2009 – 2010 Annual Report South Lakeland District Council including our 2010 – 2013 Corporate Plan South Lakeland the best place to live, work and visit…

01539 733 333 www.southlakeland.gov.uk page 1 page 2 Kirkby Lonsdale market town A peaceful moment at Grasmere Contents

Page 1. Foreword by Brendan Jameson 4 2. Introduction by Chief Executive 6 3. Our Organisation 7 - South Lakeland in context 7 - Restructure 9 - Our workforce 9 - Our finances 10 - Value for money services 11 - Our Corporate Plan 2010 - 2013 11 - Our performance 12 - SLDC Audit Inspection 12 - Summary 12 4. Making South Lakeland the best place to LIVE 15 - Our priorities 15 - Our achievements in 2009/10 16 - Our prospects for the future 22 5. Making South Lakeland the best place to WORK 25 - Our priorities 25 - Our achievements in 2009/10 26 - Our prospects for the future 27 6. Making South Lakeland the best place to VISIT 28 - Our priorities 28 - Our achievements in 2009/10 28 - Our prospects for the future 29

Revision 4 - Aug 2010

page 3 Councillor Brendan Jameson Thriving Kendal town centre 1.Foreword by Councillor being clear on what is a priority – this will ensure our resources are placed where they Brendan Jameson are most needed. For every key area for Leader of the council achievement, there is a lead officer and a I am delighted to be able to introduce South Portfolio Holder. We also have an Lakeland District Council’s combined Annual understanding of what it will cost us to Report and Corporate plan for 2010-13. This achieve this. We will challenge ourselves document sets out a challenging programme about what we deliver, how we deliver and of improvement over the next three years and where we deliver, as part of business as the targets we are committing to meet in each usual in the council. area of work, as part of our ambition to make South Lakeland a great place to Live, Work Understanding need and Visit. Our approach is underpinned by We look back at the highlights for 2009/10 understanding the needs of people in South and also how we continue to improve and Lakeland. This requires us to constantly build on what we have achieved so far. improve the information we have, from specific work to understand the needs of Building on what works well individuals and communities, to more widely The past year has given us a good available data on health, economic or social foundation to build upon. The independent trends. This helps us to make more informed Audit Commission gives the council two out decisions and improve how we use our of a possible four stars and says we are resources. In this Plan we’ve really making good progress. We continue to build challenged what we know about the needs of on the work undertaken over the last few our communities and how this informs our years to improve the council’s ability to work. Where we feel there are gaps in our deliver, commission and enable the right information, we will be working with partners services for people who live, work and visit and our communities to improve our South Lakeland. The new corporate planning understanding of the issues. We want to process is about creating a new way of make sure that the decisions we make are working, making sure that the key priorities of always informed by customers’ needs. By the council inform everything we do on a daily doing this, it will support us in becoming what basis. we call a ‘Need Led’ Organisation. We have also developed an understanding of Being clear how the things that we will deliver, relate to In this new Corporate Plan, we have set out each other and where there are the priorities for South Lakeland and what we interdependencies. This helps us to will achieve, the targets that will measure our understand what we need to focus on progress and the projects we will deliver on immediately, what we will deliver later and the ground. Being clear about what is not a what the impact might be if we did not priority for the council is as important as achieve what we have set out. In the diagram below we have demonstrated our

page 4 understanding of the interdependencies – for overarching responsibilities as a council. It example if we do not support the delivery means we listen, recognise and openly make around people’s basic needs of housing, jobs decisions on services using the customer as and basic services, we cannot possibly the starting point, rather than the service, achieve the outcomes around well-being – whilst balancing limited resources against all with people feeling safe and in control in their requirements. ‘Needs’ are definable - it isn’t lives. This helps us to prioritise resources about creating unreasonable expectations or and to make sure we are getting the basics ‘wish lists’ which cannot be delivered. right for people in order to deliver the more complex, longer term outcomes. Working in partnership Of course this plan does not sit in isolation – the council has made sure that its commitment to deliver the Sustainable Communities Strategy, the Local Area Agreement in Cumbria, its economic development work with Cumbria Vision and the on-going development of its Local Development Framework, have shaped and informed this Corporate Plan. In turn, the council will ensure that its understanding of the issues and needs in South Lakeland continue to inform its work with partners. This plan will be our guide in terms of measuring our success in delivering local and regional priorities with partners, and ensuring these Being a need led council priorities are informed by strong robust evidence. So what is the real difference between being customer focused and being need led? In Signed: essence it is the difference between simply councillor Brendan Jameson, improving existing services for our customers and building and designing services around the customer. It is about placing their needs at the heart of the business of the council and ensuring they drive local priorities with partner organisations Brendan Jameson At the heart of this Need Led approach is the Leader of the council concept that all of our customers are shared customers and that the council only plays a small part in the life of the customer. For the customer, the approach needs the whole of the ‘local’ public sector to act as one team. Responding to customer requests for service and getting it right first time is also key to this approach. Contact with the council is driven by need. Both that which can be clearly articulated by the customer and that which they do not recognise themselves, but which we can help them to identify. To do this we have a better understanding of their overall needs. Finally, efficiency is another driver for being need led. We need to target our resources, both people and money, to meet need rather than assume a traditional ‘one size fits all’ approach, is the most cost effective way of providing services. Meeting needs does not mean we make promises to deliver on all needs, regardless of cost, the overall priorities of our communities, or our

page 5 South Lakeland District Council reception

2.Introduction by sector. We will work hard on our Acting Chief Executive relationships, in harmony with our partners. Our success will be measured by how well The council has clear ambitions to be we deliver on the aspirations set out in the excellent. Excellent in terms of what we corporate plan and the publics satisfaction have achieved - outlined in the Annual with our progress and performance. Report - and excellent in what we will achieve delivering on behalf of the It is an exciting prospect and one that the community as set out in the Corporate council is looking forward to achieving. Plan, so we can continue to make a positive benefit to the lives of people, who live, work and visit South Lakeland. We need to understand our area and its’ peoples needs. Through the pioneering work that the Leader has referred to in his introduction around innovative use of research and statistics, we know more about South Lakeland now than we have ever done before. We must use this knowledge to map out the future needs and shape of South Lakeland. We must design services around our citizens – providing choice wherever possible. We must ensure that everyone within our community is given the opportunity to improve their quality of life ambitions as South Lakeland grows in prosperity. The council itself will be an organisation fit to rise to this task. Our staff will be valued and developed to enable them to adapt continually to the challenges that providing services within South Lakeland presents. To be in tune with the area they must also reflect its rich diversity. We will adopt ways of working that concentrate on the themes set out above to ensure we can plan for the future, deliver efficient core services and focus on those who need particular help. We cannot do this alone. We will work closely with our all our partners, whether they be public, private, community or voluntary

