Report to Kirkandrews 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, which I know will be of particular concern to residents at the western end of Kirkandrews Parish. 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. I have submitted a written question on Hespin Wood to the Full Council meeting of Cumberland Council on 12 May 2026.
Tour de France
The Tour de France men’s race will be coming through Kirkandrews Parish on 2 July 2027, right down the A7 from the border to Longtown – the largest international sports event that Cumberland will ever have hosted. I have met with the Assistant Director leading Cumberland’s preparations, and a new Project Manager is in post. There is significant work ahead on road repairs and closures, which will have a very significant impact on the area on the day. This is an amazing opportunity to promote the area to a national and international audience, and the influx of visitors will be great news for local accommodation and hospitality businesses.
Traffic Speed
One location in Kirkandrews Parish has been submitted for consideration in Cumberland Council’s speed review for the rural Carlisle area – the area to the west of Moat village, as requested by some residents.
I have also received a request for speed bumps on Green Mill Road. Being realistic, I am not sure that is something Cumberland Council would prioritise on a cul-de-sac, but the Parish Council may wish to consider whether a ‘Slow’ or ‘Slow – Children’ sign or similar measure might be appropriate.
Gretna Road Pavement
Following requests from residents, I have asked Cumberland Council to undertake work to make the pavement on the Gretna Road (Green Mill Road towards Longtown) safer for pedestrians. The pavement appears to have become significantly overgrown over time.
Borderlands Place Plan Funding
Two consultation events have taken place on the Borderlands Growth projects in Longtown – the Community Centre and the A7. I am hopeful that the Community Centre project, which is about making the centre fit for the future in terms of modern space and energy efficiency, can progress quickly as there are no planning permission issues. The A7 work will take longer given the complexity of highways issues and the need to get community engagement right; further consultation is planned for later this year.
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 – will be used for the first time at the May 2027 local elections. Longtown Ward is unchanged, one of only two wards in the whole of Cumberland to see no changes. The ward will be very slightly larger than the average population, particularly once the new houses at Harker are built. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.
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