Easter changes to customer services
Our customer services team will be available on the phone and via the webchat function on the website until 5pm on April 1 and from then will close over the Easter weekend. Customer services will reopen from 9am on Tuesday, April 6.
Customers are reminded that council offices remain closed for face-to-face contact.
Issues such as dog fouling, littering and fly-tipping can continue to be reported through the website at https://www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/report/ and the 'myAllerdale' mobile app.
Customers can also use the website to check their eligibility for housing and council tax benefits, make an application, as well as access their benefit and council tax account. This service is also available for landlords with tenants on housing benefit.
Payments can be made online or via the automated payment line 0303 123 1702.
The council can be contacted in an emergency situation, such as for homelessness assistance, on 0303 123 1702. If there is a threat to life residents should ring 999.
Have your say on climate change plan
Residents and businesses are being encouraged to have their say on our draft Climate Change Action Plan.
It focuses on six key areas and identifies actions which can be taken to help address climate change. They are:
- Growing the low carbon economy – skills and infrastructure
- Retro-fitting homes and buildings
- Decarbonisation of transport & reducing road miles
- Planning to deliver zero carbon development that protects and enhances nature
- Reducing waste and encouraging sustainable consumption: within Allerdale Borough Council estate and residents/businesses
- Restoring nature for all: Biodiversity, land use, land use change and forestry
The council is continuing to work alongside a number of stakeholder groups to develop this plan but is also keen to hear the views of local residents and businesses. An opportunity to give feedback on the draft plan is now open and comments can be taken until Tuesday, April 6 2021.
|
Volunteers needed to help AONB
The Solway Coast AONB team are looking for volunteers to help them engage visitors at Mawbray Banks Nature Reserve:
“With spring upon us, birds are nesting and natterjack toads will soon be starting to stir. We are looking for volunteers to lend a hand to engage with our visitors to help them appreciate the importance of the reserve and its wildlife and to get the most out of their visits, whilst ensuring our special wildlife remains protected and is not disturbed.
"We are looking for people who are able to commit to some regular volunteering, ideally to the end of the bird breeding season in July. Well behaved ambassador dogs are encouraged and are very welcome to lend a hand and lead by example. We have a particular need for volunteers at the weekend and during holidays but other times during the week will also need to be covered. Involvement can be flexible.
"You do not need any specialist wildlife knowledge but volunteers will need to be friendly and approachable and confident in chatting about the reserve. You will need to be confident in approaching visitors, especially dog walkers."
|
Caution urged as lockdown restrictions to ease
As the country prepares for easing of lockdown restrictions from next Monday, the number of new COVID-19 infections in Cumbria dropped to 114 in the week ending 19 March, a 17% reduction on the previous week. Overall Cumbria recorded 23 new cases per 100,000 population, compared to a national average of 55 per 100,000.
The overall figure does mask some changes at a district level, including a 61% increase in cases in Barrow. However, the actual number of new cases remains relatively low. Barrow joined Allerdale in having the greatest numbers of new cases (both +29 new cases).
The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 also continued to drop, although the south of the county did see a small increase in new admissions.
Data from the mass testing of secondary school students and staff continues to be reviewed, with a small number of school related outbreaks being very closely monitored and managed by Public Health teams.
The position in the county’s care homes is the most positive for some time, with only three homes currently experiencing outbreaks.
Local Government Reorganisation
The government is currently consulting on proposals for local government reorganisation in Cumbria. Find out more and have your say on the consultation website. Click the image to find out more.
Elections on May 6
The elections on 6 May 2021 have been officially declared this week with the publication of the Notices of Election.
The following elections will be held in Allerdale:
-
Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner.
-
Five vacant seats on Allerdale Borough Council: Aspatria ward; Christchurch ward; Ellen & Gilcrux ward; Seaton & Northside ward; St John’s ward
-
Two vacant Cumbria County Council seats: St John’s and Great Clifton county division and Cockermouth North county division
-
Four seats on Workington Town Council.
Council meetings this week and next
This week meetings of the Executive and Overview and Scrutiny Committee took place. To view recordings of the meeting go to our YouTube channel.
This coming week (March 30) there will be a meeting of the Development Panel where two applications will be considered. The meeting will take place virtually but will be streamed live on our YouTube channel. The agenda can be viewed on our website.
|
