Report to Bewcastle Parish Council – 20 May 2026
Cross-Border Pylon Connection
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 through Newcastleton and along the Longtown to Brampton Road on 2 July 2027 – 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. While the route does not pass directly through Bewcastle Parish, there will be a significant national and international audience on the day, and the influx of visitors will be great news for local accommodation and hospitality businesses across the wider area.
Traffic Speed
One location in Bewcastle has been submitted for consideration in Cumberland Council’s speed review for the rural Carlisle area – the 30mph section through Sleetbeck.
Funding
The recommendation to the next Community Panel meeting is to support the application for funding for re-wilding at Bewcastle cemetery.
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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