So as representatives of the nation and the voice of the public, what do our Members do? Well, apart from attending Committee meetings, voting on key issues and visiting proposed building sites, they also take part in Away Days.
The "Distinctive Area" tours and forums allow our Members to meet people and visit places around the Lake District National Park to improve their understanding. Here's just one example:
Theme: Looking ahead, building on good practice - Supporting communities to meet their needs as residents, farmers, businesses and visitors
29 May 2012- To learn about the Distinctive Areas of the National Park and the activities and projects we are involved in
9.45 am - St Mary's Church Hall, Longsleddale
- Welcome by Members of Lake District National Park Authority
- Welcome to the Central and South East Distinctive Area Team and introduction to the programme for the day by Paul Haggin, LDNP
- An introduction by Jimmy Todd, Chair of Longsleddale Parish Meeting
10.45 am - Hydro Electric Power in the valley
- An introduction to the Kilnstones HEP scheme from Mark Cropper, Ellergreen Hydro and look around the powerhouse
- An overview of the planning application and the issues - Mairi Lock, LDNP
- Ecology and HEP's - Judy Clavey, LDNP
- Representatives from Natural England and the Environment Agency to present their views
12.15 pm - Travel to Dale End live/work unit (by minibus or electric bike)
- Overview of live/work issues - Ben Long, LDNP
- Feedback by the occupier Mr Coates
13.00 pm - Picnic Lunch (St Mary's Church Hall) - 10 electric bikes will be available from 13.00 to have a 'practice ride'
13.45 pm - An update on the Electric Bike Network - Isobel Stoddart
14.30 pm - Valley issues and initiatives, Sadgill
- A talk about 'off roading': the issues faced and solutions found - Steve Tatlock/Nick Thorne, LDNP, Steve Pighills, 4x4 representative and local resident, Jean Norgate will give the landowners perspective
- Developing a Whole Valley Plan for Longsleddale and managing the impacts of visitor pressure - Carissa Lough, LDNP and Richard Pearse, FOLD
- Broadband and 3G for the valley - Paul Haggin, LDNP and John Farmer, Clerk to Parish Meeting