page 6 Ulverston overlooking the estuary 3.Our Organisation The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) combines a number of indicators, chosen to South Lakeland in context cover a range of economic, social and housing issues, into a single deprivation South Lakeland covers 23% of the land area score for each small area in England (Lower of Cumbria and has 21% of the total Super Output Area). There are seven distinct Cumbrian population with 104,900 dimensions of deprivation (Domain Indices) inhabitants. It has a population density of 0.7 used: Income; Employment; Health (persons per hectare), which is the second Deprivation and Disability; Education Skills lowest in Cumbria and significantly lower than and Training; Barriers to Housing and the England average of 3.9. Population Services; Crime and Disorder; and Living predictions show an increase in population in Environment. South Lakeland of 12% from 2008 levels by The higher the IMD score, the more deprived 2028 despite the fact that there are more an area is. South Lakeland has an average deaths than births each year. This is due to IMD of 11.67. This is much lower than the high rates of predicted population change in Cumbrian average of 21.19 (comparable to the over 65 age group with a predicted the England and Wales average of 21.58) increase of 61%. This high proportion of and is the lowest IMD score of all districts in elderly people in the region is the result of a Cumbria. combined effect of retirees entering the county and people living longer once here. IMD scores 2007 ranked by electoral ward. The 47 South Lakeland wards are shown In addition, the population of those aged 64 along with their rank within Cumbria (out of and under is predicted to decrease by 2% 168). 1 is most deprived, 168 is least from 2008 levels. deprived.

page 7 Particular problem areas contributing towards low IMD scores in South Lakeland include: decent affordable housing, activities for teenagers and road and pavement repairs.

Map of South Lakeland District Council Geographical Boundary

page 8 The average unemployment rate in South needs with all other back office services Lakeland in September 2008 was 0.7%. This being concentrated in the remaining is the lowest rate of all Local Authorities in Directorate. It has enabled us to bring in Cumbria and is also much lower than the external recruits to roles at both Director and North West average of 3.0.The highest Assistant Director level. During the year, the unemployment rates occur in Ulverston East, council has used the scope of its new Ulverston South and Kendal Kirkland whilst structure to address issues of ‘Needs Led’ the lowest unemployment rates occur in service delivery best exemplified by our Older Windermere Town, Windermere Bowness Persons pilot project but also emerging in a North and Whinfell. developing Street Care programme with the County Council and the cross service Timely Restructure Information project being developed through the new Information Unit. These issues At the beginning of 2009/10, the council had which have been managed as projects under undergone a period of almost five years of the council’s Transformation Programme critical stimulation and change. This have become more mainstream during developing awareness of the need for 2009/10 and have been developed into a improved corporate direction and clarity Needs Led toolkit which can be used by all about the ambitions of the council was services in developing a genuine needs led coupled with a growing realisation of the service delivery. importance of the Local Strategic Partnership in coordinating our core delivery outcomes Our workforce across the community. Against this South Lakeland District Council is proud to backdrop, in 2009, the council’s management serve the communities of this area. Working was slimmed down and reshaped comprising with our partners and staff we continue to of Directors being accountable for outcomes deliver excellent and valued services to for communities delivered from services residents in, and visitors to, the South Lakes managed by a set of Assistant Director’s. area. This ‘top down’ corporate refresh of management and the efficiencies of the Effective workforce planning will help focus council were unanimously supported by on how the workforce can best be utilised to Members and have taken around 12 months meet current and future service needs to deliver. It has reduced core costs across against the background of the significant the council by around £1m per annum, which savings required of the council in order to has translated during 2009/10 into a 3.4% balance its budgets. reduction on rechargeable costs on the Our staff, probably our most expensive 2008/09 figure. The new corporate resource, need to be efficient in delivering management structure has provided excellent services. This means ensuring that opportunities for the council to concentrate its the council has not only the right number of attention on external issues, focusing five of people, but also that they have the necessary the six new Directorates on enterprise, skills to deliver against the changing needs of community issues and customer the communities it serves.

page 9 We are committed to responding to what our shared services continue to be developed to community and employees tell us about our provide further efficiencies and service role as a model employer in the community. improvement from within the likely revenue We will work to provide opportunities for and capital resources available. younger people to gain employment at the 2010/11 Council Budgets By Corporate council and - will work hard to ensure that we Plan Theme compare favourably with ‘best practice’ comparators or diversity measures. Revenue Capital We want to be an employer of choice, with a strong reputation for good people Theme 2010/11 2010/11 2011/12 management practices. We want to ensure £000 £000 to that all staff are consistently aware of what is 2013/14 required of them, are skilled to meet those £000 requirements and clear on how they are doing this. We want to provide better Live 9,226.0 6,611.2 14,457.8 development opportunities and recognise the Work (11.2) 305.7 400.0 essential need for flexible working to increase our efficiency. Visit 1,854.5 4,671.5 2,541.5 Due to the essentially rural nature of the Regulatory 5,518.4 615.0 187.5 district, there are particular problems, including providing affordable housing to Other 1,277.0 0 0 meet needs (a large number of properties in Services the district are classed as second homes for tourism purposes). This has the added Total 17,864.7 12,203.4 17,586.8 disadvantage that it significantly raises the average cost of housing beyond the reach of many local people who seek to live and work Following the General Election in 2010 there within the same district. As one of the largest is likely to be a greater imperative for local employers in South Lakeland, we also government to deliver savings over the next recognise that we have a responsibility and a five years. South Lakeland will need to find capacity to support more residents from the around £2.1m of savings just to “stand still”. younger age group, who may find the area’s It is unlikely that future finance settlements expensive housing a stumbling block. from the Government will be as generous as A number of changes have been made to the at present. Projections of spend and income council’s policies in order to provide a more suggest a budget deficit on the General Fund positive balance between work and home life building by around £500,000 per year. including amendments to the flexi-time Redirection of resources totalling £2.1m will scheme to provide further flexibility for staff. be needed by 2014/15 to achieve sustainable budgets with this element of new Our finances expenditure. This is based on an assumed The Five-Year Medium Term Financial Plan council tax increases of 2.8% annually, (2010/11 to 2014/15) has been developed unless an income stream is identified which alongside the Corporate Plan, with resources can be used to set a lower level. Reserves allocated to service areas and capital projects are currently sound, but the council needs to that will enable the council’s priorities and continue strengthening reserves to meet outcomes to be delivered. future needs. The council should seek to maintain and expand its income from fees The way the council’s departments are and charges by implementing the Corporate organised has been reviewed and a structure Charging Policy. The Housing Revenue that better meets the needs of the community Account is likely to fall into deficit during the has been implemented. The changes made medium term as the demand for planned have taken account of the likely medium term maintenance exceeds funding available. The economic climate coupled with the likelihood HRA options study and the associated HRA of reducing central government funding. financial model should be used to guide The significant level of savings required to decisions on the alternative means of balance the 2010/11 position have been provision and management of council incorporated to the review of services, while housing. These options will have a very opportunities for ensuring efficiencies and significant impact on the financial position of better value for money have been considered the council, but cannot be quantified with any and included. The opportunities around certainty at this time. A programme of budget page 10 reductions is needed, based on examining During 2009/2010, the council undertook a strategic fit and alternative methods of number of large, complex procurement and service delivery as part of a programme of commissioning projects including leisure value for money reviews. These reviews will facility management, waste and recycling include the implementation of any remaining collection, street cleansing, commercial actions from the Focusing the Budget (FTB) waste collection, grounds maintenance and exercises and further identification of budget recreational facilities, bring site recycling, and redirections using FTB principles, a sustained bulky household waste collection. All of these programme of organisational re-engineering key frontline services have a high degree of (OR), efficiency savings, investigating visibility and importance to all sectors of the opportunities for shared service provision, South Lakeland community. where appropriate, effective procurement and SLDC Corporate Plan 2010 – 2013 reviewing service disinvestment, where appropriate. The programme of budget A number of workshops took place with reductions needs to be subject to formal officers and councilors in order to put project management processes. together the Corporate Plan for 2010 - 13. The Corporate Plan is split into 3 distinct Value for money services areas around making South Lakeland the The procurement of goods, works and best place to live, work and visit. Each area services is a high value activity that has a has it’s own set of priorities, key projects and critical impact on the performance and outcomes. Firstly priorities were set. These success of the organization. The council are the things that the council feels are most made significant progress in 2009 to ensure important to deliver that have been identified that its procurement and commissioning through what the council knows about its activity is clearly aligned to deliver the needs residents and visitors needs through of the local community through the feedback and intelligence that has been Community Strategy and the Corporate Plan. gathered. Since the end of 2008, the council has Key Projects were then identified that the established that the critical issue must be the council were already delivering, or that will be quality and cost of the resultant service and delivered in the future, that will help us to not whether it is a core delivery service, achieve the priorities identified. which must remain ‘in house’. The projects will be measured through a The comparatively straightforward series of targets, or Outcomes that will allow procurements for waste and ground us to determine whether the priorities have maintenance and the ongoing consultation on been achieved and by how much. These toilets and the developing models of delivery measurements can be National Indicators for Tourist Information Centres demonstrate (NI’s), which are measured by all councils the council has fulfilled the requirements of across the Country or can be Local Indicators best value and efficiency, effectiveness, and (LI’s) that can be set and measured across the prudential management of public monies. Cumbria or just by SLDC.

