County Matters

As national Covid19 restrictions are lifted, it is likely that many residents will choose not to take their annual holiday abroad.  Instead, they may be planning to stay closer to home and more visitors are likely to head towards the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and other tourist areas in South Lakeland, whilst some residents remain apprehensive about mixing socially. At the same time, tourists to Cumbria tend to gravitate towards usual tourist centres which can lead to issues due to overcrowding in streets, shops and the general areas.

Cumbria County Council have received some funding to help contain the outbreak from the UK government. This is to address the issues presented to both local communities and visitors to the area, through improvements to outside space and facilities and through events across South Lakeland. 

Specific funding for local groups to improve facilities, manage events and organise activities is available, with the overall aim of encouraging residents to enjoy their local area and attracting new visitors away from the ‘honey pot’ areas.

Applications for funding are welcomed from locally based voluntary and not for profit groups who are involved in community projects or initiatives. To receive funding, groups must be constituted and hold a bank account in the name of the group.

To discuss your project or community needs and the amounts available before making an application, please contact the Area Support Team southlakeland.areasupport@cumbria.gov.uk and we will aim to respond within 3 working days.

As with all local projects, not all can be delivered at once, but I am happy to report the final seat on the raised platform, previously the site of the former duck hut has just been installed in the Ornamental Gardens. I would like to thank all the volunteers of the 3P’s group in conjunction with support from both the District Council and funding from the County Council to complete this scheme which will benefit visitors and locals alike. Also, a big thank you to our local craftsman Philip Dalton for making and installing all the seats.
This just shows what can be achieved if we all work together for the good of our communities in these difficult times
Please keep safe 
All the best
Bill Wearing
Conservative County Councillor Grange Division