Present: Parish Councillor Bill Wilson, Alan Mason, Mike Cumming, Elisabeth Donachie, Susan Orrell, John Shields; Clerk Mrs Janice Cumming; Westmorland and Furness Councillor Daniel Edwards.
Item 1: Disclosure of Interest: None.
Item 2: Apologies for Absence: Cllr Harry Barker, Cllr John McLean.
Item 3: Chair's Report for Year 2025/2026
The Parish council remains stable this year with no changes in councillors.
One of the most important issues for the parish council last year was that the planning application for lodges at Roanhead Farm was refused by Westmorland and Furness Planning. No appeal was lodged by the applicant. This application took up an unprecedented amount of the time for the parish council sub-committee – 3 years in all responding to planning, attending meetings and meeting with other groups. I would like to thank all of those who spent so much of their time, energy and experience in responding to the applications. I would also like to thank the Save Roanhead Group, National Trust, Friends of the Lake District, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and many individuals and other Nature and Wildlife groups who like the parish council felt Sandscale Haws, Roanhead and Askam Beach were worth saving from this Development for future generations.
The Service of Remembrance in November was again well attended with support from the Clergy, British Legion, Askam Town Silver Band and local organisations, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Brownies and Rainbows and of course Duddon Inshore Rescue who support as well as providing first Aid cover. Thanks also to the veterans and members of the Public who year upon year turn out in large numbers. As usual the Neighbourhood Policing Team were in attendance and aided with the road closure, we are very grateful for their continued support of the Parish Council. And to the team who provide refreshments in the community centre.
The Christmas event was a success with thanks to Platform 1 and the Community centre for their support, Askam Silver Band were again involved and added greatly to the festive spirit with their repertoire of music. A special thanks to the K2B event Marshalls who provided us with the Road closure management without which we could not have had the event, hopefully this will be the start of a partnership with them. We again had an excellent Xmas Tree from Stribers with HBP assisting Optech to erect and dress the tree. Again, thanks to all.
During the year Westmorland and Furness changed their contractor for gardening services in the area, unfortunately so far in the village this would seem a retrospective step.
In stark contrast to the PC's new provider Mike Hool, who has replaced Wayne Smith of Aqua Projet who decided to concentrate on his main business. Mike is proving to be a worthwhile asset as he also does tree works. The PC is responsible for landscaping in many areas within the village and we continue to strive to make them attractive.
We have repaired or replaced many of the benches within the Parish and hopefully these efforts can be seen. Partial works to the Gazebo during the winter were complete to the roof canopy and painting is scheduled for June.
The PC continues to support youth groups in the village Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Brownies and Rainbows, Drop Zone and Askam Youth Action, we especially supported Askam Youth Action because of funding difficulties caused by changes by many organisations' requirements from small volunteer youth groups. This year the parish council also supported Sisterhood and the Hive group who meet at the rugby club on a Monday morning.
The parish council also supported Askam Bowling Club by helping them to purchase a watering system for the bowling green.
Finally, I would like to thank our W&F councillors for their continued support, Cllr Dan Edwards and Ben Shirley and to the Parish Councillors with a special thanks to our Clerk who holds everything together and puts a lot of work into the events and the monthly running of the Parish Council.
Item 4: Acceptance of Minutes of the Meeting Held Tuesday 20 May 2025: These were agreed as a true and accurate record and duly signed and dated. Proposed Cllr Bill Wilson Seconded Cllr Alan Mason Agreed.
Item 5: Accept and Adopt Updated Model Standing Orders and Reviewed Financial Regulations for 2026: These were circulated prior to the meeting, were proposed and accepted to be adopted for the coming year. Proposed Cllr Bill Wilson Seconded Cllr John Shields Agreed.
Item 6: Confirmation of Parish Council Insurance: Zurich Municipal Insurance Policy was confirmed and accepted. Proposed Cllr Alan Mason Seconded Cllr Bill Wilson Agreed.
Item 7: Appointment of Chairman & Acceptance of Office: Councillor Mike Cumming was proposed and seconded. Cllr Cumming made and signed his declaration of acceptance of office and agreed to comply with the code of conduct. Proposed Cllr Bill Wilson Seconded Cllr Alan Mason Agreed.
Item 8: Appointment of Vice Chairman & Acceptance of Office: Councillor Bill Wilson was proposed and seconded. Councillor Wilson made and signed his declaration of office and agreed to comply with the code of conduct. Proposed Cllr Mike Cumming Seconded Cllr John Shields Agreed.
Item 9: Declarations of All Parish Councillors: All the parish councillors then made and signed their declaration of acceptance and office and agreement to comply with the code of conduct.
Item 10: Appointment of Officers and Committee Members
Proposed Cllr Susan Orrell Seconded Cllr Bill Wilson Agreed.
Item 11: Date and Time of 2027 Annual Assembly: It was agreed that the date and time of the 2027 annual assembly would be on Tuesday 18 May 2027 at 7.30pm in the Community Centre, Duke Street, Askam in Furness.
Signed: …………………………………………………………….. Date: ……………………………….
Website Designed by Whamos Ltd