page 11 Ulverston market town

Our performance Overall, SLDC scored two out of a possible four in total, which gives it a ranking of: In early 2009, the council was keen to ‘performing adequately’. Whilst the report understand the intelligence information it recognises the council has adequate captures from performance data and how this arrangements to secure economy, efficiency could help the council be more effective in its and effectiveness in the use of its resources, decision making. there is scope for improvement with The organisation has set up an intelligence arrangements to organise and develop its unit, which seeks to embed and implement a workforce effectively to support the range of information management activities, achievement of strategic priorities. which integrate to support the information needs of the council - and supports the need Summary to gather intelligence and knowledge about We enter 2010/11 with a stronger our community as a corporate resource, management and delivery structure, led by a supporting the delivery of the Corporate Plan. suite of good Corporate plans and instruments. Our performance is solidly Secondly, to minimise multiple data sources, reported against well-structured action plans, performance report templates have been which increasingly demonstrate how developed in our performance management outcomes will be achieved and our priorities system, Covalent, allowing for the production are solidly founded on reliable evidence of the same information in a more consistent developed from our improving understanding way. This is supported by SLDC recently of our communities developed through our developing guides such as “Implementing LAPs engagement. Our success in 2010/11 Effective Data Quality and Developing will be judged by how well we deliver the Procedures” and “Guide to Benchmarking”. outcomes of the Corporate Plan, which has See Appendix 1 “Our Performance Data in as its pinnacle the attitudes of our community 2009/10”. to their wellbeing and influence. SLDC Audit Inspection SLDC is making “good progress” to make the area a better place to live, work and visit. The Audit Commission carried out a “Comprehensive Area Assessment,” of the council in 2009, which is a new way of examining public services operating in England. It looks at what councils are doing to tackle major issues like improving quality of life, increasing affordable housing, reducing the fear of crime, attracting investment or reducing the area's carbon footprint.

page 12 Kendal Town Hall page 14 4.Making South Lakeland the Provide grants to adapt homes where necessary reduce homelessness and Best place to LIVE continue to deliver the Affordable Warmth Our priorities Strategy. 1. We will deliver services that meet the 2. We will work with partners to ensure essential needs of residents - homes, that everyone has opportunities to warmth, a clean and safe environment participate in culture and the arts and and financial assistance where stay healthy, safe and active. appropriate. Recreation, Leisure & Wellbeing This will be delivered through a number of Work with Partners to provide better facilities, projects that include activities and opportunities and co-ordinate Local Communities these as a legacy of the 2012 Olympics. SLDC will support Local Area Partnership’s Help to reduce diet related disease and the (LAP’s) in order to allow them to deliver their number of residents who smoke in South chosen priorities and allow decision making Lakeland. to take place at a local level. SLDC will Arts, Events & Culture continue its work with local economic We will work with partners to deliver key arts partners including Eden and South Lakeland projects, cultural initiatives and events Forward to deliver growth schemes for the throughout the district for residents and district. visitors. We will co-ordinate the delivery of Older and Disabled People the Arts Strategy action plan. We will refresh In order to support independent living for this the Cultural Strategy for the area. group SLDC will continue to work in We will act as the lead local authority partner Partnership to deliver the One Contact 50+ for Kendal Arts International on the Lakes priorities and will continue to provide Alive 'We Play' Legacy Trust project for concessionary travel for over 60’s and London 2012. We will continue to encourage disabled residents. sustainable events that positively support and Young People benefit our local economy. Work with partners to begin to understand the We will develop a local legacy programme for needs of young people and deliver London 2012 as part of the Cultural safeguarding training to those adults who are Olympiad. involved with children. We will support 6 key arts organisations in Access to Services the district to deliver a programme of work of local, national and in some cases Continue to develop and build the One Stop international significance. Shop in Ulverston and work with Partners to put these in other key service areas. Improve 3. We will protect South Lakeland’s our website and contact centre so that better outstanding natural and built information is delivered through these environment whilst encouraging channels and explore the use of other sustainable development. channels such as Facebook and Twitter. Development Grow local business interaction with the The Local Development Framework will help Cumbria Chest procurement website and to identify sites for development and support support the development of the pilot scheme potential employment site developments that for local public/private procurement portal in are underway around the Kendal Canal area Kendal. Continue the Equality & Diversity and conserve areas already developed. work that is taking place and aim to achieve level 3. SLDC will continue to support local business growth and inward investment through the Streetscene facilitation of the Land and Premises Working with Partners to excel our streetcare Register. This helps businesses to find sites services to improve the quality of our public for development and expansion and realm, such as reducing litter and graffiti and encourages investment within the district. reduce anti-social behaviour. Regeneration & Sustainability Housing Work with Partners to deliver regeneration in Make sure that housing is affordable and a number of areas including Bowness, meets the needs of the local housing market, Kendal, Ulverston, Sedbergh, Kirkby including council stock. Lonsdale and Grange. We will develop new

