The Lakes to Sea Community Panel meeting on 19 June 2024 focused on several key issues, including community policing, neighbourhood investment, and community transport. Decisions were made on funding allocations for local projects, and updates were provided on various community initiatives.

Cumbria Police

Inspector Aiston from Cumbria Police presented updates on the recruitment of 20,000 new officers, which will allow for the reintroduction of Community Beat Officers in areas such as Silloth, Aspatria, Maryport, Workington, Keswick, and Cockermouth. These officers will engage with businesses and residents to address local issues.

Inspector Aiston answered pre-submitted questions from the panel, covering topics such as speeding hotspots, the structure of local policing teams, and the implementation of 20mph speed limits in residential areas. He clarified that there had been no pilot project in Maryport but acknowledged the national recognition of the work done by the local officer there. He also addressed concerns about communication gaps and confirmed that there were no current vacancies in the Lakes to Sea Community Panel area.

Investing in Our Neighbourhoods Report

The panel reviewed the Neighbourhood Investment Fund allocation, as agreed by the Cumberland Council Executive. They decided to approve the investment applications as a block and deferred the discussion on agreed priorities to a future meeting for more detailed consideration.

Funding allocations were approved for several local projects:

• £2,545 to Maryport Rescue for drone communication equipment.
• £4,349 to The Centre Ewanrigg for kitchen upgrades and external door replacements.
• £2,000 to Keswick Bee Keepers for a new storage facility.
• £4,349 to Maryport Boys and Girls Club for external door replacements.
• £2,000 to Lakeland Rowing Club for a lightweight canoe for juniors.
• £1,000 to Cockermouth Festivals Group for reusable banners for the Cockermouth Alive Festival.
• £4,348 to Plumbland Village Hall for internal refurbishment and fire door replacements.
• £8,000 to Keswick Rugby Club for new changing rooms as part of a new clubhouse.

Community Panel Update Report

The panel received a detailed report on recent activities, including updates on the Place Partnership Programme, Spring into Action, Age without Limits Action Day, and various capital projects such as the Maryport Regeneration and Future High Streets Fund. Members expressed interest in a future presentation from the Local Focus Hub to learn more about its operations.

Community Transport

The Scheduled Bus Services Officer presented on public transport provision in remote rural areas, detailing six transport schemes: Bus Service, Community Bus Section 22, Community/Village Wheels, Voluntary Car Scheme, Rural Wheels, and ‘Rural Mobility’ demand-responsive transport. The panel requested usage statistics for the Rural Wheels service and data on public use of the Stagecoach service following its removal through Ireby.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Minutes of the meeting.