Present: Present: Members of the Parish Council, Parish Councillor Mike Cumming, Alan Mason, Susan Orrell, Trevor Hughes and Sandra Hadwick; Clerk Mrs Janice Cumming; Borough Councillor Daniel Edwards; PCSO Louise Perry.
None
Councillor Harry Barker, Bill Wilson, Steven Smalley, County and Borough Councillor Ben Shirley, PC Hannah While.
I think we can all agree that 2020/21 was a challenging year for everyone, including the parish council. But with the help of Zoom technology the parish council were able to meet remotely every month and carrying on with business to the best of our ability. We were joined by members of the public, and guests who came along to talk about projects which will be taking place in the parish. I would like to thank you all for your contribution and to our Borough and County Councillors and our Community Police.
Life for all of us was restricted during this time, but I believe the people of Askam and Ireleth pulled together and helped each during this pandemic. At the very beginning of the emergency the parish council purchased banners with emergency contact numbers and Duddon Inshore drove around every street with these banners, there were then placed in prominent areas of the village. Members of the public set up Facebook pages to highlight issues and provide information for residents which was crucial during this time. Regular collections for the foodbank were made and emergency provisions for anyone who needed them in Askam and Ireleth. Councillor Mike Cumming did regular collection and deliveries of medication and shopping for people who were shielding. The parish council purchased activity packs and along with those supplied by the Drop Zone and BaE Systems Councillor Cumming delivered these to the homes of children in the village.
A real success for the village was the re-opening of the Doctor’s surgery on Parklands Drive. Duddon Valley Medical Practice took over the premises and the surgery becoming operational on 15 February 2021. Thanks, must be given to the ‘Safe the Surgery’ Group which included Parish Councillor Mike Cumming and Harry Barker chaired by our Borough and County Councillor Ben Shirley with support from MP Simon Fell and Stephen Toulmin from the Local Medical Council. The pandemic did not stop the work of this dedicated team. The parish council also wish to thank the Doctors and staff at DVMP, in particular Katherine Wilson, Practice Manager.
Sadly, many events had to be cancelled during the year, but the VE celebrations was a high point of the year, which almost all the village participated in. Lucy Casson and Gemma Frazer were the prime movers in this wonderful event which really cheered everyone up. They did an amazing job with competitions and photographs. The village looked fantastic with whole streets being decorated.
A full service of Remembrance could not take place, but the village were able to place their wreaths to remember the fallen at the Memorial and a special video was made by Askam Town Silver Band which was very poignant.
The parish council continued with maintenance of the village whenever we were allowed and would like to thank Archie Workman and Wayne Smith of Aqua ProJet, as well as the Borough Council and Cumbria County Council.
I am sure we are all hoping for a better year, where we will see restrictions lifted and life getting back to normal. Thank you all for your support of Askam and Ireleth Parish Council. It is very much appreciated.
These were agreed as a true and accurate record and duly signed and dated.
Proposed Cllr Mike Cumming Seconded Cllr Alan Mason Agreed
These were previously circulated, and it was proposed and accepted that they be adopted for the coming year.
Proposed Cllr Susan Orrell Seconded Cllr Trevor Hughes Agreed
Zurich Insurance Policy was confirmed and accepted.
Proposed Cllr Trevor Hughes Seconded Cllr Alan Mason Agreed
The Parish Council will meet every third Tuesday in the month except in August when there will be no meeting. The Annual Assembly will be on the 17 May 2022.
Councillor Harry Barker was proposed and will sign his declaration at the next meeting.
Proposed Cllr Sandra Hadwick Seconded Cllr Mike Cumming Agreed
Councillor Bill Wilson was proposed, Cllr Wilson will read out and sign his declaration at the June meeting.
Proposed Cllr Sandra Hadwick Seconded Cllr Susan Orrell Agreed
All The parish councillors accepted and signed their declarations of office.
| Planning | Councillor Susan Orrell |
| Joint Rural Committee | Councillor Alan Mason, Mike Cumming |
| Responsible Finance Officer | Clerk Mrs Janice Cumming |
Proposed Cllr Alan Mason Seconded Cllr Mike Cumming Agreed
Signed …………………………………………………………………….. Dated …………………………
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