Minutes of the Meeting of Coniston Parish Council held in the Library on Monday 17th November 2008.
PRESENT: D Coxon (Chairman), Mrs A Hall, P Hill, Mrs E Kelly, J Stoddart & L Tarr; the Clerk, C Sargeant; and 31 members of the public.

Guest speakers: Michael Clarke, Director, Lake District World Heritage Project: spoke about the history and context of the bid; summarized the benefits it would bring; and, addressed the impact that extra tourism might have on the area by focusing on the cultural rather than the commercial. Mr Clarke responded to a number of questions. Mr Clarke can be contacted at: mike@lakeswhs.co.uk or by calling 01539 792633. Full details of the Project and its progress are to be found on: www.lakeswhs.co.uk The Chairman thanked Mr Clarke.

Bill Smith, Leader of the Bluebird Project: outlined the history of the discovery of the submerged ‘Bluebird’ and its recovery from the lake; the subsequent retrieval of Donald Campbell’s body and its burial; indicated how the restoration of the boat had been carried out; and explained why it was important to those most closely concerned that ‘Bluebird’ be allowed to be tested on Coniston Water before it goes on exhibition in the Ruskin Museum. Mr Smith responded to a number of questions. Full details of the project and its progress are to be found on: http://www.kiltechunderwater.com/bluebird/frame.htm Mr Novie Dzinora passed round photographs of the work undertaken. The Chairman thanked Mr Smith.

Tony Hill, LDNPA Ranger: gave a brief overview of his work explaining his role and current priorities in the area. He said: He has lived and worked in the Lake District since 1977 and been a ranger since 1988. He now works alongside local communities in the parishes of Coniston, Skelwith, Hawkshead, Claife, Satterthwaite and Colton. Much of his work is in partnership with our staff, Lake District National Park Volunteers and voluntary rangers, landowners, farmers, as well as other government organisations, agencies, local community groups and recreational user groups. His responsibilities, in those parishes, include: • Assisting with the management and development of access and recreation. This includes the public rights of way network (maintenance, surveys, inspections, improvements), the Cumbria Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP), the Access Improvement Fund (AIF) including our Miles Without Stiles project. The management of CROW (Countryside and Rights of Way Act) Open Access land and other public access; • Monitoring recreational use, including motor propelled vehicle use of off-road routes (or green lanes), organised events and general visitor activity; • Assisting in the management of our own properties, especially in the Rusland and Lakeside areas, including the Rusland Woods Special Area for Conservation (SAC), High Dam access area and Rusland Moss National Nature Reserve (NNR); • Coordinating volunteer activity, together with voluntary ranger John Deavin, to organise foot patrols, surveys and work parties, amongst a host of other tasks; • Contributing to our Events and Education programmes; • Working with Natural England to help deliver their agricultural environmental schemes; and • Acting as the first point of contact for the local community and being our eyes and ears on the ground. • To help achieve the overall vision for our National Park. Mr Hill provided his contact details: Tony Hill, Ranger, Countryside Team South, Murley Moss, Oxenholme Road, KENDAL, Cumbria LA9 7RL Direct Line: 01539792698 Mobile: 07788 686789 Email: TonyjHill@lake-district.gov.uk The chairman thanked Mr Hill.

