Present: Members of the Parish Council Councillor Mike Cumming, Chair; Cllr Alan Mason, Elisabeth Donachie, Susan Orrell, John McLean and John Shields; Clerk, Mrs Janice Cumming, Westmorland and Furness Councillor Daniel Edwards.
None
Cllr Bill Wilson, Cllr Ben Shirley, PC Chloe Dixon and PCSO Charlie Tomlinson.
The parish council received an email from Gary Grieve, Company Director, Furness Cars & Commercial with regards to concerns of over-grown foliage on the A595, Tippins Lane opposite Nether Close. These trees and associated vegetation are obstructing the intended sight lines and significantly restricting the usable width of the carriageway. This creates a particular hazard for larger vehicles, especially HGVs, where passing on this corner is already extremely tight and, in its current condition, increasingly unsafe. Mr Grieve first raised this issue with Westmorland & Furness Highways in October last year via their reporting portal. Aside from an acknowledgment, no action has been taken. A further report was submitted today due to the lack of progress. Removing the trees and overgrowth—particularly as they appear to sit within the highway boundary would materially improve safety at this location. He asked that the Parish Council consider raising this matter through its own channels with Westmorland & Furness to help prompt a response and action. Chair Councillor Mike Cumming has spoken to Mr Grieve and visited the area of concern. He advised Mr Grieve to contact W&F Councillor Ben Shirley to explain the situation which the parish council support, as road safety is extremely important and particularly as this area of road is close to Ireleth St Peter’s School. Councillor Cumming has contacted Councillor Ben Shirley and sent photographs of the area. Action Cllr Shirley
These were approved and agreed as a true and accurate record and were duly signed by the Chair.
Proposed Cllr Elisabeth Donachie Seconded Cllr Susan Orrell Agreed
Cllr Edwards reported that these signs have been ordered by W&F and will hopefully be fitted soon.
W&F have carried out grass cutting in the village and the cemetery. The parish council gave thanks to the local Young Farmers group working with Father Tom have carried out strimming in the churchyard which has made a huge difference.
The parish council annual accounts have been submitted to Cumbria SA the external auditor. The accounts can be viewed on the parish council website.
The parish council requested W&F officers to help with this problem. They have visited the area and posted letters to households asking them to pick up after their dogs. The area will be monitored on a regular basis. No-one wants fines to be issued to residents, please PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG.
The parish council employed Spray Away Cumbria to clean the paving at the jubilee fountain, it was agreed that it looks much better. The parish council would like to thank Askam Bowling Club for allowing the company to fill up their tanks with water. It was agreed that the parish council should donate £40.00 to the bowling club. The seats in the jubilee fountain area will be done as we are able to get someone to do them.
Proposed Cllr John McLean Seconded Cllr Alan Mason Agreed
Charnley Home and Gardens have completed the planting to the parish council planters in the village. The planters that are usually planted up by W&F council have not been planted yet. The parish council asked if Councillor Edwards could progress this. Action Cllr Edwards
Cllr Mike Cumming painted this bin, and he will do the one at Duddon Sports Club. Action Cllr Cumming
Askam Stats May – June 2x Road Traffic Crashes – no injuries. Report of motorbikes on Beach, call for service answered by upon arrival no bikes were seen or heard. Neighbourhood police have carried out speed watch session on Duke Street after concerns were raised regarding vehicles exceeding the 20mph speed limit, particularly around school times. PCSO Tomlinson deployed the speed gun, and the speed indicator is in the area. The parish council thanked our neighbourhood police officers for their prompt action.
Reference Number: B21/2026/0190 Location: Greenbank Ireleth Brow Askam-In-Furness Cumbria.. Proposal: Single storey side and rear extension to the garage, with pitched roof and new gable, for habitable space. Removal of centre pier at front of garage to allow for larger garage door. Cllr Alan Mason had viewed the plans and visited the area. Greenbank is an older property, dating back to 1923 and an important feature within Ireleth. The only comment made was that the parish council hoped any changes to Greenbank would be in keeping with this unique property.
Cllr John McLean gave an update an important milestone for the BEAT Route project. Community Investment Funding to support this project was awarded to Walk Wheel Cycle Trust by the South Copeland GDF Community Partnership. The project will undertake feasibility work on two sections of the proposed route: Millom to Silecroft and Millom to The Green. This work is scheduled to commence in summer 2026 and conclude by summer 2027.
Cllr Elisabeth Donachie raised concerns regarding parking at the doctor’s surgery. People were parking on the double yellow lines. Cllr Donachie was concerned that the parking situation may get worse when the Kirkby Surgery closes and extra patients would be using the Askam Surgery. Cllr Daniel Edwards would raise concerns with the parking team and Highways. Action Cllr Edwards
Cllr Edwards was in contact with the council with regards to issues on the A595. A survey had been carried out with regards to litter and hopefully this would be tackled as soon as possible. It had been noted that there were dead trees on the A595, due to ash die back and this would be monitored. Cllr John McLean mentioned that overgrown trees and hedges were an issue along the A595, some making it difficult to see road signs. Cllr Edwards would report this. Update on street lighting. Work to the streetlight on Lots Road would be carried out during the school summer holidays, a temporary solar light had been fixed to the column as a temporary measure. New columns have been ordered to replace the one damaged on New Road and the one removed at Duddon Road.
The monthly expenditure spreadsheet was made available. This was viewed and accepted.
Proposed Cllr Elisabeth Donachie Seconded Cllr John McLean Agreed
A discussion took place regarding issues the parish council’s banking arrangements. It was agreed that the parish council would move their account to Unity Bank which is being used by many parish and town councils and is proving very successful.
Proposed Cllr John Shields Seconded Cllr John McLean Agreed
All correspondence sent to the parish councillors prior to the meeting.
Spray Away Cumbria £459.00, Internal Audit £100.00, Charnley Home and Garden £1110.00, Copier paper £8.80, Linseed Oil and stain £12.98, Microsoft Annual Subscription £104.99, Hammerite Black Metal paint and Roller £17.12, 2nd class stamps £8.19, Maebank Tree and Garden Services £1100.00, Zurich Municipal £1,659.63
Proposed Cllr Alan Mason Seconded Cllr Elisabeth Donachie Agreed
Tuesday 21 July 2026 at 7.30 pm in the Community Centre, Duke Street, Askam.
Signed ……………………………………………………………. Dated ……………………………..
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