FROM YOUR ON THE SPOT PARISH COUNCIL REPORTER
I'll start with a plug for the Annual Parish Meeting which is on Thurs 9th Apr at 7pm in the village hall. There will be reports from the parish council and other groups and institutions and the Country Access Officer will give a presentation on the Canal Towpath Trail. Moreover, the Open Forum is the opportunity for any resident to raise other matters or concerns with the council.
The Open Forum opportunity was taken by a resident of The Beeches (which is in Natland) to raise an issue with the council at the March meeting. Many of the those residents think there is a need for a Defibrillator on their estate and he was hoping for advice and support from Natland Parish council. He got lots of information and was advised to contact Endmoor First Responders who are the experts round here. The council also suggested that it might help with the costs, but probably on a matched funding arrangement.
Cllr Catnach then gave a very informative briefing about the Land Allocations process. Various sites in Natland have been put forward for possible housing development and, after a first review of them, two had received a positive go ahead for further consideration. The most significant of the two is the land behind Long Meadow Lane. Just because this area had been rejected in a past it does not follow that the same arguments will hold good this time.
Cllr Catnach has identified quite a few issues which are relevant and in order that a comprehensive case could be presented to W&F Planning it was suggested that a small working group be set up. It was recognised that it was important to have a representative on this group from Long Meadow Lane.
The other site still in the pot for possible development was the area behind the new Anord Mardix factory. Whilst not as immediately seen as a threat to the character of Natland, it is important that the planning process takes due regard of two factors; that the area is a flood risk which might have been exacerbated by the flood prevention measures in Kendal and the national importance of the heritage site at Watercrook.
Cllr D Rathbone was then asked if he had any news from W&F about the request for a street light in the vicinity of the village hall/village green. The answer was that 'its practicality' was being looked into. So I think this one's been put on the back burner for a while; but there are more immediate and important issues needing attention.
The council then went on to discuss two of them. Firstly the village green and what can be done about its damaged state and can measures be taken to stop further damage. After lengthy discussion and suggestions, two actions were proposed. The first seems a bit of a 'do nothing' but is actually more like a 'kick it down the road' plan. The first cut of the village green is due on 1 Apr and the grass cutter has offered to look at the damage and with his input a way ahead might be found. As a preventative measure the Chairman of the council has produced two leaflets, politely worded (he's always polite), asking drivers not to drive or park on the green or park in such a way as to make other drivers infringe the green. These were handed out for cllrs to use but I think the plan or hope is that residents of the green will take some as well.
The other issue is of course the flooding, especially outside the church, which has been reported many times. Cllr Rathbone is well aware of the frustration of the council and residents at the situation and his next step is to report the issue to the Portfolio Holder. The flooding on Sedgwick road was not mentioned but the Chairman and I think that there is a plan to put in a new soak away – but when?
The charitable grants which the council make annually were then agreed; they are to: Cumbria Community Foundation, Mountain Rescue, Citizens' Advice, Great North Air Ambulance, North West Air Ambulance and The British Legion Poppy Appeal.
The reports from cllrs were mainly about roads and traffic. Cllr Clark has noticed that potholes used to get repaired quite quickly but it now takes a month or so. The large hole which almost appeared overnight close to the entrance to the village hall and the one at the junction of Helm Lane and Sedgwick Rd have been reported. Much concern was expressed about traffic and parking on Natland Rd, now increased due to the Mardix works.
One cllr also reported an increase in dog poo being left on pavements or other areas. The council does not want to take formal action at this stage but hopes this anti social and inconsiderate behaviour from dog owners or one owner will cease.
After the meeting had closed Cllr S Ibbs announced his resignation as he is to shortly move from the village. He was thanked for his service to the village over many years.
The next parish council meeting is on Mon 11th May at 7pm, but don't forget the Annual Parish Meeting on Thurs 9th April.