Moira Herring, National Trust: spoke about the Monk Coniston Heritage Garden Project: Project overview: Monk Coniston Walled Garden and Arboretum are part of a Lake District estate that epitomises the Picturesque tradition of designed landscape. Building on the success of the current HLF project to restore the physical footprint of the garden and arboretum, we aim to work with volunteers, the local community and other audiences to take forward Monk Coniston garden and arboretum as a living example of a heritage walled garden and grounds. A wide range of people will have the opportunity to discover more about historic gardens through direct involvement in the project, through learning activity, interpretation and events as well as the planning and implementation of the garden’s planting and use. We will develop a long term, sustainable group of volunteers to secure the future of the project and explore similar opportunities at other picturesque gardens in the Lake District. Aims and objectives: (a) Learning: (i) Opportunities for more people to learn about an historic garden and arboretum through active involvement, learning, events and interpretation. (ii)Enable more people to develop conservation, heritage gardening and volunteering skills through training and active involvement and work with schools. (b) Participation: (i) Enable volunteers and the local community to shape the garden’s future, working together with a gardener. (ii)Enable more people to become involved in discovering and looking after their heritage. (iii)Establish sustainable volunteer support to help with the garden’s maintenance into the future. (c) Conservation: (i)To bring the walled garden and surrounding arboretum back to life as a working, changing and diverse space with appropriate planting and enhanced access (ii)To ensure a long term structure is in place to sustain this enhanced historic space Staffing: We propose to employ a staff gardener with a good knowledge of gardening vegetables, fruit and flowers who can work together with those involved with the project to develop a plan for the garden and arboretum and implement this. The team would be supported by the National Trust’s Coniston Property staff as well as specialist regional advisors. Possible timetable: Heritage Lottery Funding being sought for the project would enable the project to start in late summer ’09, giving the staff member, volunteers and others the winter season to develop a plan, gather resources and prepare the ground etc. We will know the outcome of the funding bid by the end of March 2009 – and would have to review plans in the event that the funding is not granted. Other opportunities: (i) Uses for produce in the local area; distribution and processing? (ii) Education and training opportunities. (iii) Volunteer exchange visits with other historic gardens. (iv) Links to other initiatives in the local area e.g. Grizedale Arts’ proposed local food project. Ms Herring answered questions and requested a formal letter of support for the Project from the parish council. The Chairman thanked Ms Herring.

Claire Salisbury, prospective Conservative candidate for the County Council, was introduced by the Chairman. Mrs Salisbury briefly explained her aspirations and said she was hoping to visit all the parish councils in the area prior to a May/June 2009 election.

1. Public welcoming and receipt of matters for debate: Chairman welcomed the public. There were no matters for debate offered.

2. Apologies: Cllr Ms R Hext (unwell); Police: Sgt J Stephens & PCSO K Largue.

3. Declarations of Interest: of members’ personal and prejudicial interests in respect of items on the Agenda: Cllr Coxon (matters relating to LDNPA), Cllr Mrs Hall (matters relating to planning) and Cllr Hill (matters relating to E.ON). All councillors as Trustees of the Coniston Institute and Ruskin Museum.

4. Minutes of the Meeting of 20th October 2008 were approved, and signed by the Chairman.

5. Matters arising from that Meeting with reports of action taken:

5.a. Richard Leafe at Coniston At the Neighbourhood Forum (see below) meeting the clerk had spoken to Mr Leafe who indicated a willingness to attend a CPC Meeting in January or February.

5.b. Coniston QPS The clerk having received Audit 2007-08 notice of approval is looking at the new criteria for an early QPS submission.

5.c. Shepherds Bridge Lane bus parking: Libby Hill (CSSC Hon Sec) wrote on 26 October: The conclusion from the CSSC Committee meeting was that it is quite acceptable to all that the bus use the CSSC car park. The driver may well have to open the gate, which is not locked. He/she can leave it open. Payment was discussed and this was also agreed to be on a discretional/donation basis as is felt fit, just as everyone else using the car park. I hope this helps the situation and that it is acceptable to all concerned.

5.d. LDNPA (Footpath 512048, Shepherd Bridge, Coniston Parish) Public Footpath Diversion Order 2008 Errors in the order made on 23 September 2008 to divert the public footpath out of Shepherd Bridge yard (SD 305 978) to a route along the riverbank and, further north, from the western to the eastern side of the field boundary, has led to a replacement order dated 10 November.

5.e. Village Design Statement Ongoing.

5.f. Bench on Dow How: Seat permit (duly signed and dated) received from Cumbria CC. The clerk to liaise with Mrs Dixon, Alan Woodend (for construction work) and Glasdon (for bench chosen by Mrs Dixon).

