May Parish Council Meeting issues
At the Parish Council meeting on May15, two unusual items came up. We understand that
Cumbria County Council now has suggestions for road changes in Beckermet, and we are trying to find out when they can be viewed. Also, it has been suggested that the open area on Station Crescent be grassed over, so residents surrounding the Green have now been asked for their views.
Parish Council Meeting update.
At last night’s Parish Council, it was confirmed that there is a Public Space Protection Order in place for School Green. This means that dogs must not be taken onto the grass on the south side of the river.
The ceiling of the Reading Room is in a state of dis-repair, and we were pleased to make a grant to enable it to be put right.
We have some volunteers, but are still looking for people to
If you are able to help, please let us know.
2nd May Local Elections: Statutory Notices
Statement of Persons Nominated for the position of Mayor of Copeland
Statement of Persons Nominated for the position of Beckermet Ward Councillor
Notice of uncontested election for Beckermet with Thornhill Parish Council
Parish Finances
The Financial Year is coming to an end, and the Parish Council has consciously used up some of its reserves, because we have supported a number of good projects.
These include a contribution to the cost of extending the Football Club changeroom at Thornhill, purchase of a defibrillator for Thornhill, support to the Beckermet Nursery, and purchase of items to mark the centenary of the Great War. We expect to help with the cost of repairs to the Beckermet Reading Room ceiling shortly.
Beckermet traffic speed checking
The Parish Council is looking to set up a group of people capable of using a speed gun to check traffic through the village. If you are willing to join the group, please let the clerk know at gillrthreader@gmail.com
Planning Application for 28 houses in Beckermet
The Parish
Council has received a copy of an application to build 28 houses. Access
would be from Hunter Rise, and the development would fill up the land as far as
Fleming Drive. We hear that people on Fleming Drive have not received
notifications.
The Parish Council is currently collecting views so as to respond to the
Planning Authority, so please let us know. The closing date is Feb 7.
Beckermet Reading Room ‘Surgery’.
The Beckermet Reading Room hosted a ‘surgery’ for Trudy Harrison, our MP, on January 5.
There were separate tables for her, County Councillors, Borough Councillors and Parish Councillors. A number of residents were able to speak privately and directly to our MP, and got some quality time. Other councillors were able to update each other on current things of importance. The main general topic of the day was progress in producing a plan for the village, to see where it is aiming to be.
Mill Lane Playing Field - Dog Ban:
We have received a number of pleas from Beckermet residents asking us to reconsider our decision to ban dogs from the above. We therefore discussed the issue again at the November meeting, noting that the main concern for these residents is the lack of safe places/pavements to walk dogs in the village; particularly when children accompany the dogs. As previously noted, we know that a small minority of dog owners are responsible for the dog muck left behind in the field, but it remains a serious concern because of the potential harm to children playing there. However, in light of the pleas received we have decided to postpone the ban while we monitor the situation. Several members of the PC have volunteered to check the field as often as practicable to see whether muck is still being left behind. If the field remains clear of muck, we will not have to impose the ban. We will not be clearing up any muck; we will simply be monitoring the situation. Please be prepared for the fact that we will have no choice but to ban dogs, even though the majority of owners do clear up, if muck continues to be left on the field. We will revisit the issue during a meeting in the early spring.
As a final point, please be aware that Copeland Borough Council are in the process of reviewing Public Space Protection Orders which includes dog bans etc. Mill Field Play Area is likely to be included in this, so we will inform you all if and when a decision is made.
In the meantime, we would be grateful if you could bring this notice to the
attention of anybody you feel might not otherwise see it.
Kind regards
Beckermet with Thornhill Parish Council
November 2018
Thornhill Football Club changing rooms extension
Thornhill village run two senior football teams - Thornhill Football Club (TFC) who have represented the village for many years, and a relatively new team - Thornhill Social Football Club (TSFC).
With the formation of the additional team (TSFC) it soon became apparent that the limited storage space within the changing rooms building (owned by the Parish Council) was going to be a problem, in that all the necessary equipment associated with match fixtures was not going to fit in the available space. This resulted in managers / players resorting to storing equipment in their own garages / homes, and then having to cart the said items to the field on match days.
Initially TSFC floated ideas of a an ISO Freight container or wooden shed for storage purposes within the confines of the playing field. However it was thought such structures would perhaps not be in keeping with the area.
In early 2017 a meeting was arranged between the football
teams and some Thornhill based Parish Councillors. A former resident of
Thornhill, Martin Hogg of MH architectural design, was also invited. The
purpose of the meeting was to try and decide what, in conjunction with the
Parish Council, the football teams would like in terms of storage space. It
was suggested that perhaps a purpose built modest extension to the existing
changing rooms would be ideal.
