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This is a holding page for the Council website. If you wish to contact the Council, please click here or go to the link above.
This is a holding page for the Council website. If you wish to contact the Council, please click here or go to the link above.
In the meantime you can find the latest press release and date of the next Parish Council Meeting below.
Next Council Meeting:
Annual Parish Meeting:
7pm 28th April 2014
The Town Hall
Alston
Annual Parish Meeting:
7pm 28th April 2014
The Town Hall
Alston
Latest Press Release
Latest Press Release
At the April meeting of Alston Moor Parish council, the issue that caused most concern among councillors was the withdrawal of bus subsidies and support for students travelling to sixth form provision at William Howard School in Brampton. Now that education or training is to be compulsory to 18, and there being no sixth form provision on Alston Moor since the late 1980s, parents will have a real burden, not merely of cost but of their own driving time, since there is no longer a bus provided. Although the local MP, Rory Stewart, has tried to help in the quest to resolve this issue, he has as yet had no response from central government that leads to any hope of support. The removal of bus subsidies in general is also a cause for concern; the statement that buses will not be withdrawn without a suitable replacement being put in place by local people did not reassure the parish councillors.
An ongoing problem with the defibrillators which have been given or bought for Alston Moor was discussed. The outdoor housing used by North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has proved inadequate, and they have not yet sourced a better type. The council discussed the possibility of using covered indoor spaces with 24-hour access. It was decided that the Nenthead one should be deferred, but the possibility of installing machines at Grisedale Croft in Alston and in Garrigill Village Hall could be looked into.
The Ambulance Group reported that NWAS has not yet acknowledged receipt of the application forms for the Emergency Medical Technician training and posts which will staff the new ambulance. There is a forthcoming meeting at which decisions should be made, so it is hoped that things will progress very soon.
Continuing concern was expressed about the litter situation. It was noted that some of the problem is the result of items blowing out of the recycling wagons, and it was suggested that the council might send a letter requesting them to take more care. A local litter pick will take place on 26 April for Alston, and volunteers should meet at 10.00 at the Town Hall.
Eden District Council has agreed to do the final clear-up after the Appleby Horse Fair travellers have left Tyne Willows, but cannot promise an immediate visit as they have several different sites to clear. EDC will put up signs concerning keeping horses off the running track and pitches and explaining that access beyond the stone barrier is restricted to the bowtops, but the parish council must provide the frames to put these signs in.
Many councillors were relieved to hear that the planning application for the extension of Bruntley Meadows has been withdrawn, following their considerable concern at a previous meeting about the inadequacy of the drainage system and infrastructure to cope with existing demands, let alone from additional housing.
The council approved camping on Tyne Willows for the Alston Moor Festival and also responded positively from a request from the Tyne Valley Mountain Bike Club for activities on Garrigill Green during their event.
Councillors resolved to put £7000 into the local Credit Union, demonstrating their faith in an important local initiative. Money can be withdrawn as easily as in a bank, and although there is no interest paid, with current low rates of interest the potential of future dividend payments might even make it marginally more profitable!
Concern was expressed about the various seats around Alston Moor, for which there is no up-to-date list. Three volunteers agreed to inspect and list all the seats within each of the three communities.
Finally, initial planning was done for the Annual Parish Meeting on Monday 28 April, 19.00 at Alston Town Hall, to which all local residents are invited. Reports will be received from many local organisations.
Once again, parish residents are reminded that there is a parish council ‘surgery’ every Saturday morning at the Alston Moor Partnership shop at the top of Alston, from 10.30-12.30. All are invited to come along to comment, question or raise concerns.
At the April meeting of Alston Moor Parish council, the issue that caused most concern among councillors was the withdrawal of bus subsidies and support for students travelling to sixth form provision at William Howard School in Brampton. Now that education or training is to be compulsory to 18, and there being no sixth form provision on Alston Moor since the late 1980s, parents will have a real burden, not merely of cost but of their own driving time, since there is no longer a bus provided. Although the local MP, Rory Stewart, has tried to help in the quest to resolve this issue, he has as yet had no response from central government that leads to any hope of support. The removal of bus subsidies in general is also a cause for concern; the statement that buses will not be withdrawn without a suitable replacement being put in place by local people did not reassure the parish councillors.
An ongoing problem with the defibrillators which have been given or bought for Alston Moor was discussed. The outdoor housing used by North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has proved inadequate, and they have not yet sourced a better type. The council discussed the possibility of using covered indoor spaces with 24-hour access. It was decided that the Nenthead one should be deferred, but the possibility of installing machines at Grisedale Croft in Alston and in Garrigill Village Hall could be looked into.
The Ambulance Group reported that NWAS has not yet acknowledged receipt of the application forms for the Emergency Medical Technician training and posts which will staff the new ambulance. There is a forthcoming meeting at which decisions should be made, so it is hoped that things will progress very soon.
Continuing concern was expressed about the litter situation. It was noted that some of the problem is the result of items blowing out of the recycling wagons, and it was suggested that the council might send a letter requesting them to take more care. A local litter pick will take place on 26 April for Alston, and volunteers should meet at 10.00 at the Town Hall.
Eden District Council has agreed to do the final clear-up after the Appleby Horse Fair travellers have left Tyne Willows, but cannot promise an immediate visit as they have several different sites to clear. EDC will put up signs concerning keeping horses off the running track and pitches and explaining that access beyond the stone barrier is restricted to the bowtops, but the parish council must provide the frames to put these signs in.
Many councillors were relieved to hear that the planning application for the extension of Bruntley Meadows has been withdrawn, following their considerable concern at a previous meeting about the inadequacy of the drainage system and infrastructure to cope with existing demands, let alone from additional housing.
The council approved camping on Tyne Willows for the Alston Moor Festival and also responded positively from a request from the Tyne Valley Mountain Bike Club for activities on Garrigill Green during their event.
Councillors resolved to put £7000 into the local Credit Union, demonstrating their faith in an important local initiative. Money can be withdrawn as easily as in a bank, and although there is no interest paid, with current low rates of interest the potential of future dividend payments might even make it marginally more profitable!
Concern was expressed about the various seats around Alston Moor, for which there is no up-to-date list. Three volunteers agreed to inspect and list all the seats within each of the three communities.
Finally, initial planning was done for the Annual Parish Meeting on Monday 28 April, 19.00 at Alston Town Hall, to which all local residents are invited. Reports will be received from many local organisations.
Once again, parish residents are reminded that there is a parish council ‘surgery’ every Saturday morning at the Alston Moor Partnership shop at the top of Alston, from 10.30-12.30. All are invited to come along to comment, question or raise concerns.