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NOTICEBOARD 

• NOTICE OF A VACANCY FOR A COUNCILLOR ON CROSTHWAITE AND LYTH PARISH COUNCIL: 
  Following the uncontested elections in May, there is a vacancy for one Parish Councillor which can be filled by co-option. A Notice of Vacancy is Here. Anyone interested should contact the Clerk for information on how to express an interest in becoming a Councillor using the following email address: crosthwaiteandlyth.pc@hotmail.co.uk  
  

• Bridge Closure on the Underbarrow Road: Please be aware that Westmorland and Furness Council has closed the bridge over the A591 between Kendal and Underbarrow until further notice. This could be for up to 18 months whilst survey and works (if necessary) are concluded. The Notice of Closure is Here.

• THE NEED FOR PLANNING CONSENT:  Crosthwaite and Lyth Parish Council would like to advise residents to always check with Development Management (Planning) at the Lake District National Park before changing the use of a building or building any sheds, whether in their gardens or in a field. Most developments and changes of use in a National Park require planning permission and the Parish Council has a duty and responsibility monitor developments in relation to planning regulations. It has become aware that there are an increasing number of sheds, changes of use of existing land / buildings or “holiday accommodation” in buildings without relevant planning permission appearing. Furthermore, it is in our own interests to ensure we have the relevant permissions as when we, or our descendants, come to sell, all the relevant paperwork will have to be produced.  A check is very easy to do as there are duty planners available at LDNPA every week who can be contacted at 01539 724555 or by email at planning@lakedistrict.gov.uk. 

• ELECTIONS TO THE PARISH COUNCIL AND NOTICE OF A VACANCY:  Nominations for membership of the Parish Council closed on 05 April 2024 at which point there were four nominations for the 7 places available. As a result, no election was required and the result of the uncontested election is HERE.  Where vacancies arise as the result of insufficient candidates to fill all available seats (seven for Crosthwaite and Lyth) then the Parish Council is at liberty to fill vacancies by co-opting eligible persons direct onto the Council. At the first meeting of the new Council on 13 May 2024 two of the available places were filled by co-option. 
• Offer of Free Trees from the Woodland Trust: Since 2010, The Woodland Trust has given away 13 million trees free to schools and community groups across the UK. It is currently accepting applications for free trees from schools and community groups. Eligible groups can apply for up to 420 free saplings per application window with deliveries taking place every year in March and November. Contact Steve Shill, Senior Project Lead, Community Woodland Outreach on 07774693621 or steveshill@woodlandtrust.org.uk. 
  
• Trees and High Winds: The Parish Council has been asked about its responsibility for trees that may be swaying or creaking in high winds associated with some of the named storms that have been passing through recently. The Parish Council has responsibility only for those trees that are on the relatively small amount of land that is owned by it and has no general responsibility for other trees in the Parish. If there are concerns about the condition of a clearly identified tree that seems to pose a hazard to the public, then the Parish Council may consider raising this with the landowner. Parishioners are advised however to take heed of official Meteorological Office Weather Warnings and act accordingly. 
• Sheds, structures or activities without planning permission: A number of observations have been made to the Parish Council recently about sheds, structures or activities that may need planning permission - but might not have. The Parish Council has taken note and referred a number of cases to the Enforcement Section of the Lake District National Park Authority. The Enforcement Section is working on these and has allocated Case Numbers to several instances where it feels action may be required. Playing an active role in planning matters is part of the Parish Council's remit and it will continue to alert the Authority if it seems appropriate to do so. 
• 20 m.p.h. Zones. Local communities have been advised that there is now the opportunity to consider whether to explore the process whereby 20 m.p.h. zones might be introduced on roads that fit relevant criteria. Westmorland and Furness Council (W&FC) has issued a Policy on how it might facilitate interest from local communities and guidance on how to apply. Parish Councils have a central role in any such process and Crosthwaite and Lyth Parish Council will work with W&FC to assess the level of support for such a scheme locally.
• Westmorland and Furness Household Support Fund – crisis support for households in need: Westmorland and Furness Council has set aside £1m (of a £3.5m government fund) to help people struggling to afford energy, food, water bills and other essentials. The application-based fund will be available until 31 March 2024 and comprises an online application or a telephone-based service which will provide vouchers that can be redeemed at post offices to pay for household essentials including utilities, food, and other essentials. For more information, go to:       https://legacy.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/costofliving/financialsupport.asp 
• For all matters relating to the NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN, please click the Neighbourhood Plan tab on the top menu above.
• CLEAN - The Crosthwaite and Lyth Eco Action Network (CLEAN) held its first meeting on 11 May 2023 and a furhter meeting on 09 November. A submission to it from the Parish Council will be found on the Events and Meetings Page. Information on future meetings will be posted here.
• Please click here for details of the Post Office Outreach service at the Argles Memorial Hall, Crosthwaite
• Please see "Events & Meetings" for the Walkway opening report & photo