MINUTES OF THE 374th MEETING OF ASKAM AND IRELETH PARISH COUNCIL, TUESDAY
18 MARCH 2025 AT 7.30 PM IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, DUKE STREET, ASKAM

Present: Members of the Parish Council Councillors Harry Barker (part time), Chairman, Bill Wilson, Vice Chairman, Mike Cumming, Alan Mason, Elizabeth Donachie, John McLean and John Shields; Clerk Mrs Janice Cumming, W&F Councillor Ben Shirley and Councillor Daniel Edwards, 14 members of the public.

1/03/25: DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
Councillor Harry Barker item 7/03/25 Planning – Reconsultation Roanhead Development.

2/03/25: APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr Susan Orrell and PC Chloe Dixon

3/03/25: PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
3/02/25/1: Rankin Hall, Duke Street, Askam. Mr Ged Pickersgill and Mr Ben Mullen attended the parish council meeting to discuss Mr Mullen’s plans for the Rankin Hall, which he recently purchased. It is his intention to seek planning permission to turn it into a dwelling.

4/03/25: APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 18 FEBRUARY 2025
These were approved and agreed as a true and accurate record and were duly signed by the Vice Chairman
Proposed Cllr Mike Cumming Seconded Cllr John McLean Agreed

5/03/25: PROGRESS REPORTS AND UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
5/03/25/1 Website. Website domain has been moved to gov.uk. Changing of parish councillors email addresses will be carried out later.

6/03/25: REPORT FROM BARROW NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TEAM
Report sent by PC Chloe Dixon. I have reviewed the logs from the 15th of Feb until the 15th of March. Of note there were 3 x arrests for driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs in Askam. There was a circulation of counterfeit notes which were reported at multiple stores throughout south Cumbria including Askam, I believe the suspects have now moved on from the area - one for people to be aware of. The abandoned car at Greenscoe was finally uplifted. All other logs were of a personal matter.

7/03/25: TO REPORT AND DISCUSS PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Councillor Harry Barker left the meeting, as he had declared an interest in planning application B06/2024/0024
Reference Number : B21/2025/0066 Location : 2 Alexander Place Askam-In-Furness
Proposal : Erection of rear dormer roof extension and change to front elevation fenestration. There were no objections.
Reference Number : B21/2025/0083 Location : 4 Abbey Heights Ireleth Askam-in-Furness
Proposal : Erection of single storey front extension.
Reference Number : B06/2024/0024 – RECONSULTATION NOTICE
Location : Land at Roanhead Farm, Hawthwaite Lane, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
Proposal : Application for Outline Planning Permission for up to 233 eco lodge units, habitat creation and ecological enhancements, estate management facility, residential student training academy, coastal ecology field study centre, staff accommodation, supporting indoor and outdoor leisure, retail facilities and associated works with access (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale reserved for subsequent approval) (Application includes Environmental Statement) (Re-submission of B06/2023/0307 in a revised form). Councillor Mike Cumming as part of the sub-community will be looking at this re-consultation and formulating a response on behalf of the parish council. The Vice Chairman acknowledged the comments made by the Save Roanhead Group, who were present at the meeting.
Reference Number : B21/2025/0073 - Location : 84 Crossley Street Askam-In-Furness Cumbria
Proposal : Rear/side ground floor extension forming extended kitchen. There were no objections or comments.
Reference Number : B21/2025/0065 - Location : 67 Duke Street Askam-In-Furness Cumbria
Proposal : Formation of vehicular crossover and creation of hardstanding to front with permeable paving.

