current information

Wind Turbine Developments (ongoing)

1) General concerns about proposed large Wind Farm developments. Nicholforest Parish Council’s aim was to ensure that full consultations were carried out and that the views of the community are acted upon.

2) Nicholforest PC requested help for joint working with other PCs and cross-border councils.

Action already taken by Nicholforest PC:-
a) Following developer and NOWT presentations sent out independent questionnaire round parish. Over 50% return, analysed individual questions, majority against development.
b) Advised results to MP and local Councillors.
c) Sent copy to Arthuret, Bewcastle & Kirkandrews-on-Esk PCs.
d) Made contact with independent planning expert.

Winter Maintenance (ongoing)

Gritting and keeping roads passable was identified as a major concern in this and past winters. Specific concerns we have outlined are:

1) Winter maintenance needs to be improved for all areas in the parish after many residents were snowed in for weeks at a time

2) We need more grit bins that are filled regularly – questions we have raised are: how is a siting requested, who supplies them, what is the cost and who pays for them? We are still waiting for official reply. However more grit piles were supplied to specifically requested points in Nicholforest during adverse weather conditions.

3) Grit needs to be put out earlier - Oct/ Nov time

4) Need continuity of gritting on both sides of the border - Scottish roads cleared and gritted but not done on English side at Penton Linns and vice-versa at the Kershopefoot end.