Good Afternoon,

I am writing to inform you about the on-going issues that our team are facing with the Traffic Management currently in place at Scrithwaite Wood near Broughton Mills. This is in relation to the collapsed section of highway retaining wall located on the C5008 between Knotts End Farm (Dipping Croft) and the Stephenson Ground junction (please refer to Location Plan attached).

Following the collapse, our team arranged for sufficient Traffic Management to be installed on site to protect the public. For the benefit of the local community, we endeavoured to keep this restricted width of road open to all highway users. Our team currently monitor the Traffic Management on a weekly basis, but unfortunately during the last couple of visits, the Traffic Management has been vandalised with most of the temporary signs, cones, orange plastic barriers, sandbags, and water filled barriers having been thrown/pushed down the steep banking into the river (please see relevant photographs attached). This could not have been done accidentally.

We want to assure the public through the Parish Council, that this project is due to be delivered this year and we are currently preparing the contract docs for the design and construction of this new wall. However, this on-going issue of vandalism is diverting our resources away from what is already a busy schedule. This is a complex job and cannot be repaired in a short period of time. In the meantime, we have arranged for the Traffic Management to be re-erected, but if this continues, we will have no further option other than to close this section of road until the repair works are carried out.

We would be grateful if you could distribute this information throughout your Parish so that the public are aware of the situation.

Regards

Sam Harrison
Senior Bridge Technician
Bridges & Structures Team
Thriving Places Directorate | Westmorland & Furness Council

County Hall | Busher Walk | Kendal | Cumbria | LA9 4RQ

An urgent road closure has been put in place to allow Westmorland and Furness Highways to carry out urgent cattle grid repair works.

This notice will be in force for a period not exceeding 5 days from 29th February 2024. It is expected that the Works will take 2 days.

Please see below details of the extents of the restriction and any alternative routes which may be in place, the relevant legal notice can be viewed at https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/4587/5-day-urgent-notice-w-f_137803175_3699187_a10a47d1f4.pdf and a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found on one.network via link https://one.network/?tm=137803175

Location: C5007, Broughton-In-Furness, from a point approx. 2 km north of its junction with the A595, extending in a northerly direction for a distance of approx 400 metres.

Alternative Route: A way for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be maintained at all times and a suitable alternative route for vehicles will be signed and made available via the unrestricted sections of the C5007, Sella Brow, Bobbin Mill Hill, C4028, A595 and Smithy Lane.

Access for Emergency Vehicles will not be maintained where required for the duration of these works.

Should you have any queries in relation to this temporary Order please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 373 3306 or via the Westmorland & Furness Council website, quoting the reference TTROW/10310

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, Temporary Prohibition of Traffic Order 2023, Footpaths and Bridleways in Grizedale Forest, Whinlatter Forest, Wythop Woods and Broughton Moor

The Malcolm Wilson Rally will take place on Friday 8 March and Saturday 9 March 2024, one of two major rallies taking place in these forests each year.

As you may be aware, some of the rally’s “off-road” sections cross or follow public footpaths or bridleways. The Malcolm Wilson Rally’s route will affect rights of way in Whinlatter Forest, Wythop Woods and Grizedale Forest (west of the Hawkshead to Satterthwaite road).

In November last year I forwarded a copy of a closure order notice and accompanying plans showing the affected routes. The order is still in force and we intend to implement it on 8 and 9 March 2024 whilst the rally takes place. Affected rights of way in Whinlatter Forest will be closed on Friday 8 March from 00:01 for 24 hours, closures in Wythop Woods will be in effect from 12:00 noon on Friday 8 March through until 18:00 on Saturday 9 March and closures in Grizedale Forest (West) will be from 00:01 on Saturday 9 March for 24 hours. The public rights of way affected will be closed on these days but will be opened again as usual after the event has finished.

I attach a copy of the notice and the plans relating to this order. If you have any queries or concerns in the meantime, please let me know.

Empire Medals have kindly produced a Pin Badge for D-Day 80 - 6th June 2024, to assist in the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, in a very simple and cost effective way, providing all those purchasing them with a unique opportunity to pay their personal ‘tribute’ to past family members involved in D-Day on 6th June 1944.

To open the document, please click onempiremedals.com twice, then click on it againonceto view, order and purchase a Badge.

Encourage family, friends and members of your Parish and Towns to purchase them too, enabling them to wear them with pride during the build up to D-Day 80, and on 6th June this year.

D-DAY 80 WEBSITE: If you go to the D-Day 80 website - www.d-day80beacons.co.uk you will also see how this Commemoration event has, and is, growing in size on a daily basis too.

An emergency road closure has been put in place due to the likelihood of danger to the public, as a result of the dangerous condition of the carriageway.

This notice will be in force for a period of up to 21 days from 1st February 2024, as and when the relevant signs are displayed. It is anticipated that the restriction will be required for 2 days.

Please see below details of the extents of the restriction and any alternative routes which may be in place, the relevant legal notice can be viewed at https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/4587/21-day-emergency-notice-1st-w-f_137404721_3685904_095abe03bb.pdf and a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found on one.network via link https://one.network/?tm=137404721

Location: A595, Grizebeck, from its junction with the C5013, extending in a predominantly northerly direction to its junction with the C5009.

Alternative Route: A suitable alternative route will be signed and made available via the unrestricted sections of the A595, A593, Hollow West, A5084, A5092 and Grizebeck Brow.

N.B. Due to the nature of the works it is not possible to maintain access for pedestrian and dismounted cyclist through the site.

Should you have any queries in relation to this temporary Order please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 373 3306 or via the Westmorland & Furness Council website, quoting the reference TTROW/10102

Kind Regards

Temporary Traffic Regulation Order Team

Thriving Places | Westmorland & Furness Council

An urgent road closure has been put in place to allow Westmorland and Furness Highways Dept. to carry out urgent cattle grid repair works.

This notice will be in force for a period not exceeding 5 days from29th January 2024. It is expected that the Works will take5 days.

Please see below details of the extents of the restriction and any alternative routes which may be in place, the relevant legal notice can be viewed at https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/4587/5-day-urgent-notice-w-f_137341867_3683627_fd6c3b18d2.pdf and a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found on one.network via link https://one.network/?tm=137341867

Location: C5007 Whinnery Ground, near Duddon Bridge, from a point approx 2.3km north of its junction with the A595, extending in a preominately northerly direction for a distance of approx. 140 metres.

Alternative Route: via the unrestricted sections of C5007, A595 and C4028 and a way for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be maintained at all times.

Should you have any queries in relation to this temporary Order please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 373 3306 or via the Westmorland & Furness Council website, quoting the reference TTROW/10026

It was certainly a windy night, with lots of damage to roofs and sheds, and lots of trees and debris (and water) on the roads.

Many roads are now back to normal, but there are still a few closures as trees get cleared - but there is a risk of ice on the roads overnight tonight (the gritters will be out.......)

The more significant road closures should be listed here: Traffic - Cumbria Constabulary although many minor roads may also be affected.

The main concern this morning is loss of power - you can check the areas known to be affected on ENWL website:

Fault list (enwl.co.uk)

Around 37,000 properties in Cumbria have been off power at least briefly - at 0900 this morning, around 8,000 were still off power, mainly in North Cumbria.

Many faults are currently showing a restoration time of 1700 tomorrow - this is a holding position until engineers make it to the scene, and establish how tricky the repairs will be (and the website will be updated when that's known - some customers will have power restored by remote switching to another supply route, others will be a straightforward fix on scene, but some are likely to require more work.

If people are off power and ENWL don't seem to be aware of this, then they should report it by dialing 105

There are currently weather warnings out for Cumbria - Yellow warnings for rain and wind, but most notably, an Amber warning for wind from 1800 Sunday until 0900 Monday.

You can keep an eye on those here:

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings

It is expected that Flood Alerts will go out across much Cumbria, and possibly also some Flood Warnings.

You can view current warnings (and river levels) on this map:

Live flood map - Check for flooding - GOV.UK (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk)

Although the worst of the wind is expected to be over by midnight, much of the work to clear roads of fallen trees and other debris won't be able to take place until it becomes light on Monday morning - so travel might take rather longer on Monday morning. It'll certainly be worth checking for problems on the roads before setting off to travel to work......

Other impacts are expected to include a lot of surface water on roads (over the whole weekend), and also some power cuts as a result of the wind on Sunday night (which, again, may well not be able to repaired until daylight on Monday).

The full advice on what you can do to keep yourself and others safe is here:

Agencies issue advice ahead of Storm Isha on Sunday - Cumbria Constabulary

If you do see this email before Monday morning, please try and share with your networks, and encourage people to keep an eye on social media (e.g. from Police and Councils) for updated information.

An emergency 30 mph speed restriction has been put in place due to the likelihood of danger to the public, as a result of the dangerous condition of the bridge.

This notice will be in force for a period of up to 21 days from 17th January 2024, as and when the relevant signs are displayed. It is anticipated that the restriction will be required for 1 day, between the hours of 11.00am and 11.30am.

Please see below details of the extents of the restriction, the relevant legal notice can be viewed at https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/4587/21-day-emergency-notice-1st-w-f_137174804_3677983_644953333a.pdf and a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found on one.network via link https://one.network/?tm=137174804

Location: A595 Wreaks Causeway, Grizebeck, from its junction with the C5013, extending in a predominantly northerly direction for a distance of approx. 2 km.

No speed limit imposed by this Order will apply to vehicles falling within regulation 3(4) of the Road Traffic Exemptions (Special Forces) (Variation and Amendment) Regulations 2011 when used in accordance with regulation 3(5) of those Regulations.

Should you have any queries in relation to this temporary Order please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 373 3306 or via the Westmorland & Furness Council website, quoting the reference TTROW/9939

Please find via the link fromWestmorland and Furness Council information outlining the help available with food, financial problems, domestic abuse and other issues over the Christmas period.

Cost of Living Support | Westmorland and Furness Council

The decision has been taken to suspend today’s (4 December) waste and recycling collections in the South Lakeland area due to the ongoing major weather incident.

Areas of South Lakeland, particularly around Ulverston and the rural south Lakes communities, were among those most seriously affected by the weekend’s heavy snowfalls.

A yellow warning for ice is in place across the whole area and many side roads are still covered in snow, with a number of abandoned vehicles from the weekend restricting access.

Household Waste Recycling Centres in Ulverston, Kendal and Ambleside are also temporarily closed today.

Please note that this suspension of today’s collections only affects rounds in the South Lakeland area of Westmorland and Furness. Services in the Barrow and Eden areas will be deployed as normal, although some rounds in these areas may still be subject to some disruption due to the snow and ice.

If your collection is missed, please leave your waste/recycling containers out and crews will attempt to return when it is safe to do so.

In South Lakeland, the service is looking to redeploy staff over the rest of the week to collect today’s missed collections, prioritising the general waste and recycling.

Even if you haven't experienced it first hand, you'll probably have seen on the news that parts of Cumbria have experienced some heavy snow at the weekend.

I'm going to try and give a summary of where we're currently at (on Sunday evening) - this is particularly aimed at those of you who work with the communities affected, but haven't been involved over the weekend - so that you can answer basic questions about what's happened (and what's still underway). I've copied in a few extra people who I know are working with communities affected on other issues such as flooding.

It's almost certain not to be perfect, and will miss many details - so if you have been more directly involved in part of the response than me, feel free to add details (or correct me!)

The snow that arrived across the southern part of Cumbria on Saturday morning was much heavier than forecast - the Yellow Weather Warning was upgraded to an Amber Warning at lunchtime, a Multi-Agency Assessment Teleconference was arranged, and a major incident was declared just before 1400. The multi-agency coordination structures have been running since then.

There were a number issues of particular concern on Saturday:

• The Grizedale Rally was taking place, with hundreds of cars (competitors and spectators) in car parks high in the forest
• Major roads (including parts of the A59, A591, A592, A595 and the M6) were becoming impassible
• Some communities, including Millom, Bowness, and Ambleside were inaccessible - with many visitors needing shelter
• A number of areas were losing power and/or communications

The areas worst affected include Millom. Coniston, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Bowness, Ings, Staveley and Kendal (and surrounding areas) - and in many areas, the community opened up venues for people to stay overnight - the Westmorland and Furness Communities Team have been in contact with many of these through the weekend.

The Highways Teams (from both Councils, and National Highways) have worked together to clear the main routes - this has been a huge, around the clock effort, and at times it has involved teaming up a snow plough with a JCB in order to make progress,

All the Priority 1 & 2 routes should now be passable with care (albeit still with some fallen trees and debris to clear in places), but many minor roads will still be untreated.

As of this evening:

• There's a Yellow Weather Warning in place for Ice (UK weather warnings (metoffice.gov.uk)) until tomorrow lunchtime
• Major roads are passable with care, but minor roads may not be
• Around 2000 properties are off power (Fault list (enwl.co.uk))
• Many are expected to be restored overnight
• Some may be off until late tomorrow afternoon
• Visits to the most vulnerable customers are underway
• As you'll remember from Storm Arwen, it's very hard to give a good estimate of the time it'll take to restore power until an engineer arrives on scene and can see the extent of the damage - ENWL have cancelled all routine work tomorrow to bring resource into Cumbria
• Some schools will be closed tomorrow (parents should have been informed - or check the Council websites)

Cumbria's continuing to run coordination meetings, focussed on supporting those without power - the situation will be assessed again tomorrow morning. Keep an eye on social media (e.g. Cumbria Police, Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumberland Council, Electricity North West) for the latest info.

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who's been involved in the response - as part of their community, a voluntary organisation (for example, Red Cross, St John Ambulance, Mountain Rescue and 4x4 Response have all been involved), or as part of a statutory sector organisation. I'm sure there'll have been times when it felt like you couldn't do enough (and there certainly people who'll have had spent an uncomfortable night in their car or a reception centre), but you've certainly made a huge difference.

There will be a debrief (we'll make sure that that includes community groups) - but given response is still ongoing, there are no details yet. We'll let you know over the coming weeks......

Thanks all - we'll be happy to try and answer any questions, but do bear with us if that takes a few days.

