Present Carolyn Cripps chaired the meeting. Other members present were D. Angus, G. Duxbury, L. Dalzell, R. Bragg, T. Robson and R. Fisher

Apologies of absence: were received from T. Foster, J. Fleet, T. Roberts and Bert Richardson

Declarations of interest: None

Minutes of the previous meeting: these were signed.

Joiners Shop – A letter had been sent to Mr. Skelton on 27 November 2007 asking him about his intentions for the building - no response had been received.
Mr. and Mrs. Parums – The garage at Kiln Howe had been repaired with a new wooden exterior.
Red Squirrel signs – This would be followed up with Tim Foster upon his return from holiday.
Footpath from Gategill to Scales – no news.
New Parish Clerk – A welcome was extended to Caroline Greenway.
Recycling Bins – It was mentioned that the school were looking for possible volunteers to help keep the recycling bin area clean and tidy.
Safety Barrier A66 – Amey Mouchel had replied saying they could not recommend installation of safety fencing to the Highways Agency on the grounds that;
a) No accidents involving injury to pedestrians or cyclists had occurred at this location over the last 5 years.
b) Safety fencing would have a detrimental effect on visibility from the adjacent junction.
c) The fencing would block pedestrians crossing at this point and no gaps in the fencing were allowed.
d) In order to accommodate the working width and positioning of the fencing, the remaining footway width would not be suitable for a shared use footway/cycle way.
A letter would be sent to Amey Mouchel expressing disappointment and concern that it would necessitate an accident/s to happen before any action would be taken. An update in the construction of both the pedestrian island and right turn lane at the Castlerigg junction would also be sought.
Street Light at Fellside – no further news.
Radio Cumbria Bus – Photos had been provided by Donald Angus and these could be viewed on the Radio Cumbria website.
Cars Parked Outside Melbutts – A letter had been sent to Mr. Airey on 30 November 2007 suggesting that he write to the Highways Department with his concerns. PC Holliday would be contacted for his advice.

Public Representations:
The Chief Executive of Eden District Council would be accompanying Roy Fisher on a tour of his ward in February and would like to visit Threlkeld on 11 February. Either Donald Angus or Les Dalzell would be available to meet with him at around 10am on the day.

New Houses at Town Cross – Les Dalzell had spoken with Bill Murray at LDNPA but no update was forthcoming regarding the appointment of any new developers. An email would be sent to Paul Foote, Director of Corporate and Legal Services at Eden District Council seeking his help with this matter.

Flowers for Alison Critchlow – It was decided to buy a “dinner for two voucher” for Alison and Jon to enjoy at the Lyzzick Hall Hotel, Keswick as a thank you for all her help as Parish Council Clerk.

Ken Hebson’s yard – Ken had said he would tidy this up.

Tile Kiln Field – A copy of the entry in the Matterdale Archaeological Society report would be kept on file.

New Notice Board at Fell Side – This was in a poor state of repair and needed replacing. The cost of getting a replacement made would be investigated.

Public Room Update – Due to the postponement of the Public Meeting to 6 February there was nothing major to report. However, it was noted that if the Parish Council its self were to apply for planning permission for the revitalisation, assuming that things were to proceed as planned, then the fee payable would only be half what it would be. The Parish Council did not have a problem in authorising the Clerk to make the planning application on its behalf at the appropriate time, with the fee being paid from the Village Hall Revitalisation Fund.

Threlkeld Survey – A number of local people had been contacted to participate in a series of Focus group meetings arising from the survey results to discuss such topics as tourism, young and old people and retail. The first two evening meetings had taken place on 28 January with the remaining two to take place on 4 February.

Gategill Beck gravel problem – Gravel continued to be washed down from Gategill Beck, causing 3 drains to be blocked at the bottom of Gategill on the road leading to the kennels. A similar problem was also occurring of gravel being washed down to the junction to Rigghead on the road above Guardhouse. The road was prone to flooding and would ice over with treacherous consequences. These problems would be reported to the Highways Hotline. Perhaps the highways response team could carry out these repairs during their 5 days of routine work proposed from 28th April 2008.

Finance:
Monies Received-
3.12.07 £29.81 Barclays Bank interest
6.12.07 £7,461.25 LDNPA – Threlkeld Study Grant
23.01.08 £109 Beneath Blencathra adverts
23.01.08 £74 Beneath Blencathra adverts

Cheques Made Out –
6.12.07 £520 D&S Morrison – grass cutting at Kiln Howe/Dickney
11.12.07 £540 FSC – Newsletter costs
14.01.08 £2,475.49 Green Design Group – fees and services
14.01.08 £816.63 Baker Mallett – surveying services
14.01.08 £611.04 Alison Critchlow – Clerk salary
27.01.08 £70 Eden District Council – Parish Election recharges

Village Hall Revitalisation Project –
Monies Received –
Total at end of November £6,100.87

6.12.07 Carol Singing £94.66
10.12.07 Womens Group donation £50
10.12.07 Bowls Club £500
23.01.08 Recipe Books £56
28.01.08 John Collinge donation £20
Current Total £6,821.53

Planning Applications – Conversion of barn at Guardhouse Cottage, Guard House, Threlkeld to residential dwelling – objections.

Correspondence:
Berrier Wind Farm Opposition Group – Proposal to site an Anemometer on land at Berrier Hill – objections should be submitted by 14 February (Planning Application 07/0643). Parish Council to submit objections.
EDC – Annual Strategic Assessment Consultation Paper 2008/9. Feedback deadline 29 February. Do the priorities of the Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership reflect the priorities of the community? To be circulated round Parish Council.
Local Works – The Sustainable Communities Bill becomes law.
CALC – Advice on standing orders/public participation & changes to distribution of CALC circular (now by email).
CALC – The Effective Council course, Thrs 7, 14, 21 & 28 February at the Moot Hall, Keswick, 6.30pm to 9pm
Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme – Science & Solutions Conference, 23 February at Crosthwaite Science Centre, Crosthwaite Road, Keswick – 9am to 12.30pm

To Circulate
CCC – Cumbria Care Homes consultation 28 January to 28 April 2008. Proposal for the replacement of 6 residential care homes in Cumbria.
CCC – Annual Report 2006/7
Dept. for Communities & local government – consultation on orders & regulations relating to the conduct of local authority members in England.
Highways – NW edition, planned roadworks on major England roads Dec 07 to Feb 08
Clerks & Councils Direct 2008 – suppliers guide & year book. January 2008 news letter.
Fitzpatrick Woolmer – design, print & manufacture of signs, guides etc.
LCR – Jan 2008 publication
Glasdon – products for local councils, litter bins, grit bins etc
CALC – Circular December 2007/January 2008

Representatives Reports –

Wall needing repair at Dickney – Donald Angus to organise.

Matters To Be Placed On the Next Agenda –
Planning Applications – To be circulated by email.
Kiln Howe – Removal of gravel from catch pit.
EDC April Scrutiny Committee – topics to be submitted
Meeting of Lake District Parishes – 28 April
Nominate your local hero
Public Room – update

There being no further business the meeting was declared closed at 9.20pm. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday February 26th 2008 at 7.30pm in the Public Room.