Martin, a qualified architect agreed to produce some initial drawings for comment. These were subsequently agreed with some minor amendments, and the proposal was put to the Council. The Council agreed in principle to the idea, and asked the football teams to develop the plans along with a Councillor.
Anyway to cut a long story short, Planning Permission and Building control approval were obtained, then some local reputable builders were asked to quote for the works. Quotes were obtained and a grant application was lodged with Copeland Community Fund (CCF).
The grant application was successful and we have just heard news from our building contractor that they are planning to start the extension this week.
Grants and Donations from the Parish Council
On a fairly regular basis, the Council awards grants or donations where we think that an event or project helps the well-being of our villages.
We are pleased to record that we have just given £1400 to the Beckermet nursery; towards the cost of essential work in its kitchen.
We have also given £375 towards the cost of a ‘fun day’ in Thornhill.
We have pledged to spend a substantial amount of money on a project to extend the changeroom at the Thornhill football clubs, and £1000 on items to commemorate the centenary of the First World War armistice.
The Great Cumbrian Litter Pick 6th July
The Parish Council has been informed of this event. If you would like to take part, then please follow the links below:
Fire Hazards – Chinese Lanterns
Following recent fires within and close to our Parish, we would like to remind you of some of the hazards surrounding the popular Chinese Lantern. Please follow this link for further information
Reay's Bus service 20 and 21
The Parish Council has been advised of changes to Reay's services in the Whitehaven area from the 28th May.
From that week the whole of the Saturday service will be withdrawn.
The Monday to Friday timetable on these routes is unchanged.
A Saturday service will continue to be provided to Frizington via Cleator Moor, and to Thornhill via Egremont and Bigrigg on the Stagecoach service 31/31H and 30/X30, which also continue to operate on Monday to Friday, and the 30 also on Sunday.
Black Beck & River Ehen
The Parish Council has been advised that the banks of the River Ehen and Black Beck need to be protected to avoid erosion, particularly by cattle.
Consequently the Authorities will be accessing them to fence off the rivers.
Consultations regarding the work are currently under way and being carried out by the West Cumbria Rivers Trust and G L Hearn (agents for the Moorside Development). There may be some disturbance in the village.
We have been told that the relevant landowners have been consulted and the rights of way looked at.
Parish Council Precept
The Parish Council has not asked for any increase in the precept for the year commencing 1st April 2018, and it is basically the same as last year. To most households in Thornhill this represents about 31p per week paid towards the Parish Council activities. Because of Council Tax banding, most households in Beckermet will pay a little more and this will probably equate to about 34p per week.
A reminder to parishioners of some of the things the Parish Council do:
Represent the Parish Views (as best they can) on various issues and consultations; Ensure the grass is cut at various locations throughout the Parish during the growing season; Maintain and where possible improve play equipment in the three playgrounds at Beckermet and Thornhill; Maintain a large playing area at Thornhill; Consider grant applications from organisations within the Parish.
Some improvements made last year include the Construction of a car parking area at the Playing Field off Wodow Road, Thornhill. This was a direct result of concerns and complaints made to the Parish Council about irresponsible parking on football match days, near the aged persons bungalows at the entrance to the Playing field. Picnic tables have also been provided at the School Green Play area, Beckermet, along with a new bench seat. Some work is still required to install plinths for the tables and bench, but this work should be completed shortly. Picnic tables have also been provided in the play area at The Crescent, Thornhill.
There are vacancies for Parish Councillors – please come along to one of our meetings if you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor. Its your opportunity to put something back into the Parish.
CBC Kerbside waste collection is changing.
The Parish Council have received the following information from Copeland Borough Council:
On April 16, we will be launching our new kerbside recycling service in which we collect five items ‐ paper, card, plastic, metal and glass ‐ from residents' homes. All those who receive our current black box service will receive our new service. Homes will be issued with three boxes (one for glass, one for paper, and one for mixed plastic/metal) and a weighted bag for cardboard. Lids/covers will be available to purchase from venues yet to be confirmed.
There is a CBC Booklet to explain what will and will not be collected.
CCC Consultation on proposed access changes to Beckermet Roads.
Just a reminder to everyone that time is running out to send your comments to CCC on their proposals to restrict access on Morass Road and Nursery Road. The closing date for the Consultation is 15 December. Please send in your comments for CCC to consider when making their final recommendation to their Copeland Local committee on the way forward.
Sellafield exercise on 6th December 2017 during silent hours.
Sellafield Limited have told the Parish Council that they will be having an exercise on 6th December 2017 during silent hours. The site siren will be sounded and the telephone alert system will be used. Sellafield have advised us that they have taken note of feedback from the last out of hours exercise and they will endeavour to activate both of the systems before 9.30pm.
Sellafield firearms training exercise 25/26th November daylight hours.
Training exercises will be carried out on site, Beckermet residents may be aware of some noise.