News

5 October 2026 at Garrigill Village Hall

This report is an informal one, and should not be taken as an accurate and agreed record of the parish council meeting. It is written to give our local residents some general information about the meeting, but only the formal minutes, which will be posted later, are a proper record.

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DECLARATION OF INTEREST ISSUE

The Clerk has spoken with the Monitoring Officer, in connection with payments to her husband who, it was agreed at the last parish council meeting, should be paid for work he continued to do having initially volunteered after the handyperson resigned, leaving several jobs urgently needing to be done.  He has now been contracted to this self-employed rôle.  The Monitoring Officer has granted a dispensation regarding such payments, and it was pointed out that any payments have to be authorised by at least two councillors before the Clerk pays them, and the declaration of interest is quite different from that of councillors, as the Clerk merely fulfils the wishes of the council and does not vote.

COMPLAINT FROM COUNCILLOR HO

Councillor Ho had written to the council claiming that there had been manipulation of her vote in the minutes of the September meeting, concerning the vote for approval of the August minutes, so that she was recorded as having abstained rather than voting against.  The Clerk confirmed that she had made a typing error, and her written notes and the recording confirm the correct vote. There had been no ‘manipulation’ (not least as the error made no difference to the otherwise overwhelming vote in favour).  Councillor Ho had not explained why she did not approve the minutes, but in the October meeting confirmed that she had not read them, when asked..  She insisted that the Clerk should report this minor error to the Monitoring Officer and refused to accept that the only person who could report alleged wrongdoing by the Clerk in this matter was her.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Councillors Martin and Monk, with Sarah Stamford, the Community Development Officer and the Clerk, had talked with members of Ainstable Parish Council who had progressed a Neighbourhood Plan.  They recommended to contact Bluestone, who help parish councils – and in fact, Westmorland and Furness had contacted them to talk with us.  The online meeting with Bluestone was very informative.  AMPC has to agree to a service level agreement with Westmorland and Furness Council. Bluestone is contacting W&F to emphasise that they should pay attention to our wish for more businesses and houses.  We can do design plans for different parts of the area, as appropriate.  It was felt this was really important for regenerating the area.

W&F Councillor Mary Robinson pointed out that the Rural Housing Survey was a start for this work.  The W&F Local Plan will take until 2029 to complete.  The first set of  consultations on sites will be in September 2027.  The National Planning Policy Framework has changed things. 

It was agreed that the Chair should signed the service level agreement, the first necessary step.

GRISEDALE CROFT WORKING GROUP

The Working Group wrote to all relevant W&F councillors.  The consultation report was clear that local residents wanted refurbishment.  At the Scrutiny Committee meeting, it became clear that when W&F officers said they’d consulted with the NHS, they meant regarding the Eden area, not about Alston Moor.  It was concerning that in the report they had wrong information despite our pointing it out.

Councillors Bondi and Monk, plus Sarah Stamford, spoke at the Scrutiny committee.  The Councillors appeared to understand our viewpoint, and insisted that the officers had to do a proper costing and further negotiation with the NHS etc.  As a result, the fate of Grisedale Croft (and Windermere’s Applethwaite Green) will be considered at a Cabinet meeting on 27 October, deferred from 13 October.

The BBC has been asked to do a big piece before 27 October.  W&F Councillor Robinson pointed out that this needs to go out in the southern part of the council, as this is where most of the councillors on the Cabinet are based.  AMPC agreed to look into possibilities for a bus to take people to Kendal on 27 October, as it is hoped that many people will attend the meeting at Kendal Town Hall at 10.00 and make our presence felt.

HEALTH PLANNING

Concern was expressed about the possible transfer of this area (all of Eden) from North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board to Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.  Rachel Mitcheson, Commissioner of Services for NE&NC ICB recognises that we need to stay in NE&NC.

WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Councillor Mary Robinson reported that the Place Action Group is holding money which cannot now be used for Langwathby Bridge, so there is to be a meeting to consider its use for the warm hubs. She reminded everyone that because of national policy, planning decisions will go directly to committees (on which both she and Councillor Hanley sit).

Councillor Michael Hanley reported that fiscal devolution may mean tourists paying a ‘tourist tax’.  He spoke about the climate and environment group, for which red squirrels are a focus.  Funding is available and may be used for the two rope bridges requested by the Alston Moor Red Squirrel Group.

NENTHEAD WARD

Councillor Crossley reported that the setts outside the Hive are yet to be replaced, and the community is horrified that Westmorland and Furness want to tarmac the area.  If they are put back properly, they would last longer than tarmac.  The Village Hall will be refurbished from 16 November, replastering and repainting.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATOR

She has been working with the Grisedale Croft Working Group, and also on the Neighbourhood Plan.  There is a potential Emergency Resilience project, involving the surgery and first responders, with grant being available for the right project.   Many tourists are expected in Cumbria for the Tour de France on 2 and 3 July 2027, not coming through Alston Moor but there is likely to be an increase in visitors here and worth planning for.