Concerns were raised regarding this applications, particularly the comments from Highways regarding road safety and visibility which the parish council agreed with. A comment regarding that there was already a rear vehicle access to this property was mentioned.
Reference Number : B03/2024/0551 - Location : Land south of Lots Road Askam-in-Furness Cumbria
Proposal : Construction and operation of a solar farm together with all associated works, equipment and necessary infrastructure. Councillor Mike Cumming and Alan Mason had met to discuss this application and Councillor Mike Cumming is formulating a response. Cllr Cumming gave an overview of the response he was preparing, which will be sent on behalf of the parish council. Cllr Cumming will complete this response and it will be circulated to the parish council before being sent to planning.
Notification of and Consultation on an Application for Planning Permission County Matter Application for Minerals and/or Waste Development Application Reference Number:6/24/9011 Proposal: Land engineering including the creation of a raised bund and an ancillary parking area for use in connection with existing waste management operations (Part Retrospective) Location: Land at Sandscale Park, Park Road, Barrow. The parish council have been contacted on several occasions regarding emission from this site going directly into nearby watercourses which travel through the Nature Reserve and into the Duddon Estuary. This has been confirmed by the W&F Environmental Protection & Public Health Team Leader. The parish council will ask that his recommendations are adhered to and that regular inspections are carried out at this site.
Reference Number : B21/2025/0087 Location : 2 Green Haume Cottages Askam Road Dalton-In-Furness Cumbria Proposal : Erection of part two storey, part single storey rear extensions (following demolition of existing rear extension). There were no objections or comments.
The Clerk was asked to respond to Planning. Action Clerk

8/03/25: CYCLE LANES
Cllr John McLean asked that the cycle lanes on the A595 could be cleared of debris and detritus to make the cycle lanes safer to use. He also said that the cycle lane that travels from opposite the junction at Lots Road to Greenscoe needs cleaning. Cllr Ben Shirley said he would deal with this. Action Cllr Shirley

9/03/25: PARISH COUNCIL POLICIES AND PROCEDURE
These were now available on the website and would be reviewed at the May meeting. A new policy Sexual Harassment was discussed and agreed. It would be added to the website. Action Clerk

10/03/25: GRANT REQUEST IRELETH WITH ASKAM WI
The parish council welcomed a representative from the WI who told them of a project they are working towards by having a monthly craft club to teach each other and members of our community new craft skills. The first aim was to make drawstring bags which will be packed with toiletries to donate to Women’s Community Matters in Barrow. The parish council thought this was an excellent idea and thanked the WI for all they do in our community. As requested, a grant donation of £95.00 was agreed.
Proposed Cllr Bill Wilson Seconded Cllr Elisabeth Donachie Agreed

11/03/25: UPDATE FROM WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS COUNCILLORS
Cllr Ben Shirley gave an update on the pollinator initiative which if the soil samples were acceptable the Lots Play Park field would be used for this scheme. Cllr Daniel Edwards had allocated his W&F grant money to help fund 3 new picnic benches for this area. Cllr Shirley had received several complaints regarding the King Charles footpath which travels through the Lots area to Blacks Pond (SSSI area) over Roanhead Crag (ancient woodland) and to Sandscale Haws (NT land, NNR, SSSI). Cllr Shirley is meeting with NT Ranger on Friday.
He then discussed the road traffic initiatives which have and are still being taking on the A595 through Askam and Ireleth. Sgt Dilks of Neighbourhood Police Team is being very supportive carrying out speed radar patrols. Cllr Shirley reported that he is working with W&F to ascertain where the monies from S106 are being held and when and what they will be used for to improve projects in Askam and Ireleth. Cllr Shirley and Cllr Edwards will hold surgeries both in Dalton and Askam during this year. Cllr Edwards reported that he was following on road line markings around Askam Station. He is asking questions of W&F Furness Council regarding litter on the A595. Dog Fouling patrols in Askam and Ireleth will commence in the next week or so. Both Councillors ask that the community work them to stamp out this antisocial activity. PLEASE PICK UP AND DISPOSE OF YOUR DOG WASTE IN THE BINS PROVIDED OR FACE A FINE.

12/03/25: REPORT FROM CLERK (including Finances)
The Clerk mentioned that Cllr Mason and Mrs Margaret Cain had carried out a litter pick at the Jubilee Garden. The parish council thanked them both and it was agreed to send grateful thanks to Mrs Cain for her sterling work and such community spirit. The monthly expenditure sheet was made available. This was accepted.
Proposed Cllr Alan Mason Seconded Cllr Elisabeth Donachie Agreed

13/03/25: CORRESPONDENCE All correspondence sent to the parish councillors prior to the meeting.
Correspondence received from Askam and Ireleth History Group regarding their first meeting of the year on Thursday 20 March where they welcome Mark MacLean to talk about his research on Ireleth and Askam. Also, there history exhibition ‘Looking Back’ on 12 April in the Methodist Church.

