Minutes of the meeting held in the Public Room on Tuesday 27th November 2007.

Present Carolyn Cripps chaired the meeting. Other members present were D. Angus, T. Foster, T. Roberts, R. Bragg, and T. Robson.

Apologies of absence: were received from G. Duxbury, L. Dalzell and R. Fisher.

Declarations of interest: None.

Minutes of the previous meeting: these were signed.

Joiners Shop – no reply received. Another letter will be sent to Mr. Skelton asking him about his intentions for the building.

Gate at Town Cross –Eden Housing Association have replaced this gate.

Mr. and Mrs. Parums –Replied, saying that they will mend the garage over the winter.

Judith Cooke –Has been in touch with the details of Keith Masser, who had helped with supplying “red Squirrel” signs at Patterdale. Tim Foster has a sign which he could donate, and information about the permissions required to put it up. This will be placed on the next agenda.

Footpath from Gategill to Scales – The creation order signs are still up. No further news yet.

Bonfire Night –This was a really good event and made a good profit.

Remembrance Sunday – This was well attended and the service was taken by Gwyn Jones. Next year some bollards may be needed to stop cars from driving through.

New Parish Clerk – Caroline Greenway was introduced she will be taking over the job of clerk from the end of December.

Recycling Bins –This is being looked at by Deborah Garnett, recycling officer at EDC.

Safety Barrier A66 – Amey Mouchel had replied explaining that the” watchman process” takes some time to be effective. John Ferguson at Amey Mouchel is dealing with the matters relating to Threlkeld.

Street Light at Fellside – EDC has written explaining that they cannot undertake replacing this light until the next financial year. Edward Pages’ address at EDC will be put in the newsletter for residents to write to about this.

CALC – Parish Clerks in Eden meeting, 29th November. Alison and Caroline Greenway will both attend.

Radio Cumbria Bus – Donald and Trevor Robson both contributed to this.

Threlkeld Survey – Len Cockcroft and Hadyn Morris attended the meeting to give an update on their progress so far with this evaluation project. Both men introduced themselves and gave a brief account of their backgrounds.

The study is looking at the economic base of Threlkeld and the future of its services. This is a pilot study for the LDNPA, who are funding the project. The first phase of the work involves desk research, consultation with key individuals, organizations and businesses. The questionnaire survey is part of this process. Focus groups will be set up to look at some of the key points that come from the survey. The second phase of the project will be looking at the findings, options and recommendations and producing an in depth report.

Questionnaire Results – Hadyn Morris gave a summary of the results of the questionnaires at the moment. However, not all of the forms have been returned yet.314 questionnaires were sent out, 190 have been returned so far. Only 166 of these have been analysed so far. Full details of the information will be given in the report. The responses to date indicate that the population is ageing. There are a lot more people in the 60-80 age range than the under 20’s.67% of people use the post office at least once a week , 75% buy newspapers in the village and ½ have their milk delivered. 70% indicated that they would buy groceries in Threlkeld if they were available and the idea of a farm or organic produce shop was mentioned. The questions about leisure reveal that the pubs, cricket club and village hall are all well used. Village events such as the bonfire, school fair and theatrical productions are popular. Health care questions showed that almost everyone went to Keswick for the doctors, dentist and opticians. Hospitals used most frequently were Keswick, Carlisle and Penrith. Other services (builder, joiner, plumber, mechanic, electrician and gardener) were often supplied by people in Threlkeld. Employment questions showed that almost as many people work in Threlkeld as go to work elsewhere (mainly Keswick).Most people own one or two cars, and 2/3 of people say that adults do not use public transport often. The main reason given for this was the fares being too expensive.

There has been a good response to the survey. Focus Group issues could include topics like retail – whether a grocery or specialist/ farm shop could be viable.

Visitors – whether to attract more visitors and how to do so.

Young People – What could be provided for youngsters?

