Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor Betton arrived at the meeting at 6.20 pm.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Patrick, Ms A Templeton and the Director of Adult Social Care and Housing.

To receive declarations by councillors of any disclosable pecuniary interest, personal interests, other registrable interests or any other interests in respect of items on the agenda.

(1)       Councillor Wills declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 5 – Investing in our Neighbourhoods as he had initiated a food growing project (supported by Cumberland Council) called Grown Together which was informally affiliated to Groundworks.

(2)       Ms Fergus declared a non?pecuniary interest in agenda item 5 – Investing in our Neighbourhoods as she was an employee of Carlisle Youth Zone.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item on the agenda.

RESOLVED,   that the press and public be not excluded from the meeting for any items of business on this occasion.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 2 December 2024 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED,   that the minutes of the meeting of the Community Panel held on 2 December 2024 be agreed as a correct record and thereupon signed.

To consider a report by the Community Development Officer (copy enclosed).

Members received a report which outlined the current position of the Neighbourhood Investment Fund (NIF) allocation to the Petteril Community Panel as agreed by the Cumberland Council Executive, together with investment applications from the budget allocation for consideration and approval.

The Panel was informed that the NIF allocated to this Community Panel for the financial year 2024/25 was £159,019 and noted that on 17 September 2024 Executive had agreed the carry forward of the Panel’s 2023/24 NIF underspend of £44,553. 

Members were advised that the total NIF available to this Community Panel for the financial year 2024/25 was £203,572.

The Community Development Officer highlighted that investments up to £1,500 could be agreed outside the Panel meeting in consultation with the Chair, local Member and Senior Manager – Community Services.

The Panel discussed in detail the individual investment applications. 

Members were informed that the Cumberland and Carlisle Community Arts Project had applied for £3,000 against the total project costs of £19,000 to widen the Camera and Acting Experience scheme to the Panel area. 

The Panel was advised that the project provided local people with the skills, knowledge and understanding of the TV and film industry whilst affording them the same opportunities as those within urban areas of the UK.  Members noted the project costs and welcomed the project being based in Carlisle with a focus on the Petteril Panel footprint.

The Panel received details regarding Spiral who was applying for £3,000 against a total project costs of £18,409 to provide a wider reach to support further development into youth work.  The Community Development Officer confirmed that the Carlisle West Panel had made a contribution to the project and was confident all the necessary funding would be sought.  Members received a positive update regarding the involvement of Carlisle Youth Zone in the project.

The Community Development Officer informed the Panel of an investment application from Groundwork North East and Cumbria for £17,500 against a total project costs of £27,500 to create a Green Hub within the Upperby Ward which would also reach the wider Carlisle area.

Members were informed the funding would be used to support a wide range of initiatives that would break down barriers to participation, promote sustainability and encourage environmental stewardship.  It was felt that the approach would ensure the long-term sustainability of the hubs and maximizes their impact on the local community.

A detailed discussion took place regarding the investment application and whilst members welcomed the project which would directly benefit the disadvantaged communities in Carlisle and provide local residents with a safe, inclusive space and opportunities to engage in activities designed to improve their well?being and empower them to take positive action they felt that further detailed information was required.  Members discussed the adjoining land which housed other projects, highlighting that safeguarding was paramount, and suggested that better security around the site should also be investigated. 

It was, therefore, agreed unanimously that the application be deferred until the next meeting of the Panel on 23  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

To consider a report by the Area Planning Manager (copy enclosed).

The Panel considered a detailed report which updated members on the recent activity in the Community Panel area.

Members received information on a number of network events and activity which included details regarding Eden Rivers Trust, Petteril Bank School, Anti?Racist Cumbria, Petteril Community Panel Network Events, Carlisle Southern Link Road, Community Health and Wellbeing Conference, Food Cumberland Event, Dream Placement, Carlisle United Fan Zone, Night-time Economy Place Standard Exercise, BMX Track Working Group, Community Facilities, Walksafe App, Active Cumbria Workforce Sessions, Health Determinative Research Collaborative Update, National Apprenticeship Week, Carlisle Southern Gateway, Market Square and Greenmarket, Devonshire Street, Central Plaza, Carlisle Library, Hammonds Pond - Start with the Park, Thriving Communities and Children and Young People Partnership.

