MINUTES OF THE 387th MEETING OF ASKAM AND IRELETH PARISH COUNCIL, TUESDAY 19 MAY 2026 AT 7.30 PM IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, DUKE STREET, ASKAM
Present: Members of the Parish Council Councillor Mike Cumming, Chair, Bill Wilson, Vice Chair, Alan Mason, Elisabeth Donachie, Susan Orrell and John Shields; Clerk, Mrs Janice Cumming, Westmorland and Furness Councillor Daniel Edwards.
None
Cllr Harry Barker, Cllr John McLean, PC Chloe Dixon and PCSO Charlie Tomlinson.
Member of the public raised concerns about speeding traffic on Duke Street around school times. He witnessed a blue SUV driving over the 20-mph speed limit, which he felt was a danger to the children walking across the road to Askam Village School. Measures have been put in place with flashing lights. Cllr Donachie would raise this issue with the Head at Askam School. Cllr Edwards would contact the neighbourhood police to ask if they could carry out speed watch sessions in the area. The parish council would like to remind people that the whole of Askam is 20 mph, they asked that particular care is taken by drivers around the school.
These were approved and agreed as a true and accurate record and were duly signed by the Chair.
Proposed Cllr Elisabeth Donachie Seconded Cllr Alan Mason Agreed
Cllr Edwards has received no updates from the officer in charge of replacing street plate names. He has raised this with Tracy Ingham at the Annual Westmorland and Furness Council meeting.
There have been further concerns raised about the quality and frequency of grass cutting in the village by Westmorland and Furness. Areas of concern in particularly are Ireleth Cemetery and churchyard, play areas and the Memorial. Cllr Edwards would contact W&F to raise questions regarding the contract W&F have with their contractor.
PCSO Charlie Tomlinson sent in the report -1 Public order – male arrested, 1 Domestic abuse – verbal disagreement, 1 criminal damage – currently being investigated, 1 concern for welfare – safe and well, 1 fires on the beach – currently investigating, 1 stolen motor vehicle - uplifted by police.
CA 13/46 Application to register waste land of the manor as common land CL77 Common Hest, Saves Lane, Ireleth. Cllr Mason explained the background to this application. It is to formally register this area as common land as a requirement by the Open Space Society. The land will be owned by Westmorland and Furness Council; this will protect the land from Development. The parish council had no objections to this application.
The parish council were asked to review and approve this document, which had been sent to each Councillor prior to the meeting. This was agreed unanimously and would be signed by the Chair and RFO.
Proposed Cllr John Shields Seconded Cllr Bill Wilson Agreed
The parish council were asked to review and approve this document, which had been sent to each councillor prior to the meeting. This was agreed unanimously and would be signed by the Chair.
Proposed Cllr Elisabeth Donachie Seconded Cllr Alan Mason Agreed
Cllr Susan Orrell stated that there was a vacancy for a Foundation Governor at Ireleth St Peters School, anyone interested could contact the school on 01229 462753. Cllr Elisabeth mentioned that there was also a vacancy for a Governor at Askam Village School contact the school for details on 01229 462814.
The parish council have received a complaint regarding a large amount of dog mess in the hedge near the car parking area at the park. It would appear that this is probably being caused by someone letting their dog(s) out without supervision, allowing them to clean themselves and not picking up. It is disappointing as the parish council have purchased bins for the area and are working with our landscape contractor to enhance the area for residents. This is not only illegal act it is anti-social and a health hazard. The parish council will seek advice from Enforcement Officers but ask in the meantime if anyone has information to contact the parish council and to whoever is doing this to think about their actions and our community who use this area and PLEASE BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER.
This year’s planting will be carried out by Charnley’s Garden Centre, the parish council is pleased to be working with Marc Charnley and Sam Procter. Planting will commence in early June.
The Clerk met with SprayAway Cumbria regarding cleaning the area around the jubilee fountain and bus shelter area. A quote for the work to power wash, chemical treat, cleaning bus shelter, litter bins, benches and fountain, disposal of waste £459.00. It was agreed to carry out this work. Askam Bowling club have kindly agreed that SprayAway can fill their water containers at the club, which is very much appreciated.
Proposed Cllr John Shields Seconded Cllr Alan Mason Agreed
Cllr Daniel Edwards had reported that he had attended W&F full council meetings. Cllr Peter Thornton mentioned that there was still an amount of money for fixing potholes. Any potholes should be reported through HIAMS.
The monthly expenditure spreadsheet was made available. This was viewed and accepted.
Proposed Cllr Susan Orrell Seconded Cllr Bill Wilson Agreed
All correspondence sent to the parish councillors prior to the meeting.
Zurich Annual Insurance £1,659.63, Mike Hool, Maebank tree and gardening services Monthly landscape & maintenance £1,100.00, Mike Hool, Maebank tree and gardening services prune tree and remove fallen branches in Steel Street Park £300.00.
Proposed Cllr John Shields Seconded Cllr Elisabeth Donachie Agreed
Tuesday 16 June 2026 at 7.30 pm in the Community Centre, Duke Street, Askam.
Signed ……………………………………………………………. Dated ……………………………..
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