TWO neighbouring South Lakeland parishes are seeking closer official ties.

Heversham and Hincaster communities are bidding for formal Neighbourhood Area status and their application to South Lakeland District Council is now the subject of public consultation.

Both parishes believe that together they are appropriate for the designation because the parishes have been closely associated for a number of years through the church, schools and social activities. Both parishes also now share a Polling Station.

A Neighbourhood Plan for the area would help both parishes reach a consensus on how they are able to develop in the future up to 2025.

Members of the public are now able to view and comment on the application submitted by Heversham Parish Council for a six week period until 12 noon on Monday, March 25.

The Neighbourhood Area application is available on the SLDC website at www.southlakeland.gov.uk or alternatively a hard copy can be inspected at Milnthorpe Library and at South Lakeland House in Kendal during normal opening hours.

Coun Jonathan Brook, portfolio holder for Housing and Development, said: “This is the first application the council has received for a Neighbourhood Area and we are keen to hear feedback from local people.”