Annual Town Meeting Highlights – May 2026

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Residents, councillors and officers gathered at Silloth Community Hall on 28 May for the town’s Annual Town Meeting, providing an opportunity to reflect on the past year and discuss issues affecting the community.

🌟 Looking Back on 2025/26

The Annual Town Report highlighted a number of achievements over the past year, including:

  • Successful lobbying efforts to help secure the continuation of the No. 60 bus service between Maryport and Skinburness.
  • Installation of the popular outdoor gym equipment on Silloth Green.
  • Continued investment in local services and facilities despite rising costs.
  • Ongoing work to recover outstanding debts and improve management of council assets.
  • The introduction of pay-to-use public conveniences to help offset operating costs.

🚗 Projects for the Future

The Council is continuing to work on several projects aimed at improving local facilities and accessibility, including:

  • Electric vehicle charging points.
  • Additional disabled parking bays on Criffel Street.
  • A new community noticeboard for residents who do not regularly access information online.
  • Further improvements to the Town Council website.

👏 Thanks to Former Councillors

The Council formally recorded its appreciation to former councillors Andrew Reynolds and Colin Baty for their service to the town. Particular recognition was given to Colin’s significant fundraising efforts and contribution to community projects.

🌿 Residents Raise Local Concerns

During the public forum, residents highlighted a number of local issues and suggestions:

  • Appreciation was expressed for the recent gorse clearance on Skinburness Road, which has improved visibility and safety.
  • A trip hazard on Eden Street was reported and will be referred to Cumberland Council.
  • A request was made for maintenance work to a memorial bench in the Community Garden.
  • Residents discussed traffic congestion, parking pressures and pedestrian safety during the busy summer season.
  • The annual review of fees and charges for commercial events on Silloth Green was also discussed, with differing views expressed regarding the balance between supporting events and ensuring fair contributions towards town services.

☀️ Tourism Remains Vital

While concerns were raised about seasonal traffic and parking pressures, residents acknowledged the important role tourism plays in supporting local businesses, holiday parks and the wider economy of Silloth.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. The Annual Town Meeting provides an important opportunity for residents to raise concerns, share ideas and help shape priorities for the year ahead.