5.g. High Furness Neighbourhood Forum: The meeting on Tues 11th November at 7pm, Coniston CofE School, was attended by Cllrs Coxon and Tarr and the clerk. An application for a grant, for the playground restoration, was presented by Cllr Tarr

5.h. Reward & Recognition The Chairman congratulated Mrs B Hill and the CCDC for winning the Cumbria Community Business Award having being nominated for the recognition by Cllr Mrs Hall.

5.i. Environment Agency The clerk received a telephone call on 11 Nov: Trees: over the Winter period a programme of cutting back will be done; Walls: over the Winter period a programme of under-pinning and strengthening will be done; Bridge: (Lake Road) situation will be monitored regularly but no promise of action.

5.j. Home Housing (0845 606 3033) The clerk spoke to Home Housing about the council’s concerns for the wall supporting the back gardens of Old Furness Road and the path from the Brow to Banks Terrace but no work has been done as yet.

5.k. Nobbut (David Rogers): Mr Rogers said in an email (25 Oct) to the clerk: “I am open to any ideas for the future but my thinking at present is based around the possibility of an independent magazine.” RESOLVED: to respect Mr Rogers’ work with ‘Nobbut’.

5.l. New Model Publication Scheme: The clerk has completed ‘The Guide to Proactively Published Information’ using the template for parish councils provided by CALC.

5.m. Remembrance Sunday Cllr Stoddart placed the CPC wreath on the memorial at the service on 9th November.

6. Matters arising since that meeting:

6.a. Torver speed limit: A request from Hugh Cameron, Chairman of Torver PC, has been received for Coniston PC’s support. Cllr Mrs Hall explained: The plan is for the 40mph to be on the A593 from the eastern end of the field (where the proposed new houses are to be built adjacent to Green Cottages) and on through the village and the narrows after Cragg Cottage. I think the purpose is to get cars to arrive in the centre of the village at a slower speed, taking into account the many people who have to walk the road with no pavement. TPC acknowledged that the proposed speed limit would cross into Coniston parish. RESOLVED: to support.

6.b. Bye-law revision: In response to an enquiry from the clerk, Suzy Grindley, LDNPA Catchment Projects Coordinator, responded: “A paper has been produced for discussion by the Authority regarding the request to amend the Coniston Water Byelaws to enable Bluebird to run at speeds exceeding 10 knots. This will be discussed at the Authority meeting on the 19 November, and I will let you know the outcome following this meeting.” RESOLVED: to wait for a directive from the LDNPA.

6.c. Neighbourhood Watch: Cllr Mrs Hall had received correspondence: Does your Neighbourhood Watch scheme involve young people? For example: Are young people included within the scheme itself? Do you run a Junior Neighbourhood Watch or other special scheme designed for younger members? Does your scheme meet with local youth groups, youth action group or a youth forum to discuss issues and concerns? And/or does your scheme run joint initiatives with local youth groups, youth action groups etc? If the answer is yes to any of these please contact Sgt Andy Baines on 07971 She asked: How do we feel about the Neighbourhood Watch in the village? Is it ok with no official meetings and just a number of people getting the messages and forwarding etc.? She said she knew a few people get a discount on insurance because the village has a scheme and people do watch and report regularly to officers as PCSO Largue has reported. RESOLVED: to monitor.

6.d. Winter gritting: Concern has been expressed by residents on the Banks that if the water on their roads freezes then they will be stranded. The clerk to contact Highways re Winter gritting in Coniston.

