NEWS AND EVENTS
CLAIFE PARISH COUNCIL NEW AND EVENTS:
Page Updated by Clerk 4 March 2026.
Partnership Plan Consultation Response from Claife Parish Council:
Please click here to view in PDF: Partnership Plan response 2026
Road Closure:
A temporary road closure has been put in place to allow Westmorland and Furness to carry out highway works which are expected to commence 2nd March 2026 and anticipated to take 5 nights between the hours of 19:05:00 to complete.
Please see below details of the extents of the restriction and any alternative route which may be in place, the relevant legal notice can be viewed at https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/4587/reactivation-notice-w-f_147950746_4064702_cb9f01b72a.pdf and a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found on one.network via link https://one.network/?tm=GB147950746
Location: B5286, Outgate, from its junction with Loanthwaite Lane, extending in a north easterly direction for approx. 5.6 kilometres.
Alternative Route: A suitable alternative route will be signed and made available via the unrestricted section of the B5286, B5285 and the A593. It has been identified that it will not be safe to maintain access for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists throughout the restriction.
N.B This restriction or Passage for Emergency Vehicles will not be maintained for the duration of this restriction.
Should you have any queries in relation to this temporary Order please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 373 3306 or via the Westmorland & Furness Council website, quoting the reference TTROW/17862.
Gritting and Snow Ploughing - IMPORTANT
Disclaimer
Claife Parish Council is pleased to announce the provision of a gritting and snow ploughing service along certain C and Unclassified roads that link up with the B5285 and B5286.
1. From B5286 along Wray road to Balla Wray and then to Colthouse linking to B5285 at Pool Bridge
2. Loanthwaite lane
3. From B5285 Near Sawrey, link road from Sawrey House Hotel to B5286 via Ees Bridge.
4. From B5285 Far Sawrey, road opposite Cuckoo Brow Inn that goes past St. Peter’s Church to High Cunsey, to Low Cunsey (as far as Cunsey Bridge), and return to B5285 at top of Ferry Hill.
The decision about when to grit will be made by Hawkshead Parish Council.
Gritting will not take place as frequently as the Westmorland and Furness Service on B roads.
Start date: w/c 29 December 2025
Please note: Gritting can only take place if there is good clearance for a large tractor and equipment.
Due to the limited width of these roads, please park cars away from the road and ensure hedges, that you are responsible for, are cut back.
Gritting operations inherently involve moving vehicles and loose grit, creating potential temporary hazards. Drivers should exercise extreme caution, reduce speed and maintain safe distances.
Claife Parish Council do not accept any liability for damage to vehicles during the period of this service.
Ferry:
We are now running on our winter timetable last crossing from Ferry House : 21:00hr
The following service breaks are scheduled for
6.10pm and 6.40pm. The last crossing before the afternoon break is 5.50pm from Ferry Nab and 6pm from Ferry House.
Ferry to be out of service for two weeks for essential work
The Windermere ferry will be out of service for up to two weeks next month for maintenance work to extend its working life and improve reliability.
There will be a two-week suspension from Monday 23 February. Services on the Mallard will also have to be suspended for preparatory works on Wednesday 21 January between 9am and 3pm.
During the closure, road users are encouraged to follow the alternative route via the A591 to Ambleside then on to B5286 to Hawkshead.
The suspension is part of planned works to replace and upgrade parts of the driveline system, which have been running almost continually for more than 30 years.
Iconic Meadows events in 2026
A programme of four informative meadow talks for the general public and farmers across the Lake District.
There are limited places available, so booking is essential for all events.
Wildflower Hay Meadows Talk - Windermere
Join Shannon Horrocks, Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s grassland conservation officer and Jennie Hill, farmer in the Langdale Valley, for an illustrated talk on hay meadows past, present and future. From restoration works, to grazing regimes, all aspects of meadow management will be covered. Free Refreshments provided.
National Trust- Footprint Building, Patterdale Rd, Windermere LA23 1NH
Monday 9th February 2026, 4:45pm-6:15pm
Book here: Wildflower Hay Meadows Talk | Cumbria Wildlife Trust
Wildflower Hay Meadows Talk - Shap
Join Shannon Horrocks, Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s grassland conservation officer and Tom Newbury, farmer at Orton Tebay, for an illustrated talk on hay meadows past, present and future. From restoration works, to grazing regimes, all aspects of meadow management will be covered. Free Refreshments provided.
