HELD ON WEDNESDAY 2nd MAY 2018
COMMENCING 07.00 PM IN SILECROFT VILLAGE HALL
PRESENT: Mr A Fell (Chair) Mrs R Jopson, Mrs S Wilson, Mrs V Bradley Mr M Sharp,
Mrs M Cumming
Cty Councillor K Hitchen
Borough Cllr G Scurrah
Mr Robert Morris-Eyton
PCSO Booth
12 members of the public
APOLOGIES: Mrs C Lowery , Mr P Rand,
PM1/18: ELECTION OF CLERK
It was RESOLVED that Mrs Lesley Cooper, Low Marshside, Underhill nr
Millom Cumbria be elected as clerk for the forthcoming year
Proposed Mrs Bradley, seconded Mr A Fell
PM2/18: MINUTES
It was RESOLVED that the minutes from the Annual Parish Meeting held
on 3rd May 2017 be signed as a true and correct record.
PM3/18: CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The Chairman presented an oral report of the work of the Parish Council
over the past 12 months. The Chair thanked the Councillors and the Clerk
for their hard work over the last 12 months. The “pop-up” café had been
placed on the shore front with the support of the Parish Council and Mr R
Morris-eyton would give a more detailed report on this. With the help of
a grant from Tesco Bags for Life the tennis courts had now been turned
into a multi-purpose court and I would like to thank Mrs Bradley for her
hard work on this. The beach front toilets had been handed over to the
Parish Council and there were plans to do some refurbishment work on
them later in the year and the Parish Council were currently seeking
funding to undertake this.
A member of public stated that the tennis courts had always been a
multipurpose court and was concerned that the tarmac was going in
places and that the hedge needed cutting back. The Chair reported that
1
the hedge and growth had been cleared back at the end of last summer
and this would be continued to be maintained and monitored.
A resident stated that the doubles lines had not been painted in on the
tennis courts. The Clerk stated that she would investigate this with
Playdale.
PM4/18: ACCOUNTS
The Clerk presented on oral report of the Accounts of the Parish Council
for 2017/18. It was RESOLVED that the accounts for the year of the Parish
Council were a true and correct record.
PM5/18: GUEST SPEAKER AND OPEN DISCUSSION
Mr Robert Morris-Eyton, Chair of CIC gave a talk on the progress made
on the Beach front development. He stated that 12 months ago the
“pop-up” café was a germ of an idea and was established in August 2017.
It has been a success story and the CIC were monitoring the figures for
potential funding for a permanent structure.
The café was open nearly every day including poor takings. A survey had
been undertaken and 180 responses received with 4/5 stating that they
would recommend it, and wanted a permanent structure.
The survey would also help the Parish Council with raising money for the
toilets.
The café had struggled with generators, having gone through 8 of them,
but a permanent electrical supply was turned on 1 May. Funding had
been approved for this.
Opening hours were currently 10am – 4pm and these would be extended
to 6pm. After discussion with the Parish Council it would be hoped to
open later for special events, but it was not planned to open late on a
permanent basis.
The café was currently 1 unit, but it was hoped to put on a 2nd unit which
would include a disabled toilet and additional seating area. The units
would be 6 metres apart with a courtyard for outside seating with a 1.2m
high partition that could be placed at either end depending which way
the wind was blowing.
Funding – CIC had applied to the Copeland Community Fund and there
were potential other funders.
Planning had been submitted for both units.
Give a date for Copeland – the Mayor wished to organise something to
similar that had happened in Carlisle. It was to raise awareness of
community enterprises and the café was one of those. A date had not
yet been fixed but it was hoped to also have a small opening party for
the café.
2
This would be publicised with the help of a project manager from
Copeland.
Permanent café – planning consent had been received for a snail like
structure but funding had been an uphill battle and not viable. In Autmn
it was planned to have a consultation with the residents of the Parish as
to what the permanent café should look like.
The time frame would be Autumn 2019 an architect to draw up plans and
planning application submitted with a build in 2021 once funding had
been obtained. Making this a more viable project.
Mr Morris-eyton finished by thanking the operator of the café and the
Parish Council for their support.
The Chair thanked Mr Morris-eyton for his report
Open discussion took place about the café
It was pointed out that Silecroft was the only beach located within the
Lake district National Park and in 2019 the round Britain Coastal Path
would go through the car park and the café was seen as a “pit stop” for
users.
There was public support for the café
A question was asked if there were plans to improve the environment eg
the car park. The Chair reported that the Parish Council were awaiting
stone from Ghyll Scaur Quarry and a contractor to grade it.
A comment was made that bins were often overflowing – it was noted
that Copeland BC operatives emptied the bins on a daily basis.
Speed Limits – it was noted that the 30mph signs had still not been put
up on the road to the shore. Cty Cllr Hitchen stated that he would follow
this up.
CGP – thanks were given by the drama group for their financial support
and how it gave the children confidence.
Silecroft Play area – it was noted that the banana slide was only
accessible by a rope, which was find for the older children, but younger
ones were struggling and could a set of ladders or steps be added to
make it easier. The Clerk to enquire
NB the Clerk has contacted Playdale, but the addition of a ladder is not
possible as it may make the equipment non-compliant with British and
European safety standards.
Toilets – discussion took place around installing electricity into the toilets,
for hand dryers etc. The Chair reported that this had been discussed with
the Parish Council but there were issues around security and prevention
of theft of the dryers. The Parish Council were committed to keeping the
toilets open for at least 10 years and to keep them to a reasonable
standard.
3
PCSO Booth reported that incidents within the area had increased
slightly, but the majority of these were linked to Haverigg prison.
Periodic visits were made down to the beach car park to monitor what
the situation was especially with regards to young persons in cars. The
more people who reported things, the more likely it was that a police
presence would occur.
Litter – it was noted that roadside litter was horrendous especially on the
ground at Lane End, Silecroft. Could signs be put up eg “Pride in Parish”
“Take Litter Home”. Grass verges were particularly bad. It was suggested
that extra bins be put in, but there as an issue as to whther they would
get emptied on a regular basis.
Lay byes and parked cars – it as noted that since Sellafield had changed
it’s policy regarding car sharing that lay byes were being used as car
parks and the amount of rubbish being left was increasing.
Street lighting – the corner of John Sharps yard, Silecroft was dark. ENW
had removed the light. It was pointed out that the Parish Council would
have to pay for any replacement lights and currently these cost £2500
each.
PM6/18: DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next Annual Parish meeting will be held on Wednesday 1st May 2019
Meeting closed at 20.29
Signed……………………………………………………. Dated………………………………………
4