14/03/25: SANCTIONS FOR PAYMENT
Cumbria Association of Local Councils £60.00 Parish Councillor Training Cllr John McLean, Optech Fibres £2,652.00 Christmas Tree Lights and Decorations, Aqua Projet monthly landscape and maintenance £866.15, History and Ireleth History Group £100.00, Askam and Ireleth Community Centre £75.00 rental for community centre hall January to March 2025, £100 each for Drop Zone Youth Projects, 3rd Duddon Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, Askam Youth Action, Ireleth with Askam Brownies and Rainbows, Stamps £6.80, Hire of Methodist Hall £10.00, Whamos transferring website to gov.uk address £100.00, late addition £3,360.00 South Lakes Tree Surgeons, Steel Street park, toner cartridges black and magenta £179.66, Ireleth with Askam WI £95.00.

15/03/25: DATE, TIME, AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 15 April 2025 at 7.30 pm in the Community Centre, Duke Street, Askam.

Signed ……………………………………………………………. Dated ……………………………..

MINUTES OF THE 373rd MEETING OF ASKAM AND IRELETH PARISH COUNCIL, TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2025 AT 7.30 PM IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, DUKE STREET, ASKAM

Present: Members of the Parish Council Councillors Harry Barker, Chairman, Mike Cumming, Alan Mason, Elizabeth Donachie, John McLean and John Shields; Clerk Mrs Janice Cumming, W&F Councillor Ben Shirley, PC Chloe Dixon and 3 members of the public.

1/02/25: DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

2/02/25: APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Cllr Bill Wilson, Susan Orrell and Cllr Daniel Edwards.

3/02/25: PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

3/02/25/1: Fly tipping on Askam beach. A member of the public said that there had been further fly tipping near the Duddon Inshore Boathouse, which had potential of encroaching into the stream running nearby. Cllr Ben Shirley suggested that they contact the Environment Agency who should be checking the stream.

4/02/25: APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 21 JANUARY 2025

These were approved and agreed as a true and accurate record and were duly signed by the Chairman.
Proposed Cllr John McLean Seconded Cllr Elisabeth Donachie Agreed

5/02/25: PROGRESS REPORTS AND UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

5/02/25/1 Dog Fouling. There had been further reports of dog fouling around the village. W&F have put up signs around the village and will be monitoring areas. They have produced a leaflet outlining the risk to health from dog excrement with details of how to report incidents of dog fouling and the risk of fines. These will be distributed around the village by W&F Officers and Councillors. Thanks were expressed to Cllr Shirley and the Officers at W&F council. DON’T RISK A £100.00 FINE, BAG IT AND BIN IT.

6/02/25: REPORT FROM BARROW NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TEAM

PC Chloe Dixon reported there had not been any reports which should concern the parish council during the month. PC Dixon was continuing to monitor Sandscale Haws, Roanhead and Askam beach for illegal off-roading, she asked for help from the community with reporting these activities. Cllr Harry Barker mentioned that a vehicle had been parked at entrance to Greenscoe for approximate 3 weeks. This vehicle is not taxed. Cllr Shirley said he would report this to W&F council as an abandoned vehicle and ask for it to be removed.

7/02/25: TO REPORT AND DISCUSS PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Reference Number : B13/2024/0546 Location : Land at Crossley Street, Askam-in-Furness
Proposal : Application for Outline Planning Permission with all matters reserved. Erection of new dwelling (Bungalow) following demolition of existing buildings. There were concerns regarding access, dimensions of the site and encroaching on the privacy of neighbouring properties. The Clerk would respond.

Reference Number : B21/2024/0548 Location : The Bungalow Crossley Street Askam-In-Furness Cumbria LA16 7AS Proposal : Erection of detached side garage (following demolition of existing garage). There were no objections, a comment was made regarding the height of the garage.

Reference Number : B21/2025/0062 Location : Rainbows End Saves Lane Askam-In-Furness Cumbria LA16 7DY Proposal : Erection of single storey side and rear extensions (following demolition of existing garage and alterations to existing side extension). Concerns were raised regarding the provision for parking and objections were made regarding the removal of the hedgerow, which it is believe is part of the ancient hedgerows in Ireleth.