6.e. The Amenities Fund of Coniston Parish Council - name change: In response to an enquiry from the clerk, Rob Hewitt, Charity Commission Direct, responded on 3rd November: Where the governing document of a charity confers a specific name on a charity, that name may normally only be altered by: • exercising a suitable power of amendment in the governing document; or • a Scheme made by us under s16 of the Charities Act 1993; or • in the case of an incorporated charity, the exercise of company law. Any registered charity which changes its name must notify the Commission so that its entry on the Charity Commission website can be updated. The details we require are as follows: 1. A charitable company should provide for inspection the certificate of change of name (or a certified copy of it). 2. An unincorporated association with members should provide a certified copy of the resolution effecting the change (usually passed at a general meeting of the charity). 3. Other charities should provide a certified copy of the resolution of the trustees effecting the change. Once we have been notified of the change, we will check the new name to ensure for instance that it is not offensive or misleading and that the new name is not the same as, or too like, that of any other registered charity. If the checks reveal no problems then the Register will be amended. An alternative to a formal change of name is for the charity to adopt a ‘working name’ ie a name by which a charity identifies itself, any working or campaign name, and any acronym. To ensure as much clarity as possible for the benefit of the public and the charitable sector, our practice is to record on the Register any name of a charity which is in current use and which comes to our attention. Where we are notified of a working name, we will not normally (unless we know of any particular problems associated with its use, or with its adoption by the trustee body) request any further formal evidence of use or approval by the trustees or, in the case of an unincorporated association, by a charity’s membership. RESOLVED: for the time being, to leave the name as it is.

6.f. CPC Surgery 13 Dec RESOLVED: Cllrs Mrs Hall and Mrs Kelly to attend.

6.g. CPC documents: Councillors considered the following (revised) documents and approved them for the Chairman to sign: (i) Standing Orders (ii) Financial Regulations (iii) Risk Management Strategy (iv) Equality and Diversity Policy (v) Code of Practice for Handling Complaints (vi) Asset Register (vii) Delegation of Responsibility (viii) Information available from CPC under the model publication scheme (ix) Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults Policy (approved at last October’s Meeting) (x) Model Code of Conduct (xi) Clerk to the Council – Job Description (xii) Contract of Employment: Part-time Clerk.

6.h. EDUCATION AND CONISTON: Meeting 7pm Monday 10th November 2008 at John Ruskin School The clerk prepared this report: Present: J Longstaffe (Head Teacher JRS), S Jackson (Head Teacher Coniston Primary), Mrs Joyce Hallam (Head Teacher Hawkshead Esthwaite Primary), Mrs K Shepherd (Chair of Governors JRS), Rev M East (Chair of Governors Coniston Primary), Mrs S de Gruchy (Governor JRS), Mrs M Dixon (Governor JRS & Chairman of the Community Committee), N Beech (Priestley Centre), G Cooper (Bank Ground), A Phillips (Crusaders), Mrs A Hall (SLDC), D Coxon (Chair Coniston PC), C Sargeant (Clerk Coniston PC) Introduction: Mr Longstaffe had invited those present to discuss the role of John Ruskin School within the community and the continuing education of the community of Coniston. He said he wanted John Ruskin school to be firmly placed at the heart of learning within Coniston providing facilities for the school and the wider community. In the light of the Cumbria Vision document and SLDC’s report, he considered the time right to examine the role of JRS within the community. Mr Longstaffe wanted the meeting to be open for the representatives to discuss (i) the role they would like JRS to fulfil and (ii) education in its widest sense – from the cradle to the grave! Presentation: Mr Longstaffe had prepared a screened overview of the range of issues that he thought the meeting might consider. Group discussion: Those present divide into groups to discuss four areas of interest: Courses; Facilities; Students; and Anything else. Plenary session: The groups fed back ideas and broadened the discussion. Main points: The meeting acknowledged the work of CCDC and the courses it already provides. Was there an opportunity for adults to join JRS examination course classes and would they wish to? (This will need careful investigation.) Could the schools make better use of the facilities in the area? (The meeting acknowledged the work done with schools by the National Trust, the Ruskin Museum, and the O.E.C.s and the use made of sporting facilities at S&SC.) It was thought better use could be made of student skills to carry out surveys (e.g., housing, traffic, tourism, etc.) for the community. Transport to and from school was considered to be an important issue for students and adults, especially for after school activities. (Investigation into the car scheme being extended to all ages was proposed.) The meeting acknowledged how useful the JRS out-of-school parking facility was and sought to extend its use when the school was in session by creating access to the field through the bottom gate off Lake Road near the bridge. (Mr Longstaffe explained that this might interfere with sporting activities.) Was there an opportunity for the schools’ facilities to be more used during holiday periods? (Mr Longstaffe explained the need to balance the schools being open to the community with the cleaning and repair work that could only be done when the school was not in session.) The meeting acknowledged the number of occasions annually that JRS hosts events for the village, such as Coniston 14. Would JRS be more part of the community if there was footbridge access from the centre of the village through the playground to Lake Road? (The meeting acknowledged the range of issues that would have to be resolved before this could happen.) The meeting felt it important that many of the issues being discussed should be included in the Parish Plan revision. Conclusion: Those present were in agreement that it had been a useful exercise and that a follow-up meeting should be arranged. This was left to Mr Longstaffe to organise.