page 15 Lakes Alive on the Glebe, Bowness-on-Windermere Ambleside Sports

ways of delivering sustainable quality Swim on Windermere and with Kendal Arts regeneration programmes. Reduce the International on Mintfest in Kendal and carbon footprint of SLDC and work with the supported the International Lake District Cumbria Climate Change Strategy. Summer Music Festival bringing high quality events of international repute to the district. Our achievements in 2009/10 We have regular funding agreements with six Arts and Culture major arts organisations to support the We have supported several key cultural delivery of a significant programme of work events over the last year in our communities throughout the district: throughout the district and thousands of • Abbot Hall Art Gallery people have enjoyed participating in them. • Brewery Arts Centre Through our grants programme we supported over 30 local organisations and events such • Grizedale Arts as Windermere Air Show, Kendal Torchlight, • Lake District Summer Music Festival Dent Folk Festival, Kendal Festival of Food, Ulverston Lantern Procession, Coniston • Lanternhouse, Water Festival, Lakeland Sinfonia Concert • Wordsworth Trust Society and Westmorland Youth Orchestra. We have also supported and will continue to As a partner in the highlights rural touring work with other arts organisations in the programme we enabled 7 community venues district to deliver a programme of work with and village halls in Broughton, Sedbergh, the arts community including Farfield Mill at Arnside, Dent, Brigsteer, Staveley and Kirkby Sedbergh, Kendal Windows on Arts, Kendal Lonsdale to participate in a scheme bringing Green Door Studios, Another Space and the quality professional entertainment to rural National Centre for Storytelling, Grasmere. communities. We continue to contribute to the successful In Ulverston we promoted a year round delivery of the Arts Strategy Action Plan. programme of events at the council owned Partnerships and managed Coronation Hall bringing Moscow Ballet, Kate Rusby, Ken Dodd, Dave Plans were unveiled to give residents in Spikey and others. We have also developed towns and villages across South Lakeland the ‘Camerata at the Coro’ residency more control over their communities. Eight programme in Ulverston with Manchester new “Local Area Partnerships”, LAP’s, have Camerata. been introduced to bring people closer to how decisions are made and public money spent. We also worked in partnership to organise The partnerships are devised to give people and manage the event to celebrate the the chance to have more of a say on issues unveiling of the Laurel and Hardy statue of importance to them like litter, dog fouling, attended by 2,500 people. graffiti, markets and toilets. The council As a key local partner the council worked with funded a Place Survey ‘boost’ to enable the Nova International to deliver the Great North results to be disaggregated to LAP level.

page 16 Children playing on the MUGA in Ulverston Country dancing with the U3A

These results were used alongside existing nurture plant and animal life and to protect community plan issues to establish initial and improve the man-made environment”. priorities for LAP action. The authority’s initial aim was to establish SLDC carried out a peer review of the Local and implement a carbon reduction Strategic Partnership (LSP) and following programme to deal with its own resources, this, supported them to drive improvements, before working with the community to take resulting in a tighter focus on community action on climate change on a wider scale. priorities. The council has shown leadership by bringing together partnerships in order to The first steps were to establish a baseline of tackle a number issues in South Lakeland for carbon emissions for the authority operations which it does not have the main in line with the reporting structure. Following responsibility. this, a target of 25% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2012/13 from the 2007/08 South Lakeland has been a source of ideas baseline was agreed. and challenges to the way partnerships were working in Cumbria. Our LSP and Crime & A Carbon Management Board was set up to Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) have oversee the programme and a Carbon been recognized as effective and innovative Reduction Team established to develop and partnerships and have provided a platform for implement the council’s Carbon Reduction promoting improvements. The LSP has Plan. Our key delivery partners were involved ensured it is adding value. At the 2009 in the Carbon Management Team and Community Conference, it did this through an working together have identified further ways exercise which resulted in four short-term to reduce our carbon footprint. focus issues being agreed for the LSP: Internally, a staff Green Team was climate change, development of Local Area established and carbon reduction at work Partnerships, finding sites for affordable branding developed. This led quickly to housing and regeneration of service centres. Switch Off campaigns and key signage being The Local Strategic Partnership also works displayed. A staff environmental survey to alongside the council to deliver projects on gauge environmental awareness was Climate Change. The work with the wider undertaken in February 2009. The survey community began with the authority signing showed that our staff had a good awareness the Cumbria Climate Change Strategy and of climate change issues and its effects, but Action Plan, and supporting and promoting a needed more information and assistance on range of partner events such as Green Build the actions they could take at work. The Fortnight, Cyclefest, Growing Well Crop Green Team used the results of the survey to Share, Cut Me Carbon Radio Campaign, inform their action plans. Staveley Green Travel Initiative and others. A variety of schemes were promoted and Natural Resources introduced including the Cumbria Liftshare The council’s aim is to “manage our natural scheme, which enables staff of local resources prudently, to improve waste authorities across Cumbria to find car share management, reduce pollution, protect and partners. South Lakeland has had the highest

page 17 New homes at Harmony Hill, Milnthorpe

sign up from staff, across all Districts in Housing Cumbria. The council also teamed up with Forty new affordable homes were created in national charity Carplus to look at introducing Kendal as part of the development of the new a Car Club in Kendal to become greener and K Village. Site developers Kendal Riverside drive down the cost of motoring. The scheme Ltd signed a contract with Impact Housing works by having a fuel-efficient car club Association to provide 40 homes on Lound vehicle that allows club members to book the Place. car online or over the telephone. Council tenants in South Lakeland were A capital bid of £336,000 was approved for found to be among the most satisfied in the the period of 2009/10 – 2012/13 to support country - based on independent research projects identified in the Carbon Reduction carried out by Age Concern. A survey said Plan to reduce our emissions by 25% by 99% of sheltered housing tenants said they 2012/13. felt safe, liked their homes and estate. Older People Programme/Need Led As a major landowner, South Lakeland Working with focus groups of older people in District Council recognised not all of its stock South Lakeland, the District Council, Cumbria of land is needed and could be put to better County Council, Cumbria PCT, Cumbria Fire use and therefore put together an Affordable and Rescue Service, Cumbria Police, Age Housing Policy. This has created close to Concern and The Pension Service undertook 100 new homes for young people, families a “needs assessment” in October 2008 to and older people. The latest was the former understand the issues and priorities for older SLDC council depot in Harmony Hill, people in the area. Milnthorpe - a new community of 10 properties - four two-bedroom flats, four two- The results of the assessment have been bedroom houses and two three bedroom mapped to existing service provision so that houses. Similar schemes are also in the partners can understand the opportunities to pipeline for Windermere. improve services and, in particular, improve access to services. The identified 133 services were mapped to the following eight categories of Need. These were: In Need of Adequate Finance, Access to Leisure Services & Family, Social Interaction, In Need of new learning opportunities, involvement and engagement in decisions affecting their lives, In Need of specific care due to frailty or illness, ‘Warm, safe and secure housing’ and ‘Staying healthy as long as possible’.

