Report to Nicholforest Parish Council – 18 May 2026
Cross-Border Pylon Connection
Along with members of the Penton Landscape Group, I attended a catch-up meeting with National Grid last month. My understanding is that the second stage consultation on the scheme will take place in late 2026, though no date has been set yet. At that stage, National Grid will share further detail on the locations of proposed infrastructure, including the substation. I am also hoping to meet with National Grid shortly to better understand their thinking on any future Community Benefit Fund.
Tour de France
The Tour de France men’s race will be passing close to Nicholforest on 2 July 2027, coming through Newcastleton and Canonbie on its way to Longtown and then Brampton – 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
Two locations in Nicholforest have been submitted for consideration in Cumberland Council’s speed review for the rural Carlisle area – the 60mph sections through Catlowdy village and Kershopefoot village.
Drainage
At my request, the Council has undertaken work on a number of faulty gullies along the Church Newcastleton Road, in particular at the site of repeated flooding near the crossroads.
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.
Grit Bins
Residents will have noticed the replacement of grit piles with grit bins. This is to ensure that grit remains usable when needed – piles deteriorate over time – and is both more efficient and prevents leaching into the ground. The bins will be filled by the Council, but they also carry a QR code through which residents can request a top-up if needed. If the Parish Council has any comments on the location of the bins, please let me know.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if there are issues I can help with.
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