Summer 2026 parish council newsletter

Chairman’s comments

For those of you who do not know me, my name is David Forshaw, and I am honoured to be the new Chairman of Levens Parish Council. Levens is a very special village, and I feel privileged to serve both the Council and the people who make our parish such a welcoming place to live.

I begin by thanking our previous Chairman, Roger Atfield, for his dedicated leadership over the past 14 years. I would also like to thank our former Vice Chairman, Roger Mason, for his outstanding commitment to the community over the last 19 years. Roger Atfield will continue to serve as a Parish Councillor, while Roger Mason has stepped down from the Council. We are delighted that he has agreed to continue as Chair of the Project Advisory Group, leading the development of the new Village Hall and the ongoing enhancement of the Jubilee Orchard at Underhill.

Much of the work of the Parish Council takes place behind the scenes, often without much recognition, but it plays an important role in protecting and enhancing village life for everyone. The Council's role is to listen to residents, represent local concerns, and work constructively to maintain and improve our community. Your PC will continue to focus on the issues that matter most

to residents: protecting the character of our village, improving safety and local facilities, supporting community initiatives, and ensuring that Levens remains a thriving place for future generations. Like many rural communities, we face a number of challenges. Traffic concerns, pressure on local services, planning matters, and the changing needs of village life all require careful consideration and cooperation. While the Parish Council cannot solve every issue on its own, we can ensure that the views of Levens residents are clearly and respectfully represented.

I firmly believe that the best outcomes are achieved when communities work together. I hope to encourage open communication and constructive discussion across our entire parish. To make sure everyone can share their views, we will be hosting regular drop-in sessions and community forums where you can meet the councillors directly. Your active participation is what keeps Levens strong, and I invite each of you to get involved, share your ideas, and help us shape a bright, prosperous future for our wonderful village. Ultimately, Levens is defined not by its buildings or boundaries, but by the people who live here and care about its future. I look forward to serving as Chairman and working alongside residents to ensure that Levens remains a village we are all proud to call home.

David Forshaw – Chair, Levens Parish Council

Contents for this Summer 2026 Newsletter Include -
Councillor Resignation/Vacancy
The Annual Parish Meeting
Dumping of Garden Waste
The New Local PLan - W&F
Defibrillator to go in our BT Box
Levens Emergency Action Plan
20MPH Zone due soon
Levens Post Box
Parish Council Digital Standards
Levens Community Project