page 18 Sedbergh Safety Day Sir John Barrow Monument

Regeneration which has held similar successful days in Ulverston and Kendal. We will work with partners to deliver and support delivery of regeneration initiatives Kirkby Lonsdale in a number of areas including Bowness, Kendal, Ulverston, Sedbergh, Kirkby The council is working closely with Kirkby Lonsdale and Grange: Lonsdale Town Council to explore ideas about promoting tourism in the area and Sedbergh looking at ways in which Kirkby Lonsdale can develop sustainable revenue streams that Townscape Initiative would be re-invested into community SLDC’s Implementation team has worked projects. closely with Sedbergh Parish Council and its partners within Sedbergh including Sedbergh Ulverston School, Yorkshire Dales National Park, Sir John Barrow Monument Sedbergh Booktown and Sedbergh Chamber of Trade to develop the Sedbergh Townscape A team of officers has worked in close Initiative. This scheme will look at issues of partnership with Ulverston Town Council to concern and provide solutions in a number of support them in delivering parts of the Sir areas including highways, pedestrian access, John Barrow Monument Restoration project. signage, car parks and public areas and The team has concentrated on delivering the make recommendations that can then be Audience Development Plan, which will delivered as funds permit. This work will culminate in an event to celebrate the build on the consultation that the Parish opening of the Monument on 22 August 2010. Council has already undertaken. A The project was funded following a professional team has now been appointed to successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund take the project on to its next stage. amounting to £891,000, along with £150,000 from English Heritage. The balance of Safety Day £200,000+ was raised locally. Sedbergh hosted its first ever community Public Realm safety day in the summer with the aim of introducing residents to the range of The council is working with the new owners organisations helping to keep crime and of Ulverston Canal, NPL to develop disorder down. Local people turned out to sustainable projects surrounding the Canal. see entertaining sideshows and a street The Weint in Ulverston, leading from Market circus although there was a serious side to Street to Buxton Place Car Park has recently the carnival. Helpful crime prevention advice been upgraded by SLDC. was handed out to the community to spread Officers have worked with UTC in developing the word about what a host of organisations leaflets for the Sir John Barrow Monument. are doing. The major public event was organised by the South Lakeland Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (SLCDRP),

page 19 Bowness Bay Kirkland Improvements

Hawkshead • develop a coherent approach and act as a guide for current and future development SLDC is working with South Lakes projects in the area Development Trust, Hawkshead Parish Council and the Lake District National Park • to lead to a visible demonstration of Authority to develop sensitive proposals to quality on the ground improve pavements and streets in this • to help build public support for a continued historic village. programme of improvement, and Bowness • to address the future management requirements for the continued The council is considering options to help maintenance of the public realm enable the delivery of some proposals outlined in the Bowness Bay & The Glebe As part of the framework draft design Masterplan by re-developing assets to assist proposals are being developed to improve, in funding other areas of public realm. New Road, Market Place and Finkle Street. Ambleside and Waterhead Kendal Signage After extensive public consultation the One of the most visible projects that the community and all the partners agreed a Kendal Futures and the council led was the design, installation and management of 17 scheme for Waterhead. The scheme does visitor signs that are situated throughout require significant public sector funding to Kendal. Working with Kendal Town Council, take it forward. The council hopes that the Lakes Line Community Rail Partnership, possibility of obtaining funding for this project Kendal Civic Society, South Lakes Local may become clearer in the future following Committee, Cumbria County Council and the the implementation of the Governments new private sector these stunning contemporary proposals for Local Enterprise Partnerships signs were designed and made by The Knack The council has worked with the private Design, a local company. Working with public sector and provided funding to upgrade an sector partners, the next phase of the work area of Rydal Road car park providing a safer will include renewal of fingerpost signing in walkway into the town centre through the Kendal. These improvements will help local recent redevelopment at the Glass House. people and visitors explore and learn about the town. Kendal Kirkland Kendal Public Realm Framework Kendal Futures in conjunction with local Kendal Futures, in partnership with SLDC, partners including SLDC, Cumbria County were awarded £50000 for a Public Realm Council and the NWDA has successsfully Framework for Kendal. The design document completed a major public realm improvement is to be developed as a comprehensive guide project in Kirkland in 2010. The enhancement to the coordinated development and works included widening pavements, management of the public realm within improving lighting, adding seating and Kendal Town Centre. It is to: uplifting this important gateway entrance to

page 20 New Road Handyman Scheme

Kendal. This was a significant investment in Grange-over-Sands Kendal of £325,000. This scheme will create better linkages between the new £100m Berners Close K Village shopping centre and Kendal town There are continued developer negotiations centre that will help sustain and benefit the for the delivery of a Health, Leisure and local (and visitor) economy. Housing development. The council is working very closely with Grange Town Council and New Road the 3P’s community group on development of The scheme to reinstate Common Land at this site, which will include the delivery of a New Road has progressed well. A public new health centre. consultation has been held to determine the Bowness best use of this common land and establish an action plan. This scheme is being Handyman Scheme developed in line with the Kendal Public A successful service to help older people get Realm Framework and draft designs have repairs done won £25,000 of new funding to been adopted as a basis for taking the project make sure it could continue in the future. forward. This project will enhance The Handy Person Scheme provides a small connections with the River Kent, town centre repair and improvement service for owner- and proposed Canal Head redevelopment. occupiers and private tenants, who are either Canal Head Redevelopment over 60, have a disability or have recently been discharged from hospital. Eligible The council has agreed to revisit the Area residents have simple repair works carried Action plan for Canal Head. The DIG is out at their home free of charge. Work can working closely with landowners and potential include changing light bulbs, minor repairs to developers on this complex and important gates and fences, putting up curtain rails and project that will bring significant regeneration the fitting of security measures such as door benefits to Kendal and compliment the and window locks. nearby K Village Development, which opened Community engagement in July 2010. The council is keen to see companies such as Gilbert Gilkes and The council has consulted with young people Gordon Ltd continue to operate in the District. and communities in order to facilitate the delivery of five well-used multi-use games Historic Yards areas and a number of other new play areas, The council is working in partnership with including a skate park. public and private partners to improve the Young people were involved in Local historic yards in Kendal. During 2009, SLDC Democracy Week, which involved meeting funded improvements to Angel Yard. The councillors and guiding them about how they historic yard runs from Highgate to the car should engage young people. park and the improvements including new As part of the Kendal Public Realm surfacing, a handrail and more lighting has Framework consultation a number of uplifted this area. This project is linked to the participatory events were held with local Kendal Public Realm Framework. groups, local businesses and young people.