A temporary road closure has been put in place to allow BT Openreach to carry out utility works which are expected to commence 14th December 2023 and anticipated to take 1 day to complete.

Please see below details of the extents of the restriction and any alternative routes which may be in place, the relevant legal notice can be viewed at https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/4587/site-notice_ff18474356.pdf and a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found on one.network via link https://one.network/?tm=135810522

Location: U5067, Lodge Terrace, Broughton-In-Furness from its junction with Market Street, extending in a north easterly direction to its junction with Timber Hill.

Alternative Route: A way for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be maintained at all times and a suitable alternative route will be signed and made available via the unrestricted sections of the U5067, and Market Street.

Should you have any queries in relation to this temporary Order please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 373 3306 or via the Westmorland & Furness Council website, quoting the reference TTROW/8920

Kind Regards

Temporary Traffic Regulation Order Team

The UK Health and Security Agency and the Met Office have issued a Amber warning Northern England including Cumbria covering to the 5th of Dec. Full details can be found here Cold weather warning

Advice available to help you during this period of cold weather-

Winter ready

Top tips to keeping warm

Winter driving AA

You can view the message here: https://supportcumbria.org.uk/eden/project/task/844

StreetLink Relaunch

The Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities’ (DLUHC) strategy for ending rough sleeping, published in September 2022, includes a commitment to continued funding and improvements to StreetLink, reflecting advances in the technology and the aim of making it easier to use and improving the quality of referrals.

________________________________________

What is StreetLink?

StreetLink is a vital service in helping end rough sleeping and its purpose is to enable members of the public to connect people sleeping rough in England and Wales to local support that meets their needs.

Through StreetLink you can submit an alert about someone sleeping rough to local authorities and outreach teams so that they can locate and provide them with the support they need.

This includes anyone who is sleeping outside, preparing to bed down, or sleeping somewhere not designed for habitation, such as a car. Individuals sleeping rough can also submit an alert to get help for themselves.

________________________________________

How does it work?

To make an alert, follow these 3 simple steps:

1. Locate

Pinpoint a specific location of where you have seen the person sleeping rough using the map feature and include a written description of the location.

2. Describe

Provide details on the time the person was sleeping rough at the location and any further information about their appearance that can help identify them.

3. Submit

Once submitted, your alert goes to the local authority or outreach service in the area. You will receive an update within 10 working days if you have requested it.

________________________________________

What’s new and how can you support?

There’s a new website link where you access the platform from: thestreetlink.org.uk.

From now on you should use the new website link to make an alert about someone sleeping rough. Please note that the existing StreetLink app will no longer be in use.

You can help someone sleeping rough get the support they need or signpost people to the service so they can seek help for themselves from local services by making an alert through StreetLink.

If you would like to know more about StreetLink, please visit thestreetlink.org.uk/about.

Westmorland and Furness’ Health and Wellbeing Board is developing a new Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy. This will describe how partners and organisations across Westmorland and Furness will work together to improve the health and wellbeing of the local population and reduce inequalities.

In order to guide priority setting, we would like to hear from our residents and communities to understand their priorities for improving health and wellbeing. We have developed a short survey to gather this information and will present the findings to the Health and Wellbeing Board and other key partners to inform the strategy.

Please can you share the survey with all relevant groups and organisations? We would like to hear from as many people as possible.

Link: https://consult.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/communications/joint-local-health-and-wellbeing-strategy/

Cumbria Constabulary & the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner have just launched a joint public consultation survey.

This survey covers areas around police visibility, feelings of safety, and levels of confidence in Cumbria Constabulary. It also gives people the chance to tell us what’s happening in their area that concerns them, as well as rank various policing priorities.

We want to reach as many people as possible, and would be grateful if you could complete the survey, and encourage others to complete it either via this link:public consultation survey, or via theConstabulary’s website.

The survey will run until Monday 27th November 2023.

We have had a number of break ins and attempted break ins over the weekend in Rural areas.

After a relatively quiet year last winter things appear to be increasing.

Please ensure your outbuildings are secure and any high value items are removed to a secure location.

If you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity please call it in on 101 it may be nothing but last winter that sort of information helped to catch perpetrators from the East coast early in the season which then had a positive knock on effect.

As always if you require any additional crime prevention advice please contact me.

PCSO 5125 Paul Harris

Changes to postal and proxy voting

This document describes the changes being introduced in law from The Representation of the People (Postal and Proxy Voting etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2023, which will begin to take effect from 31 October 2023.

Contents

Identity checking requirements.1

Online absent vote applications.1

Maximum period for an absent vote.2

Changes for overseas electors.2

Identity checking requirements

From 31 October 2023, all postal and proxy vote applications must contain a National Insurance Number, or a reason why one cannot be provided, in order to verify the applicant’s identity.

Their name, address, date of birth and National Insurance Number will be verified against the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) data.

Where an application fails to match with DWP data, applicants will be required to provide documentary evidence to verify their identity – such as a copy of their photo card driving licence, or a copy of their passport.

Where this is not possible, electors must submit an attestation to confirm their identity.

Online absent vote applications

A new service will launch on www.gov.uk where voters can apply for a postal or proxy vote online.

Voters can apply for the following absent votes, both online and through a paper application:

· Postal vote

· Proxy vote for a particular election or referendum

· Proxy vote for a definite or indefinite periods for overseas electors

All other types of proxy vote are still available, but only through a paper application form.

Maximum period for an absent vote

People applying for a postal vote from 31 October 2023 onwards will only be able to hold their postal vote for a maximum period of 3 years (until “the third 31 January after their application is determined”).

There are transitional arrangements for existing postal voters (those in place before 31 October 2023). Existing postal voters will be able to vote by post until 31 January 2026 before they need to reapply.

Proxy votes can continue to be applied for an indefinite period (subject to a three yearly eligibility check, and a five yearly signature refresh). However, all existing proxy voters who have an arrangement in place before 31 October 2023 must reapply and make a fresh application by 31 January 2024.

This is because the number of people a person can act as a proxy for has been restricted. From 31 October, a person cannot act as proxy in any electoral area on behalf of more than four electors. Within the four electors, no more than two electors can be domestic electors. (Domestic electors are those who are neither service voters nor overseas electors)

We will be writing to all our proxy voters when these changes are introduced to inform them of the need to reapply by 31 January 2024.

Changes for overseas electors

Where an elector applies to be an overseas elector (or renews their current overseas registration) on or after 16 January 2024, their entitlement to be registered as an overseas elector will last until the “third 1^st November” following the date their registration takes effect.

Where an overseas elector applies to vote by post, the postal vote will be linked to their overseas declaration and will expire on the third 1^st November also.

Where an overseas elector applies to vote by proxy, they will need to refresh their signature to renew their proxy vote at the same time their registration would expire.

A temporary road closure has been put in place to allow Westmorland and Furness Highways to carry out highway works which are expected to commence 1st November 2023 and anticipated to take 17 days to complete.

Please see below details of the extents of the restriction and any alternative routes which may be in place, the relevant legal notice can be viewed at https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/4587/sl99-23-a5092-gawthwaite-a593-broughton-in-furness-a595-soutergate-foxfield-notice_7e796f2292.pdf and a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found on one.network via link https://one.network/?tm=134818720

Location: A595 Foxfield, from its junction with the C5009 extending in a south westerly direction for a distance of approx. 1.6km.

Alternative Route: Via the unrestricted sections of the A595, A593, A5084 and the A5092.

N.B. Due to the nature of the works it is not possible to maintain access for pedestrian and dismounted cyclist through the site.

Should you have any queries in relation to this temporary Order please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 373 3306 or via the Westmorland & Furness Council website, quoting the reference TTRO/7694

Kind Regards

Temporary Traffic Regulation Order Team

Thriving Places | Westmorland & Furness Council

South Lakeland House | Lowther Street |Kendal |Cumbria | LA9 4UQ

An urgent road closure has been put in place to allow Cadent Gas to carry out urgent utility repair works.

This notice will be in force for a period not exceeding 5 days from 23rd October 2023. It is expected that the Works will take 5days

Please see below details of the extents of the restriction and any alternative routes which may be in place, the relevant legal notice can be viewed at https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/4587/5-day-urgent-notice-w-f_135909292_3635205_a4bffb496d.pdf and a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found on one.network via link https://one.network/?tm=135909292

Location: Church Street, Broughton-In-Furness from its junction with Station Road extendign in a westerly direction for a distance of approx. 60 metres.

Alternative Route:

South west bound traffic: Via the unrestricted sections of Church Street, Griffin Street, Market Street, Foxfield Road and the A595.

East bound traffic: Via the unrestricted section of Church Street, A595, Foxfield Road, Market Street, Station Road, Prince's Street and Griffin Street.

A way for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be maintained at all times.

Should you have any queries in relation to this temporary Order please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 373 3306 or via the Westmorland & Furness Council website, quoting the reference TTROW/8949

A temporary30mph speed limit was put in place to allow Westmorland and Furness Highways to carry out bridge repair works which were expected to commence 18th September 2023 and anticipated to take 2 days to complete.

Unfortunately these works did not go ahead as planned and are now expected to commence 26th September 2023, for approx. 2 days.

Please see below details of the extents of the restriction, the relevant legal notice can be viewed at https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/4587/sl84-23-various-roads-wf-no-7-notice_c6345a7b55.pdf and a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found on one.network via link https://one.network/?tm=134735749

Location: A595, Wreaks Causeway from its junction with the U5073 extending in a predominantly south easterly direction for a distance of approx. 12 km.

Should you have any queries in relation to this temporary Order please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 373 3306 or via the Westmorland & Furness Council website, quoting the reference TTRO/7396

Kind Regards

Temporary Traffic Regulation Order Team

Dear Colleagues,

Health Watch Westmorland & Furness are making a final push for responses to their consultation. They are keen to hear from clerks, colleagues or residents of your communities. The consultation closes on the 7^th of October 2023. Ollie Flitcroft is the Engagement Officer managing this work and he would be grateful to receive any feedback you may have. You can contact him viaOllie@healthwatchwestfurn.co.uk or01228 236338. He is able to travel to consult with small groups over the next couple of weeks if this helps your community provide a view.

Further information as below

Home - Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness (healthwatchwestfurn.co.uk) About Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness

Have your say on accessible communication from GP’s dentists and pharmacists - Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness (healthwatchwestfurn.co.uk) weblink to survey

Westmorland & Furness are promoting:

Freedom to travel for less in Westmorland & Furness -The new reduced fare bus travel card for 5-20 year olds. Whatever you’re into, the A2B NoWcard can get you there. If you are aged 5-20 and live in Westmorland and Furness, you can travel on local buses for up to £1.80 for a single journey or £3.00 return. Go anywhere in Westmorland and Furness and as far as Keswick, Carlisle and Lancaster for less. Get an application form from your local library or download from westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/a2bnowcard

Please find attached posters and leaflets about the scheme. We would be grateful if you were able to distribute the information in your networks and where possible if you could put a poster on your noticeboards / social media.

This year, the rally itself will be taking place on the evening of Friday 1^st and Saturday 2^nd December 2023.

We expect to have 80 competitors, each running 1 minute apart. Times given below are for the first competitor.

On Friday 1^st December, competitors will arrive at Skelwith Fold for Scrutineering (Technical and safety checks) from midday. Then in the evening competitors tackle one stage in Grizedale East, travelling from Skelwith Fold [17:30hrs] via Outgate, Hawkshead and Dale Park to enter the forest at Blind Lane [18:00hrs]. They return to Skelwith Fold via the West side of Grizedale to High Cross [18:24hrs], then via Drunken Duck and B5286 and enter at the ‘front gate’.

On Saturday the competitive sections take place in Grizedale West and Broughton Moor. Competitors will be starting from Coniston [09:30hrs] and heading up the B5285 and entering the forest at Tinklers Wood [09:40hrs]. After two special stages they exit at the Heald [10:14hrs] and head South on the East of Lake Road, through High Nibthwaite and across to Water Yeat. Then North on the A5084 to Torver and West on the A593 to Piggy Lane. They then take the minor road past Wallenrigg to enter the forest at the South-Western corner of the forest [10:54hrs]. After they finish the stage at the Eastern corner, they return back round to the start [11:09hrs]

After the second stage in Broughton Moor [11:14hrs] the competitors return to Skelwith Fold via the A593, Torver, Coniston to Skelwith Bridge, then up the minor roads through Skelwith to enter the caravan park at the ‘back gate’ [11:44hrs].

After Service the competitors return to Grizedale for a repeat of the two morning stages. They leave from the ‘front gate’ [12:49hrs] and head via the B5286, Drunken Duck, High Cross and re-enter at Tinklers Wood [13:04hrs]. After the two stages they exit again at the Heald [13:38hrs], then head North on the East of Lake Road past Brantwood and finish at Ruskin Avenue car park in Coniston [13:53hrs]

Most competitors will then return to Skelwith Fold to re-load the cars onto their trailers and head home.

There will be two spectator car parks on Friday and four on Saturday.

We will be delivering PR letters to all houses along the route (except on A roads). If anyone has any specific concerns or would like more details or a full timetable [times above are for the first car], please contact me direct.

Winter Weather

With a Yellow Warning for Rain in place until this evening:

UK weather warnings - Met Office

That means it's also a good time to think about signing up to Flood Alerts and Flood Warnings if you haven't already - all the info is on here: Sign up for flood warnings - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Remember that you can sign up for Flood Warnings for areas other than your home - you might want to get warnings for your workplace, your child's school, or for a relative?

Covid-19 Vaccines

If you're eligible for a Covid-19 booster this autumn, you can now book it via the NHS website (or by calling 119):

Press Release: NHS England » NHS booking opens for life-saving Covid vaccinations

Online Booking: Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

[Some people will have already been invited for a vaccine by their GP surgery, etc)

The main groups of people eligible are those over 65, people with some underlying health conditions, pregnant women, carers, and frontline health and social staff.

