Report from Windermere Town Council
One of the many functions that the Town Council carries out is to review a large number of planning applications (approximately 250 for 2006/07). We have an advisory role using our local knowledge of the area. The final decision is of course the responsibility of the Lake District National Park Authority.
We have also had a range of speakers to keep us informed of various organisations and new legislation. These have included the Environment Agency, Cumbria Rural Citizens Advice Bureau, Cumbria Rural Housing Trust, SLDC and the Probation Service.
I have, as your representative, been to several meetings around the area which include an exhibition called From Auschwitz to Ambleside held in Kendal Town Hall. This was an audio visual presentation about the "boys" who came to Windermere from Poland after the Second World War. It was my privilege to meet three of the boys who now live in Manchester. As a film (courtesy of the Imperial War Museum) of the flight from Poland played in the background, one of them told me how he was actually on the film and how moved he was by the event. He said we have a wonderful country.
Another meeting I attended was the launch of South Lakes Youth for Christ. This is being supported by Churches Together in Windermere and Ambleside and was attended by many of the local ministers and also by The Right Reverend Bishop James of Penrith. The event which launched their fundraising to be able to employ a full time Christian Youth worker was well supported by local people. The main speaker who gave an impassioned message spoke of the importance of leading young people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
On the 7th February I attended a meeting organised by Cumbria County Council concerning the possibility of securing a grant from the Big Lottery to enhance Windermere Library. Windermere Library had been selected from all the Libraries in Cumbria so we are supporting the bid in every way we can.
Part of every Council meeting is devoted to "public participation" where members of the public can come and make statements on matters of importance to them. Although members of the public cannot take part in debate it is very useful to us to know what you think so come along, you might even want to become a councillor yourself! Meetings take place on the second Wednesday and fourth Monday of each month at 6.30pm at Langstone House, Broad Street.
Chris Tewkesbury,Mayor of Windermere