page 21 Timely Information Housing & Planning for example, . adaptation of houses. Residents are now able to view up to date performance against parts of each service Warmer Homes such as reports of abandoned vehicles, Over 100 people came together to keep requests for recycling blue boxes or reports warm with a specially arranged tea dance at of missed bin collection. The information is Kendal Town Hall. As well as being a fun get- displayed through the Internet and shows together, the event had a serious message to information through the postcode that is raise awareness of what help people can get selected People and Officers are able to to help combat fuel poverty. The event was construct or combine information in ways of organised by SLDC and Age Concern and their own choosing. funded by the Warm Homes Campaign Award Scheme. Our prospects for the future Partnerships Older People Our agenda contains a commitment to The council and its partners recognise that in continue improving our contribution and order to provide better access to services for influence within Cumbria and the region as a older people, there is potential to join up genuinely corporate organisation. Our LAPs services which would address some of the programme will require us to develop complaints from this customer group and also increasingly productive collaborations with generate savings for those Partners involved. the County, the Police and the Health In allowing partners to share information that agencies to satisfy the local needs of those is usually repeated to each organization communities. In practice, ongoing separately for example name, address, date discussions with Cumbria CC will need to be of birth, the council and its partners believe progressed to devolution of key highway they can make a real difference to the lives of services to ensure that local demand is people in South Lakeland. This is beginning satisfied. Our measure of success will be the to be delivered through the One Contact 50+ degree to which we have been able to affect Project. the views of members of those communities seen through the place survey, about the Work will also continue to be developed to value for money and effectiveness that they reduce rural isolation with the set up of see being delivered by their public servants. intergenerational projects and funding Resolving the gulf between local satisfaction opportunities to support this work. with place and satisfaction with local service The Healthy Communities for Older People providers remains a challenge for local will influence the Cumbria-wide Older People authorities across Cumbria and one, which agenda through the development of the we intend to embrace. Cumbria-wide Community Strategy. An Older SLDC will continue its work with local People Strategy will then be written at a local economic partners including Eden and South level once the new community structure has Lakeland Forward to deliver growth schemes been approved. This will be used to for the district. SLDC will continue its work influence policy in other areas such as with local economic partners including Eden page 22 Elterwater

and South Lakeland Forward to deliver future that will ensure that residents, visitors growth schemes for the district. and businesses choose South Lakeland as a SLDC will continue close working on preferred location in which to live, work and business activities and economic visit. development with Cumbria Rural Enterprise In 2010/11 the council will continue with Agency, Cumbria Chamber, Federation of implementation of the Carbon Reduction Small Businsses, Furness Enterprise and Plan, begin to roll-out more initiatives with the other local economic led partnerships community and ensure the district is resilient including Kendal Futures as a commitment to in the face of extreme weather incidents as support economic and business growth in the experienced in 2009. Specific actions include: District. Partnership working will continue on business events, training and seminars. • The authority is seeking a suitable partner organisation that will undertake the bulky In addition to funding the establishment of the household waste collection service and LAPs, the council has worked with Cumbria ensure that goods collected, are County Council to establish a £15,000 priority refurbished and reused where practicable project budget for each LAP in 2010/11 to do so. Need Led • Implementation of the Kendal Car Club Work is being developed to support members Scheme, Carplus. taking forward the need-led approach as • Sustainable staff green guide individuals and as political groupings. The Corporate Management Team has a shared • Internal waste collection and recycling to vision of what it means to be Need Led and be expanded this has been communicated throughout the • Internal water management policy council and will be developed both corporately and across services. Discussion • SLDC Green Travel Plan through the Corporate Plan Refresh has • Continued work with NPS to improve identified young people and the local economy as potential customer groups to be energy efficiency in council buildings egg developed in the next 12 months. upgrade of energy audit software in South Lakeland House to improve Further work will also be necessary with benchmarking. members to support them in defining the needs of their communities along side the • Climate change and carbon reduction work within the Local Area Partnerships. training for key staff During 2010/11 South Lakeland will need to The council has a district wide kerbside and work with partners to develop comparative bring-site recycling scheme, which has costs for existing service led delivery resulted in recycling rate of 44.6%. The alongside need led service delivery to authority works closely as part of the Cumbria demonstrate the efficiencies which emerge. Strategic Waste Partnership to explore further ways to enhance the delivery of Natural Resources recycling facilities to our communities and The council is determined to help lead our keeps its current services under review. District to a sustainable and low-carbon Further enhancements to this are planned

page 23 from 2010 onwards including assisted information between relevant departments, collection of blue recycling boxes for those in so that customers receive a more joined up need. and efficient service. This is the Tell Us Once Project Customer Profiling Building work will begin in June 2010 for a The Timely Information system continues to One Stop Shop in Ulverston Town Hall, which build on existing work around Circles of will create a more open and welcoming Need, which is an in-depth study into environment for customers. The One Stop understanding the diverse customer Shop will be branded as a Local Link as we demographics and needs of the citizens of are working in partnership with Cumbria South Lakeland. County Council. It is anticipated that initially Mosaic data combines over 400 separate about 10 partner organisations will offer their data sources and divides the UK adult services from this One Stop Shop. The population into 61 different types and 11 redesigned facilities are due to open to the groups covering the full spectrum of British public in October 2010. The building will and Northern Ireland society. In addition to remain open for existing services during the the 2001 Census, data sources for Mosaic alterations. include the ‘edited’ electoral roll, lifestyle Work has also started to look at the feasibility information, house price data, council tax of creating a One Stop Shop in the centre of returns, consumer credit behaviour and ONS Kendal. About 12 organisations are interested local area statistics. in this location. The next phase will be to Mosaic is a household-based consumer commission and carry out the fieldwork in classification system, which is widely used by May / June 2010. The responses will organisations in the commercial and public determine if the project will continue. sector to analyse the socio-economic Housing composition of UK consumers at household address or postcode The preparation of the South Lakeland Local Development Framework (LDF) will continue Mosaic is used by central and local to be community-led. government to identify areas of real social deprivation and to allocate remedial The council's Statement of Community resources more effectively. Involvement, will ensure that local communities have a direct role in shaping the Access to Services future of spatial planning in the District A computer-based system, using touch through a range of mechanisms - from screen computers is due to be set up in the keeping up to date with the LDF process through the council's website, LDF newsletter Kendal reception area to measure customer or South Lakeland News - to attending feedback information, instead of using the roadshows and neighbourhood forum events. paper-based process. In addition, the council will strive to The council’s complaints policy is in the continually learn from the community in order process of being updated and we are initially to ensure that we are involving local people in developing processes that will pass ways that best recognise their needs. page 24 5.Making South Lakeland the Investment Best place to WORK Work with Partners to deliver investment and growth in Key Services centres through Our priorities identifying employment sites with business 1. We will work with partners to understand, leaders through our work with the Local sustain and grow South Lakeland’s economy Development Framework (LDF) and tackle the economic challenges in the SLDC will continue to promote local business area. interaction with the Cumbria Chest Business procurement website and support the development of the pilot scheme for local Following recent government public/private procurement portal in Kendal. announcements, the council is working with partners in the public and private sector to Initiatives such as the Kendal Public Realm respond to the Governments draft proposals Framework, Bowness Bay and The Glebe for the development of Local Enterprise Development Masterplan and Sedbergh Partnerships, which will replace the Regional Townscape Initiative will help shape Development Agencies. The Government developer contributions to enhancing the has also announced a new potential source public realm. of funding called the Regional Growth Fund, SLDC will continue to support local business which the council is also responding to. growth and inward investment through the We will work with partners including the Eden facilitation of the Land and Premises and South Lakeland Delivery Board, Cumbria Register. This helps businesses to find sites Rural Enterprise Agency and Furness for development and expansion and Enterprise. to develop the workforce of the encourages investment within the district. district. We will enable business growth and Economy an increase in the average earnings in the district by supporting business start up and Work with Partners to develop and implement growth through grant funding and advice and an economic strategy for South Lakeland through developing stronger relationships through developing a shared knowledge and with local further education establishments. understanding of issues facing the local The council will also work closely with economy and an agreed approach to Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and the developing growth economies. This will be Federation of Small Business and local achieved through the Joint Investment Plan delivery partnerships such as Kendal Futures for Cumbria and the work of the Eden and and South Lakes Development Trust to South Lakeland Forward. facilitate and enable business growth and The outcome of the debate on Local sustainability. Enterprise Partnerships will also help to shape economic delivery in South Lakeland and across Cumbria. SLDC is also committed to the Kendal Economic Regeneration Action

