Minutes of a Special Meeting of Cockermouth Town Council held on Wednesday 8 December 2010 at 7.00pm.

A Tyson (Mayor)
S Coates A Kennon
E Nicholson D Newton

Apologies: Councillors Burns, Jackson, L Lytollis, C Smith, A Smith, S Standage & M Wood

Also Present: 1 member of the public

107 Declaration of Interest

None declared.

108 Memorial Gardens Restoration Scheme

Members discussed in detail the draft plans for the restoration of the Memorial Gardens. They also considered the additional design rationale and supporting information contained within the report submitted by Mr Rabbits.

After a lengthy debate it was resolved: -

(a) That the new entrance to the Memorial Gardens creating a link from the West End of town and road bridge be deleted from the scheme due to pedestrian safety concerns
(b) That the poetry trail throughout the gardens be endorsed.
(c) That the retaining wall be rebuilt with local stone to match existing
(d) That the boundary railings be erected on the line of the destroyed Memorial Gardens boundary to be of a unique scroll design to match railings next to Harris Bridge. Metal features to be included on posts.
(e) That the new formal main entrance to the Memorial Gardens be endorsed.
(f) That the tarmacing of the entrance linking the formal entrance, toilets and play area be endorsed.
(g) That a new access be created to the other side of the Play Area to allow access for machinery instead of using the new formal entrance
(h) That the additional tree planting along Wakefield Road be endorsed.
(i) That the trees along the new footpath be relocated behind the path 10 metres apart.
(j) That the Outdoor Performance space and amphitheatre be re-designed. Hard standing to be removed, steps to be removed, Paul Rabbits to explore further the idea of a landscape terrace.
(k) That the viewing platforms be endorsed.
(l) That the natural play area be endorsed subject to the final designs being agreed by the Town Council
(m) That new footpaths be created along the line of the existing footpaths using type 1 sub base.
(n) That the mill race restoration scheme be progressed.
(o) That the poetry circle and Poetry trail culminates with footpath link and circular path around the Rotary trees, however Paul Rabbits to find a more sustainable material for use on the lower path near the river
(p) Members noted the completion of the river bank restoration.

The meeting ended at 8.35 pm