Sarah Stamford intends to have a Volunteer Awards event again this year; members of the public can nominate.  She is hoping to find someone to judge, who knows Alston Moor but is not involved.  There will again be a Room to Award, with an hotel stay prize.  All agreed, with one abstention, for this to go ahead and be funded.

NENTHEAD FOUNTAIN

The condition report has been requested and will probably come this week.  This will be clear about its current state and what is needed.  There will be a drop-in at the Hive on 16 October for local people, after which application will be made for listed building consent and possible heritage funding.  There is the possibility of a consultant to be paid for through the Land of Lead and Silver project.  Nenthead people want things which are part of the more recent history of the fountain to stay, but this will depend on the listed buildings consent.

EDEN SPEED LIMIT REVIEW

The areas concerned are along the A689 from the Raise, and the A686 past Low Bayles.  Speeding in Nenthead is an issue.  Someone has said they want a speed watch group .  We do not know if there is an organisation for this area (as there is for Northumberland), but it will be suggested that this person works with the Community Development Co-ordinator.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

The Market Cross and the Christmas tree need new lights – it will be important to ensure that the new tree lights do not touch the ground.  The Clerk has obtained prices for these and for the front of the Town Hall, at £400-500 each.  She will sort these out and check all the small trees. 

PLANNING

The one planning permission sought, for 1 Sunset View, Alston, was approved.

FINANCE

Forthcoming payments were approved.

Work is beginning towards the precept.  Councillor Davies pointed out that we will need to account for tarmacing a small patch at Tyne Willows not done previously.  Groups will soon be asked to apply for the 2027-8 precept.

TREES

It was recognised that the El Nino is likely to cause problems with gales.  There was discussion about what should be removed at Firs Walk.  Councillor Grew told the parish council that Westmorland and Furness Council have no responsibility for trees more than two foot from the road, and while NW Electricity trim the trees along the verges along the road towards Leadgate, more is needed.  No-one else has any obligation and so she asked AMPC to take them on.  As this was clearly for the benefit of the community, the majority of councillors agreed to take responsibility for them.

CORRESPONDENCE

Weymouth Parish Council has asked us (and other parish councils) to join them in requesting an obligation for payment of care costs (for children and others) for councillors attending meetings.  It was felt that we would support this, not least to enable others who may previously have been unwilling to stand because of the care costs attendance would entail.

HANDYPERSON

There were a number of outstanding jobs when the previous handyperson left.  The work was advertised, for a self-employed contractor, and there was only one application, Stephen Thomson.  He was interviewed by Councillors Miller and Monk and clearly fulfilled the requirements for skills, knowledge and expertise.  Public liability insurance is in place, one reference has already been received and we are awaiting the second.  He is happy to commit to ten hours a week and more if necessary.  The council unanimously agreed to the appointment, to start when the second reference has arrived (probably on Monday 12^th). Any necessary training will be arranged.

NEXT MEETING

The next parish council meeting will be in Alston Town Hall Annex at 19.00 on Monday 2 November.

Last October, households across the nine parishes of the Alston Moor and Fellside Place Action Group were asked about their housing needs. The survey was run by ACTion with Communities in Cumbria (ACT). Two reports have now been published: one for Alston Moor, and one for the whole area.

Who replied

128 households in Alston Moor sent the survey back. Thank you to everyone who took part, and to the volunteers who delivered the forms.

What people need

• 19 households said they plan to move in the next few years.
• 13 of them gave enough detail for their needs to be assessed.
• 9 of these households need an affordable home. All 9 would prefer to rent, or to part-rent and part-buy, from a housing association.
• 4 households could buy on the open market. Two of these are looking for a bungalow.
• The most common reasons for moving were setting up a first home and downsizing.
• Most people need a home with only one or two bedrooms.

What people think

• 84% would support a small group of affordable homes for local people.
• 74% would support a mix of affordable homes and homes for sale.
• 47% would support homes for sale on the open market.
• Homes for young people were seen as the biggest need, followed by homes for social rent.

People were also worried about empty and run-down buildings, second homes and holiday lets, the shortage of bungalows for older people, and the lack of local jobs.

What happens next

The survey does not by itself mean new homes will be built. It gives us evidence to use when talking to Westmorland and Furness Council, housing associations and developers. A Rural Housing Summit for the area is being planned.

