. waves in Burneside flooded 5 houses, similar incidents in Shap Road, Kendal. CCC say Parishes can’t close roads – they must report it. Asking for authority for Parish Councils to close roads when necessary. NR: Supportive of this initiative. However Highways doesn’t have authority to close the roads. It’s the Police you need to speak to. JF: Wouldn’t support for Longsleddale or Kentmere (ie only access road). Supported. ACTION: JH (letter to Police requesting regulations and procedure)

Drains and Gulley CCC are looking to identify hidden gulleys, culverts etc to supplement the County’s existing sporadic and incomplete mapping initiative. information. They also want to know the 5 most important gulleys which are critical to keep clear in flooding. Will make this available publically at a later date. Please return maps to Gill Holmes, County Offices, Windermere Road, Kendal. 6. Updates: Key points  Parishes:  Selside: Nothing to report Parish  Stainton: Good meeting with CC/ SLDC and EA. Every parishioner mark their issues. However a significant gulley projects, issue still not resolved. problem  Longsleddale: Control of verge cutting extending cut and to hedges. Lots of advantages. Works financially. solving,  Kentmere: Trying to replicate verge cutting in Kentmere – difficulties getting dialogue with Highways. issues, ACTION: GH to chase up. queries, help required. 4 Page 17 of 22

ITEM Key Points/ Actions

 Rural crime/ SB arranging a Rural crime and Policing meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner and Police in May. Any points/ policing: issues/ suggestions for the event please let SB know.  Broadband: JH: B4RN: 3 parishes partnership, just got first house connected. Progressing well on all fronts. External contractors being used within budget. Not included in budget is getting through gardens. Elderly residents cannot dig their channels. Established a community company, buying a micro digger. Sell machine at end of project. 2 years to end of project. Current take up is almost 80%. JF: CC meeting their targets but this doesn’t help very rural areas. SC: BT definition of rural is loose (ie Windermere and Bowness).  Highways: SC: Has a dashcam to record flooding in rain. Contact SC with likely spots via email ([email protected] )

7. Items for future  Healthcare meetings 8. Date and venue Late May/ June for next meeting DOODLE TBC, Longsleddale, Selside

5 Page 18 of 22 171st Meeting – Gilpin Bridge Inn Thursday 9th March 2017 - 7pm start

AGENDA

PART 1 Role and work of Levens and Kent Catchment Director by Celia McNally, Environment Agency

PART 2 ASSOCIATION BUSINESS

1. Apologies for absence

2. To approve the minutes of the 170th meeting held on 24th November 2016

3. Matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere

4. Items of interest from parishes, Local Area Partnerships & CALC

5. Reports from representatives to other bodies

6. Dates, venues and times for future meetings

Page 19 of 22 Skelsmergh and Scalthwaiterigg Parish Council

Ordinary Parish Council Meeting Date: 15.03.2017

Agenda Item: 11a Financial Officer’s Report - Accounts for Payment

I present for approval the following accounts for payment:

Invoice Cheque Payee Expenses/Services Amount (£) Number Number 20 Karen Little 100179 Clerk’s salary 01.12.2016 to 31.01.2017 293.85 21 CVS 100180 Payroll - Clerk’s wages 21.00 22 Hermann Moisl 100181 Renewal of PC web site services 149.22 Training: Good Councillor Course, 05.10.2016, 23 CALC 100182 at the Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, Penrith, 35.00 for Councillor Claire Maclaine Skelsmergh Hall Joint event with Skelsmergh Hall Management 24 100177 150.00 Management Commitee Committee 19 Cumbria County Council 100178 Signs for litter picking 60.00 20 Neil Hawes 100179 Parish notice board – Kiln Croft 450.00 TOTAL 1159.07 Karen Little Clerk to Skelsmergh & Scalthwaiterigg Parish Council

Approved – Minute number: Cheque signatories:

Date:

 VAT is reclaimable Page 20 of 22 Page 1 of 1 Skelsmergh Scalthwaiterigg Parish Council

Financial Report for March 2017

2015-16 2016-17 Actual Actual Predicted Bank Statement at 02/04/2016 4,346.55 5,598.08 5,598.08 National Savings & Investment Account at 31/03/2015 836.05 - - Cheques not presented at 31/03/2015 - 132.17 21.00 21.00 Brought forward 5,050.43 5,577.08 5577.08

