I would like to clarify the consultation process for the proposed Lyth and Witherslack Internal Drainage Board (IDB).

The five parish councils within the proposed Board area were sent the consultation details and have been kept informed since last October when work started on the business plan.

Occupiers of agricultural land within the proposed drainage district were sent the details direct as, if a Board is established, they will be directly billed drainage rates of £13.68/acre.

For non-agricultural householders and businesses, their share of the costs of the proposed IDB would be paid by South Lakeland District Council, who have been consulted and will be taking the proposals to Cabinet for a decision in October.

The proposals have been sent to environmental organisations, including Natural England, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the National Trust, RSPB, Friends of the Lake District, the LDNPA and those organisations involved with the infrastructure of the area including Highways England and the National Grid.

A press release was sent to The Westmorland Gazette at the start of the consultation period in July including details of a website containing details of the consultation at https://lythvalleywlmg.wordpress.co.uk.

We would like to hear from all interested parties and the website has details of how to submit responses to the consultation.

Veronica Waller

NFU Cumbria IDB Project Manager