The Parish Council has limited powers and responsibilities. We control decisions surrounding Parish owned land which now include the car park and adjacent play area, the grassed area along the shore line and the jetty, Sports Hall and Pavilion and the adjacent play area and car park, the Dell, and the playing field and play area at Coniston Avenue.
Complaints regarding roads, footpaths and the shore-line should be directed to Cumbria County Council.
Concerns over street lighting, littering (in areas not owned by the Parish) and dog-fouling should be directed to Copeland Borough Council, the recycling area is also their concern even though we own the land.
The Parish Council has no control over planning issues. While the local authority has a duty to consult the Parish, it has no obligation to act on our recommendation. Often, however, local planners will try to act on our recommendations and influence certain design aspects, this is most often done where individual property owners are proposing small-scale improvements to their property (like a garage or extension). Most planning applications come through Copeland Borough Council, though some come through Cumbria County Council, and very occasionally through the Home Office.
If there is a local matter you feel strongly about, often the Parish Council will be willing to lend it’s support through writing letters or emails to relevant authorities. If you feel we can help, contact the Clerk.
* The Finance & General Purposes Working Group exists to deal with details around finance and legal matters. These include setting the budget and precept, negotiating wages and employment and examining details of conveyances, lease agreements and contracts. This Working Group will then make recommendations to the full Council and advise them as to it’s preferences.
** The Amenities Working Group exists largely to deal with maintaining the physical assets of the Parish. It gathers information on wear and tear (for example, a damaged seat, or a leak in the toilets) and determines what action to take. Often the Working Group members will commit themselves to fixing problems, but where a financial outlay is necessary, they will put forward a recommendation to the full Council. The Working Group might also discuss new projects such as building flower beds, or installing a seat. They are also responsible for arranging Parish festivities, such as turning on the Christmas lights, and for maintaining the play areas in the Parish.