Councillor Tim Pickstone

Report to Nicholforest Parish Council – July 2026

Councillor Tim Pickstone, Cumberland Councillor for Longtown Ward

Cross-Border Pylon Connection

The second stage consultation on the cross-border pylon and substation proposals has now been delayed to 2027. In the meantime I have met with National Grid to better understand their thinking on any potential community benefit scheme, and to share with them what does and does not work well with existing local grant schemes. The campaign continues and I will keep the Council updated as the process develops.

Traffic Speed

The review of speed limits across the rural areas around Carlisle is progressing, with a report expected to go to the Highways and Transport Board this summer. Unfortunately, neither of the two locations proposed in Nicholforest meets the Department for Transport criteria for a formal speed limit change – the issue in both cases being insufficient housing density along the relevant length of road. For Catlowdy, I have asked Highways to consider some additional signage as an alternative. At Kershopefoot, additional signage may also be an option and I will continue to push for this.

Penton Linns Bridge

Stones from the bridge at Penton Linns have fallen into the river below. I have reported this to Highways as a potentially serious structural issue and am awaiting a response. I will update the Council as soon as I hear back.

Drainage

I am pleased to report that the gully works I requested on the Church Newcastleton Road – including at the site of repeated flooding near the crossroads – have now been completed.

Tour de France – Volunteering

The Tour de France men’s race passes close to Nicholforest Parish on 2 July 2027, coming through Newcastleton and Canonbie on its way to Longtown and Carlisle. There is a great opportunity to get involved: around 9,000 ‘JOY Makers’ are being recruited nationwide to help welcome spectators and keep things running smoothly across all six UK stages. Anyone aged 16 or over can apply – no experience needed and full training is provided. Applications are open until 1 September 2026 at http://www.letourgb.com/volunteer.

Cumberland Local Plan

Cumberland Council has published an updated timetable for its new Local Plan, following new government regulations which came into force in March 2026. The Local Plan will set out the long-term vision and policies for development and land use across Cumberland. The first stage of public consultation – a ‘scoping’ consultation – is scheduled for September 2026. I will share details of how to take part nearer the time.

Bewcastle Primary School

Earlier this month I was able to address children at Bewcastle Primary School in their assembly, including a good number of children from Penton. I explained the work of a local council and a local councillor, and asked the children for their views on what they liked about their local area and what they would like to see changed.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if there are issues I can help with.