Receipts: Precept 3,741.92 3,828.59 3,828.59 grant (Council Tax) 104.65 107.32 107.32 Interest on deposit a/c 6.70 Reclaimed VAT SLDC Grant A6 Footpath, Kilncroft: Grant expired, project aborted Woodland Income 39.00 91.50 Sealed bids - coppicing, minute 47/15a 40.00 Barclay's token towards 'stress', hassle change of signature 25.00 Honey & Paradise Wayleave payment, back dated to 2008 155.72 55.44 Closure of NS&I Investment Cheque no 100122, dated 10.03.2015, expired, not cashed, Hermann Moisl 69.95 Grant, SLDC (Defibrillator, Cllr Hurst-Jones) 500.00 Sub total 416.02 779.26 107.32 Total income 4,157.94 4,607.85 3,935.91

Payments: Clerk's wages (gross) - KL 1,690.50 1,763.10 1,745.68 PAYE, KL - Total staff costs 1,690.50 1,763.10 1,745.68

Business Expenses: 1 Admin & clerk's expenses - KL 132.13 153.61 200.00 2 Cumbria CVS - payroll fees KL 2014-15 126.00 126.00 126.00 3 Training and travel expenses (plus to meetings - Council business) 29.50 29.50 4 CALC membership 93.00 125.00 125.00 4a CALC training 35.00 5 Skelsmergh Hall - hire meetings 2013-14 & 2014-15; 2015-16 144.00 180.00 192.00 6 Insurance 164.25 165.00 170.00 7 Street lighting, plus Paris election costs 73.45 193.99 193.99 8 External Audit and internal audit 36.00 20.00 9 Contra credit (HMRC) 100.28 10 Street lighting overpayment, one-off 2015 279.68 11 Oakbank memorial plaque & seat repair, min 109/14c1 & 93/14c1 116.00 12 Grant 1: Environment, min 29/15a 90.00 12.00 62.00 13 Grant 2/2016-4: Burial ground maintenance, min 29/15b, 32.16c 100.00 100.00 100.00 14 Grant 3/2016-1: Mealbank road improvements, min 29/15c & 16/16 1,500.00 1,500.00 15 Parish Sign, northern boundary, min 93/14b4 646.82 646.82 16 Parish Plan, expenses for the consultation, min 28/15c 331.00 17 Grant 4: DSWA, Stile repair at Holme House, Skelsmergh, min 59/15 a3 100.00 18 Church & Community News 55.00 19 Grant 2016-2: Environment Group, lunch 2 litter pick events 2016-17, min 32/16b 40.00 40.00 20 Grant 2016-3: Wi-fi facilities, Skelsmergh Community Hall, min 32/16a 409.83 409.83 21 Grant 2016 -5: Ride on mower, Skelsmergh Communty Hall 250.00 250.00

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Page 21 of 22 Skelsmergh Scalthwaiterigg Parish Council

Financial Report for March 2017

Defribrillator - purchase (plus Vat), amount to be reduced by SLDC grant £500 1558.80 1,299.00 Defribrillator - installation cost (plus Vat) 180.00 150.00 Defribrillator - runing costs: Battery £170 = Vat/5 Yrs, Pads after use or 1-5-2yrs, £140 Woodland Mangement 100.00 Joint event - Skelsmergh Hall, Spring 2017 150.00 100.00 Grant - Play Group Furniture? Replacement of Kiln Croft noticeboard 450.00 500.00 Renewal PC Website 149.22 Signs for litter-picking events 60.00 Sub total 1,940.79 6,534.77 6,194.14 Total expenditure 3,631.29 8,297.87 7,939.82 income less expenditure 526.65 - 3,690.02 - 4,003.91 c/f to following year 5,577.08 1,887.06 1,573.17

Bank reconciliation £ Barclay's account at 02.03.2017 3,046.13 Sub Total 3,046.13 Cheques / income yet to be presented (from below) - 1,159.07 Total 1,887.06

Cheques not yet presented & Income not yet on statement £ Cheque No 293.85 21.00 149.22 35.00 150.00 60.00 450.00 Total 1,159.07

Fixed and long term assets £ Grit bins: 288.00 2 at both entrances to Mealbank Village (green), purchase cost £600, Oct 2009 Notice Boards: 500.00 6: Garth Row, Dodding Green, Mealbank, Kiln Croft, Skelsmergh Hall, Oakbank, Purchase/installation cost £106, in 2008 and 1990, plus donations of materials and labour Woodland shed: 480.00 In woodlands, Garth Row, purchase price £650, March 2011. Litter pickers: 111.00 1, Oakbank House, purchase price £111.63, September 2010 Community Woodland - notional figure 1.00 Burial Ground - notional figure 1.00 Total 1,381.00

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