Spring 2024 parish council newsletter

Chairman’s comments

Welcome to this first Parish Council Newsletter of 2024.  It seems a long time ago but I would like to thank all those involved in the erection and decoration of the Christmas Tree on The Green.  It was good to be able to have a “Switch-on” gathering which everyone seemed to enjoy.  Thanks to all who contributed to the Christmas Fund.  The cost of a real tree is a concern and how we deal with this is being considered.

On the 12th February Tender Documents for the building of the New Village Hall and the four affordable homes were sent out to contractors.  This is a key milestone in the Levens Community Project and the significance of this cannot be overstated.  Very many thanks to all those people who have worked over the last 10+ years to reach this moment.

A speed limit of 20mph in our Village has been regularly mentioned over the years.  Westmorland and Furness Council – the new Council who replaced SLDC and Cumbria CC – have instigated a process where Parish/Town Councils can express an interest in participating.  We have submitted our Expression of Interest and await developments.  One thing that will certainly have to happen is public involvement: be that Meetings, Surveys, Questionnaires etc.  Obviously, we will keep you updated.

In the future, proof of identity will be required when we go to vote.  The next election (for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner) will be on the 2nd May.  Please just bear this in mind when you go to vote.

Finally, the Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Tuesday 19th March at 7.30pm in the Village Institute/Hall and I hope you can come.

Roger Atfield – Chair Levens Parish Council