If you need a home now

• To rent an affordable home, register with Cumbria Choice Based Lettings.
• If you want to build your own home, join the Westmorland and Furness Self and Custom Build Register.
• If you need changes to your home because of a disability, you may be able to get a Disabled Facilities Grant from Westmorland and Furness Council.

You can read both reports in full here:

https://alstonmoorparish.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Alston-Moor-Parish-Housing-Needs-Report-2026-1305-1.pdf

https://alstonmoorparish.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Alston-Moor-and-Fellside-PAG-Housing-Needs-Report-2026-1305-1.pdf

7 September 2026 at Nenthead Village Hall

This report is an informal one, and should not be taken as an accurate and agreed record of the parish council meeting. It is written to give our local residents some general information about the meeting, but only the formal minutes, which will be posted later, are a proper record.

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The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted.  The Clerk had received a letter asking the parish council to pay for the painting which has been done at the shelter on the Potato Market.  As this area does not belong to AMPC – its legal status remains unknown despite many people trying to find out over many years – and we were neither asked about, nor commissioned, this painting to be done, there is nothing we can do.

WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS COUNCIL

Cllr Mary Robinson was unable to attend.  Cllr Michael Hanley had to leave for another parish council meeting so his contribution was taken at the start of the meeting.  A car club proposal had been received from an organisation doing this in various areas, and a similar one is based in Keswick.  But there is no group here able and willing to take it on currently.

LOCAL AND NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANS

Regarding the development of a Neighbourhood Plan for Alston Moor, the Clerk has been in touch with Ainstable Parish Council who have already done a lot of work on such a plan.  A meeting has been arranged for 17 September, which the Clerk, Cllr Martin, the Community Development Co-ordinator and hopefully another councillor will attend.

GRISEDALE CROFT CARE HOME

A full AMPC response to the consultation was submitted.  Members of the working group attended a meeting arranged between the NHS (North Cumbria and North East) and Westmorland and Furness Council.  It was confirmed at that meeting that, as suspected, people have been refused admission to Grisedale for the last year (which goes towards explaining the low numbers).  The NHS person was very positive and helpful.  Brian Grew, a retired quality surveyor, has assessed that, from what he can observe, the building is in good order.

The report from the consultation, expected on 15 September, will go to the Health and Adult Scrutiny committee (23 September) and to the Eden Locality Board, before going to Cabinet.  The working group has written to all thirty councillors who sit on one or more of these bodies and has already had some positive responses.

WREATHS

Remembrance Day wreaths have been ordered.  Councillors will lay wreaths at each of the four War Memorials: Cllr Monk at Alston, Cllr Crossley at Nenthead, Cllr Grew at Garrigill and Cllr Reay at Nenthall.

NENTHEAD WARD MEETING

The next meeting is on 28 September.  The Cobbles outside the Hive have still not been replaced.

MIRANDA CANNON MEETING

The Clerk, several councillors, and others, met with the CEO of Westmorland and Furness Council on 7 August.  People spoke about Grisedale Croft, the cemeteries, transport, and Nenthead Mines.  The Community Development officer spoke about the reliance on volunteers and the pressure, with fewer volunteers able and willing to undertake tasks.  Ms Cannon listened but said very little and gave no significant feedback.

ALSTON MOOR FITNESS CLUB

Someone has ripped the water metre off the wall, and we need to replace it.  It was agreed that the Clerk should get prices and go ahead with ordering one.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

We have sought and received advice from Highways about the spacing for the Butts planter.

The double yellow lines which have been agreed will be done.

Apparently the proposed site for a zebra crossing at Fairhill does not have enough vehicle and pedestrian traffic to qualify.  We have asked them to reconsider, given the specifics of the situation.

A No Through Road sign has been agreed for Church Road, along with one for The Firs.  The issues at the narrows at the top of town are being sorted out, to ensure a right-of-way for those driving up.

On the Alston-Nenthead road, the short 60mph length of road between the end of the 40mph section and the start of 30mph is being reviewed, to gather data.

Grit bins, with properly closing lids, have been requested.

NENTHEAD FOUNTAIN

The Clerk and the Community Development Co-ordinator have spoken with Enforcement and the Listed Buildings staff to get information what is required.  Apparently, this can only be provided for a fee of £174.

We would want to get a conditional report from an experienced company, which will cost us £1300 including their visit.  Five companies were contacted, and they all recommended the company we’ve now contacted.  Listed building consent would then be needed.

There will be a consultation with Nenthead residents, probably at the Warm Hub at the Hive in October.

There is a possibility of including a time capsule, perhaps done by Nenthead Primary School.

We will also seek funding from Land of Lead and Silver (a North Pennines National Landscape project) for someone to manage the project.

