Councillor Tim Pickstone

Report to Arthuret Parish Council – October 2026

Councillor Tim Pickstone, Cumberland Councillor for Longtown Ward

Borderlands Funding and Longtown Community Centre

Borderlands has now given agreement for the first phase of Borderlands funding for Longtown, which is £1.3 million for the internal works at the Community Centre. The Council will now appoint an external contractor to take the scheme forward to final designs, contracts and building work during 2027.

The second phase of the Borderlands programme, which focuses on improvements to the A7 corridor through Longtown, was the main focus of the Borderlands Town Team steering group, which met in September. The group asked the Council’s contractors to come to its next meeting with clear options for how the money (£1.7 million) could be most usefully spent to improve economic outcomes in Longtown. A number of businesses (including two based on the A7) have joined the Town Team, which is very positive.

Highways and Roadworks

Thank you for your patience during the recent road works on the A7 throughout the town, which saw significant overnight closures and diversions. I hope the repairs are an improvement and will last the town for some time. There is a deadline of November to complete highway repairs in advance of the Tour de France in 2027.

I have reported a number of road defects in the Moor Road area.

Rockcliffe and North West Recycling

The proposed increase in waste throughput at the North West Recycling site near Rockcliffe does not affect Arthuret Parish directly, but it remains an important issue in Longtown Ward. Concerns continue to be raised about additional HGV traffic, the safety of the C1016, the impact on cyclists and pedestrians, and environmental issues affecting Rockcliffe and surrounding communities. The Environment Agency consultation has generated considerable local interest and many representations, including one from me as your local councillor.

Cumberland Local Plan Consultation

Cumberland Council has launched the first consultation stage on the new Cumberland Local Plan. The consultation runs until 23 October and seeks views on the key issues, opportunities and priorities facing Cumberland over the coming years. The Local Plan will guide decisions on housing, employment land, infrastructure, environmental protection and future development across the area. I encourage residents, businesses, community groups and the Parish Council to take part.

Cumberland Council Updates

Recent Cumberland Council updates include:

• Progress against the Council Plan, including investment in regeneration projects, additional bus services and expanded recycling provision.
• The launch of the Council’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme, supported by £3.465 million of government funding, which will deliver additional charging infrastructure across Cumberland.
• Continued community research and engagement work aimed at improving service delivery and understanding local priorities.

An external assurance review of Cumberland Council’s financial position and governance arrangements has been completed for the Government. The review acknowledges progress since local government reorganisation, but identifies areas requiring further work, including financial sustainability, children’s services, governance and programme delivery. The Council is preparing a formal response.

The Council appointed a new Chief Executive at a special meeting of Full Council last Wednesday. This is Jo Atkinson, the current Director of Corporate and Transformation Services.

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