page 25 Kendal’s Festival of Food Gill Cycles

Plan and will continue to work in partnership Marketing Events and Working Lunches with the Kendal Futures Board to help The council recently worked with Furness facilitate and deliver projects. Enterprise to deliver an event in Ulverston, Our achievements in 2009/10 linked to the opening of new modern office space at the Ulverston Business Centre. The Kendal Shop Fronts event was held at the Coronation Hall and attracted over 100 businesses. South Lakeland District Council and Kendal Futures offered local shopkeepers in Kendal A working lunch was held in Kendal where the chance to enhance or update the frontage businesses were invited to come along and of their shop. The Kendal Shop Front meet a council members and officers to Improvement Scheme offers grants of discuss issues of concern. More working between £150 and £2,000 to help improve lunches will be organised following the businesses on all the main shopping routes success of the initial event and will delivered within the Kendal Conservation Area. across South Lakeland. Topics will include, planning, local development framework and Grants of up to 50% of the actual cost of the recycling. improvement including planning and design fees. To date the scheme has seen over Benchmarking £30,000 of grants from SLDC with over The council undertakes a number of £100,000 investment from the private sector benchmarking studies, which assist in businesses. 36 companies companies have understanding the economic health of the been supported by receiving a grant. district. These include regular empty shop Kendal Festival of Food surveys in the towns of Kendal, Ulverston, Bowness and Windermere to assist in Kendal’s first ever Festival of Food was held understanding the health of the areas market with over 50 local businesses taking part. The towns. The council works with Cumbria event was organised by SLDC and Kendal Tourism to undertake surveys amongst Futures to showcase local produce in Kendal visitors to the District. and the surrounding area. Residents and Support for Business visitors were able to taste and buy quality food products and experience the best local Discretionary marketing grants are made food and drink offers. Events such as available by the council through its partners sausage making, farm tours and bread Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency and baking were fully booked and businesses Furness Enterprise. The council committed were pleased with the interest. This event £82,500 during the year to supporting received national recognition and supported businesses start up and growth. A total of 417 the local food and drink economy. businesses benefited from support, mentoring and marketing grants support. These organisations also deliver the Intensive Start up Support programme, which delivers expertise to individuals who are considering starting a new business.

page 26 The Implementation Team talk regularly with A system of Local Enterprise Partnerships businesses to discuss issues directly throughout the country will replace the affecting them and provide details on council Regional Development Agencies. services. The team also works with Business Public Sector funding will in future be made Link to help them signpost specific support to available through a new Regional Growth business. Fund. Proposals for LEPs will be send to The council has worked closely with the Government in September 2010. South Lakes Development Trust to deliver a LEP’s are expected to concentrate on number of initiatives including the ‘Shop strategic leadership, planning, housing, local Doctor’- intensive advise and support to transport, infrastructure priorities, retailers. employment, enterprise and tourism, and will Eden and South Lakeland Forward (ESLF) work closely with the Higher and Further Education sectors. A low carbon economy will The council has played an important role in also be a priority. the establishment of Eden and South Lakeland Forward, a private sector led We are working with Eden and South partnership inclusive of the two District Lakeland Forward, Furness Enterprise and Councils, County Council and National Park Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency to ensure Authorities. ESLF has become central to the employment opportunities, including way in which public sector investment will be employment sites, are available in the area. prioritised to deliver economic growth in the • Between 2007 and 2008 employment in District. South Lakeland fell by 400, a drop of ­ Kendal Futures 0.7%. The benefit claimant rate for all persons in February 2010 was 1.60%, a The council has played a key role in rise of 6.73% from the previous month’s supporting the work of Kendal Futures This figures. independent board from the local private and • Up to 128 new jobs are to be created for public sector has been pivotal in ensuring a 18-24 year olds in Cumbria thanks to a number of key projects in the Kendal Area Government scheme, which will offer firms Regeneration Action Plan have been funded and delivered. a £6,500 contribution towards a new worker’s salary if they are given a six- month minimum contract. Cumbria County Our prospects for the future Council has been given £900,000 by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) The council is working with other local to boost employment and it is anticipated authorities, enterprise agencies and delivery that many of the new jobs will be involved boards to develop proposals and principles in flood recovery work. for the emerging Local Enterprise Partnerships.

page 27 Ken Dodd with Laurel & Hardy statue, Ulverston Green Flag Award, Park Road Gardens, Grange-over-Sands

