February 2025

MILLOM WITHOUT PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING AT THE HILL VILLAGE HALL ON 3 FEBRUARY 2025 COMMENCING AT 7.30PM

Present

Cllr C Carrington (Chair), Cllr I Lockwood, Cllr M Bates, Cllr B Wright, Cllr V Pogrel, Cllr M Kitchingman

Unitary Cllr A Pratt

Lesley Cooper (Clerk)

Apologies for Absence

Cllr D Savage (ill), Cllr A Calsy (holiday)

Exclusion of Press and Public

None

Declarations of Interest

None

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 6 January 2025 were signed by the Chair.

Police Liaison Report

Circulated

Progress Report

Clerk’s Report

The incorrectly spelled Lady Hall sign has been reported and is to be replaced.

Public Participation

None

Unitary Councillor Report

Cllr Pratt provided the following updates:

• The A595 night closures have finished. A meeting for feedback is scheduled for 11 February 2025.
• The Whicham Valley resurfacing will still go ahead.
• The reinstatement of Corney Fell bridge is planned for July/August.
• Additional funding has been allocated for buses and bus shelter improvement schemes.
• Repairs to the retaining wall at The Oaks will be undertaken.
• A three-year project to reinstate the retaining wall at Lady Hall has been approved.
• A mayoral review for Cumberland, Westmorland, and Barrow is being conducted in preparation for the May 2026 elections.

Cllr Wright raised concerns regarding a recent road closure at Lady Hall. Cllr Pratt will investigate, and the Clerk will send a letter.

The Chair thanked Cllr Pratt for his report.

Applications for Development

New Applications

None

Ratification of Observations Submitted Under Devolved Powers

None

Planning Decisions

Application 7/2024/4026 – Beck Bank Farm, Thwaites

Conversion of an existing six-bedroom dwelling into two smaller three-bedroom owner-occupied dwellinghouses.

Decision: Granted

Financial Records

Approved Payments

• L Cooper – Clerk’s salary & expenses (January): £217.76
• HMRC – PAYE: £46.00

Receipt of Payments

None

Bank Reconciliation

The bank reconciliation statement dated 31 December 2024 was verified by Cllr Kitchingman.

Budget Comparison Report (as of 31 January 2025)

No action required.

Garage Licence Payment

Cllr Kitchingman had spoken to the tenant and received a response.

Resolved to send a final demand letter.

Parish Matters

Community Plan

Audit of Assets

The Clerk reported that three benches are being installed to replace those identified in poor condition. Locations for the remaining seven will be discussed at the March meeting.

Review of Community Plan – Consultation with The Hill Residents

Tasks were allocated. An action plan will be presented in March.

Path to Play Area

Cllr Kitchingman reported that Thwaites Village Hall requires grass matting that can be mowed over. A detailed plan will be produced.

Empty Houses

Cllrs Carrington and Pogrel will undertake a site visit regarding an overgrown footpath.

Parish Projects

Active Transport

The first meeting was well attended.

Pinnel Hole

The Clerk will respond to a letter received from a vehicle owner.

Bamboo Hill Brow

Cllr Carrington has written to the resident. The Clerk has instructed the contractor to recommence work.

Road Works at Lady Hall

Cllr Pratt will pursue this with Highways.

Policies, Procedures, and Consultations

Approved Policies

• Complaints Procedure
• Data Protection Policy
• Grievance Policy
• Disciplinary Policy
• Subject Access Request Policy

Reviewed Policies (No Changes)

• Standing Orders
• Health and Safety Policy
• Freedom of Information Policy
• Risk Management Policy
• Equal Opportunity Policy
• Protocol on the Recording and Filming of Council and Committee Meetings
• Press and Media Policy
• Retention of Documents Policy

Sub-Group Reports

Environment Group

No updates.

Park Wood

Cllr Bates reported on the Ghyll Scaur Quarry meeting:

• 40mph signage will be installed in the next quarter.
• The suggested sculpture in the layby was dismissed.
• Delay in fitting new speed detectors was noted.
• Woodland management plan installed; request made for clear signage on gates when official stalkers are working.
• Rock Park signage will be installed in Spring.
• Discussion about including benches within the woodland.

Reports from Representatives on Outside Bodies

South Copeland Community Partnership – GDF

Cllr Carrington reported that they are still awaiting the results of a recent report by NWS regarding the future of the Partnership. No decisions will be made until after the report is received.

Correspondence

No new correspondence received.

Councillor Matters

None

Date of Next Meeting

3 March 2025 at Thwaites Village Hall, The Green, commencing at 7.30pm.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9:01 PM.

These minutes were signed by the Council on the 3rd of March, 2025.