If you want to check the full list of eligible health conditions, it's in Table 3 (on page 23) of

Greenbook chapter 14a (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Flu Vaccines

Flu vaccines are more widely available from many pharmacies - free on the NHS to similar groups of people who are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine

Find a pharmacy that offers the NHS flu vaccine - NHS - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

The list of underlying health conditions that make you eligible for a flu vaccine are slightly different to those for the Covid-19 vaccine, so it's worth a check of the detail (on the link above) if you're unsure.

It's also possible to book (and pay for) a flu vaccine at some pharmacies if you're not eligible for a free NHS jab (and some employers will make free vaccines available to their staff).

The general advice remains the same - if you're eligible for either of the vaccines, then it's best to take up that offer as soon as possible.

Stagecoach have won a school contract from the Seascale area to Millom. As the bus will return to Barrow between the morning and afternoon service, they have introduced a new Service 7 from Millom to Barrow which will run Monday to Friday in School term time.

Bus Timetables - Stagecoach 7 | Westmorland and Furness Council

I am sorry for the late notification of this service, but confirmation of the official confirmation of acceptance of the registration was not received from the Traffic Commissioners office until late yesterday afternoon (6 September 2023)

Closure of Ulverston Library

I am writing to advise you that a routine statutory check has identified serious issues with electrical services in Ulverston Library.

As a result the council has taken the decision to close the building with immediate effect from close of business today (Friday, 1 September).

This is to ensure the safety of our service users and staff while further investigations are carried out.

Library Services are now making arrangements for an alternative library service to be established in Ulverston as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the nearest alternative libraries are located at Grange and Barrow, with Library Links in Dalton and Broughton-in-Furness. We also have a digital library services on offer at:https://www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/cumbria-libraries/cumbria-libraries-online-catalogues

We are informing key stakeholders, including service users, members, town councillors and local community groups.

A news release will be issued shortly to local media and we will include information and updates on our social media channels.

Our apologies for the inconvenience and please be reassured that we are working hard to ensure Ulverston continues to have access to a library service as soon as possible.

We aim to be able to provide further updates early next week.

Hello,

A temporary road closure has been put in place to facilitate the holding of part of the Coast to Coast Cycle Sportive organised by Open Cycling which is expected to take place on the 24th June 2023, with the road being closed between the hours of 05:00 to 09:00 ONLY.

Please see below details of the extents of the restriction and any alternative routes which may be in place, the relevant legal notice can be viewed at https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/4587/site-notice_864cea07f7.pdf and a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found on one.network via link https://one.network/?tm=134444715

Location:

1. U4059 Hardknott Pass, from a point approx.5.2km east of its junction with the C4026, extending in a north easterly direction approx.4.5km; and
2. U5032 Wrynose Pass, from its junction with the U4059 to its junction with the U5527, a distance of approx.5.2km.

Alternative Route:A way for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained at all times. A suitable alternative route for motor vehicles will be signed and available via the unrestricted section of the U4059, C4026, C4028 (through Ulpha), C5007 (Broughton Mills) and the A593 (Broughton-in-Furness and Coniston).

Should you have any queries in relation to this temporary Order please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 373 3306 or via the Westmorland & Furness Council website, quoting the reference TTRO/2793

Kind Regards

Temporary Traffic Regulation Order Team

Dear All

We thought you may find the following links useful. 

This link opens the most effective, efficient way to log issues or complaints with Westmorland and Furness Authority, concerning the following:

https://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/report

• Planning & building

To Report a breach

• Bins and Recycling

Report a missed collection, a full recycling bank, an issue with a clinical waste collection, household waste and recycling query, report a commercial property using domestic bins

• Parking, roads and travel

Report fly tipping, full street litter bin, litter, removal of dead animal, graffiti, a damaged steel name plate, an abandoned vehicle, a problem with one of our car parks

• Housing

Report an empty house

• Business & trade

Report a food safety or hygiene issue

• Your environment

Report dog fouling, a noise complaint, a smell complaint, a smoke complaint, report dust, steam and effluvia

• Leisure, culture

Report Broken playground equipment

This link opens the registration of an account, details as follows:https://www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/your-council/my-account

My Account

Pay and apply for council services, report issues, contact us or check information 24 hours a day seven days a week with My Account.

By registering for My Account you can check your previous transactions with us and find useful information about your local area including:

• planning applications near you
• collection calendars for your waste and recycling
• contact details of your local councillors
• if your house is in a national park or conservation area where different planning rules apply

You can securely access our services, including:

• pay for things like Council tax, business rates and parking penalty charge notices
• apply for new bins/recycling boxes and bags, assisted bin collections, to register to vote
• report issues like missed bins, graffiti dog fouling and fly-tipping

A temporary road closure has been put in place to allow Westmorland & Furness Council Highways to carry out highway works which are expected to commence 19th June 2023 and anticipated to take 2 days to complete.

Please see below details of the extents of the restriction and any alternative routes which may be in place, the relevant legal notice can be viewed at https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/4587/sl7-23-a593-croft-end-broughton-in-furness-notice_23b377c5c9.pdf and a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found on one.network via link https://one.network/?tm=133679994

Location: a section of the A593 Croft End, Broughton in Furness from its junction with the C5010, extending in north easterly direction for a distance of approx. 720 metres.

Alternative Route: A way for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be maintained at all times and a suitable alternative route for vehicles will be signed and available via the A593, A5084, A5092 and A595.

Should you have any queries in relation to this temporary Order please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 373 3306 or via the Westmorland & Furness Council website, quoting the reference TTRO/5237

Just to remind you all that Cost of Living Support can now be found via the 2 new Council Websites. You may be redirected to legacy pages for the time being.

Cost of Living Support | Cumberland Council

Cost of Living Support | Westmorland and Furness Council

Household Support Fund is live again for the next 6-8 months.

Previous applicants can apply.

These are the helpline numbers:

Cumberland: 0300 373 3730

Westmorland and Furness: 0300 373 3300

Pennine Community Credit Union (PCCU) is now available to join, for any person who lives or works within Cumbria. Please see here for more details:PCCU and Affinity Credit Union merger has now been completed

6 April 2023

CANDIDATES CONFIRMED FOR LOCAL ELECTIONS

The lists of candidates contesting local elections in Westmorland and Furness next month have been published.

Polling will take place on 4 May in a number of parish and town council elections across the area, as well as in a by-election for the vacant Old Barrow and Hindpool seat on Westmorland and Furness Council following the death of Councillor Ann Thomson in January.

Following the close of nominations, it has been confirmed there will be elections for the following parish/town councils ONLY:

• Barrow Parish Council – all 11 wards will be contested
• Penrith Town Council – three wards will be contested, Penrith North, Penrith South and Penrith West
• Asby Parish Council
• Crosby Ravensworth Parish Council
• Kirkby Stephen Parish Council
• Matterdale Parish Council
• Musgrave Parish Council

There will be no polls in all other parish/town councils in Westmorland and Furness with scheduled elections this year, as the number of candidates standing did not exceed the number of vacant seats available, and therefore the nominated candidates were returned unopposed.

This applies to all the parish and town councils with scheduled elections this year in the South Lakeland area, where all were uncontested, as well as parish/town councils in Askam and Ireleth, Dalton with Newton, and Lindal and Marton in the Barrow area.

Electors in areas with no scheduled elections – or where the scheduled elections have been confirmed as uncontested - will not need to attend polling stations in 4 May, even if they have received a poll card in the post. Postal voters in areas without an election will not receive a ballot pack.

Only those eligible to vote in the Westmorland and Furness Old Barrow and Hindpool ward, the 11 wards for the newBarrow Parish Council, the three contested wards on Penrith Town Council and the parish councils of Asby, Crosby Ravensworth, Kirkby Stephen, Matterdale and Musgrave in the Eden area will be voting on 4 May.

The Statements of Persons Nominated have been published, listing all the candidates that will be hoping to gain one of the available seats in those contested elections.

The full lists of candidates, along with more information about May’s elections, is available on the Westmorland and Furness Council website:www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/voting-and-elections/parish-council-elections-2023

In order to vote on 4 May, residents must be on the electoral register and residents are being urged to ensure they are registered to vote. You can register online atwww.gov.uk/register-to-vote

The UK Government has also introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at elections.

This new requirement will apply for the first time at the local elections on 4 May.

That means voters will need to show photo ID to be allowed to vote at polling stations at any parish or town council elections, or the Westmorland and Furness Council by-election, in May.

From October 2023 this requirement for voters to show photo ID will also apply to UK General Elections.

Accepted forms of photo ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers’ licence and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

If you don’t already have any of the accepted forms of photo ID listed, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

Applicants must be registered to vote and will need to provide their date of birth, National Insurance number and a photograph.

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for this May’s elections is 5pm on Tuesday, 25 April 2023.

You can apply online atwww.gov.uk/applyforphotoidtovote

Paper forms are available from local council offices in Barrow, Kendal and Penrith.

You don’t need photo ID to vote by post, so you don’t need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if you choose to vote this way.

ENDS

Put a spring in your step with a free volunteer-led guided walk

The ever-popular Lake District National Park Authority free volunteer-led guided walks have launched for 2023, just in time for the spring holidays.

There is a wide variety of easy to medium level walks available, all in small groups of up to 20 people, and led by welcoming and cheery volunteers. The walks will take place on selected dates, throughout the spring and summer, right through until October.

Lake District National Park Authority Volunteer Team Leader, Kath Jackson said: “We are so lucky to have such a wonderful team of dedicated volunteers who are extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all aspects of Lake District walking.

“This year, we hope that we have a free guided walk that suits everyone. Most of our routes are suitable for well-behaved dogs on leads, and there are walks that are suitable for all the family and those with limited mobility.

“We are here to help, so if anyone is thinking about booking a guided walk but is unsure, please get in touch and we can help. We can offer advice on suitable footwear, clothing, and give information on the route's terrain so that you are prepared before you come along.

“We want to boost people’s confidence through these guided walks and our volunteers give as much route information as they can. They can also offer help and advice on planning and enjoying your own walks in the Lake District and the skills and knowledge you should develop before venturing out by yourself.”

High Dam Hike

This is a moderate grade walk that starts by visiting High Dam, which powered the Stott Park Bobbin Mill. Learn about how local industry and farming produced a working cultural landscape. From here the walk ascends Rusland Heights with excellent views over the Rusland Valley before descending to return via ancient woods and fields and Finsthwaite village with its Grade II listed church, St Peter's.

Tilberthwaite to Holme Fell walk

Beginning at Tilberthwaite Quarry car park, the walk starts with a chance to discover a surprising piece of public art by Andy Goldsworthy before moving on to see the impressive Hodge Close quarry. The route then takes in Man Crag with excellent views of the area and Holme Fell.

Buttermere Bluebell walk

And, during the season, the volunteers also guide a walk in Buttermere that visits the Secret Valley of the Bluebells.

This delightful route begins with a walk to the southern end of Crummock Water, after which it follows a green path uphill before descending steeply to meet a path which leads to the valley of the bluebells. After spending time admiring the bluebells, the walk continues up hill to reach the highest point of the walk, which offers magnificent views of the Buttermere Valley. From there, the route follows wide green paths back down to Buttermere Village.

To find out more about any of the walks and to book please visit Guided Walks : Lake District National Park.

Please find below information in relation to the Emergency Alerts System 

You may well have seen some information on this on social media; below (in blue) is a summary of the new Emergency Alerts system from Cabinet Office. This system can be used to send a text message to all (modern) mobile phones within a local area.

The Emergency Alerts system is now live - it can be used in a situation where there is a significant threat to life (for example, when a Severe Flood Warning is issued).

The system will be tested on Sunday 23 April - I've attached the Comms Pack, which links to the resources available for social media, posters, etc (and have also attached a couple of the key resources - a leaflet and poster).

Whilst Emergency Alerts will be very positive for most people, we've also been asked by the NHS and the Safer Cumbria partnership to remain aware of the fact that there are people, for example those who experience domestic abuse, who have a secret mobile phone that they may not want to receive alerts as they might reveal its existence/location - they are advised to turn this phone off (or turn off emergency alerts - instructions in info attached) for the test period.

Emergency Alerts

Many of you will have received this information though separate channels. The date for a UK-wide Welcome Message to the Service isSunday 23 April. There is no perfect date for a test and there will of course already be public events taking place on the 23 April which may influence precise timing. I will share the exact timing of the message with this group when I have it.

As many of you will be aware, the system will broadcast messages to people’s phones in the event of a scenario that poses a significant threat to life. Thenational press release went out on Sunday 19th March. As planned previously, the Welcome Message will be sent to all compatible phones in the UK. It will clearly indicate that no action is required and that this is a test of the system. Ahead of this, Cabinet Office is working with partners to deliver the public information campaign in support of the new system.

Cabinet Office Communications and the Emergency Alerts Team are asking that you support the public campaign to ensure that all stakeholders are informed of the Welcome Message date - in particular this relates to ensuring that vulnerable groups are informed about the alerts and are aware of how they can opt out of receiving these. There area range of assets at this google drive and in the slide deck attached (social assets, suggested copy, key messaging, factsheet) available to share across your channels, newsletters, direct mails (both internal and external), web article content & social channels - plus any other channels which are most effective for reaching your audience.Please share the assets across all your channels and networks. You can find out more about Emergency Alerts atgov.uk/alerts

Fibre Broadband Funding

Full fibre broadband company Fibrus, who are currently rolling out their network in Cumbria, is delighted to announce its partnership with the Cumbria Community Foundation.

This new fund, which launched 3^rd April and is named the “Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria” aims to award funding to local communities in need of support.

To learn more information or to apply to the fund visit https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/fibrus-community-fund-cumbria/

Cumbria Evaluation Poster

Regarding a forthcoming free Evaluation Clinic led by PS Research in partnership with Cumbria CVS.

There is a Kendal drop in at Stricklandgate House.

This is a great opportunity for local groups who want to think and learn more about monitoring and evaluation.

