Present: Members of the Parish Council Councillors Bill Wilson, Vice Chairman, Mike Cumming, Susan Orrell, Elisabeth Donachie, John McLean and John Shields; Clerk Mrs Janice Cumming, W&F Councillor Daniel Edwards.
1/11/24: DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST None
2/11/24: APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Cllr Alan Mason, Cllr Harry Barker, W&F Cllr Ben Shirley.
3/11/24: CO-OPTION OF PARISH COUNCILLOR – DECLARATION OF OFFICE
Cllr John McLean and Cllr John Shields made their declaration of office. They were welcomed to the parish council.
4/11/24: PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
4/11/24/1: Flooding at the rear of Ireleth Road. An email had been received on 28 October from a resident regarding flooding in his garden from Askam View. This flooding was coming from a field on Askam View and the gulley/drain on the road was unable to cope with the amount of flood water, the water was flooding the rear back street of Ireleth Road. The resident had contacted the owner of the field, who had visited the area and stated that the drain was not his responsibility. The Clerk visited the area and met with the resident, she reported the incident to W&F council Highways via the HIAMS system and Cllr Ben Shirley. Response from Highways was that the drain/gulley was not their responsibility as Askam View was an unadopted road and the suggestion was that Land Registry was consulted to ascertain the owner of the drain. This information was passed on to the resident, who the parish council believe is waiting for documentation from land registry. The parish council have also advised the resident to contact Cllr Ben Shirley, as he is concerned about the water coming from the field.
4/11/24/2: Duddon Road Car Park. It was reported to the Clerk that the steps down to the beach need repair due to wear and tear. The Clerk has reported to W&F Council, and it is hoped that repairs are carried out by their contractor urgently.
5/11/24: APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 15 OCTOBER 204
These were approved and agreed as a true and accurate record and were duly signed by the Vice Chairman.
Proposed Cllr Susan Orrell Seconded Cllr Mike Cumming Agreed
6/11/24: PROGRESS REPORTS AND UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
6/11/24/1: Memorial Garden Statue. A signed copy of the lease has been received. BAE are asking for an end of project report for the grant given to the parish council to pay for this statue. Cllr Bill Wilson will be completing this form. Cllr Elisabeth Donachie said there had been some nice comments from members of the public we were present at the service of remembrance. It was the first time some of the community had seen the statue.
6/11/24/2: Steel Street/Sharp Street Park. It was agreed by the parish council that work to the trees and hedges in the park would continue to be managed and maintained each year and money had been set aside in the budget. A quotation had been received reduce and pollard 14 trees, reduce the privet hedges and remove all arising at a cost of £2,800 plus VAT. This was agreed. Cllr Cumming would contact South Lakes Tree Surgeons.
Proposed Cllr Susan Bill Wilson Seconded Cllr Susan Orrell Agreed
7/11/24: REPORT FROM BARROW NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TEAM
PC Dixon gave the report – There had been reports of criminal damage to vehicles which was being investigated, report regarding youths on mopeds riding dangerously around the village, which was being monitored. The parish council thanked the neighbourhood police team for attending the meeting and for the work they did in our village.
8/11/24: TO REPORT AND DISCUSS PLANNING APPLICATIONS
There were 5 applications for Greenscoe Quarry 6/24/9006, 6/24/9007, 6/24/9008, 6/24/9009 and 6/24/9010. These were discussed, there were no comments or objections. The Clerk would response.
9/11/24: PARISH COUNCIL BUDGET AND PRECEPT 2025/26
Cllr Mike Cumming and the Clerk are working on preparation of the budget and setting a precept for 2025/26. Guidelines received from Sue Roberts Assistant Director of Finance W&F Council. The Clerk will send the recommendations which will need to be discussed, and a precept agreed at the meeting in December.
Action Clerk/Cllr Cumming
10/11/24: SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
As usual the community came together to remember those named on the memorial in Askam. It was an honour for the parish council to organise this service and to see so many people attend. It is also heartening to see so many families and young people, who are the future of our community and it is hope that they will continue this tradition. Thanks were given to all the groups who attended and for the very moving poem our cubs wrote. Thanks to Askam Town Silver Band and Max and Terry who carried the RBL standard. The parish council thanked the Clerk. It was agreed that donations of £50 each would be sent to Askam Town Silver Band for their support and a veteran’s charity, which this year will be Walking with the Wounded.
Proposed Cllr Bill Wilson Seconded Cllr John McLean Agreed
11/11/24: CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHT SWITCH ON EVENT – SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2024
Preparations are underway for events to support the Christmas Tree Light Switch. The parish council are working with Platform 1, Duddon Inshore Rescue and Cllr Ben Shirley for an event at Platform 1 which will take place from 4.30 until 6.00pm when there will be a parade to the memorial garden for the light switch on. There will be carols from Askam Town Silver Band, a visit from Santa and refreshments available. PC Dixon said she would arrange to support the event, which is very much appreciated. There will be a Christmas Fayre at Askam Community Centre from 3 until 6pm with craft stalls, refreshments, tombola and raffle and Santa.
12/11/24: DUDDON VALLEY MEDICAL PRACTICE – PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP
A letter and poster have been received asking if the parish council can highlight this group for DVMP. The parish council agreed to display the poster in their notice boards. 2 Parish Councillors expressed an interest in joining the group.
13/11/24: UPDATE FROM WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS COUNCILLORS
Cllr Edwards reported that the work to remove undergrowth from the park area at Saves Lane had been carried out by W&F. He is still progressing the Keep Clear signs which need refreshing near Askam Railway Crossing with Highways. Cllr Edwards has asked that the Lots Road and Duke Street can be added to the winter gritting programme by W&F. There was then a discussion regarding proposed reduction of services at Furness General Hospital, which was very concerning for everyone present. Cllr Edwards had met with Mr Aaron Cummins, Chief Executive Officer of UHMBT to discuss issues at FGH. There will be a meeting at Barrow Town Hall on Wednesday 27 November at 1.30 pm of the Health and Adult Scrutiny Committee to discuss issues at FGH. Members of the public can attend but are not allowed to speak at this meeting.
14/11/24: REPORT FROM CLERK (INCLUDING FINANCES)
A copy of the monthly expenditure sheet was made available. This was accepted.
Proposed Cllr Bill Wilson Seconded Cllr Susan Orrell Agreed
15/11/24: CORRESPONDENCE All correspondence sent to the parish councillors prior to the meeting.
16/11/24: SANCTIONS FOR PAYMENT
Aqua Projet monthly landscape and maintenance £866.15, Whamos annual website hosting and
updating £200.00, Aqua Projet emptying and filling planters with soil £50.00, 2nd class stamps £6.80,
Refreshments for service of remembrance £36.98, 2 x poppy wreaths and 18 wooden crosses for war
graves £52.00.
Proposed Cllr Elisabeth Donachie Seconded Cllr Susan Orrell Agreed
17/11/24: DATE, TIME, AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 17 December 2024 at 7.30pm in the Community Centre, Duke Street, Askam.
Signed ……………………………………………………………. Dated ……………………………..
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