6.i. Meeting at NT Boon Crag, Wednesday 12 November 2008, 9am. Present: 3 officers of the National Trust, chairs and clerks of Coniston and Torver PCs. Aim: To consider the future of Hoathwaite Farm following the death of John Wilson. Objective: To avoid unnecessary speculation and rumour. Summary: Jim Loxham, Trust Property Manager, welcomed those present and stated the purpose of the meeting. From the outset he stressed the complexity of the issues surrounding Hoathwaite and the Trust’s recognition and concern regarding Mrs Joan Wilson. Rachel Brock then set the context of the Trust’s management of Hoathwaite Farm and explained how it was governed, in a situation that might lead to a disputed change of tenancy, by the rules and regulation of the Agricultural Lands Tribunal (see http://www.defra.gov.uk/rds/alt/default.htm#proc ). The date for a change of tenancy at Hoathwaite Farm falls in May 2009. Nothing can be determined before that date but the Trust is preparing for all eventualities by considering a number of options for the future of the farm. Mr Loxham and Ms Brock responded to questions. Mr Loxham closed the meeting with a promise to keep the two parish councils informed of developments.

6.j. Coniston Fire and Rescue Service: Cllr Hill will represent CPC at a presentation, on Wednesday 19th Nov at 2pm at the Fire Station, to second year pupils from John Ruskin School who have spent time training with the Coniston Fire and Rescue Service.

6.k. District Association of Parish Councils: The clerk will represent CPC at the next meeting on Thursday 27th November 2008, from 6pm for a buffet, with a 6.30pm start, at the County Offices in Kendal.

6.l. Planning Training Seminars Cllrs Coxon and Hill are to represent CPC at Staveley on 1st December (and the clerk is reserve).

6.m. Code of Conduct Training All councilors (and the clerk) will attend the session at Market Hall, Hawkshead, on 16th December (7pm).

7. Financial Transactions: RESOLVED:

7.a. To issue cheques: To The Poppy Appeal for wreath £25.00

To E.ON for street lighting (Oct) £80.00

To R J Airey for bus shelters £36.00

To C Sargeant for clerk’s salary and expenses £270.00

To P&L Lighting Ltd for Christmas Lights £1374.75

To Coniston Christmas Lights for VAT repayment £204.75

To BDO for Audit fee £334.88

7.b. To approve accounts for signing by Chairman: Done.

7.c. To submit a Precept for 2009-10: Deferred to Extraordinary Meeting, Monday 24 November in the Library at 7pm.

7.d. To conclude Audit 2007-08: Done.

8. Planning:

8.a. 7/2008/5583 Rowan Beck, Haws Bank LA21 8AS RESOLVED: to support. Councillors acknowledged that this application was from a CPC councilor but were confident that they could reach an objective and impartial decision without the applicant’s participation. There was unanimous support for this application and the installation of a conservatory was considered likely to have a negligible impact on the locality.