6.Making South Lakeland the Desert, the international appreciation society Best place to VISIT for Laurel and Hardy. County Square South Lakeland welcomes 4.7 million visitors to the area each year. This brings The County Square Enhancement Scheme in £518 million to the local economy. was managed by SLDC. Our priorities Kendal Museum The Station Road museum is owned by 1. We will work with partners to sustain Kendal Town Council and the collection by South Lakeland as a unique place to South Lakeland District Council. SLDC has visit and enjoy for local people and entered into a 10-year management visitors alike. agreement with Kendal College to enable the Public Realm college to run the museum building and Work with Partners to invest in and develop collection. SLDC is working closely with the public assets together with provision of Museum, College and Kendal Town Council quality public realm, review and improve the to attract funding from the Heritage Lottery appeal and quality of markets, public parking Fund and others to refurbish the museum and toilet facilities. building, make it more accessible, re-interpret the entire collection and enable the college to Visitor Services use the museum more extensively as part of Work with partners to deliver key services for its academic offer. the visitor including ongoing provision of Green flag visitor information through effective handover of the TICs, and opportunities for visitor South Lakeland District Council and the services to benefit from London 2012. Friends of Park Road Gardens made it a hat trick of successes after gaining a prestigious Our achievements in 2009/10 Green Flag award. A flag raising party celebrated the achievement. It was the third Laurel & Hardy Statue year in a row that a Green Flag has been The larger than life bronze statue of Laurel awarded to Park Road Gardens, which is and Hardy and their dog, Laughing Gravy, managed by South Lakeland District Council. was unveiled in Ulverston by popular comic The award highlights the park as achieving icon, Ken Dodd. The statue outside high environmental standards. Coronation Hall is the focal point of the newly Talk Toilets consultation revamped County Square. Over 2,500 people descended on Ulverston to see the statue of The council has used an innovative approach the famous duo be revealed and enjoyed the to consultation on how public toilets are celebrations and events on the day. The provided in South Lakeland. Supported by statue was sculpted by Graham Ibbeson of the council’s Community Engagement Officer Eric Morecambe statue fame, and given to and an engagement consultancy, the council Ulverston Town Council by the Sons of the is involving communities in the delivery of a

page 28 valued service in a way that reflects local apartments. It is hoped by making the walk need and capacity. from Kirkland more pleasant, people will discover Kirkland businesses as well as other Over 500 groups have been directly cultural attractions such as Kendal Parish contacted, including: community and sports Church, the Abbot Hall Art Gallery, the groups, businesses, schools, equality & Museum of Lakeland Life and the Brewery diversity groups, councillors, coach tour Arts Centre. operators, parishes, public sector partners and the media. Dance troupe at Torchlight SLDC are working with Kendal Futures to A young dance troupe, which wowed progress a pilot community toilet scheme in spectators at the annual Torchlight event, Kendal. This will provide quality facilities for honed their Street Dancing skills in a special visitors and help footfall for local businesses. project. In the run-up to Torchlight, the young people aged 11 to 16 were given hands-on Limekiln tuition for their public performance from South Lakeland District Council re-opened expert dance teacher and choreographer, the fully restored Limekiln at Greenside in Lucy Everett. The sessions were made Kendal after a major re-fit. Mrs Sheila possible following funding from the Chief Satchell who unveiled a plaque in memory of Constable’s Fund, South Lakeland District her husband, Dr John Satchell, a previous Council’s Community Leisure Grant, Safer chairman of Kendal Civic Society, made the Schools Partnership and a grant from South formal opening. The restoration included Lakeland Crime and Disorder Reduction improved access, seating and information Partnership. about how the kiln would have worked and its importance to Kendal. The kiln dates back to Publications & Promotion the 1840s and is the only one remaining of The council has worked closely with Cumbria approximately 12 kilns built to serve the Tourism to develop a series of Sense of Fellside quarries. Place leaflets for Kendal, Ulverston, Historic Gateway Hawkshead, Kirkby Lonsdale, Ambleside, and Grange-over-Sands, Grasmere, and A £275,000 project to revitalise the Kirkland Windermere & Bowness. area of Kendal has improved the welcome to the town for residents and visitors. This Officers also produce an annual Where to Eat project will encourage links between the new and Shop guide, a bi-monthly What’s on K Village development and the town centre Guide, and an annual What’s On Key shops. The new K Village is a £100m Festivals and Events brochure. Events and shopping and leisure complex comprising visitor information are also regularly visited factory outlet centre, five restaurants and on the SLDC website. cafes, over 500 underground car-parking spaces, tourist facilities, coach-parking and coach facilities for over 25 coaches, a 5,000 sq ft Heritage Centre, offices and 90

page 29 Our prospects for the future and producing series of themed press statements to stimulate regional and national Supporting - The Visitor Economy media coverage of our area. Castle Dairy Benchmarking The Castle Dairy, a Grade 1 listed building, The council works with Cumbria Tourism on owned by the council, will be refurbished Market Town Benchmarking Surveys for during winter 2010/11 and will become a Kendal and Windermere in 2010 and STEAM patisserie and gallery run and managed by surveys covering the District. Kendal College and its students. Events Festival of Food SLDC will support a programme of major Following the success of the food festival events and projects across the district as part held last year in Kendal, Kendal Futures and of the Cultural Olympiad. SLDC have negotiated the continuation of this festival with a local event management Cashless Car Parking company. This promising festival will be rolled The council has started a Pay by Phone pilot out throughout the district over the next few scheme at its car parks at Braithwaite Fold years. Local produce and the food and drink and Glebe Road in Bowness. If this proves market make an essential contribution to our successful, it will be rolled out across the local economy as well as to the environment district by 1 April 2011. The scheme will and sustainability of the local countryside provide customers with an opportunity to pay Improving coach parking facilities for car parking over the phone using debit and credit cards. It will also help to reduce SLDC is working with Kendal Futures and the council’s carbon footprint as its officers local businesses to develop the availability of will not have to make as many visits to the coach parking to support Kendal Town car parks to collect cash. Centre. A pilot scheme to introduce automatic Trade Talk number plate recognition will also be Officers will continue to produce a quarterly launched at the Westmorland Shopping e-newsletter, distributed to approximately 900 Centre car park in Kendal. This will help to businesses and organisations working with minimise congestion as customers leave the the visitor economy of South Lakeland. car park. It is anticipated that this pilot will be in place during Spring 2011. Partnership Working More Parking at Kirkland SLDC work closely with Cumbria Tourism, South Lakes Tourism Action Group, Ulverston The council is working with Abbot Hall Art Community Partnership, Sedbergh, Kendal Gallery to include its gallery car parking Futures and District Tourism Initiative and spaces as part of the Councils Peppercorn other emerging groups to develop new ways Lane Car Park at Kirkland in Kendal. This of stimulating the visitor economy and will mean a doubling in the number of car continue with successful strategies such as park spaces for general use. This scheme will re-printing popular Sense of Place leaflets be in place by 1 April 2011. page 30 Finance Actual Net Revenue Expenditure Actual Capital Expenditure 2009/10 2009/10

Where the money came from Where the money came from £72,988k Funding Source £000’s Capital Receipts £233 3.4% Grants £2,384 34.6% Borrowing £744 10.8% Reserves £683 9.9% HRA £1,638 23.8% General Fund Revenue £1,207 17.5% Total Funding £6,889 100%

Where the money went £72,988k Where the money went Project Area

£000’s Community Investment and Development £4,816 Community Services £1,348 Corporate Vision £223 Customer Focus £135 Resources £152 Social Enterprise £215 Total Programme £6,889

page 31 Our vision By involving people and creating opportunities we will make South Lakeland the best place to live, work and visit.

Our Values The delivery of the corporate plan is influenced by our three key values. These are: Valuing people, Excellence and Openness

If you would like a copy of this document in another format such as large print, Braille, audio or in a different language, please call 01539 733 333 or email customer.services@ southlakeland.gov.uk

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