The successful Traffic and Parking consultation event held on 15th March in the Victory Hall was attended by approximately 130 members of the public, mostly Dalston residents. Alongside this event Carlisle City Council presented details of the Conservation Area Review and invited comments.

There was plenty of opportunity for discussion with John Collier, Cumbria County Councillor, Kevin Crawley, Cumbria Highways/Capita Symonds, Trevor Allison, Carlisle District Councillor, Erika London, Carlisle CC Traffic Management, Inspector Paul Kissack, Traffic Police, Andy Abernethy, Caldew School and Stephen Fraser, St Michael’s School all in attendance to answer questions.

Ronnie Auld, Parish Council Chairman introduced the event and highlighted the links between the Conservation Area key issues and the traffic and parking problems, particularly in the Square area. Members of the Parish Council were on hand to explain possible options relating to a 20mph speed limit; time limited parking and signage/bay markings required, as well as additional parking areas, pay and display potential and the type of surfacing envisaged.

Parking difficulties in the schools area were also discussed and some useful suggestions were put forward by Cumbria Highways for further consideration. Written comments received at the event and afterwards will be carefully looked at and will contribute to the Working Party proposals to take forward to a more detailed stage of finding the best way to address the problems.

Thanks are due to all those who attended the event, the people trying to answer questions/find solutions and the members of Dalston WI for providing refreshments all morning. Dalston Parish Council is committed to working with the County and District Councils as well as other Agencies to make things happen It took a long time for the Station access improvements to be completed, but everyone must agree that it was worth the wait!