8/02/25: RECOMMENDATION TO MOVE WEBSITE DOMAIN AND CREATE SECURE EMAIL ADDRESSES FOR PARISH COUNCILLORS

Cllr Mike Cumming received a communication from our website management (Whamos) to explain that it was a requirement for a parish council to have a secure, accessible and complaint website and a registered provider with Parish Council Domain Helper Service. It was also a requirement for each parish councillor to have a secure email address. Whomas would be invited to attend the meeting in March to set up the email addresses for each Councillor. Cllr Cumming would liaise with Whamos. Action Cllr Cumming

9/02/25: ASKAM AND IRELETH HISTORY GROUP

The history group are planning an exhibition to celebrate 160 years since Askam was founded and 155 years of the Methodist Church being part of our community. This event was planned for Saturday 12th April between 10.30 am and 4.00 pm and would be free of charge. The history group asked if the parish council would sponsor the refreshments with a grant of £100.00. This was agreed.
Proposed Cllr Harry Barker Seconded Cllr Elisabeth Donachie Agreed

10/02/25: UPDATE FROM WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS COUNCILLOR

Cllr Ben Shirley reported on the budget increases proposed by W&F council which included a 5% rise for the police and crime commissioner. Cllr Shirley said that he was working with W&F regarding dog fouling in Dalton North and would be carrying out ‘walk-abouts’ to engage with dog owners. The W&F initiative on pollinators and wildflowers in Askam and Ireleth had been well received by the community and 2 areas were to be looked at to assess their suitability – an area within the Lots Field (with kind permission of the Lots Committee, Askam Village Hall Charity) and Duddon Road Car Park. Cllr Daniel Edwards had allocated his W&F grant to the Lots Committee to purchase picnic benches for the Lots Park area. Cllr Shirley had met with Mr Thompson of Queensland Developments.

11/02/25: REPORT FROM CLERK INCLUDING FINANCES

A copy of the monthly expenditure spread sheet was made available. This was accepted.
Proposed Cllr Elisabeth Donachie Seconded Cllr John Shields Agreed

12/02/25: CORRESPONDENCE

All correspondence sent to the parish councillors prior to the meeting.

14/02/25: SANCTIONS FOR PAYMENT

Aqua Projet monthly landscape £866.15.
Proposed Cllr Alan Mason Seconded Cllr Mike Cumming Agreed

15/02/25: DATE, TIME, AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING

Tuesday 18 March 2025 at 7.30 pm in the Community Centre, Duke Street, Askam.

Signed ……………………………………………………………. Dated ……………………………..

MINUTES OF THE 372nd MEETING OF ASKAM AND IRELETH PARISH COUNCIL, TUESDAY
21 JANUARY 2025 AT 7.30 PM IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, DUKE STREET, ASKAM

Present: Members of the Parish Council Councillors Harry Barker, Chairman, Bill Wilson, Vice Chairman, Mike Cumming, Alan Mason, Susan Orrell, Elizabeth Donachie, John McLean and John Shields; Clerk Mrs Janice Cumming, W&F Councillor Daniel Edwards and Ben Shirley

1/01/25: DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST None expressed

2/01/25: APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE PC Chloe Dixon, Barrow Neighbourhood Police.

3/01/25: PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
3/01/25: Permanent Memorial at Duddon Road Car Park. A member of the public has approached Cllr Alan Mason and Cllr Ben Shirley with a plan to place a permanent memorial to 2 young men from the village and raise awareness regarding mental health issues. The parish council discussed how extremely important and deeply concerning mental health issues are and particularly within our community. The parish council would be pleased to work with Cllr Shirley regarding this project.

4/01/25: APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 17 DECEMBER 2024
These were approved and agreed as a true and accurate record and were duly signed by the Chairman.
Proposed Cllr Mike Cumming Seconded Cllr Bill Wilson Agreed

5/01/25: PROGRESS REPORTS AND UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
5/01/25/1 Flooding at the rear of Ireleth Road/Askam View. Cllr Shirley is still working with various agencies regarding this issue. He thanked Cllr Barker for his input and for meeting him at the site to look at and understand the problems and hopefully has now established responsibility. It is hoped that a meeting with the various agencies will take place soon and he again thanked Cllr Barker for allowing access to the area.
5/01/25/2: Public Footpath, Greenscoe. This is ongoing and Cllr Edwards is in contact with Cumbria Highways.