AMPC agreed to go ahead with all the proposals to get the project going, starting by checking whether Westmorland and Furness Council is willing to give us information, as opposed to the charged-for advice.

PROGRESS REPORT

It was agreed to publish a progress report, so people know more of what goes on behind the scenes.  Alongside this the council gave the go-ahead to pay for a particular parish council-focussed AI, probably ‘GovMeeting’, which is able to relieve the Clerk of a great deal of the routine work.  Provision of Microsoft Word for councillors on the iPads was also agreed.

SIGNS FOR WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS WAY

There were various reservations expressed about the proliferation of signboards around Alston Moor, including for this new long-distance route.  It was pointed out that some of the sites suggested would require conservation area consent.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

The council approved the applications for Browngill, High Mill House and the Hive.

TREES

It was agreed for Michael Collins to be asked to deal with the trees in need of urgent attention near the youth hostel, and to invite tenders for the others identified in the tree survey.

FOOTWAY

The path at Bruntley Meadows is getting sorted.

HANDYPERSON

The handyperson has decided he cannot continue, given his own business being busy, so has done no further work.  A member of the community has volunteered to do some of the immediate work needed including the painting of the bus shelters.  He has public liability insurance.  It was agreed he should be paid for his work.  He will be asked to deal with the painting of some benches also.  The post will be readvertised.

NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

The council will meet on Monday 5 October at Alston Town Hall.

3 August 2026 at Alston Town Hall

This report is an informal one, and should not be taken as an accurate and agreed record of the parish council meeting. It is written to give our local residents some general information about the meeting, but only the formal minutes, which will be posted later, are a proper record.

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NEW COUNCILLOR CO-OPTED

Martin Gibson from Nenthead was co-opted as councillor for Nenthead.  This means that Nenthead is now up to its full complement of four councillors.

LOCAL PLAN CONSULTATION

It was reported that one possible site for housing had been suggested, by someone who is not the landowner.  There was discussion about the patches of land owned by the parish council possibly being suitable for housing, but these are either on a long-term tenancy or problematic for access. 

A  letter outlining our engagement with the local plan and our intention to follow it with a neighbourhood plan, along with a detailed response to the local plan, were agreed to be sent to Westmorland and Furness Council.

GRISEDALE CROFT CONSULTATION

A draft response to the consultation, previously circulated to councillors, was agreed with minor alterations requested. Councillor Grew has been in touch with Westmorland and Furness Council asking them to agree to two people going into Grisedale Croft to measure up and hence produce our own estimate of costs for refurbishment.

REQUEST TO SHARE HOUSING SURVEY

As the housing survey was devolved to the Place Action Group, and each council’s report is theirs alone, it was agreed to refuse the request.

MARTYN’S LAW

Councillor Reay explained what we do, and don’t, need to do.  This law was introduced in the name of Martyn Hett, who died in the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack.  The intention is to ensure that people are kept safe from potential terrorist attack.  Specific plans are only required for premises regularly having more than 200 people on the premises at one time (standard tier) or (enhanced tier) ticketed outdoor events with more than 800 present at one time.  No premises on Alston Moor nor Alston Live (the only ticketed outdoor event) are therefore required to have plans in place, but it was suggested that it would be sensible to have guidelines for Alston Town Hall.

WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS REPORTS

Councillor Hanley reported on ongoing discussions about sustainable transport.  Councillors asked whether the Alston-Penrith Saturday bus was still running while the summer-only Newcastle-Keswick was running [it has since been confirmed that it’s definitely running to 31 October].  There was general approval of the suggestion that the Citizens’ Advice Bureau be reinstated in Alston.

Councillor Robinson spoke about the new Chief Executive, Miranda Cannon, who is visiting the Fellside and Alston Moor on Friday. She is keen to change the culture, which too often means we don’t get answers to questions.  Issues concerning Grisedale Croft, the mine water treatment scheme at Nenthead, care of the three cemeteries, transport and other matters will be raised with her.  Cllr Robinson also reported that nationally, parish councils will no longer be statutory consultees for planning applications. 

NENTHEAD WARD

At the meeting last week, the funding for Christmas decorations was raised.  Quite a lot is needed for replacements.  The Clerk asked for a list of things with costings, and will check the needs for all three sites.  A number of issues were raised which are to go to Traffic Management.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATOR

Sarah Stamford is busy with requests from community groups.  She is now based in the Town Hall office.  In order to apply for funding for the Nenthead fountain work, relevant information is needed from the Conservation Officer, but they are demanding payment for such information.  Councillor Robinson suggested talking to the Head of Planning about this.  Sarah highlighted the particular pressure on rural volunteers.  She has progressed an application to the National Lottery for funding to continue her rôle.

