The case for and against wind power in the Lakes

Against:

Expensive source of energy. Although wind is free the pylons are not.
Eyesore. They are seen as an intrusion of large man made objects into a 'natural' environment which is widely used as a place to 'get away from it all'.
Noisy.
Dangerous to wildlife.

For:

Inexpensive in the long term when fossil fuels become scarcer and expensive.
A British source of energy thus avoiding imports.
Intrusive eyesore is a matter of perception. Roads, stone walls could be seen as intrusive yet we accept them readily.
Our mountains get plenty of wind.
Wind Energy is 'clean' and helps reduce global warming which scientist warn us will lead to the end of humans living on earth for the most part.
The sound is acceptable and far quieter than that of a gale. At a quater of a mile can't be heard.
Though dangerous to a very small percentage of birds, there are far more dangerous predators and the don't pose a threat of reducing numbers overall.
Building pylons could lead to a thriving British industry. The more made the cheaper they become and help our steel industry survive.

By producing lots of wind energy, can't we earn some cash fo Cumbria?

If we're in favour of wind power, what justification do we have in building wind farms in the Shetlands where it would be a dominating presence over those that live and visit there besides building local could provide local jobs.

Exercise your opinion by visiting the Cumbria Web Site now and voting -

http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/       scroll down to the bottom.

Contact our local Cumbria County Councillors with our views

James Airey    -  james.airey@cumbria.gov.uk

Peter Hornby   -  peter.hornby@cumbriacc.gov.uk

Janet Willis      -  janet.willis@cumbriacc.gov.uk

A change at the top of South Lakeland Highways

Debbie Binch, the Community Officer for Cumbria County Council has just confirmed that Nick Raymond, the local area Highways Boss, has been seconded to help with work at Dalston, Near Carlisle.

The Head of Highways from the Eden area has taken over Nick Raymond's responsibilities in order to the facilitate this move.

I know of a certain taxi driver and a few thousand others will regard this as good news - for the people of Dalston of course.

I understand that James Airey, our local county councillor, approves of the decision and was certainly not adverse to this new career opportunity for Nick Raymond.

Of course I'm glad to point out that you probably heard it here first!

Which view do you support?

At attempt to disperse young people with high pitch sound using a device called a Mosquito by Appleby Police or

Help Create a Bright Future for Cumbria's Young People with a Penrith based charity that promotes partnerships between the community and schools using "Creative Ambassodors".

The first is funded by the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and is being used to tackle anti-social behaviour problems at an Eden sports club. The Mosquito works by emitting a high-pitched buzzing noise that causes discomfort to young ears, usually under the age of 25, but cannot be heard by adults.

Some would see this action as negative and aggravating the problem with young people and alienating them from society. It is seen as being discriminatory towards the young in the same way that the was done against the Jews or even towards old people.

Do the people in Appleby believe that it will help solve a problem ; simply move it on elsewhere; or even worse aggravate the gap between young people and those older.

EDINBURGH is set to become the first place in Scotland to ban this controversial device .

It is not known how many may be around Edinburgh, but deputy education leader David Beckett said the proposed ban would send a message to would-be buyers that it is not welcome in the Capital.

The campaign has won the support of human rights groups including Liberty, whose director, Shami Chakrabarti:

"What type of society uses a low-level sonic weapon on its children? Imagine the outcry if a device was introduced that caused blanket discomfort to people of one race or gender, rather than to our kids," she said.

“These devices are indiscriminate and target all children and young people, including babies, regardless of whether they are behaving or misbehaving,” Sir Albert Aynsley-Green, the Children's Commissioner for England told the BBC. “The use of measures such as these are simply demonising children and young people, creating a dangerous and widening divide between the young and the old.”

On the other hand Creative Ambassadors are seen by others as encouraging young people to be positive.

" The regeneration of Cumbria depends on motivating and raising the aspirations of its future workforce.

To meet the challenges of tomorrow’s world, today’s young people need creative talent, enterprising attitudes and the confidence to develop innovative ideas and practices to address the needs of the future."

To find creative practitioners around Ulverston click here - there are lots!

Which approach do you favour?

My visits to the Town Council over the past 18 months suggest that there is only one councillor that attempts to engage with young people. The rest suggest that this is someone else's business and there is no sense of urgency to see projects through.

Is it surprising that they get angry?

What are your views?

Liberty and Kent County Council are against the Mosquito

Nick Raymond and Capita Symonds

(Nick Raymond is Head of Highways for the South Lakeland Region)

I'm coming to get you!

Having heard more firsthand accounts of the arrogant behaviour of you guys, I am redoubling my efforts to get elected so that I can challenge you to do your jobs properly.

I shall be in your offices in early July after the election to ask you to give explanations for your behaviour.

Now is the time to start improving your performance if you want to earn some brownie points with me.

It's time that local government was more accountable to the electorate.