Suicide Alertness

Place: Free Suicide Prevention Training @ Ulverston

Date: Weds 25^th April 2023

Time: 16:00 to 19:00

Kind regards

South Lakeland Area Support Team ISafe and Strong Communities

Thriving Communities | Westmorland and Furness Council

County Hall | Kendal | Cumbria | LA9 4RQ

E: South.Lakeland.AreaSupport@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Developing a Design Code for the Lake District

The National Park Authority is asking communities, visitors and industry experts to help develop a Design Code for the Lake District in a consultation that starts today and will run until 15 May.

The Design Code aims to inspire design excellence in buildings, celebrating and reinforcing the unique character, identity, heritage and culture of the Lake District, while reducing carbon emissions and enhancing biodiversity. It is for everyone who is planning and implementing new development.

The Lake District National Park is the first authority on the Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Design Code Pathfinder Programme to begin statutory consultation on a Design Code.

Chloe Swift, Strategy Planner with the Lake District National Park Authority said:

“We’re encouraging anyone who lives in, works in, visits or has an interest in architecture and construction to please give us their views and get involved by the 15th of May.”

“The Design Code process gives local communities their say on the design of new homes, shops, workplaces, amenities and public spaces to conserve and enhance the unique character of the Lake District. The code will encourage good design in new development, including extensions and conversions. It will support the Lake District Local Plan and will be used when considering planning applications.”

Review the draft design code online and complete the survey: Design Code webpage. Look out for in-person events and for anyone who completes the survey will be in with a chance of winning £500 Booths voucher.

Duddon Parish Council would like to make a correction to the information published in the April edition of the Parish Pump

regarding the local election process.

"We must feel proud of our parish because we are one of the few where such is the interest that are elections are now held!"

is incorrect. Local elections occur every 4 years and every single parish council, without exception is subject to an election process.

We apologise for the confusion.

For clarity. this article was not authored by the clerk.  

South Lakeland bring sites/recycling banks – Saturday April 1 – Sunday April 2

Summary

Residents wishing to use South Lakeland District Council's recycling banks on the weekend of Saturday April 1 and Sunday April 2 will experience some disruption.

Details

The switch to a new contractor from April 1 means that banks will be removed, the sites swept and cleaned and new banks installed at the 16 bring sites in South Lakeland over the weekend of Saturday April 1 and Sunday April 2.

This is a major operation and officers are working to minimise disruption. However, the sites will be closed at various times over the two days.

Our general advice to residents is to plan to avoid using the bring sites on these days. All materials which can be left at bring sites can be taken to the nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre. More details can be found here:https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/planning-environment/waste-management/servicesincumbria/hwrcs/hwrc.asp

Or residents may wish to keep the materials until the bring site is open or consider if any of it is suitable for their domestic kerbside collection. More details can be found here: https://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/bins-and-boxes/what-goes-in-your-bins-and-boxes/).

Communications

We are briefing South Lakeland District Council and Westmorland and Furness Council members, as well as town and parish councils, in advance and would appreciate any help in spreading the word in your communities. Information about the disruption will be displayed on the SLDC website and shared on the SLDC social media channels.

Posters will also be displayed at the sites warning users about the situation.

Sites

· Arnside, Black Dyke Road

· Broughton-in-Furness, Foxfield Road

· Cark, railway station

· Coniston, Lake Road

· Dent, car park

· Grange-over-Sands, Berners Close car park

· Hawkshead, main car park

· Kendal, Asda

· Kendal, Morrisons

· Kirkby Lonsdale, Booths car park

· Milnthorpe, Park Road car park

· Sedbergh, Joss Lane car park

· Sedbergh, Spar shop car park

· Staveley, Alec Row car park

· Ulverston, Outdoor Leisure Complex, Priory Road

· Windermere, Broad Street car park

Contact

Andrew Vickers, Delivery and Commercial Officera.vickers@southlakeland.gov.uk

RETURNING OFFICER FOR WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS COUNCIL

News release

20 March 2023

WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY FOR ELECTION CANDIDATES

Anyone intending to stand as a candidate in May’s local elections is being advised to submit their nomination papers ahead of the deadline of 4pm on Tuesday, 4 April 2023.

Notices of Election have been published today (20 March) for scheduled parish and town council elections and the Westmorland and Furness Council by-election for the vacantOld Barrow and Hindpool seat following the death of Councillor Ann Thomson in January.

This means that nomination papers can now be submitted by anyone wishing to stand for election on 4 May.

Nomination packs are available from local election teams at the current Barrow Borough, Eden District and South Lakeland District councils, as well as political party agents and parish/town council clerks.

Packs have been given out to prospective candidates who have already expressed an interest in standing for election and have been distributed at prospective candidates’ briefings.

As the time allowed for submission of these papers is short, if anyone wishes to stand as a candidate they are being strongly advised to complete their nomination papers ready for submission as soon as possible. Local election teams are also encouraging candidates to make an appointment to have their nomination papers informally checked prior to submission.

Links to more information about the elections and standing as a candidate can be found on the website for the Shadow Authority for Westmorland and Furness Council:

www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/elections/

In order to vote on 4 May, residents must be on the electoral register and residents are being urged to ensure they are registered to vote. You can register online atwww.gov.uk/register-to-vote

The UK Government has also introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at elections.

This new requirement will apply for the first time at the local elections on 4 May.

That means voters will need to show photo ID to be allowed to vote at polling stations at any parish or town council elections, or the Westmorland and Furness Council by-election, in May.

From October 2023 this requirement for voters to show photo ID will also apply to UK General Elections.

Accepted forms of photo ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers’ licence and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

If you don’t already have any of the accepted forms of photo ID listed, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

Applicants must be registered to vote and will need to provide their date of birth, National Insurance number and a photograph.

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for this May’s elections is 5pm on Tuesday, 25 April 2023.

You can apply online at www.gov.uk/applyforphotoidtovote

Paper forms are available from local council offices in Barrow, Kendal and Penrith.

You don’t need photo ID to vote by post, so you don’t need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if you choose to vote this way.

ENDS

17 March 2023

UP TO 100% COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION FOR RESIDENTS ON LOW INCOMES

A scheme offering up to 100% reduction in council tax for low-income households has been agreed by the new Westmorland and Furness Council.

The council has approved asingle, unified council tax reduction scheme that will come into effect from 1 April – supporting people on benefits or with low incomes.

It applies to working age residents in Westmorland and Furness. The amount of reduction received is based on income, if you have any savings and your personal circumstances, ie whether you have children, have a disability etc.

It is estimated that more than 13,000 households across Westmorland and Furness could be supported by the scheme.

The new unified scheme replaces the different council tax reduction schemes previously offered by Barrow Borough, Eden District and South Lakeland District councils, when those councils cease operations on 1 April.

Pensioners, subject to their income, can receive up to 100% support towards their council tax under a nationally administered scheme.

Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland councils were among fewer than 40 local authorities nationally that previously offered a fully-funded council tax reduction scheme for working age claimants. Westmorland and Furness Council’s decision to maintain the scheme at that level means residents on the lowest incomes will continue to receive the maximum amount of support with their council tax.

Councillor Andrew Jarvis, Westmorland and Furness Council’s finance portfolio holder,said: “This is a scheme that the council doesn’t have to offer, but we choose to do so because it helps protect people on low incomes.

“We are still one of the councils in the country that continues to fund up to 100% reductions in Council Tax for those eligible households.

“This scheme is one which makes a real contribution towards improving the financial wellbeing of people who could otherwise find themselves facing real hardship or struggling to pay their bills, especially during the current cost of living crisis.

“It underlines our Council Plan priority to support people in need and reduce inequalities in our communities and I would encourage people to check if they could be eligible for support.’’

For more on the Council Tax Reduction scheme, including information about eligibility criteria details, see:www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/council-tax/

REASSURANCE ON COUNCIL SERVICES

Residents are being reassured that key services will continue to operate as they do now when a new council starts life on 1 April.

In the biggest change to Cumbria’s council structures since 1974, two new ‘unitary’ councils are being formed, to replace the existing set-up of six district councils and Cumbria County Council.

Westmorland and Furness Council will officially take over responsibility for all services across the Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland areas from 1 April and the existing Barrow Borough, Eden District and South Lakeland District councils, along with Cumbria County Council, will be dissolved.

Leader of Westmorland Furness Council, Councillor Jonathan Brook, says that thanks to months of careful preparations the transition to the new council in just over two weeks should have no impact on service delivery.

Councillor Brook commented: “Creating a brand new council from scratch is a huge undertaking and has taken an incredible amount of hard work, since Government announced its decision to create two new unitary councils for Cumbria in July 2021.

“Westmorland and Furness Council will be England’s third largest unitary authority by area, delivering services to 225,000 people across nearly 4,000 square kilometres - everything from waste and recycling collections to children’s services, planning, highways and adult social care.

“We have taken great care to make sure your current services are maintained, when we transition to the new council on 1 April – which means that things like bin collection days stay the same and you can still contact us for help and report issues.’’

Councillor Brook continued: “We are ambitious for the future and our Council Plan sets out how we want to look at ways to improve, develop and transform our services over the coming years.

“We believe that bringing all these different services ‘under one roof’, gives us a great opportunity to make them more joined up, efficient and effective. We are determined to make changes that both improve service and deliver better value for money.

“This level of service transformation, across such a significant area like Westmorland and Furness, will not happen overnight. It will be a complex process and will involve careful and rigorous planning and negotiation. We can’t commence that work in earnest until we have control of these services from 1 April.

“So until we can make improvements, we will ensure the services our communities receive will continue without disruption.’’

Service transformation priorities for the new council include looking at waste and recycling collections, to ensure these are harmonised and residents receive the same service wherever they live in Westmorland and Furness.

Pending the outcome of that work, waste and recycling collection arrangements in the current Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland council areas will operate as they do now, which means they will continue to be delivered by the same people and vehicles, the same containers will be used to collect the same materials and collection days will remain the same.

Councillor Brook added: “We believe that creating a brand new council provides us with a huge opportunity to create a fresh vision for our area, to make Westmorland and Furness a great place to live, work and thrive.

“Following the transition to the new council, we will be able to really start to develop those ambitions and fully intend to work with our residents, customers and communities over the next few years to deliver the very best outcomes.’’

To read more about Westmorland and Furness Council’s vision, priorities and values, see the Council Plan page atwww.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Dear resident,

When you’re buying online, how confident are you that you’re dealing with a genuine seller and not a criminal? Or do you even think about it?

Many people believe that online shopping scams are easy to spot, with poor spelling or grammar, dodgy logos or unusual website or email addresses or phone numbers. However, this is now rarely the case, with scammers going to great lengths to earn your trust before cheating you out of your money. It’s upsetting at the best of times, but even worse when money’s tight.

Whether you're buying a car, clothes, or gifts online, help to safeguard yourself and your money by watching Get Safe Online's latest short video and reading on to discover our top tips:

https://www.getsafeonline.org/onlinebuying/?videoname=emily

Sun 2 April 23 10-1200 Victory Hall Broughton

Ulverston & Lakes Community Team are carrying out the above session and have a limited number of kits, which we would prefer to allocate toward higher value bikes and will be looking to do other sessions aimed at children’s bikes as we have in the past at Broughton School.

We use Selectamark cycle marking system which currently has 1205000 cycles registered on it and has not only reduced instances of cycle theft and enabled hundreds of cyclists to be reunited with their bikes after they have been stolen.

Duddon Parish Council - Road Safety Working Group 

With the new Westmorland and Furness unitary authority commencing on 1st April 2023, the Road Safety Working Group has been meeting to discuss options for traffic calming. They have presented some ideas for consideration. In the spirit of transparency, at this stage, these are merely suggestions (see additional documents) and will not be presented to any authority without community consultation. We would appreciate comment and feedback, positive and negative, so we can formulate effective, cost-effective and community-approved traffic calming measures within the Parish for submission to the Parish Council for approval and then the relevant authorities for consideration.

If you have any other suggestions or ideas, please do not hesitate to contact us.

info@duddonparishcoucnil.org.uk

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SUPPORT SCHEME OPENS TODAY

Householders not eligible for the £400 energy bills support payment can apply to an alternative scheme from today (Monday).

The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS Alternative Funding) is a one-off £400 non-repayable discount to eligible households aimed not eligible for the main EBS £400 payment paid directly by government to energy suppliers and credited to energy bills.

EBSS Alternative Funding will target households who are responsible for paying for energy used in their primary dwelling as part of a service charge, rent or other arrangement – for example, those with a commercial landlord or intermediary, such as park home residents, some housing association tenants and self-funding residents in care homes.

Individuals must apply for the EBSS Alternative Funding via the government website at:https://www.gov.uk/apply-energy-bill-support-if-not-automatic

Local authorities are then responsible for distributing support payments to eligible applicants.

SLDC has been awarded £628,000 to deliver the approximately 1,570 payments of £400 per household, based upon government estimations of the number of eligible households within the district.

Councillor Suzie Pye, South Lakeland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Poverty Alleviation, said: "I urge anybody eligible for EBSS Alternative Funding to go to the government website and apply – or check the eligibility information if you think you might be eligible.

"This support could mean a great deal to many people and we at South Lakeland District Council are committed to doing the best we possibly can to getting these grants to those who need them."

Notifications informing the applicant of the outcome of their application will be sent directly from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, not SLDC. There will be a central call centre where applicants should raise any queries or objections with in the first instance.

Notes

To be eligible for EBSS Alternative Funding applicants must meet the following criteria on the date of their application:

• The dwelling for which support is being claimed is the main or sole residential address of the applicant;
• The applicant or resident is responsible for paying for energy used in the dwelling as part of a service charge, rent or other arrangement, and may, through these charges increasing, have the impact of increased energy bills costs passed on to them between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023;
• The household is not already receiving EBSS payments, either through the main EBSS scheme or the EBSS Alternative Funding, in whole or in part.

Provided they can provide sufficient proof of address and are not otherwise ineligible, households eligible for EBSS Alternative Funding include:

• park home residents;

• housing association, social and private tenants, and leaseholders, supplied via a landlord with a commercial meter
• partly and wholly self-funded care home residents;
• households in house boats on residential moorings;
• households on a private electricity network, for example those supplied by a heat network;
• off-grid households;
• traveller households on authorised sites;
• households who live in a dwelling on business premises that is used wholly or partly for domestic purposes;
• households in temporary/supported accommodation (where responsible for paying utilities, and have been resident for over 1 month prior to application).