PARISH COUNCIL MAILBOX

It was agreed to pay £14.99 to expand the mailbox capacity for the Clerk.

AI POSSIBILITIES

It had been suggested that we consider GovMeeting, which is designed specifically for parish and town councils.  The Clerk and Councillor Martin have had one online meeting with them so far, and some of their offer looks useful.  A further meeting is to be held to finalise what will be most worthwhile.

DISCUSSION WITH ALSTON HERITAGE

Councillor Bondi had been contacted by Jon Muir, and had talked with him about the key principles for presenting heritage information to the public.  He agreed that the illustration needed a prominent caption making clear that it is not a map.  The need for far fewer words and clarity about a single ‘message’ was also explained.  However, it seems that as far as Westmorland and Furness Council is concerned, the only issue is the specific siting, and what is on boards is of no consequence, even if it were to serve no purpose or be unpleasant.

BRUNTLEY MEADOWS FOOTPATH

The planning department says it’s outside the boundary and therefore the developer is responsible and is currently in breach.  A site meeting is being held this week.

PLANNING

The requested further information about waste water disposal at the Browngill site has not been provided, and therefore it was again referred back.

As noted above, the planning application regarded A0 boards concerns only the specific siting and therefore was passed, albeit with notable dissent.

The application concerning a tattoo parlour and piercing studio proposed for Kearton House was approved.

FINANCE

The AGAR report was approved as accurate and will be posed on the website and on noticeboards.

ASSETS

The handyperson has been asked to look at the trees which are reported to be overhanging the path at Firs Wood and along the Pennine Way, and will trim as necessary.  After his return from holiday next week, Michael Collins will look, with the Parish Council chair and the owner of the Youth Hostel, at the overall situation.

CORRESPONDENCE

The planter for the Butts, to be placed to ensure that parking does not prevent emergency vehicle access, is arriving on Wednesday.

Someone has asked why the Parish Council hasn’t got a 20mph limit for Alston.  This is the responsibility of the Traffic Management group, not the council. 

NEXT MEETING
The Parish Council will next meet on Monday 7 September at Nenthead Village Hall.

REPORT OF ALSTON MOOR PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

3 August 2026 at Alston Town Hall

This report is an informal one, and should not be taken as an accurate and agreed record of the parish council meeting. It is written to give our local residents some general information about the meeting, but only the formal minutes, which will be posted later, are a proper record.

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NEW COUNCILLOR CO-OPTED

Martin Gibson from Nenthead was co-opted as councillor for Nenthead.  This means that Nenthead is now up to its full complement of four councillors.

LOCAL PLAN CONSULTATION

It was reported that one possible site for housing had been suggested, by someone who is not the landowner.  There was discussion about the patches of land owned by the parish council possibly being suitable for housing, but these are either on a long-term tenancy or problematic for access. 

A  letter outlining our engagement with the local plan and our intention to follow it with a neighbourhood plan, along with a detailed response to the local plan, were agreed to be sent to Westmorland and Furness Council.

GRISEDALE CROFT CONSULTATION

A draft response to the consultation, previously circulated to councillors, was agreed with minor alterations requested. Councillor Grew has been in touch with Westmorland and Furness Council asking them to agree to two people going into Grisedale Croft to measure up and hence produce our own estimate of costs for refurbishment.

REQUEST TO SHARE HOUSING SURVEY

As the housing survey was devolved to the Place Action Group, and each council’s report is theirs alone, it was agreed to refuse the request.

MARTYN’S LAW

Councillor Reay explained what we do, and don’t, need to do.  This law was introduced in the name of Martyn Hett, who died in the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack.  The intention is to ensure that people are kept safe from potential terrorist attack.  Specific plans are only required for premises regularly having more than 200 people on the premises at one time (standard tier) or (enhanced tier) ticketed outdoor events with more than 800 present at one time.  No premises on Alston Moor nor Alston Live (the only ticketed outdoor event) are therefore required to have plans in place, but it was suggested that it would be sensible to have guidelines for Alston Town Hall.

WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS REPORTS

Councillor Hanley reported on ongoing discussions about sustainable transport.  Councillors asked whether the Alston-Penrith Saturday bus was still running while the summer-only Newcastle-Keswick was running [it has since been confirmed that it’s definitely running to 31 October].  There was general approval of the suggestion that the Citizens’ Advice Bureau be reinstated in Alston.

Councillor Robinson spoke about the new Chief Executive, Miranda Cannon, who is visiting the Fellside and Alston Moor on Friday. She is keen to change the culture, which too often means we don’t get answers to questions.  Issues concerning Grisedale Croft, the mine water treatment scheme at Nenthead, care of the three cemeteries, transport and other matters will be raised with her.  Cllr Robinson also reported that nationally, parish councils will no longer be statutory consultees for planning applications. 

