CUMBRIAN AMENITY SOCIETIES NEWSLETTER Autumn/Winter 2006

This will probably be the last issue to be posted out, as it will also be put on the NW ACTS website for downloading by a designated society member, or indeed anyone with access to a computer. It should enable material to be updated regularly and permit contributions both ways from us to you and you to us, thereby encouraging the very thing most needed in our scattered communities and groups - good communication.

OCTOBER MEETING - CARLISLE

As usual, the committee of the host Society are to be thanked for their warm welcome and the donation of the proceeds from the buffet lunch their members provided in order to assist the functioning of the Federation.

REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY

Peter Colley explained the difficulties that had arisen during the preparation of this strategy for the North West, ranging from the specialised language i.e. jargon, used to the pressures created by the economic growth called for by the creation of the so-called Northern Way. Representation by environmental groups, both natural and built, is minimal and he is likely to be the only genuine stakeholder volunteer among paid professionals. At the time of the Carlisle meeting he was expressing concern about the extent to which figures for housing and retailing had become inflated following consultancy input to the Regional Assembly. An example he quoted was that given the likely population increase over 15 years in the North West would be 1.4%, it was thought necessary to project an increase in retail floor space of 141%. This statistic had been arrived at by a mathematical process involving a distinction between 'convenience' ¹ and 'comparison' ² goods which results in a totally unrealistic level of growth. With the developing emphasis on urban areas, such as the Central Lancashire City Region, it is important to be aware of the effect such proposals could have on rural areas like ours.

    ¹ convenience goods comprise food, drinks, toiletries and other items bought on a regular basis.
    ² comparison goods comprise furniture, clothing, shoes, electrical goods etc.where purchases are made infrequently and as a result of comparing quality and price.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

He and other delegates from environmental groups, such as the National Trust, Natural England, RSPB, CPRE etc, have had to share represenatation at the Examination in Public of the Spatial Strategy. In view of the many inadequacies of the draft document and, in particular, after the confirmed findings on Global Warming, the Panel assessing it have asked those same environmental groups to propose wording for suitable changes. This would specifically includea policy to indicate the change of emphasis required by these findings. Peter has been engaged in an on-going flow of e-mails between members of the environmental sector in order to arrive at an acceptable and meaningful form of words for the Panel to consider. It remains to be seen how far the re-wording will be allowed to go. Parts of the proposals, such as the expansion of Manchester Airport, may not be reviewed even though they will not meet sustainability criteria.It involves too much of a sea-change for those for whom the criteria have always included economic growth.We just have to press on towards creating the balance of social, economic and environmental needs that is required for sustainability.

CIVIC TRUST STRUCTURE

As small unfinanced groups we are at a disadvantage compared to the so-called voluntary sector which benefits from an administrative structure and paid staff. Peter had pointed this out to ministers attending a meeting in Manchester and it has clearly not been understood how much is organised and achieved at our level. The Yorkshire & Humberside Regional Association does have some administrative assistance and this should be our objective too. NW Acts web-site should be used as a means of communication, information and advice which may in turn enable us to respond better to problems and changes. It is all too easy to be overtaken by events or decisions if there is no means of knowing what is happening. The Historic Forum, for example,has been re-structured with committee places lost and less scope for face-to-face communication. NW Acts needs another delegate from Cumbria - it could be you, the reader, who may appreciate the role of our small regional body!

THE CIVIC TRUST

Since Saskia Hallam's retirement there are more members of staff able to respond to Societies and some attempt to move towards consultation with member groups. The latest questionnaire, however,shows thatthey still take up projects for other reasons. This one asks whether the reader will make use of a new web-site designed to illustrate all the winners of past Civic Trust Awards, going into considerable historic and architectural detail. This does not seem to have any links at all with the objectives and activities of most civic societies. More useful would be a constantly updated register of conservation areas and appraisals countrywide.

CURRENT CONCERNS

In the interests of local community life there must be concerns about affordable housing, loss of services and inadequate public transport. Housing is more rigidly controlled in the National Parkand has to reflect local need, but there remain anomalies and Societies need to be vigilant. Recent advice regarding building in areas likely to flood suggests that it should not be permitted UNLESS IT IS NECESSARY. That is a loophole which could have dire consequences for anyone living on a site at risk of flooding and should be strongly resisted.
Post offices and, to a lesser extent, general stores are going out of business throughout the county, not always as a result of enforced closure. A reason, like the one at Crosthwaite where the owners wanted to retire but continue to live in their own home, has to considered on its merits and isprobably difficult to overcome, but in general, it is possible to make a case to the planning authority to maintain an essential service. The idea of mobile post offices has to be compared with the effectiveness of the travelling library service - that is if it is put in place in time. There is now talkof reversing the deregulation processthat began in 1986 and bringing public transport back some form of local authority control. This needs to be carefully monitored as it could be good for urban areas, disastrous for rural ones.
On these and other issues the web-site could prove a useful means of comparing problems and solutions between Societies. Peter Colley too remains available to respond to queries on planning and architectural matters.

OTHER SOCIETIES

Arnside are concerned about retaining the special qualities of their AONB and the question of affordable housing. The closure of the Berners Pool at Grange has left a legacy of uncertainty about involvement in projects and actual debts/legal cases for the local authority and/or the independent trusts.  One of the footbridges over the railway line has been demolished and one was dismantled and taken for repair in Barrow, but the original piers are now found to be inadequate for its reinstatement, due to the excessive weight of the temporary superstructure put in place for safety reasons.
Keswick has renovated or replaced a number of old fountains, but is concerned about the massive health and safety requirements for the replacement Wivell Bridge.
Whitehaven is about to mount a plaque to commemorate a local scientist and Workington is continuing to develop a lively programme of events while supporting the efforts of the now separate Heritage Group to progress plans for Workington Hall and the future of the Helena Thompson collection.
Cockermouth have completed the revision and reprinting of Bernard Bradbury's History of Cockermouth and it is now on sale. The council are being pushed to clean up road signs which are disfigured by algae. The town Partnership has expressed concern about the proliferation of service outlets amongst the shops. They report that the retail Facelift Scheme has proved very successful.

FUTURE PLANS

Speakers. It has been suggested that a bank of speakers be drawn up, based on the recommendations of different Societies.  This information could be put onto the NW Acts web-site, with potential for extension outside the county, if wanted in the future (for example relating to speakers living on the fringes).  The whole programme may be scanned in this way, or merely the items and speakers required.  Rather than supply addresses and other details apart from the subject(s), any other information could be accessed via the Secretary or other named Society contact.

Heritage Open Days

A number of Societies have either already been involved in or would like to be involved in Heritage Open Days.  Those who have done so successfuly include Keswick,  Carlisle and Grange, whereas Workington and Whitehaven have expressed an interest in setting them up.  Patrick Burke, Outreach Officer for English Heritage and the Civic Trust with special responsibility for HODs, has said he will work with Societies to co-ordinate a special programme for Cumbria including producing a special flyer or brochure for the events taking place in the county.  Dave Waugh, regional officer for the YHA, would like some of the youth hostels to participate in the scheme, so this could become an impressive co-ordinated effort!
If your Society would like to find out more or join in anyway, please contact Patrick Burke on 020 7973 3000 Ext 1400; e-mail.

JUST IN CASE YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN

The next Federation meeting takes place in Grasmere on Saturday MARCH 31.  Please book the date and bring members, as well as committee.

FINALLY PLEASE NOTE – This will be the last letter in this form in future it will be sent by E mail and will also be available on the NWACTS website. See above.