FIRE at historic Milnthorpe site ARRESTS have been made in connection to a fire at a historic building near Milnthorpe. Last April, fire crews from Kendal and Milnthorpe were called to a blaze at the Buck House deer shelter on the Dallam Tower Estate in Milnthorpe. Cumbria constabulary have given an update to the case. In a statement they said: “As part of the police’s enquiries, four males and two females, between the ages of 13-16, all local, were arrested on suspicion of arson. “They have all since been released under investigation. “Enquiries remain ongoing and the police are still appealing for information.”
SLDC has confirmed that councillor Jonathan Brook is the new leader of the council. Councillor Brook was appointed at the Annual Council Meeting, on May 19, and takes over as Leader from Councillor Giles Archibald, who has served as Leader since 2016. Councillor Brook represents the Kendal South and Natland ward and has served as an SLDC councillor since 2006, latterly as Deputy Leader and Housing and Innovation portfolio holder. As well as the role of Leader Councillor Brook will also take on the portfolio duties for Innovation and Promoting South Lakeland. Councillor Brook said: “I am hugely grateful and honoured to have the opportunity to represent the council in the role of Leader. I look forward to working with you all, as we seek to build a sustainable and inclusive future for our residents and communities across our large, varied and wonderful district.”
INVESTIGATIONS are ‘ongoing’ into the cause of a fire which caused ‘significant damage’ to a historic deer shelter on Monday. Fire crews from Kendal and Milnthorpe were called to the blaze at the Buck House deer shelter on the Dallam Tower Estate in Milnthorpe at around 6:30am on April 26. According to a Cumbria County Council spokesman the fire was ‘well alight on arrival’ and was extinguished by 9am, with crews remaining on scene to damp down and make the area safe. “Fire investigations are ongoing in conjunction with police,” said the spokesman. “The 300-year-old structure suffered significant damage but was not completely destroyed.”
Kendal s former courthouse Kendal s former courthouse will be demolished and replaced with 64 retirement flats. The chairman of South Lakeland District Council s planning committee used the casting vote to break the deadlock over the future of the building and approve its demolition. Councillors had been split evenly with six votes for and six votes against plans to clear the Burneside Road site and build new accommodation. Simon Kater, the agent for applicant Churchill Retirement Living, told the committee that a lot of time and effort has been put in to make this scheme financially possible . “Although no affordable housing contribution could be secured, this position hasn’t been reached lightly, he said.