The inaugural meeting of The Lord Carlisle Heritage Trail committee took place at the Lacy Thompson Hall, Hallbankgate on the 10th March 2026.
Application for Right of Way Recognition
It was agreed that there should be one organisation to apply for Right of Way recognition (Definitive Map Modification Order) of the route from Halton Lea Gate to Hallbankgate and that evidence would be collated from community members, and other individuals, that have enjoyed any part of the route over a period of twenty or more years. This evidence will include where available, written testimonies, photographic records, old maps and documents etc. It is imperative that such evidence must be accurate, honest and can stand up to scrutiny.
Landowners will be notified and the request will go forward to the Planning Committee at Cumberland Council who will consider the proposal. There is a possibility that this might lead to a Public Enquiry.
Asset of Community Value Nomination
On behalf of the community, Farlam Parish Council is applying to nonimate the disused railway line from Hallbankgate to High Midgeholme as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). In parallel, Hartleyburn Parish Council is applying for ACV designation for the High Midgeholme to Halton-Lea-Gate stretch of track.
Assets of Community Value (also known as the Community Right to Bid) lets eligible community groups nominate land or buildings that are valuable to the community. These assets can be publicly or privately owned.
If the asset is listed and the owner decides to sell it, the community may get up to six months to prepare a bid. However, the owner does not have to sell to the community group.
For more information on Community Right to Bid, visit the My Community website.
Liaison With Landowners
Meetings are being set up with landowners to establish amicable relations and set out our proposals for the Heritage Trail. Particularly in view of replacing the bridge east of Tindale.
Purchase of Land Considered
The new landowner of the Whites Cut section has indicated that the land may be available for community purchase for £50,000, which is a considerable margin over what he paid at auction (£19,500 for the 6.3 acre panel of land).
