HELD ON THURSDAY 25th APRIL 2019
COMMENCING 07.30 PM IN SILECROFT VILLAGE HALL
PRESENT: Mr A Fell (Chair) Mrs C Lowery, Mrs S Wilson, Mr M Sharp, Mrs M
Cumming, Ms S Millar
Mr Robert Morris-Eyton, Mr A Nicholson
4 members of the public
APOLOGIES: Mr P Rand, Mrs R Jopson, Mrs V Bradley, Cty Councillor K Hitchen
PM1/19: 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 Mr Fell, seconded Mr Sharp
PM2/19: MINUTES
It was RESOLVED that the minutes from the Annual Parish Meeting held on
2nd May 2018 be signed as a true and correct record.
PM3/19: 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 CIC for the work that they had
undertaken on the “pop-up” café and that steps were now being taken to
move the project forward towards a permanent café. He thanked Cty Cllr
Hitchen for attending Parish Council meetings and his knowledge was put to
good use. The Chair thanked the Councillors for all their hard work over the
last 12 months, especially Mrs Bradley who was sadly stepping down and had
been the leader in the project to get the playgrounds re-equipped.
PM4/19: ACCOUNTS
The Clerk presented on oral report of the Accounts of the Parish Council for
2018/19. It was RESOLVED that the accounts for the year of the Parish
Council were a true and correct record.
A member of the public suggested that how the precept is determined should
be published. It was agreed that this could be put up on the website.
A member of the public suggested that there should be an honesty box
located on the beachfront car park. They were assured that this was already
being undertaken by Cllr Sharp.
PM5/19: GUEST SPEAKER AND OPEN DISCUSSION
It was reported that there had been 3 kite “competitions” on the beach. The
competitors had just turned up and filled the car park, making it that no-one
else could park, no stewards. Think they may have come from Bradford.
It was asked if there would be landscaping and additional car parking when
the permanent café was built. This would be looked at.
It was noted that there were concerns amongst locals that the proposed
increased business activities linked to the new café may increase volume of
traffic through the village.
It was suggested that organised events should pay a contribution towards the
car park upkeep.
There were concerns expressed of people lighting fires on the beach and
holding parties. The Clerk was asked to look at bye-laws.
Mr Morris-Eyton stated that the CIC and the PC are working together for the
whole community. CBC had been successful in bidding for the Coastal
Community Fund, which included £450k for the permanent café.
Where: to be located midway down the car park
When: project to be completed by end of 2020
How: to tender and tight time frame for a complete design and build
Who: CBC will manage the project. CIC & PC to select contractor, design
etc. Any competent company can bid for the project.
What happens when built: The café will be on PC land the PC to yet decide
on long term ownership/asset/liabilities
This is the result of a project that started c.7 years ago, when the parish plan
showed a clear wish for facilities on the beach. The pop-up café has provided
the data to show that it is viable.
A survey has been undertaken to determine traditional vs modular structure.
Initial thoughts are that a traditional structure will outlast a modular structure.
There will be challenges during construction ie parking issues, electricity,
sewage. It was suggested that the car park be extended backwards onto the
rough land for the siting of construction cabins/compound.
Once the permanent café is in place, the temporary cabins will be removed.
Discussion took place on likely location but it was thought that it would be
better located away from the shore front to allow for coastal erosion.
A draft brief had been prepared for architects which includes a full changing
places facility. It was noted that there is only 3 in Cumbria and none in the
LDNP. It was asked if additional funding could be obtained for this from a
different source. Cost would be c.£15k and was one of the key elements of
the bid for the money.
Mrs Cumming stated that CIC?PC will be working closely with other
organisations who have experience of these facilities.
It was pointed out that any design had to be sold to the community and be
flexible enough to take into account any modifications required. It was
suggested that there be a separate serving hatch for ice creams that did not
require persons to enter the café.
Mr Morris-Eyton concluded that he wished to thank Mr Eric Barker for his hard
work if getting the bid in and being successful.
Mrs Cumming stated that there is a clear desire for a safe accessible path
from the village to the car park and there were concerns re safety. Especially
if it is to link to the proposed coastal path. It was agreed that Highways be
contacted as to feasibility.
Mr Sharp stated that he was making 2 donation boxes to be located at either
end of the car park and it was hoped that there would be one inbuilt into the
permanent café.
Toilets – the current manager of the café stated that the new café toilets
should only be accessible for café users and that the public toilets should be
retained for non-café users.
The Parish Council were committed to keeping the toilets open and were
seeking funding to manage an upgrade.
The Chair thanked Mr Morris-Eyton for his update on the project and thanked
people for coming. Mrs Wilson was thanked for providing cake.
PM6/19: DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next Annual Parish meeting will be held on Wednesday 6th May 2020
Meeting closed at 21.45
Signed……………………………………………………. Dated………………………………………