Ends

An urgent temporary road closure has been put in place to allow Cumbria Highways to carry out urgent repair works to the cattle grid.

This notice will be in force for a period not exceeding 5 days from 27th February 2023. It is expected that the Works will take 4 days.

Please see below details of the extents of the closure and alternative route, the relevant legal notice can be viewed at https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1026/5-day-urgent-notice_133081746_3543121_3acc395837.pdfand a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found on one.network via link https://one.network/?tm=133081746

Location: asection of C5008 Kiln Bank Cattle grid, extending in a south westerly direction for a total distance of approximately 20m.

Alternative Route:via the unrestricted sections of C5008, A593, A595 Broughton in Furness, C5007, & C4028.

A way for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be maintained at all times.

Should you have any queries in relation to this restriction please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 303 2992 or via the Cumbria County Council website quoting the reference TTRO/4628

A temporary road closure has been put in place to allow Metcalfe Plant Hire to carry out bridge repair works which are expected to commence 13th March 2023 and anticipated to take 12 days to complete.

Please see below details of the extents of the closure and alternative route, the relevant legal notice can be viewed at https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1026/reactivation-notice_133043358_3542045_83944592d4.pdf and a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found on one.network via link https://one.network/?tm=133043358

Location: From its junction with Bobbin Mill Hill extending in a south easterly direction for approx. 75m.

Alternative Route: Via the C4028, A595, and C5007.

Should you have any queries in relation to this restriction please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 303 2992 or via the Cumbria County Council website quoting the reference TTRO/4434

Energy Bill Support Scheme (national info relevant to people on prepayment meters)

The EBSS is delivering a £400 discount to households to help with energy bills this winter.

Although most of the scheme is working well, BEIS are have noted that households with traditional prepayment meters (who receive their discount in the form of a voucher that they need to redeem) may not be receiving this support.

The most recent data indicates that almost 30% of vouchers issued in the first half of the scheme have not yet been redeemed. We’ve been asked to circulate these materials to help raise awareness to increase uptake.

BEIS already have products ready for circulation and some have been translated in other languages. Please see here link to a digital poster that is also available in multiple languages: https://beis.frontify.com/d/XnaTkXURf8Ck/government-support-for-household-energy-bills#/prepayment-meters/poster.

Attached:

A public notice sheet with thorough and clear instructions of what people need to do to redeem their vouchers.

A brief for frontline advisers with questions they can ask when people come and seek help. Just in case any members of your networks provide this kind of service.

Help to Save

A government scheme to encourage help people on low incomes save small amounts of money - paying bonuses after 2 & 4 years that add up to 50p for every £1 saved.

https://www.gov.uk/get-help-savings-low-income

PCC seeks public views on Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service budget

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Peter McCall is responsible for setting the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) portion of council tax for 2023-24. The PCC is today opening the council tax precept consultation, asking for public feedback on the budget proposal for the fire service.

CFRS is partially funded by the public through council tax and by businesses through business rates. This is the first year that PCC Peter McCall is responsible for CFRS’s budget after becoming the shadow Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner on 1 January 2023 and will take on full responsibility for the service’s governance on 1 April 2023.

Commenting on the council tax consultation, PCC Peter McCall, said: “As a result of Local Government Reform (LGR), I now have the responsibility each year to set the council tax precept levels for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

“This is not a new charge to residents as the Fire element was previously included in the elements of council tax that was paid to Cumbria County Council. Following the LGR changes, the charge is now visible and is clearly articulated so that residents will now know what they pay for Fire and Rescue Services.

“Setting the council tax precept is of course never easy and is especially challenging this year due to the current financial situation.

“I am acutely aware of the pressure that the cost-of-living crisis is placing on people across the county. This pressure is also impacting on the fire budgets due to salary increases, rising cost of fuel and utilities and must be balanced against the requirement to maintain the current level of service that we have rightly come to expect in Cumbria which keeps us all safe.

“The Government has indicated that it expects Commissioners to increase the fire level of council tax precept by £5 from 1^st April, this decision effectively means that I have no alternative than to propose to increase in line with the Government expectation.

“Therefore, I am reluctantly proposing to increase the fire council tax precept element by £5 (10p a week/or just over a 1p a day) which would take the annual cost from £85 to £90 per household based on a Band D property. In Cumbria, the majority of properties are Band D or below which means most households in the county will be paying £5. Whilst this offsets some of the inflationary pressures on the budget it is still well below national inflation levels and the budget will continue to have significant challenges which I will have to manage.

“If the council tax level is not increased, there will have to be a significant cut to the fire budget and current levels of service could not be maintained. This is something on which I am not willing to compromise as the safety of residents must be paramount.

“I know of course that nobody wants to see an increase in tax of any kind, but I welcome your views on the potential council tax increase and encourage you to take part in this consultation to help maintain this integral emergency service.”

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, John Beard, added: “We are grateful for the support we receive from the public and in order to maintain our emergency response and community safety services in Cumbria small increases in taxes are sometimes unavoidable.”

The survey is now open for those who wish to have their say.

The survey will close at 5pm on 6 February 2023 and paper copies of this survey can be obtained by ringing 01768 217734 or emailing commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk.

Survey – Cumbria's Fire and Rescue Service's council tax precept consultation Survey (surveymonkey.co.uk)

CCC FREE WELFARE HELPLINE

Cumbria County Council's Ways to Welfare helpline offers help and emergency support with basics and essentials for people struggling to cope with their current situation. They can also advise on which other financial support you may be entitled to. Call 0800 783 1966 or visitWays to Welfare.

There is also lots of cost of living advice on theCCC website, on:

Heating, health costs, broadband and household grants and more. Find it here:Cost of Living Support - financial support | Cumbria County Council

ALSO

Please encourage as many people in your area to take part in the survey below to capture the experience of rural communities in the cost of living crisis:

RURAL SERVICES NETWORK SURVEY ABOUT HOUSEHOLD BUDGETS

Rural areas are suffering more acutely from the rise in the cost of living compared to urban areas.

The purposeof the survey is to understand more about rural household budgets at, what is, a very difficult time for many.

Results from the survey will help us to engage more effectively with Government Departments, MPs and other policy makers.

The survey can be found at the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/.../Rural_Households_Cost...

Please note the survey closes on 31 March 2023.

19 January 2023

January has been a gloomy month with dark days and what seems like never-ending rain. But the sunshine, clear skies, and a smattering of snow this week has prompted the Lake District National Park Authority to encourage people to ‘wander more this winter’ to benefit their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

In a series of videos and blogs, the Authority is highlighting inspirational individuals who have used the Lake District scenery to benefit their own health journeys, demonstrating that there is something for everyone no matter their fitness levels or outdoor experience.

And this winter it’s cheaper than ever before to travel around the Lakes by bus, as there’s a newly introduced charge of only £2 for any single journey until March. Staff from the National Park Authority have blogged about how easy and enjoyable it is to hop on a Stagecoach bus and wander more this winter.

But central to exploring the Lake District is being Adventure Smart and asking yourself three things before you head out.

• Do I have the right gear?
• Do I have the knowledge and skills?
• Do I know what the weather will be like?

The Authority’s Fell Top Assessor team provide a daily condition report that is always good to have to hand before setting out, especially onto the higher fells. You can read it on www.weatherline.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @LakesWeather for the report and other useful safety advice throughout the winter season.

Guest bloggers speak candidly about their own health struggles and how they were able to make the first tentative steps outdoors in the Lake District, offering their top tips for anyone else who wants to improve their health or fitness.

Jay Mistry, who leads the annual Christmas Day Santa hike in the Lake District to help combat loneliness, says that absolutely everyone can benefit from becoming more active. He comments:

“It’s little steps on a big journey, whether you want to lose weight or improve your mental health, the first step is as simple as just getting outdoors. The Lake District has something for everyone, there’s beautiful low and high walks and short and long hikes, so choose whatever you're comfortable with.”

Alex Staniforth is a record-breaking adventurer, ultra-runner, motivational speaker, and author. He founded the Mind over Mountains charity to encourage others to embrace the benefits of the great outdoors. He’s shared his thoughts on the power of goal setting for our mental health.

He said: “As we start each year, we’re given the opportunity to start afresh: an exciting clean slate of goals and challenges to fill our diary with a burst of renewed energy and optimism. But be realistic, even setting small daily goals can have huge benefits for our physical and mental well-being.”

To read all of these inspiring blogs in full please visit The Blog : Lake District National Park, and please do tag us in any of your wanderings with #WanderMoreThisWinter.

Sustainable Warmth Cumbria Grants

The scheme offers a wide range of free energy efficiency improvements including:

• Solid wall and cavity wall insulation, including insulation for rooms in roofs.

• Loft, Under Floor, Internal and External Insulation

• Air source heat pumps

• High heat retention electric storage heaters

• First time double glazing (replacement double glazing is not available)

• Solar Photo Voltaic (PV) Panels

However, to make sure your home gets what it needs your Local Council has commission trained assessors to carry out a free survey of your home to let you know how we can help you.

To be eligible you’ll need to:

• Live in your property and either own your own home or, if you are a

private tenant, we can work with you and your landlord to make the

application and;

• Have a combined household income of less than £30,000 (gross) year

OR someone in your home receives a means tested benefit and

• Have an EPC rating of E, F, or G. If you don’t have an EPC, then we will arrange this for you if we think that your property is energy inefficient.

Find out more information about the scheme and to check your eligibility please visit www.carlisle.gov.uk/sustainablewarmthcumbria or contact your local council for further details.

Funding is limited and time-dependant so apply today!

You'll probably have seen in the news that there is an ambulance strike planned for tomorrow (from midnight to midnight).

E.g. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-63873505

There'll be a significantly reduced number of ambulances on the road in Cumbria - this means that it is likely that only Category 1 calls will be responded to, potentially along with some Category 2 calls (particularly where these are in a public place or without shelter, rather than at home).

Category 1 calls are those that are immediately life-threatening - someone who's not breathing

Category 2 calls are also serious and would normally be considered to need urgent assessment - for example, chest pain, or stroke symptoms

There's more explanation of what medical conditions tend to come under each category in the introduction to this article:

https://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/resource/ambulance-response-times#background

As you can imagine, that means there'll be many 999 calls that would usually get a Category 2/3/4 ambulance response but are unlikely to do so during the strike period (for example, many trips and falls) - and even after the strike has finished, it's likely to take several days for the service to get back to normal.

Things you can do.....

• Share the public advice from North West Ambulance Service: https://www.nwas.nhs.uk/news/please-only-call-999-for-life-threatening-emergencies-on-days-of-strike-action/ (and there'll be similar going out on social media that you can share) - this includes:
• Only call 999 for life threatening emergencies
• Use 111.nhs.uk, visit a pharmacy, for advice on less urgent conditions
• Try and arrange your own transport if you need to visit A&E for a condition that isn't life threatening.
• Be aware that friends, neighbours and relatives might need support during this period (and be aware that there will be knock on effects on other health and care services, such as an increased demand on social care services)

This is likely to be a challenging few days for many people (including those who work in health and care services), and any support you're able to give (helping locally, or simply sharing information) will be much appreciated.

Places are still available for the open water safety sessions taking place at Ulverston Leisure Centre from 10.am – 12noon with lunch provided on the 21^st and 23^rd December. Places are free for eligible children. Children must be aged 5 or over and be competent swimmers (25m). Children under 7 will not take part in the water safety but will get to participate in fun splash sessions.

For more information and to book your place please email:caroline.smith@gll.org

Make a difference - Become a Parish Councillor!

Duddon Parish Council have a vacancy and would really like to hear from you.

If you are passionate about the community and would like to get involved you should consider becoming a parish Councillor.

Projects we are working on include:

Improving Wilson Park;

Road Safety Issues;

Community Resiliance

Please contact the clerk for further details on 01229 889319 or

email -info@duddonparishcouncil.org.uk

Please note that works will commence on Monday 5^th December to carry out trial holes and ground investigation works in order to inform the detailed design of the new road at Grizebeck.

The first phase will be completed prior to Christmas with a second phase lasting approximately 2 weeks commencing mid to late January subject to Environment Agency approvals being granted as these works will be near to watercourses.

The trial pits and cores in the road will require temporary traffic lights to enable them to be carried out safely so unfortunately some short delays to traffic will be inevitable.

We apologise for any disruption whilst these essential investigations are carried out.

Many thanks,

The Grizebeck Project Team

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984

Temporary Closure Order over FOOTPATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS IN GRIZEDALE FOREST, WHINLATTER FOREST AND WYTHOP WOODS

Further to my email of 11 October 2022 - we have now made the above order. Here is a link to the notice, order and plans on the Lake District National Park Authority’s website (unfortunately due to the file size attaching this by email is not practicable): KM_C554e-20221115122914 (lakedistrict.gov.uk)

On Tuesday 25^th October the Police launched their Farm Watch Property marking campaign at Ulverston Auction Mart.

The team was successful in obtaining funding from the PCC for 100 property marking kits which have been distributed to previous victims of rural theft in the past year. The remaining kits are offered free to rural premises which have not previously been in receipt of Selecta DNA property marking campaigns. This is a first come first served offer and anyone interested should contact either PCSO Paul Harris at Ulverston Blue Light Hub or PCSO Debbie Ross at Windermere.

Dear All,

You may have seen in the local press or through other sources that there is a new project aiming to develop a Poverty Truth Commission here in South Lakeland. Information can be found here www.cumbriacvs.org.uk/about-us/south-lakeland-ptc/ or on the attached flier.

The two new project officers, Lois and Stella, are keen to visit community groups and for the word to be spread on what they are trying to achieve. If you are able to display a poster or distribute flyers within your area/organisation, or would like to find out more, then please make contact with Lois or Stella on the emails shown below.