NENTHEAD WARD

At the meeting last week, the funding for Christmas decorations was raised.  Quite a lot is needed for replacements.  The Clerk asked for a list of things with costings, and will check the needs for all three sites.  A number of issues were raised which are to go to Traffic Management.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATOR

Sarah Stamford is busy with requests from community groups.  She is now based in the Town Hall office.  In order to apply for funding for the Nenthead fountain work, relevant information is needed from the Conservation Officer, but they are demanding payment for such information.  Councillor Robinson suggested talking to the Head of Planning about this.  Sarah highlighted the particular pressure on rural volunteers.  She has progressed an application to the National Lottery for funding to continue her rôle.

PARISH COUNCIL MAILBOX

It was agreed to pay £14.99 to expand the mailbox capacity for the Clerk.

AI POSSIBILITIES

It had been suggested that we consider GovMeeting, which is designed specifically for parish and town councils.  The Clerk and Councillor Martin have had one online meeting with them so far, and some of their offer looks useful.  A further meeting is to be held to finalise what will be most worthwhile.

DISCUSSION WITH ALSTON HERITAGE

Councillor Bondi had been contacted by Jon Muir, and had talked with him about the key principles for presenting heritage information to the public.  He agreed that the illustration needed a prominent caption making clear that it is not a map.  The need for far fewer words and clarity about a single ‘message’ was also explained.  However, it seems that as far as Westmorland and Furness Council is concerned, the only issue is the specific siting, and what is on boards is of no consequence, even if it were to serve no purpose or be unpleasant.

BRUNTLEY MEADOWS FOOTPATH

The planning department says it’s outside the boundary and therefore the developer is responsible and is currently in breach.  A site meeting is being held this week.

PLANNING

The requested further information about waste water disposal at the Browngill site has not been provided, and therefore it was again referred back.

As noted above, the planning application regarded A0 boards concerns only the specific siting and therefore was passed, albeit with notable dissent.

The application concerning a tattoo parlour and piercing studio proposed for Kearton House was approved.

FINANCE

The AGAR report was approved as accurate and will be posed on the website and on noticeboards.

ASSETS

The handyperson has been asked to look at the trees which are reported to be overhanging the path at Firs Wood and along the Pennine Way, and will trim as necessary.  After his return from holiday next week, Michael Collins will look, with the Parish Council chair and the owner of the Youth Hostel, at the overall situation.

CORRESPONDENCE

The planter for the Butts, to be placed to ensure that parking does not prevent emergency vehicle access, is arriving on Wednesday.

Someone has asked why the Parish Council hasn’t got a 20mph limit for Alston.  This is the responsibility of the Traffic Management group, not the council. 

NEXT MEETING
The Parish Council will next meet on Monday 7 September at Nenthead Village Hall.

6 JULY 2026 at Nenthead Village Hall

This report is an informal one, and should not be taken as an accurate and agreed record of the parish council meeting. It is written to give our local residents some general information about the meeting, but only the formal minutes, which will be posted later, are a proper record.

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MINUTES OF LAST MEETING, MATTERS ARISING

The minutes of the meeting of 1 June 2026 were approved.

• The agreed garden waste bins for Alston and Garrigill have been paid for. 
• There was discussion about the proposed planter to be placed to prevent parking and ensure that emergency vehicles can access the Butts, and a tall half barrel planter was agreed. 
• Westmorland and Furness Council has agreed that the replacement fence for Nenthead War Memorial can go ahead, on a like-for-like basis.
• Miranda Cannon, the new Chief Executive of Westmorland and Furness Council, is visiting Alston Moor on 24 July; she wants to get to know the area and its issues.

CHAIR’S REPORT

There was a good Gala day.  There is a need for a sign at the entrance to Church Road saying No Through Road, as it has become obvious during the closure of the lower part of Front Street that people imagine there is a through route.

Councillors thanked the Clerk, Chair and Town Hall caretaker for their speedy and effective work in dealing with the flooding of the Town Hall, caused by a blocked drain under the road into which the Town Hall drains run.

GRISEDALE CROFT UPDATE

Alston Moor Parish Council has persuaded W&F Adult Social Care to hold a public meeting.  This will be at the Town Hall on 16 July at 6pm, and everyone on Alston Moor is urged to attend.  Several of our challenges have still received no response.  Of the responses they had received, many opted for refurbishment, and W&F has realised that the information given was inadequate as they believe this would cost too much.  They have therefore produced a new booklet with revised wording, and a new closing date. It was pointed out that they have not gone back to Cabinet about this, as they should have done.  They have still failed to explain how they calculated the cost or time to do the possible refurbishment, information that is needed for people to make an informed response. 