Shap Memorial Hall, Main St, Shap, Penrith CA10 3NR.
Tuesday 10th February 2026, 4:45pm-6:15pm
Book here: Wildflower Hay Meadows Talk | Cumbria Wildlife Trust
The events are free, but please book your place early to avoid disappointment by visiting our website at Events | Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
These events have been delivered with funding from the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme in the Lake District National Park.
Westmorland and Furness Council launches budget consultation: click here
At a meeting of Cabinet (16 December), Westmorland and Furness Council launched its annual budget consultation.
The council is seeking views from its residents on:
a proposed council tax increase of 4.99%
other savings and income generating proposals
Hyperfast Broadband - Hawkshead Drop-in Information Session, where residents can come and learn about Fibre broadband rollout and ask any questions Hawkshead Market Hall, Friday 6th February 2026, 12pm–2pm and 4pm–6pm.
Be Winter-Wise:
There is some helpful guidance from United Utilities on how to prepare for the winter weather. See attached links:
Other Priority Services information
Winter Weather Updates:
Hiking experts' winter weather updates 'vital' as Lake District mountain rescue teams receive 900 callouts in 2025
Fell top weather updates provided by mountaineering experts throughout winter are "vital" for safety, following an estimated 900 callouts to mountain rescue teams in the Lake District.
Fell Top Assessors Zac Poulton, Paddy Cave and Jim Evans summit Helvellyn in the Lake District every day from the start of December until the end of March to provide boots on the ground weather readings and winter walking advice.
Employed by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), Zac, Paddy and Jim's reports are shared on https://www.lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk/, to help winter walkers best understand what conditions they can expect.
Activities / Things To Do:
* National Trust: Memory Cafe at Wray in collaboration with Joey's Cafe Please Join Us
People living with Dementia, carers and family are invited to take some time out and socialise in the relaxed atmosphere of Joey's Cafe. Afterwards, feel free to enjoy the stunning grounds of Wray Estate. Every 1st Friday of the month. Drop in at Joey's between 10am and 12pm for a complimentary coffee or tea -- All other items are offered at a 20% discount.
* Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council have launched a new website to encourage people to walk, wheel, or cycle for regular journeys instead of driving.
News / Misc. Information:
* Reporting different types of Anti Social Behaviour: click here for information.
* Grants available from the Council for making your home more energy efficient
Eligible households are those with an energy efficiency rating of D to G, and either a total annual household income below £36,000 or a resident receiving a means-tested benefit.
To find out if your property is eligible and register your interest contact:
Cumberland Council
Telephone: 0330 056 5698
Email:
Westmorland and Furness Council
Email:
Telephone: 0300 373 3300
* National Trust Update on Wray Castle Restoration:
* Post-16 Transport and the 16-19 Bursary Scheme from Westmorland and Furness Council click here
Young people in Westmorland and Furness can receive support with transport costs to access education and training with the 16-19 Education Travel Bursary programme. The programme is now open to new applicants.
* The Charity "Future Proof Cumbria" - Crisis Support Scheme - Help for Residents in Crisis – Fuel Vouchers & More
Through this scheme, eligible households can access a range of free support, including:
• Fuel vouchers of up to £300
• Energy-saving appliances such as electric throws, air fryers, microwaves, and dehumidifiers.
• Access our professional draught-proofing service to help keep homes warmer and reduce energy waste.
This support is specifically targeted at residents who are in crisis or vulnerable situations. Alongside these measures, each household will also receive tailored energy advice to help them achieve ongoing savings and improve their wellbeing in the long term.
Referrals can be made in the following ways:
• By email:
• By completing our webform:
• Or by phone: 01768 216 500
* Westmorland and Furness residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them. Click here to check or email
elections3@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
* Report an environmental problem - like flooding or polution
* An email address for reporting crime in addition to 999 and 101 numbers. The address is
* Help Westmorland and Furness Council shape the future of your waste and recycling services -
* Postal Votes - Council urges voters to submit new postal vote applications:
* Road Closures information by area Click here
* Claife Parish Council Grants Policy: The Parish Council considers grant applications from local community organisations. The Policy and Application Form are available to download:
, or alternatively can be requested from the Parish Clerk.
* Lake District National Park - South Lakes Distinctive Area: This includes details about
* C5028 High Cunsey Bridge: The weight restriction of 7.5 tonnes continues to be in place at High Cunsey Bridge until engineering works take place at a future date.