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• Dalston Parish Council has considered parking problems in the central areas for many years, but more recently with a commissioned regeneration scheme for the Square area and suggested additional parking on the Kingsway in 2003/04. These proposals were not looked at favourably by Cumbria Highways, but have acted as a starting point for further consultation through the Traffic and Parking Survey in 2007/08 and other routes.

• Dalston Agricultural Society, which owns the Show Field, was approached by the Parish Council in 2006 about the possibility of using part of the top end of the land for a ‘grasscrete type’ parking area, except annually on Show Day. This preliminary investigation was not progressed after February 2008 because of difficulties with gaining Cumbria Highways permission for access from Townhead Road and the financial implications involved with the development on Dalston Agricultural Society land.

• The Parish Council then examined other options leading to the initial planning application earlier in 2009 for the environmental and parking scheme for sixty vehicles on the Kingsway. This was eventually withdrawn following indications that the Carlisle City Council Planning Officer was minded to refuse it. English Heritage had concerns that, together with the parking proposals associated with the Co-op application at the time, there would be over provision of additional parking in Dalston. It was also felt that there should be an overall co-ordinated approach, including recognition of the use of public transport, bicycle and pedestrian access to services and reduced reliance on the need for private vehicular transport.

• Since then, Dalston Parish Council has been working with Cumbria Highways, County and District Councillors and Carlisle City Council Planning and Conservation Officers to produce a revised scheme for submission. This current application includes a parking area on the Kingsway for forty vehicles, landscaping and alterations to the access to assist with pedestrian safety and usability.

• The Parish Council, with the help of some volunteers, conducted a week long survey of vehicles (four times each day) parked in the Square, Glave Hill car park, the Building Society area, on the Kingsway to the White Bridge and outside the Victory Hall. These figures were requested by Cumbria Highways to help ascertain the numbers of extra spaces required. Over the last two years or more, a time-restricted parking zone in the Square has been considered, with marked parking bays for vehicles, as well as a speed reduction to 20mph through the Square. These traffic regulation changes have to go through a legal process, together with public consultation and this all takes time and there are costs involved.

• At the October meeting Dalston Parish Council considered its budget for 2010/11 and included a sum specifically to go towards the costs of providing additional parking facilities.

• The waiting restrictions/yellow lines in the schools area have been introduced by Cumbria County Council and are subject to a temporary Traffic Regulation Order for which there is a six month consultation period. Dalston Parish Council will be considering its consultation response early in 2010 so please pass any comments to Council members or the Clerk.

• The highway verge at Bridge End belongs to Cumbria County Council. Vehicles parked on the verge might be considered to be causing an obstruction of the footway, which is an offence. Ben Hodgson Cars Ltd has been asked by Dalston Parish Council not to park vehicles in connection with the business in front of the seat, which has been made available for the enjoyment of members of the community and visitors for many years. Cumbria Highways has also pursued the reinstatement of the damaged highway verge following complaints raised through the Parish Council.

Elizabeth Auld
Clerk to Dalston Parish Council 26th October 2009