Many thanks,

South Lakeland Area Support

If your organisation – or someone you know – might be interested in taking a small supply of flyers or is able to use the recruitment side of the flyer as a poster on their noticeboards, please let us know and we’ll drop them round.

Thank you,

Lois & Stella

Please find attached the details of two courses which have been organised by South Lakelands Adult Learning Team. They both start in November, take place in Kendal Library and are FREE to participants. The courses cover Building Confidence and Coping with the Rising Cost of Living.

Please feel free to share and circulate widely across your networks.

SOUTH LAKELAND DISTRICT COUNCIL

News release (with pictures)

18 October 2022

DO THE RIGHT THING WITH YOUR RUBBISH

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) is urging householders to do the right thing with their rubbish by avoiding unlicensed waste carriers.

The council is reminding residents they could receive a criminal record and be fined up to £400 if waste arising from work on their home or garden is dumped illegally, even though someone else has done it.

The warning follows two recent incidents where large quantities of garden waste were fly-tipped in rural parts of South Lakeland, including more than two tonnes of conifer chippings at Birkrigg Common, a beauty spot near Ulverston.

Residents are being urged to protect themselves by checking that anyone working on their home or garden and disposing of the rubbish afterwards has a waste carriers’ licence from the Environment Agency.

Councillor Eamonn Hennessy, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Locality Services,said: “Many householders may simply not realise they have a duty of care to ensure that waste resulting from work on their property is disposed of legally – this could be anything from tree and hedge clippings to builders’ rubble, old kitchen cabinets, sinks, fridges, ovens and bathroom fittings.

“Most of us would be appalled to think we had unknowingly hired an unlicensed waste carrier who had fly-tipped our rubbish on a road or in the countryside. But sadly this is what can happen when rogue traders seek to avoid paying disposal costs. These can include “man and van”-type businesses who offer to take people’s rubbish away for cash, and then abandon it.”

Cllr Hennessy added: “Using an unlicensed waste carrier can prove extremely costly and nobody wants to end up with a £400 fine or a criminal record, just for lack of asking a few simple questions.

“What’s more, fly-tipping can be downright dangerous to road users as well as blighting our beautiful countryside with potentially toxic or hazardous substances.

“Ultimately this is not a victimless crime because the cost of investigating and clearing up fly-tipping on public land is borne by the Council Tax payer across our district.”

The Environment Agency has this advice for householders to protect themselves:

1. Ask where the rubbish will end up – a genuine trader will not mind this question.
2. Don’t pay cash – insist on a receipt.
3. Record the details of the vehicle used to take the rubbish away.
4. Check the trader’s credentials by calling the Environment Agency directly on 03708 506 506 for a free instant waste carrier check or go online at: https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers

Meanwhile, SLDC’s Locality Team is continuing to investigate two incidents where large quantities of garden waste were fly-tipped in South Lakeland. The most recent took place at Barrow Banks, on the old A590 road near Staveley-in-Cartmel. Locality Officers said the material looked like a garden clearance carried out in the past week with a mix of sycamore saplings, ivy, conifer, sedum and other green waste.

The previous incident at Birkrigg Common involved more than two tonnes of conifer chippings, a small red apple tree and some plastic bags.

If you have any information which could help identify the offender, please contact SLDC’s Locality Team by email at locality@southlakeland.gov.uk

Fly-tipping is illegal under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the maximum penalty (in the Crown Court) is five years in prison or an unlimited fine.

Captions

1. More than two tonnes of conifer chippings were fly-tipped at Birkrigg Common.
2. Garden waste dumped at Barrow Banks, near Staveley-in-Cartmel.

Ends

For more information, please contact the SLDC Communications Team on 01539 793300.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has recently launched a cost-of-living support hub to help councils continue to support residents and anew monthly cost-of-living bulletin, both of which highlight the latest news from the government.

The hub has been designed to share best practice and help councils to support their residents with the rise in the cost of living. Case studies and resources can be found for each topic area.

SHADOW AUTHORITY FOR WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS COUNCIL

News Release

5 October 2022

NEW COUNCIL DECLARES CLIMATE AND BIODIVERSITY CRISES

Councillors have backed a motion that confirms a new unitary authority recognises we are facing climate and biodiversity crises.

The motion approved by a majority of the Full Council of the Shadow Authority for Westmorland and Furness Council says that the council:

“Acknowledges that man-made greenhouse gas emissions play a major part in the climate crisis. Greenhouse gases are also diminishing our biodiversity, which is further adversely affected by habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, increases of non-native species and systemic weather disruption.

“Climate change and biodiversity loss will have far-reaching effects on our economy, our society and our environment in the district, across the UK and across the globe.’’

The motion, which was proposed by Councillor Giles Archibald,Shadow Authority for Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate and Biodiversity, says the new council will build on the work of the existing councils, CAfS and other volunteer organisations working within the new authority area and is committed to:

• reducing its own carbon emissions to net zero as soon as possible
• working with others to target a net zero carbon Westmorland and Furness by 2037
• increasing biodiversity by, for example, restoring natural habitats, restricting invasive species and reducing pollution.

The motion wording continues: “We are committed to working with Town and Parish Councils, communities and other partner organisations in tackling these emergencies in a just and fair manner.

“Council further urges government to work with local authorities, health services, businesses, farmers, educational institutions and all other interested bodies to address the climate and biodiversity emergencies as quickly as possible.’’

Speaking to the motion at last Wednesday’s Full Council meeting, Councillor Archibald thanked the Shadow Authority’s cross-party working groups, which have already been looking at climate change and biodiversity loss issues and how the new council can take practical steps to address the challenges.

Councillor Archibald said: “There’s an assumption that the human species will last forever, but we are on a pathway to imperilling our own species.

“If we do the right thing now then we can still save the situation.

“If we adopt this motion then these issues will run as a ‘golden thread’ through all of our work in the new authority. We need to be a key player and to contribute to the solution.’’

The motion was seconded by Councillor Ann Thomson, who added: “We need to put climate change and biodiversity loss actions at the very heart of our Council Plan.’’

Westmorland and Furness Council will act in ‘shadow’ form for the next 10 months, as its councillors engage in the planning and preparation for Vesting Day on 1 April 2023.

1 April 2023 is the point where Westmorland and Furness Council and its councillors will officially take over responsibility for all services across the Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland areas and the existing Barrow Borough, Eden District and South Lakeland District councils, along with Cumbria County Council, will be dissolved.

Until April 2023 all current services will continue to be delivered by the existing councils, overseen by the councillors on those councils.

In the meantime, councillors on the Shadow Authority for Westmorland and Furness Council will be working with the Local Government Reorganisation programme planning for the new council to ‘go live’ in 2023.

ENDS

On Thursday 6 October members of the public will have the opportunity to join Westmorland and Furness Council Leader Councillor Jonathan Brook and Chief Executive Designate Sam Plum to hear more about the authority's first Council Plan.

They are inviting members of the public to have their say and ask questions about future operations of the council and its aspirations for the area.

The session will take place online via Microsoft Teams between 6pm and 7pm and can be joined on the below link.

Join the Microsoft Teams live event – W&F Council (6 October)

Councillor Brook says: “Westmorland and Furness is a new council which brings great opportunity.

“It is an opportunity to bring together the best of Barrow, Cumbria, Eden and South Lakeland to transform Westmorland and Furness for the better - from Walney to Alston and from the Duddon to the Tyne.

“It is an opportunity to transform how services are delivered, to build a new vision and work together to deliver it.

“It is an opportunity to do big things. Our communities have the vision, the people, the skills and the capacity to grasp the opportunity of local government re-organisation and build a bright future for Westmorland and Furness. This is the beginning of the journey”.

A copy of the draft Council Plan can be found on the Westmorland and Furness Council website:www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Westmorland and Furness Council will act in ‘shadow’ form for the next six months, as its councillors engage in the planning and preparation for Vesting Day on 1 April 2023, including agreeing the new Council Plan.

1 April 2023 is the point where Westmorland and Furness Council and its councillors will officially take over responsibility for all services across the Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland areas and the existing Barrow Borough, Eden District and South Lakeland District councils, along with Cumbria County Council, will be dissolved.

Until April 2023 all current services will continue to be delivered by the existing councils, overseen by the councillors on those councils.

In the meantime, councillors on the Shadow Authority for Westmorland and Furness Council will be working with the Local Government Reorganisation programme planning for the new council to ‘go live’ in 2023.

ENDS

Show us your examples of good and bad design across the Lake District

What design features in the Lake District make it special to you?

https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/planning/planningpolicies/design-code

SOUTH LAKELAND DISTRICT COUNCIL

News release (with pictures)

29 September 2022

UPDATE ON REVIEW OF SOUTH LAKELAND LOCAL PLAN – HAVE YOUR SAY

Residents who would like to keep up to date with progress on the review of the South Lakeland Local Plan can do so by signing up for regular updates.

An important role in updating the Local Plan, which relates to the district outside the National Parks, is to ensure South Lakeland’s residents and businesses have sufficient land allocated for new homes and jobs between now and 2040.

Anybody who wants to receive regular updates about the South Lakeland Local Plan Review can sign up to the mailing list by emailing: developmentplans@southlakeland.gov.uk.

The most recent newsletter includes the opportunity, through an online survey, for people of all ages to give their views on 40 sites suggested by landowners and developers during the 2021 Call for Sites, as part of the South Lakeland Local Plan Review.

At this early stage, none of these locations has been formally proposed by the council or allocated for development. Although the list may seem long, most of the sites will ultimately not be needed.

Residents, businesses and organisations are therefore invited to have their say on these sites while the Local Plan Review is still in its early stages by completing the online survey by the closing date of 10 November 2022. If residents do not have access to the internet, they can browse the documents in person at Kendal Town Hall or at libraries in Kendal, Ulverston, Grange-over-Sands, Kirkby Lonsdale, Milnthorpe or Arnside, and submit a paper response.

Importantly, there will also be a further opportunity to comment on the council’s high-level technical study of all of the suggested sites in both the 2021 Call for Sites and the earlier 2020 Call for Sites. The findings of this study – the Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) study - will be published later and further comments invited.

Councillor Helen Chaffey, Portfolio Holder for Housing and the Local Plan, said: “We hope people of all ages will want to help us plan for the future of South Lakeland by taking this early opportunity to tell us what they think of the suggested sites.

“The South Lakeland Local Plan is vitally important for making South Lakeland the best place to live, work and explore. We are reviewing the Local Plan to ensure that our children and grandchildren can thrive and have the homes and jobs they need between now and 2040, as well as making sure we have enough extra-care provision to enable older people to stay living locally in their communities - while protecting the district’s special landscape, historic character and rich biodiversity.

“A key part of this ambition is making sure that sufficient land is allocated for development in the district, outside the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, which have their own Local Plans.

“Rest reassured that nothing is set in stone yet and we are still in the early stages of this work. None of these 40 suggested sites – or the 122 sites put forward in the first Call for Sites in 2020 – have been proposed or allocated for development. Everything is still up for discussion so it’s the ideal time to share your thoughts.

“The list of sites may seem long but it’s likely that many of them will not be needed. A number of them, including several in south-west Kendal, were also put forward in 2020. If you’ve already commented on these during last summer’s Issues and Options consultation, there’s no need to do so again, unless you would like to make further comments.”

Here is how to have your say by 10 November 2022:

• Visit the survey page here to find out more about the sites and to give your early views: https://cumbria.citizenspace.com/south-lakeland-district-council/call-for-sites-2021-feedback

• Browse the documents in person and complete a paper form at Kendal Town Hall or Kendal, Ulverston, Grange-over-Sands, Kirkby Lonsdale, Milnthorpe or Arnside libraries.

The newsletter also provides an update on other work under way on the Local Plan Review. These include an important study to assess the level of need for new homes and employment between now and 2040. Another study is updating our record of services and facilities in South Lakeland’s towns and villages to help inform where new development may best be located in future.

The council is also working closely with Barrow and Eden Councils and Cumbria County Council to make sure that our plans are aligned as we approach April 2023, at which point the new Westmorland and Furness Council will assume responsibility for Local Plan preparation across the new authority.

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BUS UPDATE FROM THE 'FRIENDS OF THE X112.

It is now 8 years since the 'Friends' were formed to support Blueworks in the running of our local buses. Amazingly the buses are still running and that is due to the resilience of the company and their staff along with the wonderful continued support from the local community and local funding organisations.

From Sept. 9^th (2022) a revised service began operating with some changes on the No.11 and X12 routes and a very slight change in timings on the X7 service.(*) By the time this newsletter is in circulation the timetables should be readily available in local communities or on the Blueworks and Friends websites and Facebook pages as well as the County Council website. (**)

The basis of the financing of these services is that the Friends fund services that run on Thursdays and Fridays and Blueworks themselves the ones on Mons. Tues. and Weds. but in addition the Friends are financing a new early afternoon service on the X70 Ulverston Town Service which should enhance the already successful morning service around the town run by Blueworks.

The changes have been introduced for two reasons;

1. To reduce costs on the X12 service between Ulverston and Coniston. Here two services have been merged into one.

2. To offer Coast Road passengers the opportunity to spend more time in Ulverston than previously. This will apply on Mondays and Thursdays. (***)

We would like to emphasise to everyone that there are many people on these routes who totally depend on the buses to maintain their independence. The climate crisis and the cost of living crisis must surely make us all think more carefully about our continued reliance on the car and that maybe we could try using the bus sometimes even if we do not depend on them. Travelling on these buses is usually a pleasant, sociable experience There is a reason why the buses are known as 'Happy Buses'.

For people who are eligible for a bus pass journeys will cost you nothing. For fee paying passengers we have below produced examples of the fares you might expect to pay; Adult Child

Day ticket (****) Single Return

Barrow-Ulverston £5.00 £2.70 £4.00

Bardsea-Ulverston £5.00 £2.00 £4.00

Aldingham-Barrow £5.00 £2.50 £4.00

Newbiggin-Barrow £5.00 £2.50 £4.00

Ulverston-Coniston £6.00 £4.50 £5.50

Blawith-Coniston £6.00 £2.50 £4.00

In addition to the revised timetable anyone living within a 6 mile radius of Ulverston and who is not on a bus route can now book a flexible service which must be booked the day before. Full details of this flexible service is being produced on a separate leaflet and should be available in the ways indicated above.

