Broadband provision in rural areas remains a problem and there remain areas of the parish where broadband is not available.  The possibility of improving this through use of WiMax technology is being investigated.  This would provide faster broadband access and have the capacity to be an intranet provider for the benefit of the community.  Contact has been made with the newly formed North Allerdale Development Trust: we are waiting to hear whether or not they agree to some funding for CHUMS (Community Health User Monitoring Service).  This is a very exciting project which could lead to much improved assistance from and within the community: the idea of assistive technology is much discussed nationally at the moment and it would be good if our parish could be significant in its development  We have been contacted by Daniel Heery, a Social Enterprise Ambassador, who is keen to discuss the possibilities of promoting the Wimax intranet to assist in e-Health.  A small scale project is being developed in Alston Cumbria, another rural area with communication problems, and we hope to mirror some of what is happening there. It is a very good way of using limited funds to support people who wish to continue to live in their own homes as they grow older. The scheme would operate under the name of CHUMS and will be supported in its feasibility stages by the Northern Fells Group: we are applying for a grant in conjunction with them to investigate the feasibility of the project.

The parish is now part of a SID (Speed Indicator Device) scheme.  In partnership with nine other parishes two SIDs are available on a ten week rotation.  It was asked if it would be possible to have a published rota of when and where the SIDs would be when it is the turn of the Parish to have them. They have been in Westward twice now and both times were placed in the Westward part of the parish.

Signposts

Grants of £1000 have been obtained from both the Wilkinson Trust and Friends of the Lake District, Cumbria County Council have agreed to provide £425 to cover the cost of materials.  Work should begin before the end of the year.

It was observed that Brackenthwaite has no indication of its position, although it is indicated on signposts.  Mr Shaw will investigate the cost of the addition of a roundel to the existing finger post in the hamlet.

Saltbins

The parish council has agreed to the purchase of salt bins which would be a major contribution to road safety in icy conditions.  The County Council will fill bins once purchased.  As they cost in the region of £120 an application for a grant to purchase them was submitted to the Wilkinson Trust: the application was refused.  The Trust and CCC suggest raising the necessary money on the precept. The purchase of ten bins would cost the Parish Council in the region of £1200: this would mean an average Council Tax increase of £3.00 per household for one year.

Cumbria Travel Plan

This is about to be launched.  Several members of the Parish attended a meeting in April in Rosley Village Hall: the follow-up to that meeting took place in Sebergham Hall on June 17th 2008 where there was an opportunity to prioritise the list of wishes indicated at the original meeting.  These fell into a number of categories dependent upon whether they would benefit people’s safety, public transport, road safety etc. Although the budget for this work is limited it is an attempt by Allerdale Local Committee (part of CCC) to discover the interests of the people of the parishes.

The school now have their playing field: they have developed a play area and summer house within the school grounds.

Facilities for the young.

Fund-raising activities are on-going to raise funds for a new play area on Rosley Hall field.  As this would be to the benefit of all children in the parish it was suggested that the Parish Council may be willing to commit money to the scheme over the next few years.  It was reported that something in the region of £40,000 was required with about £8,000 collected so far.  It was suggested that the County Council had money available which is expressly for sports facilities and the eligibility of the scheme for some of this money will be investigated.  Anyone with ideas for fund-raising, or, even better, offers of sponsorship should contact Sonia Charters@aol.com

The Halls

Westward halls have undergone extensive renovations to the kitchens and the toilet areas.  This was funded by a grant from the Wilkinson Trust. Further upgrades are planned.

Rosley hall has acquired additional land which will be useful both for additional parking and for outdoor events.  A new dance floor has been laid in the main hall and the next phase planned is to improve insulation, paint the exterior and create a wildlife area.