Colton Parish Council Newsletter Summer 2010

---

COMMUNITY PLAN: 'COLTON 2020' IN ACTION

Well, we shrugged off winter hibernation at the end of January for a well-attended social evening at Rusland Reading Rooms and a chance to discuss the issues that would affect our community over the next decade. Fuelled by some good spicy chillies and cakes to warm us up, we got lots of valuable feedback, and enjoyed a talk on sustainable energy solutions by Elizabeth Bruce, a local energy consultant. We have a number of other events planned, including another evening get-together in the Finsthwaite area later this year for those who missed the last one, or maybe you'd like to come again with more thoughts and ideas—everyone is welcome!

QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY: Issues highlighted at this event have been included in our enclosed Community Plan Questionnaire. Please do take a few minutes to complete it— we need your views on the future of this part of the Lake District. New National Park policies are being developed and there are increasing pressures for change  - some perhaps good, others maybe not - we need to know what you think! The authorities will use the findings from Community Plans to inform decisions that affect local communities.

GRANT SUCCESS and FUNDING FOR COORDINATOR : The Community Plan Group has been successful in bidding for a grant of £500 from 'Action with Communities in Cumbria' (ACT) towards the cost of the Community Plan: 'Colton 2020'.  Although we have a strong working group, we are still looking for a Chairman and a Coordinator/administrator for our team. We are able to offer a modest payment for the second of these positions, now that we have received some funding. If you are interested in either position, or just want to come along to contribute your thoughts, then please do get in touch. It's YOUR community and YOUR plan, so please help us to make it vibrant, relevant and properly representative of the community’s views!                                                                                                       Cllr Brenda Fishwick

VACANCY ON THE COUNCIL

Councillor Penny Lovegrove has decided to resign from the Council due to other commitments; we thank Penny for her hard work, good humour and her role as contact for the Parish Lengthsman.  This of course leaves a vacancy on the Council. If you want to represent your community and take part in decisions that affect the future of the Parish then do consider becoming a Councillor, especially if you live in the east of the Parish. We are a ‘Quality Parish’ and have an increasing say through consultations and liaison with the County and District Councils, the National Park and central government departments on policy, the planning process and the delivery of services. We are also a dedicated and good-humoured group! Colin Barr (Chairman) or Mandy Lane (Clerk) would be pleased to talk to you about the role (Tel: 01229 861408).

LENGTHSMAN —  NEW CONTACT

Your new contact for our Lengthsman (Chris Slater) is Councillor Ian Cunliffe (pictured). Ian lives at Springfield Cottage, Colton and will be in regular contact with the Lengthsman. Please contact Ian on 01229 861440 if you want any vegetation cutting back at junctions, drains clearing or signposts cleaning.

BOUTHREY BRIDGE — LATEST

We have received an update on progress with repair of Bouthrey Bridge over the Crake at Nibthwaite: Mr Cathcart, Highway Engineer, explained that land drainage consent has now been granted by the Environment Agency and that the contractor started work on 21st June. Listed Building and Temporary Works consent applications have been submitted and they are awaiting decisions from the Park and the Environment Agency shortly. Blawith & Subberthwiate PC has been active on both Councils’ behalves, as have County Councillors Rod Wilson and Claire Salisbury, in keeping the pressure on for repair before the autumn.

BLAWITH & SUBBERTHWAITE SEEKING NEW CLERK

Blawith and Subberthwaite Parish Council is seeking a new Clerk; this is a part-time, paid, administrative position that would suit an organised person with a good standard of literacy, numeracy and computer-literacy. Please contact Ross Baxter if interested on: 01229 885255.

GREEN ENERGY: MEETING ON HYDROPOWER

Your Council’s Green Energy Working Group organised an open meeting on 15th May at the John Ruskin School, Coniston with the aim of encouraging the development of hydropower in the Lake District. It was a well-attended meeting, which brought together local people and experts for enthusiastic discussion on the pros and cons of different micro-hydro schemes, legal issues, environmental issues and how to navigate the possible pitfalls to create a successful community scheme. A full report can be found on our website. Members of the Group later heard a talk by Sir Martin Holdgate, Chairman of the Renewable Energy Panel of Cumbria Vision about their report “The Scope for Renewable Energy in Cumbria”; this report can be found at www.cumbriavision.co.uk .

Another open meeting is being planned which will aim to encourage more small-scale solar power and heat pump systems in our area. Village Hall Committees struggling with the soaring cost of oil or conventional electric heating may wish to  attend—there will be more information in due course.                Cllr Taylor

BOUTH PLAYGROUND REPAIRS

Bouth residents will have noticed that part of the playground has been closed. The edging of the playground surface has lifted away and has become a hazard; we are told the problem is due to poor drainage and standing water. Repair estimates are around £2000. The Council has been successful in bidding for a grant of £1000 from Neighbourhood Forum towards the cost. The Bouth Village Green Committee is arranging for the surface to be re-laid and we hope that this part of the playground will be open again before too long. Please contact the BVG Committee Chairman, John Osborn (01229 861451) for information.         Clerk

NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM AREA CHANGE

Please note that Colton Parish is no longer in the Low Furness Neighbourhood Forum area, but has been moved to the High Furness area in order to be consistent with the new Local Area Partnership boundaries. The next meeting will be on 8th September at Burlington School, Kirkby Ireleth.

WANTED: EVIDENCE OF DORMICE

The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and the North-west Dormouse Group are investigating the potential spread of dormice in our area.  If you know of the presence of this cute, long and furry tailed mammal (alive or dead) please contact the Parish Clerk with details.

News in Brief

Phone Kiosks: We are the proud owner of 2 telephone kiosks! One at Nibthwaite and one at Oxen Park. Now we need to come up with some innovative ideas on what to use them for—please send in your suggestions!
Blue-green algae alert: Dog owners please note that there have been some distressing sudden deaths of dogs after contact with toxic blue-green algae in Windermere in particular. These algae can flourish in poor-quality lakes following periods of dry weather. If in doubt, keep your dog away from lake and shoreline.
Chairman’s Sabbatical Tour!: Colin Barr has completed his 60th birthday tour of the west-coast Scottish islands and raised over £1300 for the RNLI! Thanks to all who generously contributed. You can read the ‘blog’ and see some of his pictures on www.60islandtops.com .

Forthcoming Parish Council Meetings

Your Councillors