(*)

No.11 service runs between Barrow and Ulverston via the Coast Road (++)

X12 between Ulverston and Coniston

X7 between Coniston and Barrow via Torver, Broughton, and Askam

(**)

Blueworks website; www. Blueworks Taxis Ltd.

Friends of the X112 website; www. Friends of the X112

Friends of the X112 Facebook page; 'Friends of the X112'

County Council website; www. Cumbria.gov.uk/buses

(++) The major change from the previous timetable is the addition of an extra bus time on a Monday and Thursday on the No 11 service:

Mon; Leaves Ulvertson 09.20 Arrives Barrow 10.05

Leaves Barrow 10.05 Arrives Ulverston 10.50

Thurs; Leaves Ulverston 09.00 Arrives Barrow 09.38

Leaves Barrow 09.40 Arrives Ulverston 10.20

For people living along the Coast Road this will allow more time in Ulverston on Mon. and Thurs. than previously. ( 90 mins on Mon. and 2 hrs. on Thurs.) with the bus returning from Ulverston at 12.20. Likewise more time is made available in Barrow is using this new service.

For the 'Friends of the X112' to continue operating into the future we are going to need more people to get involved in our work than we have at the moment. If anyone has any time to spare and would like to join us to practically help in keeping our momentum moving forwards please contact us. (tel. 835712)

THANK YOU

FRIENDS OF THE X112

21 September 2022

DISRUPTION TO SOME GREEN BIN ROUNDS THIS SATURDAY

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) is letting residents know about disruption to some green bin rounds following the bank holiday for Her Majesty The Queen’s State Funeral.

This week’s SLDC waste and recycling rounds are being carried out a day later than usual because of the bank holiday. Householders in Kendal, parts of rural Furness and the Storrs area of Windermere who would usually have had their green bins collected this Friday (23 September) will not have their garden waste collected during this Saturday’s catch-up round by SLDC. This is due to limited staff availability and the need to prioritise grey bin/recycling collections.

Councillor Eamonn Hennessy, SLDC portfolio holder for Customer and Locality Services, said: “The council apologises to those residents who will be affected by this Saturday’s cancellation of some green bin rounds. I know that many people will be disappointed at not having their garden waste collected at a time of year when there is still plenty to do in the garden.

“However, due to the short notice of the bank holiday announcement, we do not have a full complement of crew to work this Saturday. This means we will be using all available depot staff to prioritise grey bin/recycling collections, and I would like to thank all those colleagues who will be working on Saturday to help us catch up.”

If you live in one of the locations listed below and you would normally have had your green bin collected this Friday (23 September), please leave it out on your next scheduled collection date – however, your blue recycling bags/boxes CAN be left out for collection this Saturday:

• Kendal – includes Kirkbarrow, Vicarage Road area, Stainbank Road area, Gillinggate, Bankfield area, Brigsteer Road area, Queen’s Road/Serpentine area, Waterside and town centre
• Storrs area of Windermere
• Grizebeck
• Greenodd
• Foxfield
• Broughton-in-Furness
• Kirkby-in-Furness.

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News release

21 September 2022

DISCRETIONARY ENERGY REBATE SCHEME LAUNCHED IN SOUTH LAKELAND

South Lakeland District has launched a Discretionary Energy Rebate Scheme which will award a one-off payment of £150 to help households in bands E to H properties who were not eligible to receive the mandatory £150 energy rebate.

Residents are eligible if they fell within one of the following categories on 1 April 2022:

• Households in Council Tax bands E to H where the liable person was in receipt of at least one of the following income-related benefits:

• Jobseeker’s Allowance (Income Based)
• Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)
• Pension Credit – Guaranteed or Savings elements
• Income Support
• Housing Benefit
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit
• Council Tax reduction

• Occupiers of houses in multiple occupation in bands A to H on 1st April 2022 who pay the energy bills and who were in receipt of one of the income related benefits listed above but where the landlord is liable to pay the Council Tax
• Households in properties in bands F to H with a disabled band reduction
• Households that receive a care leaver reduction
• Exempt properties where all of the occupiers are severely mentally impaired, all occupiers are students, all occupiers are under 18 and occupied annexes.

The district has been allocated £191,250 for the scheme and as funds are limited, it has been targeted at certain households.

Councillor Suzie Pye, South Lakeland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Poverty Alleviation, said: "The need for support is becoming ever more acute and SLDC is committed to making sure that as many households as possible benefit from this new discretionary fund.

"If you receive a letter inviting you to provide your bank details, or if you don't receive a letter but believe you are eligible, please apply. The process is totally secure and designed to get payments out as soon as possible."

As with the main energy rebate scheme, the property must have been occupied and someone’s sole or main residence on 1 April 2022.

The application window runs until 13 October 2022.

Eligible households are being identified now where they currently pay their Council Tax by Direct Debit. Payments in these cases will be made automatically.

Eligible households which do not pay by Direct Debit will receive a letter inviting them to provide their bank details through a secure application form on the SLDC website.

If you meet the eligibility criteria above and have not been paid or written to, you can still make an application through the form on the SLDC website.

Payments will be made to those who provide their bank details or apply during the application window once the scheme closes.

The aim is to have the majority of payments processed by 31 October 2022. All discretionary rebates must be paid by 30 November 2022.

Please visit www.southlakeland.gov.uk/discretionaryrebate for full details of the scheme and the links to apply.

Note

Eligible households which have not yet provided their bank details to receive the non-discretionary Council Tax Energy Rebate for homes in Council Tax bands A to D are being urged to do so before the closing date of 30 September 2022.

Anybody who has not responded by 23 September will have their Council Tax accounts credited with £150.

Please note SLDC will not call taxpayers to ask for bank details for the rebate payments and any communication will come in a letter.

For full details on the scheme and a link to the secure form to give us your bank details, please visit www.southlakeland.gov.uk/energyrebate.

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SOUTH LAKELAND DISTRICT COUNCIL

News release

13 September 2022

Following the announcement of a bank holiday on Monday 19 September 2022 for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral, there will be some changes to South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) services on that day.

The council’s offices in Kendal will be closed and bin/recycling rounds will be carried out a day later than usual all week.

For residents whose scheduled collection day is Friday 23 September, council crews will be working on Saturday 24 September. Colleagues will do their very best to complete everyone’s rounds although there may be some disruption to the collection of green waste due to limited staff availability. The council apologises in advance for any inconvenience. Crews will return to catch up on the next scheduled calendar day in two weeks’ time.

SLDC Deputy Leader Councillor Andrew Jarvis said: “People across South Lakeland and beyond will come together to pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen on Monday 19 September, the day of the State Funeral and the final day of the period of National Mourning.

“It’s appropriate that most council services should pause for the day, but I would like to thank all those council colleagues who will be working on the bank holiday to help keep essential services running, such as the dedicated team of support workers at our Town View Fields Hostel in Kendal.”

Cllr Jarvis added: “Flags will continue to be flown at half-mast on public buildings in South Lakeland until 8am on the day after Her Majesty’s funeral, and books of condolence will also close on that day.

“Thank you to everyone who attended Sunday’s Proclamation of King Charles III at Kendal Town Hall and to all who have paid tribute to our wonderful Queen during these momentous past few days. Her Majesty’s visits to South Lakeland will be remembered with great affection for generations to come.”

To find out more about arrangements for the period of National Mourning in South Lakeland, such as laying flowers and signing books of condolence, please visit: https://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/your-council/remembering-her-majesty-the-queen/

Condolences can also be sent online at: https://www.royal.uk/send-message-condolence

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Wilson Park Skateboard Park

We are delighted to announce that following our application for National Lottery Awards for All, The National Lottery Community Fund is giving Duddon Parish Council £10,000 to help our community thrive.

#TNLCommunityFund

Road Safety Working Group

In preparation for the new unitary authority starting on 1st April 2023, we are pleased to announce the formation of the Road Safety Working Group. The Group will be Parish Council-led and be made up of residents from around the parish. It will evaluate current traffic flows, manage existing and future traffic calming measures, and engage fully with the community to address the ongoing speeding, safety and volume of traffic issues within our parish.

Please register your interest with the Parish Clerk at info@duddonparishcouncil.org.uk  

alternatively contact Russell on russell.kanhai@duddonparishcouncil.org.uk

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy – what’s your thoughts?

Cumbria County Council is asking is asking for feedback on proposals to improve the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

https://cumbria.gov.uk/planning-environment/flooding/local_flood_risk_management_strategy.asp

The Strategy will set out how local flood risks will be managed in Cumbria, who will deliver them and how they will be funded, and the county council now need to finalise the Local Flood Risk Management (2022) Strategy and Action Plan, with input from the community.

This feedback will then feed into the Strategy revision and help finalise the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy going forward.

A consultation will be open from Monday 5 September and concludes on Friday 30 September 2022.

To provide feedback you can:

• Respond online

• Attend one of our public consultation drop-in sessions.

The public consultation drop-in events have been arranged to provide an opportunity to feedback on the documentation. This feedback will then feed into the Strategy revision and help finalise the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy going forward – the following has been arranged:

• Barrow – Thursday 8 September, Barrow Library: 10.00am – 4.00pm
• Carlisle – Friday 9 September - Carlisle Library: 10.00am – 4.00pm
• Eden – Monday 12 September - Penrith Library: 10.00am – 4.00pm
• South Lakeland – Tuesday 13 September: Kendal Library 10.00am – 12pm and Ulverston Library: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
• Allerdale – Monday 19 September – Cockermouth Library 10.00am – 12pm and Keswick Library: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
• Copeland – Thursday 22 September - Whitehaven Library: 10.00am – 4.00pm

HELP IS AT HAND TO TURN GREEN BUSINESS DREAMS INTO REALITY

Budding "green" entrepreneurs are being urged to sign up to the latest Future Fixers programme aimed at turning sustainable business dreams into reality.

The Future Fixers Purposeful Business Start-up Programme, once again supported by South Lakeland District Council, has places available for the next course starting in October.

Participants learn about "traditional" business skills, but they are also supported to be proactive in using their business to address climate change. Not only that, but they have the opportunity to receive one-to-one coaching to develop the personal resilience needed to overcome the challenges of setting up their new enterprise.

Recent graduates from the programme have included one person who has begun a forest bathing business, a wildlife-friendly gardener and an architectural wood carver. All have learned that business success is about making a positive impact for people and planet, as well as being profitable.

The programme is run by Future Fixers’ directors, Dave Brown and Karen Bentley-Brown.

Dave said: "We’re delighted to support those who want to build businesses that help create a kinder, greener, fairer world. Almost 50 people have attended the programme so far and we’d love to hear from other budding entrepreneurs who’d like to set up on their own, but don’t know where to start.”

One person who has benefitted is Lauren Munro-Bennett, who attended the very first Future Fixers’ start-up programme. Through her business, LMB Coaching, Lauren offers support for runners, triathletes and those wishing to improve their swimming skills in the outdoors.

Lauren said: “My business and values have a strong link with nature. The Future Fixers’ course was great for helping me discover how to build environmental responsibility into what I do.”

Another former participant making a success of their fledgling business is Chris Shepard, owner of Naked Build Co. Chris is committed to creating for his customers beautiful outdoor spaces, which benefit nature by incorporating roof gardens and living walls.

Chris said: “I took so much from the course, enjoyed the whole experience, and feel richer for it. Whilst nobody can guarantee your business success Future Fixers led me by the hand, guided me through all the learning, and added several doses of magic to point me in the right direction.”

Councillor Robin Ashcroft, SLDC’s portfolio holder for Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: "Karen and Dave have provided support to a great many people looking to set up their own sustainable, people and planet-friendly businesses in a short space of time.

"SLDC is delighted to support Future Fixers as they help get exciting and innovative businesses off the ground and give them a real chance of enduring – something South Lakeland is known for."

Councillor Dyan Jones, portfolio holder for Climate Action and Biodiversity, said: "Running a business which is mindful of its people, customers and the environment does not have to be at the expense of the bottom line. Indeed, having these core values can be a solid foundation for success.

"If anybody in South Lakeland has an environmentally-sustainable business idea and think support from Dave and Karen would be beneficial, please get in touch with them. It could be the first step towards something really special."

Bookings are now being taken for the next start-up programme. Beginning in October, the course will guide participants through a series of six fortnightly online sessions and will help them gain both clarity and purpose in their business.

To book or find out more about the next Future Fixers’ Purposeful Business Start-up Programme, further details can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/future-fixers-purposeful-business-start-up-programme-tickets-375045821147.

The programme is free to South Lakeland residents in receipt of unemployment benefits, and there is a small fee of £60 for others living in the South Lakes area. If you live elsewhere in Cumbria, there are two places available for half price at just £247.50.

Still not sure? Email hello@futurefixers.uk or call Dave on 07837 023580 to find out more.

Meanwhile, Future Fixers held its first Better Business Drop-in session yesterday (Tuesday September 6).

Aimed at anybody who wants to find out how to ‘green’ their business, as well as how to look after their ‘people’ (staff, customers and themselves), the monthly drop-in sessions take place at Mintworks in Kendal town centre on the first Thursday of every month from 9am to 4pm.

As well as being able to drop in for a chat, people will be able to use the hot-desk facilities free of charge, meet and network with like-minded people, AND enjoy great coffee and (plant-based) cake.

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**Cost of Living Crisis- Disability Cost of Living Payment**

From 20th September, 6 million people who are paid certain disability benefits will receive an automatic one-off £150 payment. The payment will help disabled people with the rising Cost of Living acknowledging the higher disability-related costs they often face, such as care and mobility needs.

This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means tested benefits.

Click here for more details

https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/housing-support/

HOUSEHOLDS YET TO CLAIM ENERGY REBATE URGED TO DO SO

Eligible households which have not yet provided their bank details to receive the Council Tax Energy Rebate are being urged to do so before the closing date.