9. Correspondence: RESOLVED: to note that since the last meeting the clerk had received and informed councillors of the following:

23-Oct BDO Stoy Hayward LLP Audit for year ended 31 March 2008

22-Oct CALC District Association Meeting 27 November

27-Oct CALC Draft Local Councils Charter & questionnaire

CALC Meeting 8 November & Annual Report November 2008

27-Oct CALC New Interim Salary Scales for Clerks

7-Nov CALC Opportunity for free solar or wind systems for village and community halls.

5-Nov Citizens Advice South Lakeland Funding for General Advice Services

9-Oct Communities & Local Government Communities in Control

24-Oct Cumbria CC Permit for bench on Dow How

5-Nov Cumbria CC Community Waste Prevention Fund

Cumbria CC The Cumbria Rider November 2008 – April 2009

27Nov David Rogers Langdale Valley News - concern

28-Oct Derek Adams CLA - Registers of Common Land and Town and Village Greens

7-Nov E.ON Electricity Bill for October

30-Sep Fireworks International Ltd Combined Liability Insurance

23-Oct Grizedale Rally Stages Rally on Saturday 29 November

2-Nov Hawkshead PC Unapproved Minutes of Meeting 21 October 2008

12Nov Hawkshead PC Agenda for 18 November

24-Oct Ipsos Mori National Survey of Third Sector Organisations

13-Oct John Ruskin School Education and Coniston Meeting Monday 10 Nov at 7pm

LCR Magazine Nov-08

15-Oct LDNPA 7/2008/5583 Rowan Beck

7-Nov LDNPA Footpath closures in Grizedale Forest for Stages Rally 29 November

LDNPA Reflecting on Water LDNPA Strategic Framework

29-Oct P&L Lighting Ltd Erect Christmas lights and repairs

SLCC Cumbria Branch Meeting 29 November

31-Oct SLDC Extraordinary Meeting 10 November

SLDC South Lakeland News Winter 2008

15-Oct The Bluebird Project Strictly Confidential

The Clerk Magazine Nov-08

10. Reports:

10.a. Coniston & Torver Housing Group: Alastair Cameron (13 November) said: This is a brief update to give councillors the present situation with the housing schemes in the village. Old Furness Road (Home Housing Scheme): Some progress is now being made with this scheme. A meeting is planned with the NPA and their Property Services Team. Probably more news after Christmas. Church Rooms (Eden Housing Scheme): This is ready to start. Church Fields (Eden Housing Scheme): This project had become severely ‘bogged down’, mainly because of poor communication and issues with the land-owner. We have had several meetings to try and iron out the problems (with Eden Housing, the Coniston PCC and Mairi Lock) and things are now moving again. Another problem was that the housing association had been asked by the Housing Authority to reduce the unit cost of the scheme by including an additional unit (making 12 on the site in total). The plans drawn up as a result were considered poor by everyone who saw them and Mairi Lock was very unhappy with them. The architects then re-drew the plans, reverting back to 11 units and making slight changes to layout. The result was considered excellent. I am not sure whether Mairi Lock will want to re-present the re-design to the Board. If so the Parish Council will receive copies as normal. Up to last week the plans had not been put on CAD so all I have is an A2 photocopy. Reviewing other sites: The schemes above provide only about a quarter of Coniston’s housing needs. When the project started in 2005 we had a long list of over 12 sites which the National Park felt may be suitable for development. This number has been reduced for several reasons one of which is the fact that no development can now be carried out on land at risk of flooding. Over 25% of the village area is in this ‘at-risk’ category. We now need to ‘re-visit’ the remaining sites again. Housing Association’s finances: It is becoming clear that, despite the pressure (and funds) from central government to increase affordable housing stock; some schemes are being delayed because of lack of finance. Funds seem to have a habit of disappearing into a ‘black hole’. We are lucky in our village because of the ‘noise’ we have made over the past few years, the need for housing in Coniston is regionally and nationally recognised. But we may have schemes delayed in the future although this is not necessarily a major problem. It has already happened in Torver where Home Housing has had to delay the Butcher Moss project (8 houses) for three months, despite the fact that they already own the land.