6/01/25: REPORT FROM BARROW NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TEAM
3 x RTC (This is more than usual - majority are due to the snow and ice).
1 x domestic incident, 3 logs for broken down vehicles, 1 x harassment which no suspect identified.
With regards to the car in the beck on Ireleth Road. PC Dixon has been working with Peter Buckley of W&F Council and the owner of the vehicle. The vehicle has now been removed.
Last week high visibility patrols to address speeding issues were carried out in Askam and Ireleth.
The PACT survey is now available for Dalton North, which includes Askam and Ireleth and can be completed on the Barrow Police Force Facebook Page.
The Clerk has reported to the police that she found large empty N2O canisters on Duddon Road Car Park on Monday 13 January. She asked that patrols were carried out, this is a dangerous activity, particularly as it could mean people could be driving under of the influence of N2O.
Cllr Ben Shirley asked that the SID be deployed on the Lots Road. The Clerk has contacted the neighbourhood police, there are some maintenance problems with the SID, but it will be deployed as soon as these are remedied.
PC Chloe Dixon will be holding a Police Desk in Askam is on the 17th of February 2024 at 16:00 hours
at Askam library.

7/01/25: TO REPORT AND DISCUSS PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Reference Number: B21/2025/0018 Location : 113 Duddon Road Askam-In-Furness Cumbria Proposal: Erection of single storey side conservatory extension. This application was discussed, particularly in relation to off-road parking. It was agreed that if there was parking for 2 vehicles on the property then the parish council had no objections.
Cllr John Shields asked Cllr Ben Shirley about planning application BPA4/2023/0632 application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed: Erection of a Building for Agricultural or Forestry use - Steel frame, metal profile sheet cladding and colours to match to surroundings for storage of equipment needed for maintenance of the forest area on site. Cllr Shirley explained that even though the Planning Officer had advised refusal of this application the response date had been missed by W&F planning authority, thus by default the development was now going ahead. Cllr Shirley said he would be contacting the W&F scrutiny committee regarding this as he feels this should not have happened and needs to be addressed urgently. Cllr Shirley will be visiting the site with the Planning Officer.

8/01/25: DOG FOULING IN ASKAM AND IRELETH
An increase in dog fouling in Askam and Ireleth has been reported to Westmorland and Furness Council Officers who will be visiting the village regularly and fines will be issued. Cllr Susan asked if signs could be put up along the beach as she sees dog owners allowing their dogs to foul on the beach and not pick up. The parish council realise that most dog owners pick up after their dogs, but a minority don’t. PLEASE PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG IN OUR VILLAGE AND ON OUR BEAUTIFUL BEACH. There are lots of litter bins and you can use any of these for your dog waste.

9/01/25: ACCIDENT ON DALTON ROAD/IRELETH ROAD
The car which came off the road has now been removed but highlighted once again the danger of these 2 roads with regards to speeding vehicles. Cllr Ben Shirley has been in contact with several agencies regarding concerns from residents. He met with Michelle Scrogham MP and the issue has been discussed at the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership. Cllr Shirley will keep the parish council updated on this matter.

10/01/25: WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS LIGHTING POLICY
Cllr Mike Cumming attending this meeting via TEAMS. This was to advise that any streetlights managed by Town or Parish councils would be taken over by W&F, however, does not apply in the Furness area.

11/01/25: VE DAY (VICTORY IN EUROPE) 80TH ANNIVERSARY 8 MAY 2025
The parish council agreed to mark this occasion.

12/01/25: REPORT FROM CLERK INCLUDING FINANCES
A copy of the monthly expenditure spread sheet was made available. This was accepted.
Proposed Cllr Elisabeth Donachie Seconded Cllr Bill Wilson Agreed
Since contacting Network Rail regarding the wall near the railway line on Dalton Road, Network Rail are working on the repairs to the wall.

13/01/25: CORRESPONDENCE All correspondence sent to the parish councillors prior to the meeting.

14/01/25: SANCTIONS FOR PAYMENT
Aqua Projet monthly landscape £866.15, Renewal of Data Protection Fee £40.00.

15/101/25: DATE, TIME, AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 18 February 2025 at 7.30 pm in the Community Centre, Duke Street, Askam.

Signed ……………………………………………………………. Dated ……………………………..

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