It was also suggested that we should contact Healthwatch, but this has already been done and it does not appear that they could offer us much help.  Councillor Grew has contacted the CQC.  The adult social care team has said they won’t consult with the NHS, even though their plan says they should do so.

W&F councillor Mary Robinson suggested that the parish council should write to Miranda Cannon, the CEO, about all this, as she really needs to know what is happening and how W&F is functioning.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN & LOCAL PLAN

Councillor Martin suggested that we should work on a Neighbourhood Plan, which would take precedence over the W&F local plan, on which consultation has opened.  Our plan should not be finalised until after the W&F local plan has been agreed.  Councillor Robinson pointed out how different a Neighbourhood Plan is from the local plan, and recommended that we speak with Howard Bellis, the Chair of Ainstable Parish Council, as that council has started creating such a plan, but has put it on hold.  A motion was passed to begin work towards creating a Neighbourhood Plan.

POLICIES

Councillor Monk has amended all policies as requested and they will be put on the website.

WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

W&F Councillor Michael Hanley has circulated his report of the Place Action Group.

Councillor Grew complained that the garden waste will not be collected for three months over the winter, despite the fee being charged.  W&F Councillor Robinson spoke about apparently absurd decisions made to cancel existing school buses for fellside villages and, because the distance is shorter *as the crow flies* to Alston, children are apparently expected to attend secondary school here, apparently without regard for the road distance and winter road conditions!!

There is considerable disquiet from those responsible for the Nenthead and Garrigill toilets, once funded by Eden.  There is now no funding from W&F, and that received from the parish council is not enough to cover all costs.  Various possibilities were discussed.

Councillor Mary Robinson reported that there is a new gate for the cemetery, but there are ongoing issues about cemetery maintenance.

NENTHEAD WARD

The issue of the dying ash trees has been referred to W&F.  The setts outside the Hive are to be reinstated.

ALSTON MOOR PARTNERSHIP

A new director has been recruited, with useful specialist knowledge. 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Sarah Stamford had circulated her report for June.  She has carried on with things started under AMP.  An information bulletin has been produced and she continues to work on the Community and business Directories.  The Footpath Maintenance group is carrying on but there is as yet no-one to take over the organisation of the work.  She has had discussions about establishing a Garrigill Youth Club.  Planning has begun for the Volunteer Recognition event in October.  She is creating an Alston Moor-specific funding guide.

FIBRE AND MOBILE CONNECTIVITY

Councillor Bondi reported that, at the Place Action Group meeting, we were urged to gather information through Connecting Cumbria and write to the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and our MP about the many not-spots.  She had had an online meeting with Connecting Cumbria and seen their ‘not-spots’ map (which, for confidentiality reasons, is not publicly available).  No company is currently willing to supply fibre to properties accessed via tracks, as they do not want to deal with wayleaves and the greater work required for maintenance checking.  A letter for DSIT, the Secretary of State and the MP had been drafted, and the council agreed for it to be sent.

AI FOR COUNCIL WORK

Councillor Martin explained that it is clear we will need to be using AI, and it would not only make it possible to create the much-needed new website, but would also be of great assistance to the Clerk.  It was agreed to fund this, at about £200/month, for the next six months as a trial period, during which we will assess what impact it has on council work as a whole.  Five people (the Clerk and four councillors) will be able to use it for council work.   

DOUBLE YELLOW LINES

Councillor Reay had inspected the sites, and recommend that at Townhead there should be double yellow lines for 10 metres from the corner down to the fire station, and up along the Nenthead road to the turning for Back of the Burn.  On Station Road, he recommended 5 metres each way from the corners of the Tyne Willows access road, but not the section further up.  It was noted that without enforcement there will still be problems.

PLANNING

Most applications were approved but more information is to be sought concerning water supply and arrangements for the toilet for the proposed shepherd’s hut at Browngill.  More information was also requested about the proposed Alston Heritage signs.

NEXT MEETING

Monday 3 August 19.00 at Alston Town Hall.  The following one will be at Nenthead Village Hall.

REPORT OF ALSTON MOOR PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
1 JUNE 2026

This report is an informal one, and should not be taken as an accurate and agreed record of the parish council meeting. It is written to give our local residents some general information about the meeting, but only the formal minutes, which will be posted later, are a proper record.

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MINUTES OF LAST MEETING, MATTERS ARISING
The minutes of the meeting on 5 May 2026 were confirmed. The parish council insurance bill for the coming year had still not been received this morning, so the Clerk had been in contact with them and received it this afternoon. It was therefore requested that all councillors should let the Clerk know if they saw any problems with the documents before the end of the week.

