Winter 2022 parish council newsletter

Chairman’s jottings

It is just three months since our last newsletter - but what a three months it has proved to be.  Our meeting on 13th September began with a one minute silence in recognition of Queen Elizabeth II; the only monarch most of us have ever known.  Since then the Government line-up has changed - and as I write this seems to be changing at an ever increasing speed!  As you know Cumbria County Council will cease on 1st April next year and Levens Parish Council are monitoring the progress of the change to the new Unitary Council and what the possible effects to us could be.

The other day someone said to me that whenever they passed the new Village Hall Site nothing seems to have changed and the piles of stone are still there. From their point of view this is a valid comment, but please be assured that progress is being made; some small bits of work have recently taken place on the site but against the large piles of stone it is barely noticeable.  Other parts of the Community Project are also moving and whilst the work is not immediately obvious the article a little further on describes that progress.

As far as our village is concerned the falling through of the sale of the old carpet shop in the middle of the village in mid-August was a complete shock.  Councillor Helen Burrow has spent years trying to get this matter resolved.

You will recall that the purchasers had even held an open meeting where their plans had been displayed and the response from villagers was extremely positive. Planning permission had been sought and given and the Parish Council had given its support. To the utter dismay and astonishment of the Parish Council, the seller pulled out of the sale the day before the exchange of contracts was due to take place leaving the purchasers seriously out of pocket.  At its September meeting the Parish Council resolved to action certain procedures in the light of these changed circumstances and we await the results.

As this is our last Newsletter this year may I take this opportunity to say an early “Seasons Greetings” and please take care.

Roger Atfield – Chair Levens Parish Council