A volunteer group that has been undertaking small jobs around Threlkeld led by Cllr Donald Angus is disbanding and will not be active next year due to rises in insurance costs and liability.
Members of Threlkeld Parish Council heard that the group had usually worked on Kiln How and The Jobby.
Councillors were told that if another volunteer comes forward to run the group, then it could restart. The meeting heard that a small pot of donated funds, around £700, could be used in the future if required and that the disbanding of the volunteer group could cost the parish council more money in the long run.
The clerk is to confirm with the parish council insurers if they cover volunteers for doing general maintenance work. Depending on the reply more money may need to be agreed to run training courses for chainsaw safety and personal protection equipment.
The Rev Susie Wood said she would look to see if the volunteers are covered by the church’s insurance when they are working in the churchyard.