CO-OPTION OF COUNCILLOR
Andy Reay was co-opted as a councillor representing Nenthead

AGAR
The Annual Governance and Accountability Return is now on the website, and will be on all noticeboards. People have until 14 July to make comments.

POLICIES
This item was postponed to the next meeting, given the number of documents to be read.

GRISEDALE CROFT
Councillor Martin updated the council about progress in the working group. Its title has been changed to Alston Moor Health, as it has become clear that so much about Grisedale connects with wider issues from the period of the hospital beds being withdrawn, including the lack of wraparound services. The consultation hasn’t followed the Gunning principles; costings are not available, a proper Equality Impact Assessment has not been done, etc. The lack of follow-through on all the previous promises means there are no proper pathways for referral of Alston Moor residents from hospital to Grisedale Croft.

A group met with the relevant Westmorland and Furness councillor (Pat Bell) and the officer manaing the consultation (Nickie Phipps). they were told that there is agreed funding to purchase another building, but no information was provided about how much, where this is etc. Councillor Hanley, in his rôle as Westmorland and Furness councillor, had been told last October that W&F were looking at somewhere else for the care home, but no further information is available. However, this all makes clear that there is a push to the ‘preferred option’ which renders the consultation null and void.

It was agreed to refund to members of the working group any expenses they incurred. There was some discussion about whether any of this needed to go to tender, but given that no-one is being paid and this is purely about expenses, it was clear that this was not necessary.

WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS COUNCILLORS’ REPORT
Councillor Hanley had been been at a meeting with the new CEO of the Council, Miranda Cannon. She confirmed that the Grisedale Croft consultation was part of the council’s efforts to save £40million, given the shortfall in funding from central government.

NENTHEAD WARD MEETING
Among other issues, it was noted that Tony Pennell has now retired from the snowplough group, to which he has committed so much. It was agreed that the parish council would write to thank him for all his hard work over the years.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATOR
At the last meeting, it had been agreed to look into the possibility of contracting the Co-ordinator through the Town Hall, but it was clear this was not the possibility. However, Councillor Monk has looked into the possibilities for the parish council and there is the option of taking her on via a Direct Award, which waives the standing order, as Sarah Stamford has the knowledge and experience needed (and no-one else applied in response to the job description that was publicised). It would be for a maximum of a year, but as some further funding possibilities have now been identified, it is likely this will only be for around six months. It would be for an average of 15 hours a week. The job description is rather different from that which she has held with the Alston Moor Partnership. The tasks are linked to Alston Moor Parish council and are for the benefit of the community, including support for us at AMPC to get things done. All aspects of this were unanimously agreed.

WAR MEMORIAL – FENCE REPAIR
We wrote to check the situation, but we still have no full response from the conservation officer at W&F. Unitary authority Councillors Hanley and Robinson will look into this.

GARDEN WASTE BINS FOR AMPC
Bins are needed in Garrigill and Alston for the relevant waste from the work of the handyperson, and will be arranged and paid for. Nenthead could get one in the future if needed, but it would need to be arranged where it would be sited.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT GROUP
A number of issues were passed back to the parish council from the Traffic Management group.
(a) It has been agreed that the area in the Butts which has, for a long time, caused concern in relation to parking preventing emergency access for fire engines and ambulance, can be made a non-parking area. It was agreed to source some planters to be placed so that parking in the relevant area is not possible, possibly with some information about the Butts as a place of archery practice in the past.
(b) The issues concerning possible double yellow lines at Townhead and on Station Road were deferred to the next meeting.
(c) The Highways department no longer does ‘red squirrel’ warning signs. The red squirrel group would like to install rope bridges across the road, which have worked very well in other places. AMPC agreed to support the group in their efforts, involving permissions from Highways and others.
(d) In response to a letter regarding a parking matter in Garrigill, it was agreed for a letter to be sent to the four residents concerned, explaining the situation.

PLANNING
The one planning application received in time for the meeting was approved (Skelgill Rigg).

FINANCE
Payments approved. A councillor who has raised various issues concerning finance was not present, so the appointment that the Clerk intended to offer to discuss these matters could not be arranged. Councillors present asked that the Clerk keep a record of the time spent dealing with the frequent queries from this one councillor, as there is concern about the proportion of her time that is being used.

TRAVELLERS ON TYNE WILLOWS
The arrangements made with the temporary fence etc have largely worked as intended. It was agreed that signs will be put up next year to explain the arrangements, as there was some initial misunderstanding.

NEXT MEETING
The next parish council meeting is on Monday 6 July at Nenthead Village Hall.