10.b. Parish Plan Review: There is agreement that the points covered in the next questionnaire should be only those of concern to the community and the more issues covered the better. Consideration is being given to (i) a CPC organised event, though details have still to be determined, and, (ii) a meeting with Julia Wilson (Cumbria Action), perhaps early in Dec. Drafts/ re-drafts are on-going as more points/ issues are received.

10.c. Police Report: Nothing.

10.d. Highways Report: Cllr Mrs Kelly had emailed to David Huck (Capita Symonds) on 22 Oct: I know that a problem on the steep road up to the banks has been reported to Highways some time last week but there is a bit of the road where there is a patch of mud in which trees and vegetation are growing narrowing the road considerably. The problem is that when the road was re surfaced the work did not go from to edge of the road because the old tarmac is underneath the mud. Would it be possible to dig out the verge and fill in with tarmac to take the road again to its original width? There is also concern that the trees growing in the mud, will eventually push the wall over. I rang our Parish Steward, Stephen Brown, about a problem with flooding on the Ambleside Road. He was in the area and said he would have a look and clear the leaves away. This is the first time I have had to contact him, and I found him very pleasant to communicate with. David Huck responded on 5 Nov: I met Mr Hutchinson on site regarding the hill up towards Devonshire Terrace. I explained to him that the soil against the base of the wall was the verge. Whilst I have arranged with SLDC to have this swept & given Mr Hutchinson the contact details, I explained that we would not remove the verge. I would suggest that you give this length of verge to your Highway Steward & get him to weed spray it a couple of times next Spring. Mr Hutchinson was going to contact SLDC independently about get them to sweep the road on a regular/programmed basis. We also discussed the wall along the top of the old quarry & I confirmed that this was the responsibility of LDNPA. We also looked at the damaged length of handrail at the top of the hill & I have placed an order to have this section repaired, although this will not happen immediately. On a slightly different matter the order to resurface the worn section of footway near the top of Lake Road has now been released by the engineers so this work should happen sometime before March. I have also had the Westmorland sign replanted at the Tilberthwaite junction after it was ripped out of the ground with its foundation attached by mindless vandals. Unfortunately it looks like they used a chain wrapped around the post to uproot it & throw it into the field opposite so the black & white enamelling is quite badly marked but it is still serviceable.

10.e. Playground Report: Cllr Tarr reported: (i)The coffee morning made £372.67 and to raised the profile of what we are trying to do down at the playground. He thanked all those who helped. He considered it a great success. (ii) Jeff & Janette Carroll had prepared and submitted a request for a grant from High Furness Neighbourhood Forum. Cllr Tarr spoke in support of the request at the meeting and received unanimous support for a grant to be awarded. Cllr Tarr acknowledged the help and advice received from Ms Debbie Binch, Neighbourhood Development Officer, Cumbria County Council. (iii)Other grants have been received recently from Furness BS, Mrs Hodgson, Mr & Mrs Graham, HBOS, and Mr & Mrs Salts. (iv)To date, £10,000 has been raised of a perceived need for a £80,000 refurbishment.

10.f. Tony Hill, LDNPA Ranger: He said the following improvements have already been completed: a) the field gate going into the field replaced (Completed by the NT); b) the existing stile alongside with a wicket gate replaced (Completed by NPA); c) the existing stile at the corner of the field going into the copse replaced with another wicket gate (Completed by NPA). These jobs make the route more accessible. There are to be further improvements to other gates and stiles, throughout the whole area, some of which have already been installed. As these jobs are rated as 'improvements', the time limit is 6 months to completion towards the end of 2008.

10.g. Cllr Mrs Hall: Drew attention to: (i) the need to be sure that villagers were in favour of the Church Rooms development; (ii) railing repair needed on Yewdale Bridge; (iii) the availability of grant funding for youth work in the village; and, (iv) the need for a review of the original list of villagers who wished to self-build in the context of S106.

