The Petteril Community Panel meeting on Monday, 17 June 2024, focused on neighbourhood investment, community updates, and future planning. Key decisions included the approval of several grant applications and the deferral of others pending further information.

Investing in Our Neighbourhoods

The Panel reviewed the current position of the Neighbourhood Investment Fund allocation and considered several investment applications. The application from the ICan Wellbeing Group was declined until more information could be obtained. The Panel suggested inviting the group to a future Panel Network event to provide a detailed update on their projects.

The application from Carlisle Mencap was approved, with a recommendation for collaborative work with other organisations and a train the trainer model. The Botcherby Community Centre's application for a community garden was also approved, with suggestions to involve local schools and the Rock Youth Project.

The Spiral organisation's application was approved with an increased grant of £5,000 to cope with referral demand. The Meals on Wheels application was deferred until further criteria were provided. The Panel suggested that all organisations applying for grants be invited to future Panel Network events to provide updates.

The draft Neighbourhood Investment Plan was noted as an evolving document, with suggestions to include socio-economic data and community strengths. The Panel agreed to review the plan at each meeting.

Community Panel Update

The Panel received updates on recent activities, including various network events and activities such as the Petteril Community Network Event, Carlisle Youth Festival, and Harraby Cycle Track Working Group. An update on the Carlisle Library Service was noted, with further information to be provided at a future event.

The Panel discussed the consistency of display information for all community panels and suggested involving local schools in a design competition. The use of social media and local radio to promote the Panel's work was also highlighted.

A member mentioned the regular litter-pick by the Focus Hub, and it was agreed to investigate the Panel's involvement in future litter-picks. The Community Team was tasked with finding new ways to promote the panels consistently throughout the county with support from the Council’s Communication Team.

The Panel suggested that future Panel Network events could be themed around priorities.

Highways and Transport Strategic Board

The Panel received the minutes of the Highways and Transport Strategic Board meeting held on 30 January 2024. The Cumberland Network Manager provided a general update, and a discussion took place regarding the use of Speed Indicator Devices. Further information was to be obtained separately from the Officer outside the meeting.

Date of Future Meeting

The date of the next meeting was to be confirmed at the full Council meeting in April 2024. The Senior Democratic Services Officer was tasked with circulating information regarding potential venues for future meetings.