It was agreed to finish the questionnaire survey on 10th December so that the results can be analysed and focus groups set up in the New Year. Len Cockcroft and Hadyn Morris were thanked for their up date.

Cars Parked Outside Melbutts – Mr. Airey has complained about this, as he is unable to see when coming out of his drive. A note will be put in the newsletter asking residents not to park on the roadside. A letter will also be sent to Mr. Airey suggesting that he write s to the Highways Department with his concerns.

Public Room Update – At the next meeting of the action group, to which Parish Councilors are invited, the architects will present the scheme they have worked up as a response to the brief. Along with various “fall back” options. Trevor Roberts will try and talk to the neighbours closest to the village hall before this meeting, out of courtesy.

Finance:

Monies Received-

1.11.07 £25.00 Ground Rents – Mike Howe

5.11.07 £24.00 Newsletter, adverts and donations

Cheques Made Out –

15.11.07 £936.24 Caroline Greenway – Revitalisation project, T-shirts and mugs.

27.11.07 £2,691.55 Green Design Group - payment for village hall survey, as part of feasibility study.

27.11.07 £823.94 AON Ltd. –public room insurance

27.11.07 £60.00 Marion Wright – Hedge cutting at Jubilee Croft

27.11.07 £30.00 Royal British Legion – poppy wreath and donation

Village Hall Revitalisation Project –

Monies Received –

Total at end of October £5,721.69

16.11.07 Recipe Books £56.00

26.11.07 Pudding Festival £273.18

26.11.07 Duncan Stuart £50.00

Current Total £6,100.87

Budget – This was discussed and it was agreed to precept for £4,222.00 which means the precept remains the same as last year.

Planning Applications – Notice of permission being granted for installation of a dish antenna on the existing transmitter at High Row.

Correspondence:

Cumbria Minerals &Waste Development Framework–Tim Foster will comment on this consultation document.

Roy Fisher – e mailed to urge the residents of Threlkeld to vote for Greystoke School on Wednesday 28th November, which will be on Border T.V.

LDNPA – Investing In Communities – Threlkeld provision of need evaluation survey –Carolyn Cripps signed this acceptance of the grant offer to pay for Len Cockcroft Consultancy to carry out this work.

Cumbria Highways – CCC are trialing a new system of highway response teams. In an attempt to make the authority more responsive to local needs, each area has been given some days when the highways team will be in the area. Threlkeld has been given 5 days from 28th April and another 5 days from 20th October 2008.

Eden Association of Local Councils – next meeting 12th December at 7.30pm, Penrith Town Hall. Subsequent meetings are scheduled for 12th March, 11th June, and 10th September.

CCC – X4 and X5 bus service is changing. The Cumbria Rider booklet has the new timetable.

Natural England – Woodland and Scrub Project Proposal for Mungrisedale Common – A comment will be sent back when Tim Foster has had time to look at it.

To Circulate

CALC – County Circular

SMP “Free Play” information

Wicksteed information

Clerks & Councils Direct

EDC A-Z Council Services

Cumbria Rural Housing Trust information

Local Council Review

Bloom Review

The Cumbria Rider – transport guide

“Continuous professional development”

Representatives Reports –

VAC Conference at Melmerby – Trevor Roberts is attending this and will report back.

Tree Planting at Dickney – The school had been given some trees from the woodland trust and contacted Donald to ask where they could be planted. Donald was able to get the tubes and ties donated by Russell’s Nurseries at Thornthwaite, and helped the children to plant hem in the rougher ground at Dickney.

Donald will also sort out mending the wall here.

Matters To Be Placed On the Next Agenda –

Tile Kiln Field – Donald has got a copy of the report by Matterdale Archaeological Society.

Ken Hebson’s Yard– There has been a complaint about the machinery etc. left at the entrance to this yard. A letter will be sent asking him to move the machine and tidy the area up.

New Notice board at Fell Side.

Public Room – update

There being no further business the meeting was declared closed at 9.25pm. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday January 29th 2008 at 7.30pm in the Public Room.