Minutes
Ordinary
17th December 2024

MINUTES OF THE 371st MEETING OF ASKAM AND IRELETH PARISH COUNCIL, TUESDAY
17 DECEMBER 2024 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 and John Shields; Clerk Mrs Janice Cumming, W&F Councillor Daniel Edwards.

1/12/24: DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Cllr Harry Barker expressed an interest on items 3/12/1/24 and 5/12/24/1.

2/12/24: APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Cllr Susan Orrell, Cllr Elisabeth Donachie, Cllr John Mclean, W&F Cllr Ben Shirley and PCSO Michelle Jones.

3/12/24: PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

3/12/24/1 Public Footpath, Greenscoe. A resident of Greenscoe contacted the parish council regarding a mattress being dumped on the footpath at Greenscoe. This has been reported to Cllr Ben Shirley who will contact W&F to ask for this to be removed. The Resident also mentioned the shocking state of the footpath both from Askam and the footpath passed Greenscoe Quarry to the A595. Cllr Harry Barker requested permission to be involved in this discussion as owner of Greenscoe Quarry, this was accepted. Cllr Barker agreed that the road was in a poor condition near the quarry, this he believed needed to be investigated as there were blocked drains and the road was sinking in places causing large pools of water which were unable to drain away. Cllr Daniel Edwards agreed to make representation to Highways and Cllr Barker said he would be keen to meet with Highways to discuss this matter as soon as possible. Cllr Edwards would endeavour to facilitate this.

3/12/24/2 Dog Fouling. Concerns were raised regarding dog fouling in the village, particularly mentioned were Duddon Road, Avocet Crescent, the beach footpaths and Victoria Street. It seemed there had been a marked increase in this very unpleasant and unacceptable practise of a minority of dog owners not picking up after their dog. The parish council asked that dog owners take responsibility of their dog and pick up and dispose of their dog waste in any of the bins around the village and beach area. The Clerk was asked to contact W&F team who deal with dog fouling.
Action Clerk

4/11/24: APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 19 NOVEMBER 2024
These were approved and agreed as a true and accurate record and were duly signed by the Vice Chairman.
Proposed Cllr Bill Wilson Seconded Cllr John Shields Agreed

5/12/24: PROGRESS REPORTS AND UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

5/12/24/1 Flooding at the rear of Ireleth Road/Askam View. Cllr Shirley has been in contact with the relevant agencies and is setup up a site meeting with council officials and the Environment Agency in Quarter 1 of 2025 to understand accountability and responsibility for the water course and how to mitigate against this problem in the future. Cllr Shirley has organised with the local flood group to have sandbags delivered to Askam View so that the flow of water can be diverted.

6/12/24: REPORT FROM BARROW NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TEAM
PCSO Michelle Jones was hoping to attend the meeting, but had been called away on operational duties. There had been 7 crimes reported and 1 criminal damage. There had been reports of off-roading on the beach and in other areas of the village. The police are taking this seriously and a team have been put together to try to prevent this unlawful activity. Training for officers to use drones had been carried out. PCSO Jones asked that any incidents be reported to the police, particularly if residents can give specific times that these offences are taking place.

7/12/24: TO REPORT AND DISCUSS PLANNING APPLICATIONS
There were no new planning applications.

8/12/24: PARISH COUNCIL BUDGET AND PRECEPT 2025/26
Cllr Mike Cumming had forwarded the proposed budget to the parish councillors prior to the meeting. This was discussed and accepted. From this a precept of £41,000.00 was unanimously agreed. The Clerk will advise W&F council.
Action Clerk
Proposed Cllr Bill Wilson Seconded Cllr Alan Mason Agreed

9/12/24: FEEDBACK FROM CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHT SWITCH-ON EVENT
Everyone agreed that the event had been very enjoyable and a success and very well attended. The Christmas fayre at the community had been very good with some lovely craft stalls. Platform 1 had been very good with mulled wine and mince pies with Askam Band performing Christmas carols which added to the occasion. And mostly importantly Santa managed to visit both events and switched the Christmas tree lights. Thanks go to all involved, a special mention to Cllr Mike Cumming for organising the delivery of the Christmas tree and liaising with Optech for the switch on and to Cllr Harry Barker for putting up the tree. Duddon Inshore Rescue for their support and the neighbourhood police team.

10/12/24: UPDATE FROM WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS COUNCILLORS
Cllr Daniel Edwards gave a very thorough and interesting update on the meeting at Barrow Town Hall of the Health and Adult Scrutiny Committee to discuss proposed changes to bed configuration at UHMBT and in particularly Furness General hospital. The proposals had caused community concerns and the committee had called this meeting to discuss this with UHMBT. The minutes of this meeting can be viewed on the W&F website – health and adult scrutiny committee meeting 27 November 2024.

11/12/24: REPORT FROM CLERK (INCLUDING FINANCES)
A copy of the monthly expenditure sheet was made available. This was accepted.
Proposed Cllr Harry Barker Seconded Cllr Alan Mason Agreed

12/12/24: CORRESPONDENCE All correspondence sent to the parish councillors prior to the meeting.

13/12/24: SANCTIONS FOR PAYMENT
Aqua Projet monthly landscape £866.15, Community Centre Rental September to December 2024 £125.00, Xmas flag £9.97, Refreshments for PC meeting £9.00, Envelopes £2.00, Askam Band £50.00, Walking with the Wounded £50.00, Christmas Tree £100.00, Copy Paper £12.45, Winter Planting £900.00.

14/12/24: DATE, TIME, AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 21 January 2025 at 7.30 pm in the Community Centre, Duke Street, Askam.

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