10.h. Cllr Hill: Thought that the solar paneling on the Lowick Community Hall would interest the committee members of the S&SC.

10.i. Cllr Mrs Kelly: Drew attention to the installation of a solar panel on a house in Little Moss.

10.j Cllr Stoddart: Drew attention to: (i) the unrepaired breach of the wall on Devonshire Terrace; (ii) blocked drain outside Co-op; (iii) trees overhanging pavements and moss growing on paths in Little Moss; (iv) water flowing from Outrake Lane onto A593; and, (v) the vandalism of the guttering and spouts on the Ruskin Avenue bus shelter.

11. Public questions and comments:

11.a. Mrs J Jones: Drew attention to: (i) the over-used bin in Lake Road; (ii) the heavy-handed pruning of the shrubs along the Playground fence on Lake Road (Cllr Tarr explained that this was necessary to install a new fence); and, (iii) flooding in Town Field.

11.b. Mr B Bateman: Drew attention to the over-hanging bushes in Lake Road that are pushing pedestrians off the pavement.

11.c. Mr P Johnson: Offered his assistance to resolve the 63% increase in the cost of the partnership with SLDC to keep the Bridge Conveniences open.

11.d. Mrs L Cooper: Drew attention to the loose wiring on the pavement walls along the A593 through Gateside.

12. Date of next Meeting: RESOLVED: (a) Extraordinary Meeting, Monday 24 November 2008, 7.00pm in the Library, and, (b) next monthly meeting to be held on Monday 15th December 2008, 7.00pm in the Library.

Meeting closed at 10.10pm.

Signed: David Coxon, Chairman Date: 15th December 2008

Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Coniston Parish Council held in the Library on Monday 24th November 2008, 7pm.
PRESENT: D Coxon (Chairman), Mrs A Hall, P Hill, Mrs E Kelly & L Tarr; the Clerk, C Sargeant; and, 3 members of the public (B Bateman, Ms L Stewart and A Sutherland).

1. Public welcoming and receipt of matters for debate: Nothing.

2. Apologies: Ms R Hext (unwell) and J Stoddart (Twinning visit to Solto Collina)

4. Minutes of the Meeting of 17th November 2008 were deferred for approval, and signing by the Chairman, to Meeting 15th December.

5.a. Completion of Precept 2009-10: The clerk presented a break down of current expenditure and predicted increases; the meeting debated each item and RESOLVED: to submit a Precept for £14,600 (previously £13,875): to cover Clerk’s salary and expenses £3,600 (£3,240); Conveniences £3,000 (£2,765); Fees & subscriptions £800 (£630); Local grants £2,050 (£2,530); Insurance £1,150 (£1,060); Lighting £1,600 (£1,750); Maintenance £2,400 (£1,900).

6.a. Grizedale Arts Project: Lisa Stewart and Adam Sutherland to discuss the next stage of the Project. In September, Grizedale Arts, the National Trust and the Coniston Parish Council backed a short questionnaire to find out what the community thought about growing, buying and eating local food. The responses to the questionnaire indicated interest in an allotment scheme. Grizedale Arts is keen to promote an initiative and asked the parish council for its support to find funding, to acquire plots of land and to deliver training schemes, all to raise the profile of local produce. RESOLVED: initially to support and possibly later to partner Grizedale Arts in this venture.

6.c. The Amenities Fund of Coniston Parish Council: To explore, for next meeting, a change of name, possibly to The Amenities Fund of Coniston, to overcome the barriers, to securing grants, created by the link to the parish council.

8. Planning: To receive for consideration at the Meeting on 15th December:

8.b. 7/2008/5637 Hollin Brow Erection of garage with gym room

10. Reports: None.

12. Date of next Meeting: RESOLVED: monthly meeting to be held on Monday 15th December 2008 at 7.00pm in the Library.

Signed: David Coxon, Chairman Date: 15th December 2008