MinutesOrdinary2nd February 2026
The Parish Council meeting was held at The Hill Village Hall on 2 February 2026 commencing at 7.30pm.
Present: Cllr C Carrington (Chair), Cllr B Wright, Cllr Bates, Cllr V Pogrel, Cllr M Kitchingman, Cllr S Atkinson
Also present: Cllr A Pratt (Cumberland Council)
Clerk: Lesley Cooper
Cllr I Lockwood (personal), Cllr D Savage (holiday), Cllr A Calsy (family)
Press and public were excluded from Agenda Item 16 – Closed Session (Human Resources issues).
None.
The minutes were approved and signed by the Chair.
Circulated. No comments.
Clerk’s Report
The Clerk reported that overhanging trees on Buckman Brow had been reported to Highways via the HiMS system. GDF meeting dates had been circulated to councillors.
None.
Cllr Pratt reported:
Cllr Wright queried the 40mph speed limit on Buckman Brow. Cllr Pratt advised the road surface failed a skid test and requires replacement.
The Chair thanked Cllr Pratt for his report.
None.
None.
None.
None.
The bank reconciliation statement dated 31 December 2025 was checked and verified by Cllr Kitchingman.
No action required.
Current Account: £11,619.56
Deposit Account: £12,108.93
Committed Reserves: £10,277.40
The Clerk advised there would be a small underspend at the end of the financial year.
a) Audit of Assets
Cllr Pogrel reported contacting the Head Teacher at Thwaites School regarding potential locations. Cllr Bates identified two possible locations in School Ellis. The Hill Village Hall indicated potential purchase of seats.
b) Pinnel Hole Car Parking
Cllrs Pogrel and Bates presented two refurbishment options. Cllrs Carrington, Pogrel and Bates to prepare a discussion document for March and community consultation. Concerns were raised about two garages.
c) New Entrance to Play Area
One updated estimate received, awaiting second. Funding application to Cumberland by end of February.
d) Website Development
No suggestions received.
i) Active Transport – Barrow to Esk Active Travel
Cllr Calsy reported a funding application had been submitted to the GDF.
ii) Lights
No local suppliers of solar streetlights identified. Cllr Pratt to consult Highways. Clerk to contact Prolectric for repair report.
iii) Duddon Iron Furnace
Cllr Carrington advised LDNP owns the site. Clerk to explore maintenance support and signage options.
a) Play Inspection Report
Broken equipment confirmed replaced. Further information requested regarding swing repairs.
b) IT Policy
The draft IT policy was presented and approved. Proposed by Cllr Pogrel and seconded by Cllr Kitchingman.
Environment Group – no report.
Two vacancies remain.
Copeland Community Partnership (GDF). Cllr Pogrel to attend next meeting.
An email was received regarding bamboo management on Hill Brow. Clerk to request contractor retreat.
The next meeting will be held on 2 March 2026 at Thwaites Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm.
The meeting closed at 8.38pm.
Human resources issues not resolved.
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