Report to Arthuret Parish Council – 11 May 2026
Hespin Wood Landfill
The Council will be aware of the significant increase in use of the Hespin Wood landfill site. I have had meetings with Cumberland’s planning and waste management teams, who have been in close dialogue with the Environment Agency – the primary regulatory body for landfill. Following discussions with both Cumberland as Planning Authority and the Environment Agency, the operator has imposed a voluntary stop notice, meaning no further landfill for now. A new area on the north-east side of the tip near the M6 is being prepared to take more waste – including material that has raised parts of the existing site above their permitted height. Work is also under way to reduce odour from the site, and discussions have taken place about litter enforcement given the increase in lorry movements.
Tour de France
The Tour de France men’s race will come through Longtown on 2 July 2027 – the largest international sports event Cumberland will ever have hosted. I have met with the Assistant Director leading the Council’s preparations. A new Project Manager is in post, and significant work lies ahead on road repairs, road closures and logistics. I will work with the Parish Council to make the most of this opportunity and ensure all local agencies – Parish Council, Cumberland, Community Centre, School and others – are aligned. This is the main agenda item at next week’s Extended Services Meeting.
Borderlands and the Community Centre
Two consultation events have taken place on the Borderlands Growth projects in Longtown (Community Centre and A7). The Community Centre project – making the centre fit for the future in terms of space and energy efficiency – should be able to progress quickly as there are no planning permission issues. The A7 work will take longer given the highways complexity and the need to get community engagement right; further consultation is planned for later this year. Good progress is also being made on opening the ‘Community Hub’ café area this summer.
Boundary Review
The Local Government Boundary Commission published its final report on new Cumberland council wards on 5 May 2026. The new boundaries – 55 councillors in 55 wards – take effect at the May 2027 elections. No changes were proposed for Longtown Ward.
Traffic Speed
Two locations in Longtown have been submitted for Cumberland’s rural Carlisle speed review – extending the 30mph limit on both the Netherby and Brampton Roads. I am also in discussions with Highways about speed surveys within the existing 30mph zones on Carlisle Road and Brampton Road.
Highways
Old Road is scheduled for closure this summer for much-needed repairs. I am working with Cumberland’s planning department on uncompleted road surfaces on St Michael’s Drive and Waverley Close.
Planning
I have been asked for early comments on the proposed solar farm between Sandysyke and the River Lynn – views from the Parish Council are very welcome. Flooding from the Fawns Wood development onto the back of St Michael’s Drive is also being discussed with planning.
Extended Services Group
Longtown’s Extended Services Group – bringing together officers from the agencies working in Longtown – continues to work well. An early success has been securing agreement and funding from Cumberland Council to remove the ‘bus’ shelter outside the primary school.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if there are issues I can help with.
Leave a Reply