You are eligible for this rebate if your home is in Council Tax band A to D and you were the liable person for council tax on 1 April 2022.

South Lakeland District Council paid the rebate directly to people who pay their Council Tax by Direct Debit, and launched a process whereby people who didn't pay by DD could securely provide their bank details and be paid.

SLDC has now paid energy rebates worth more than £4.5m to 30,245 households – more than 80 per cent of those eligible – and is continuing to work through the remaining eligible households, writing to ask for bank details and undertaking checks where necessary before the final deadline of 30 September 2022.

Anybody who has not responded by 23 September will have their Council Tax accounts credited with £150.

Please note SLDC will not call taxpayers to ask for bank details for the rebate payments and any communication will come in a letter.

For full details on the scheme and a link to the secure form to give us your bank details, please visit www.southlakeland.gov.uk/energyrebate.

Councillor Suzie Pye, South Lakeland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Poverty Alleviation, said: "The cost of living crisis is affecting us all. The Council Tax energy rebate is one of the measures designed to ease the burden and I urge anybody eligible who has not done so already to take the simple step needed to receive the funds.

"All payments must be made by 30 September 2022 so there is still time to provide your bank details if you’ve had a letter from us but haven’t done so."

If you do not have a bank account, the rebate can be directly paid into your Council Tax account and you can indicate this on the online form.

Please note the £150 rebate will not need to be repaid unless it has been paid in error or it comes to light that a household was not eligible for the payment due to a change in circumstances.

Suggestions for financial hardship help, advice and support can be found on the SLDC website at https://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/your-council/partnerships/financial-hardship-help-advice-and-support/

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16 August 2022

FUTURE FIXERS LAUNCHES ONE-STOP SHOP FOR 'GOOD' BUSINESS ADVICE

A South Lakes training and development company with a mission to support and inspire organisations to get people and planet at the heart of what they do is expanding its offer of support.

Future Fixers CIC, led by Dave Brown and Karen Bentley-Brown with support from South Lakeland District Council, is launching Good Business Drop-in sessions for anybody interested in finding out more about purposeful business start-ups, sustainable business development strategies, personal and staff development, environmental audits, carbon management and green energy options, eco-innovation support, funding questions and more.

Those who want to find out how to ‘green’ their business, as well as how to look after their ‘people’ (staff, customers and themselves), are likely to benefit from these monthly drop-in sessions taking place at Mintworks in Kendal town centre, beginning on Tuesday 6 September at 9am.

Future Fixers CIC was originally set up by Dave Brown and Karen Bentley-Brown as a way to help young entrepreneurs to start purposeful businesses. Now, the organisation has grown into a well-established social enterprise with a team of skilled directors on board and is beginning to spread its wings.

Whilst their popular flagship Purposeful Business Start-up Programme, supported by South Lakeland District Council, is still very much part of what they are all about, Future Fixers also organises a wide variety of networking and training opportunities for businesses in the South Lakes area.

Karen said: "We support those who want to use their businesses as a way to influence positive change and we believe business can be a force for good. We need to work together if we are going to solve the climate crisis and ensure that future generations are able to thrive on a healthy planet, so we aim to connect like-minded people through a variety of events and courses. We’re particularly excited about our new ‘Better Business Drop-ins.’

"There are huge benefits for SMEs to commit to a more sustainable way of working. Reducing your carbon footprint can help you cut costs and save money on utility bills, travel costs, and on materials that are eventually discarded."

The first Better Business Drop-in session will be held in the Mintworks in Highgate, Kendal, on Tuesday September 6 from 9am to 4pm, and then every first Tuesday of the month.

Free advice will be available from a range of specialists, including Karen and Dave, Future Fixers’ directors and people from ‘good business’ support organisations, including Tim Maiden from Green Small Business.

As well as being able to drop in for a chat, people will be able to use the hot-desk facilities free of charge, meet and network with like-minded people, AND enjoy great coffee and (plant-based) cake.

Councillor Dyan Jones, SLDC's Portfolio Holder for Climate Action and Biodiversity, said: "Building businesses which are sustainable and environmentally friendly is not only vitally important to the future of the planet but is increasingly important to consumers, customers and employees.

"I would encourage anybody interested in finding out more to get themselves along to one of these sessions at the Mintworks, which have the added bonus of encouraging networking with like-minded people, free hotdesking and coffee and cake. It could be the first step towards something which will change your life."

Councillor Robin Ashcroft, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: "Future Fixers has proved to be a great success, providing excellent, practical support to people with a dream of using their passions and interests to start a sustainable business. We are delighted to have been able to support Future Fixers from the beginning and are excited to see the programme expand and develop, with the increasing number of businesses which have been supported by Karen and Dave a testament to its worth."

Meanwhile, the next Future Fixers Purposeful Business Start-up Programme begins on 21 September. If you or anyone you know is interested in setting up a people and planet focused business, further details can be found https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/future-fixers-purposeful-business-start-up-programme-tickets-375045821147

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SOUTH LAKELAND DISTRICT COUNCIL

News release

9 August 2022

CHANGES MAKE DISABLED FACILITIES GRANT SCHEME MORE INCLUSIVE

South Lakeland's Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) scheme has been modified to make it even more inclusive.

The scheme helps pay for changes so people can stay living independently, with South Lakeland District Council undertaking eligible works up to a value of £30,000.

Subject to a test of financial resource, households may be asked to make a contribution but the level at which the means test will now be applied to mandatory grants has been increased from £5,000 to £10,000. Where the adaptation is for a child or young person there is no test of financial resource for the first £30,000.

SLDC's Cabinet was told that the cost of DFG work in the past six months, particularly for level-access showers, which account for about 80 per cent of DFG grants, had been exceeding £5,000.

Councillor Helen Chaffey, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: "This is a response to increasing costs and a definite move on our part to make this worthwhile scheme which makes a real difference to people's quality of life more accessible.

"Increasing the means test threshold will cut down waiting times for applications and the start of work.”

Typical DFG adaptations are:

• stair lifts
• wet floor shower areas
• access ramping.

SLDC can help with the planning and design of the work along with Cumbria Social Services and health occupational therapists.

You can apply if you are:

• registered or registerable as disabled (your social worker or occupational therapist can tell you this) and an owner-occupier or tenant. Social housing tenants may be able to get help from their housing association to adapt their homes;
• acting on behalf of a person with disabilities who lives in your home;
• a landlord acting on behalf of a tenant who has disabilities.

Councillor Suzie Pye, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Poverty Alleviation, said: "It is vitally important that this support is there for individuals who need it and that it is as accessible as possible. This change will remove any unnecessary delays which could cause inconvenience and suffering.

"I urge anyone who feels they could benefit from this scheme to have a look on our website and find out what is available and if they are eligible for this support."

For more information on the scheme, go to: https://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/housing/housing-support-and-grants/disabled-facilities-grants/

For advice and assessment from a county council occupational therapist if you live in South Lakeland, contact: 01539 713378/713343/713111/713334 or email kendalssd@cumbria.gov.uk

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For more information, please contact the SLDC Communications Team on 01539 793300.

**Friends of the Elderly- Grants for Older People** Local Authorities can act as one of the specified referral agents

https://www.fote.org.uk/our-charity-work/grants-2/

-The funding is intended to support older people living on low incomes in England and Wales.

-Four grant streams are available to help with home essentials, digital connection, financial support and essential living costs.

-The maximum grant value for Digital Connections, Home Essentials or Financial Support is £400, or £500 for households where two or more people are eligible for grants

-The maximum grant value for Essential Living Costs is £250.

-Who can apply

- Applications are only accepted from a Referral Agent who knows the older person in a professional or community capacity, including

housing associations, Local Authorities, charities, community organisations, social workers, advice providers, health centres, cultural and religious centres etc.

-A doctor/GP surgery can be a referrer, but only if they are willing to submit the application and follow through on its outcome.

The older person must be:

-Currently residing in England or Wales.

-In privately owned, privately rented, or social housing (not in residential care or a nursing home).

-Of UK state pension age.

-On a low income and with savings of less than £4,000.

-Have not served in the UK Armed Forces.

A number of bits of funding have been announced nationally recently to help with the rise in the cost of living - the national schemes announced by the chancellor are summarised here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-living-support/cost-of-living-support-factsheet-26-may-2022

Locally, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet yesterday approved £2m fundingto support a range of measures, including more support linked to free school meals, including increases in school uniform grants:

https://news.cumbria.gov.uk/News/2021/schoolclothinggrantsreceive500kboost.aspx

We know there are likely to people who are eligible for free schools meals who aren't currently claiming them - so it'd be really helpful if people could publicise the information about how to do so, and the additional benefits that are linked to them - all in the press release above.

SOUTH LAKELAND DISTRICT COUNCIL

News release

21 January 2022

HANDY PERSON SCHEME HELPS PEOPLE MAINTAIN INDEPENDENT LIVING

Residents in need of practical help around their homes are being reminded that a free council-run service could provide support.

South Lakeland District Council’s (SLDC) Handy Person Scheme offers assistance with simple but essential jobs around the home to help people maintain independent living and quality of life.

The service provides help with anything from changing a lightbulb to putting up shelving, installing hand rails and small repairs such as unblocking sinks, as well as fitting curtain rails and moving heavy items.

The scheme, run in partnership with Barrow-based repairs and service company Growing Concerns, also enables the fitting of minor security measures including; a key safe, door viewer and chain.

The work is free of charge except for the cost of materials, unless they have been supplied as part of a scheme with a partner agency.

Councillor Suzie Pye, portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and poverty alleviation, said: “We have been running the Handy Person Scheme successfully for a number of years in partnership with Growing Concerns and have received great feedback about the service they provide. It’s a fantastic scheme and vital to those who don’t have family or friends nearby to help with those odd jobs round the house you can't do yourself.

"Helping people in our communities to be independent is a priority for South Lakeland District Council and this service is a fantastic way to help achieve that. I would urge anybody who thinks they, or somebody they know, would benefit from this scheme to get in touch."

Assistance under the Handy Person Scheme is available to people who are unable to undertake the task themselves and have no other person available to help them with the task and reside in the South Lakeland area, who:

• are aged 65 and over; or

• have a disability or are vulnerable; or

• are being discharged or have recently been discharged from hospital; or

• are at high risk of falling due to a medical condition; or

• potential victims of crime, who are referred by the police.

Works are limited to a maximum of three hours on site if one handy person visits, or 1.5 hours if two handy people visit. Gardening and decorating are not included. Eligible households can use the service up to six times a year.

The scheme is supported by Cumbria Constabulary and Age UK, and the fitting of minor security measures is also included in the scheme.

David Shields, who runs Growing Concerns with his wife, Marie, said: “We are proud to have worked with South Lakeland District Council for the past 17 years. The range of work we can carry out is wide and makes such a difference to our clients.

"To see how grateful they are for what the scheme can provide is better than anything."

Further details of the scheme, including qualifying criteria and time/usage constraints, are available on the council’s website at www.southlakeland.gov.uk, via telephone on 01539 733 333 or via email on housingstandards@southlakeland.gov.uk. Referrals should also be made via that telephone number or email address. Referrals can be made on behalf of someone else with their permission.

Notes

Work available through the scheme includes:

• Fitting of minor security measures such as spy-holes, door and window locks and security lighting;

• Fitting key safes, door bells or telephone extension leads;

• Changing light bulbs and fluorescent tubes;

• Fitting plugs/fuses or fixing down/making safe trailing or loose wires;

• Putting up curtain rails, curtains or blinds;

• Installing internal and external grab rails;

• Erecting shelves or affixing coat hooks;

• Fixing down or trimming loose or hazardous carpets;

• Moving furniture within the home;

• Replacing toilet seats or sealant around sinks/baths;

• Unblocking sinks and repairing minor leaks;

• Replacing tap washers, cistern washers and ball valves or draining/bleeding radiators;

• Initial help following hospital discharge (for example, resetting heating controls);

• Minor repairs to gates, fences and paths to prevent tripping hazards or to help secure the property.

Ends

For more information, please contact the SLDC Communications Team on 01539 793300.

Dear Community Resilience Groups / Flood Action Groups,

Please see current predictions regarding the rainfall for today Wednesday and then Thursday/Friday this week. This information is following a teleconference held today at 4.30pm. These predictions are based on the best information available at the moment – however please be aware that forecasts can and do change. For this reason this information should be treated as a guide only.

Key information:

Met Office:

The weather forecast remains unchanged. An Amber status warning still applies through to midnight Thu 28 Oct 2021. Rainfall totals for Friday will be smaller. Met Office Weather Warnings can be seen on MetOffice.gov.uk website

Environment Agency:

The latest assessment for Victoria Bridge in Kendal is that the river is likely to be begin peaking tonight at around 10pm - and staying high through the night possibly reaching 2.98m at 8am tomorrow morning. This level is not considered a threat to flood defences in Kendal. For Ulverston the ‘Reasonable Worst Case’ assessment is that Dragley Beck may pass Flood Warning level on Wednesday around 8pm and again on Thursday. Rivers in other areas are also responding to the high rainfall levels. The Brathay in Grasmere is currently at Flood Warning. This event is also associated with significant surface water runoff.

The next teleconference is planned for 11am tomorrow morning with an update around 12.30-1.00pm

You can track pockets of heavy rain using the Met Office’s Rainfall Radar Map. By monitoring this map you can see the path that the rainfall is taking across the country – and so make a reasonable prediction of where it might fall next.

Further Information

• You can see the latest Environment Agency ‘Flood Alerts’ and ‘Flood Warnings’ and what they mean onGov.uk website
• You can receive the Environment Agency Flood Alerts and Warnings by signing up to the Flood Warning Service
• You can also receive Environment Agency updates by signing up to Cumbria Community Messaging
• South Lakeland District Council – information on sandbags
• See useful contacts for many services eg electricity, water, gas, highways
• The Flood Hub helps householders, businesses, communities and landowners across the North West become more flood resilient. https://thefloodhub.co.uk

Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board :: Pop-up vaccination clinics (icb.nhs.uk)