Parish News for November

 Plenty of news from St. Mark’s Church available by clicking on this link.

Church Coffee Morning in aid of Manna House

12th November – 10.30am St Marks Church - Coffee morning, raising funds for Manna House charity 1147785.

Notes from the October Natland Parish Council Meeting.

FROM YOUR ON THE SPOT PARISH COUNCIL REPORTER

The October parish council meeting began with a couple from Castlesteads View asking what had happened to the promised safe crossing of the A65 and the proposed bus shelter. They asked very politely but it certain amount of frustration was obvious. Clr Rathbone was there to speak for W&F and the answer seems to be a paper work blockage on the bus shelter and a mixture of 'expense and difficulty' for the safe crossing. But a meeting is planned to see if a solution can be found.

The other input from the floor was a query as to what had happened about street lighting for the entrance/exit to the village. Although W&F have been asked for this, apparently the correct form has not been submitted by Natland yet. Perhaps it will get done by next winter; not sure whether I mean the paper work or the light!

There has been one applicant to fill the vacancy on the parish council, and the council agreed to his co-option except that (yes you've guessed it) the paper work is not yet fully complete.

There was now a lengthy session of seeking information from the W&F cllr about the progress of the Story Homes development and the situation regarding the Land Allocations for Natland. Both issues are clouded by the changes to Planning Rules within W&F. It is unlikely that the Story Homes planning application will go before a committee of councillors and will therefore be decided by a Planning Officer. Two main areas of concern are the footpath along Natland Rd and the provision of infrastructure for other services, particularly health services. The planning application is unclear about the proposed footpath and an eagle eyed parish councillor has spotted that Story now only intends to provide a 'contribution' to the expense.

The same councillor has also noticed that in the next round of Land Allocations it appears that 3 sites in Natland are still being considered, with the land behind Long Meadow now included.

It seems to be difficult to get any clarity about the progress of planning issues, with no certainty that either of the issues concerning Natland will come before the parish council again for comment.

You may have read in the Westmorland Gazette that Stage Coach has agreed to review its planned changes to bus routes; the parish council will therefore delay any decision on renovating the bus shelters on the A65. A position for a Notice Board to serve the Beeches estate was decided and this project will go ahead.

The Highwayman reported that Helm Lane was in need of resurfacing throughout its length, and it was noted that there had been flooding by the post box. Clearance of the drains would be requested Cllr Catnach has agreed to take over as the Footpaths Officer. The chairman cllr P Smith would continue as the CALC representative, update the web site as needed and become the Village Hall representative.

The next meeting will be on Monday 30th November at 7pm in the Village Hall.

Agenda for next NPC Meeting

 Natland Parish Council meets again on the 26th October when they will discuss some recurring issues and some new ones too. Click here for the full agenda.

Oxenholme Lane to be Closed Temporarily

Westmorland and Furness Council inform us of upcoming highway resurfacing works which are scheduled to take place on Oxenholme Lane, Natland.  

Works are programmed to commence on the 26th of October (school half term), and should take up 5 shifts to complete. In order to undertake the works safely and in compliance with current health & safety legislation a full road closure will be in effect between 08:00 and 18:00.  Access for residents and emergency services will be allowed when possible and if safe to do so.

Women’s Institute Coffee Morning

 

Natland Parish Council: Report of September Meeting

Our On the Spot Reporter records that slow progress was being made with the Story Homes development when it was considered by the Parish Council last Monday. It was reported too that the 41 bus may soon be changed to a circular route, : click here for more details about these, and all the Council’s concerns.

Click here for the official Minutes of the meeting.

Church Coffee Morning.

 

Drink and Breakfast on the Green

Just to let you know that St Mark’s Church will be using The Green at 8.45 to 9.30am on Tuesdays. This will initially be for a trial period during term time - October to December 2026.

We have received approval from the Parish Council.

Please be assured that we will be using a small gazebo that will be taken down after the event has finished and we will make sure that all litter is removed.

The aim is for Parents/ carers after the school drop off to have a drink and a chat with church members and clergy. We wish to see what they would like the church to provide for them and their families.

You are, of course, most welcome to come across for a chat and a cuppa. If you have any questions please contact the St Mark’s church on:- admin.kendalsouthchurches@gmail.com

Steam Train Heading South on Saturday

 On Saturday 3rd October the Tangmere 34067 will be Southbound Oxenholme 17:35.

Pat Wiliams.