|
What the Council does.....
The present day powers and functions of parish councils spring from 100 years of legislation. In addition, the 1972 Local Government Act gave councils greater powers, which includes support of activities that are "beneficial to the community".
A good example of jointco-co-operation to improve road safety. The Pow Beck pedestrian bridge came about in the 1980's as a result of the Parish Council initiative to improve road safety at Pow Beck bridge. The galvanised steel bridge was donated, and the council was instrumental in organising funding and logistics in a joint project with St. Bees School and the County Council.
Main subsidiary groups
The Council is the parent body for the following:
The "Britain in Bloom" committee is a sub-committee of the council.
The St. Bees Plan is being run by a sub-committee of the council
Direct activities
The following are currently specific activities of the Parish Council:
Play area
The Village School field equipment is owned and maintained by the PC.
Traffic calming and pedestrian safety
Ongoing scheme under way with the County Council, this has been on the agenda for 15 years, and is now being implemented. Narrow or non-existent pavements is part of the problem, and part of the policy is to improve the village streets for pedestrian and disabled access.
Amenity properties
The Beck Edge Garden and Brownrigg lonning at the Station, and the car parking area at Seamill Foreshore are owned and maintained by the PC.
The footpath from the beach road to the beach estate is being purchased for public ownership.
Representation
- The PC has representatives on the Village School Governors, the Adams Recreation Ground committee, the Shepherd's and Whitehead Charity, the Cumbria Association of Local Councils, and sends an official observer to the Sellafield Local Liaison Committee
- The Council is a member of FLAG (Furness Line Action Group) and is active in supporting the maintenance and improvement of public transport links both bus and rail.
Giving
- The PC supports charitable giving to recognised bodies benefiting the Village (applications considered September each year)
Planning and development
- Under the 1972 Act the PC has registered the right to be consulted on all development planning applications submitted to Copeland BC within the Parish Boundaries. These are discussed monthly, and site meetings are held for some applications. The PC does not have decision-making powers on applications, but their view has to be taken into account. The PC has long taken an active interest in planned development of the village, and contributed to the first village development plan in the 1970's. The council is actively involved in the Copeland development plan to 2016
General amenities
- The many seats around the village are owned and maintained by the PC.
- Parish Paths. The PC keeps the all the paths clear of encroaching undergrowth and reports any problems with fencing or access to the statutory body, the County Council. The PC has published a series of illustrated guides to the parish paths, and actively pursues the establishment of new paths and bridleways.
- Common land - The PC Looks after the the Common lands at Outrigg and Rottington. These are the residual areas left after the great enclosures of the 1800's, and are public property
- Street lighting - This is the responsibility of Copeland BC. The PC reports defective lights and monitors the response.
- General highways condition - This is the responsibility of Cumbria CC, and again the PC lobbies for prompt and effective response on drains, subsidence, potholes, signing, dangerous features, etc.
Web site - The domain names stbees.org.uk and original web site were donated to the village by Ian McAndrew and are now owned by the Parish Council. The domains stbees.org and stbees.info are also owned by the parish Council.
General matters
Apart from the specific issues above the council is routinely involved in discussions on many matters with the County and Borough Councils, the Police, and other bodies. Here is a recent sample......
Public order in Main Street,
coastal defenses,
dog fouling,
library provision,
management of beach toilets,
improved sewerage disposal,
bus schedules, beck erosion,
St. Bees cycleway
Tree preservation,
Derelict and dangerous property,
play area repairs,
Village Hall heating,
English Heritage on preservation areas,
refuse collection dates,
Common land access,
street naming,
car park provision.
Neighbourhood Forums
Hierarchy of Local Government
This shows the relationships of the three tiers of local government.
The Parish Council is funded by the "Parish Precept", which is taken out of the Council Tax levied by Copeland Borough Council. The Parish Council has the same status and powers as the "Town Councils" of larger towns.
Roads
Are looked after by CAPITA on behalf of Cumbria County Council
For quick attention to problems, ring the 24 hour hotline:
Highways hotline 0845 609 6609
For, Potholes, road defects, road signs, street lighting, pavements, and any road matter.
For street sweeping, litter or dog fouling, contact: Copeland Council 01946 852858
|