The Area Planning Manager informed members that a Working Group had been established with officers from across the Council to further develop the Neighbourhood Investment Plan (NIP).  Members were advised that the aim was to have a final copy of the NIP ready for July to allow the Authority’s Communications Team to design a version of the document which would be used as a pilot version for use by all other community panels.

The Panel welcomed this and following a discussion asked that the Action Plan be made part of the NIP.

A discussion took place regarding public engagement feedback data.  The Community Development Officer confirmed the information was collated and recorded and that an evaluation template was being constructed which would allow information to be shared.  Member were also informed that a project achievement report was requested from everyone who had received investments from the Panel.

Members discussed the Petteril Panel’s priorities and key focus areas and it was agreed that an additional key theme should be added in relation to children and young people around trauma, mental health and neuro-diversity.  During the course of discussion it was agreed that the wording of the additional theme would be revised.

Members received a general update on the priority actions and it was agreed that reference to ‘community centres’ within the Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health priority should be changed to read ‘community facilities’.

The Panel’s attention was drawn to future community centre investment applications and it was agreed that the local Member, Area Planning Manager and Community Development Officer would visit each Centre to discuss this matter.

A discussion took place with regards to increasing attendance at network events and it was suggested that a future event took place during a weekend.  Members also asked that podcasts and on?line meetings also be considered for future events.  During the course of discussion members welcomed the suggestion that the Trailblazers could produce a podcast in the future for the Panel.  It was agreed that the Area Planning Manager would investigate the suggestions made by the Panel.

The Chair, on behalf of the Panel, emphasised the need for the positive outcomes of investments and events to be promoted through the Authority’s press releases.

RESOLVED,   that

                          (1)          the report be noted;

                          (2)          the Neighbourhood  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To receive the minutes of the meeting of the Highways and Transport Strategic Board held on 29 January 2025 (copy enclosed).

The Panel received the minutes of the meeting of the Highways and Transport Strategic Board held on 29 January 2025.

The Cumberland Network Manager provided a brief update on highway matters within the Petteril Community Panel footprint as follows:-

Ø   London Road – resurfacing had been completed with a few remedial actions to be undertaken.

Ø   Botcherby – patching and gully works completed.

Ø   Beverley Rise, Harraby – hardening of grass verges nearing completion.

Ø   Boundary Road (St Nicholas end) – mini paver works completed.

Ø   Arnside Road and Cumwhinton Road/Edgehill Road – junction of Cumwhinton Road and Edgehill Road had been resurfaced.

Ø   Brantwood Avenue and Lightfoot Drive – integral gullies replaced.

Ø   Goodwin Close – pedestrian dropped crossings had been installed.

Ø   Holywell Crescent/Borland Avenue – private work undertaken to remove and reinstall street furniture to accommodate new machinery at Crown Bevan.

Ø   Meadow View (A6 London Road) – hardened verges had been installed.

Ø   London Road – investigations being undertaken with a view to possibly placing tube counters.

The Panel was also informed that thermal patching was ongoing in the Carlisle area until September/October.

A discussion then took place regarding a previous request which had been made regarding connectivity within urban areas, specifically with regards to access to GP services within the Petteril Community Panel footprint.  The Cumberland Network Manager agreed to investigate this matter and report back direct.

The Panel highlighted its concerns regarding the recent disruption on London Road and was informed that the Cumberland Network Manager was investigating the issue.  Members emphasised the need for them to be notified of any works scheduled to take place in their respective wards.

A Member raised a concern regarding the amount of illegally parked vehicles on Botchergate and asked whether any action was being considered to prevent this.  The Cumberland Network Manager acknowledged the concerns raised and confirmed the installation of bollards would be investigated.

A brief discussion took place regarding the provision of Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers and the Panel was informed that the EV Charger Team would be attending a future member briefing event.

RESOLVED,   that the minutes be noted.

To note that the next meeting of the Panel will be held on Monday 23 June 2025 at 6.00 pm at a venue to be agreed.

Members noted that the next meeting of the Panel would be held on Monday 23 June 2025 at 6.00 pm at a venue to be agreed.

It was agreed that the Senior Democratic Services Officer would book future meetings in the community centres within the Panel’s footprint.