MILNTHORPE Parish Council held its annual parish meeting by video link.

Councillor Steve Hurst was elected chair for the coming year.

Cllr Jen Scrogham was elected vice chair.

Paul Blackburn has replaced John Scargill as Clerk to the council.

The regularly monthly meeting of the Parish Council was held immediately afterwards. The Council asked that it be noted that the members wished to say a big thank you to all front-line workers and all volunteers who have been fantastic during the current coronavirus situation.

Full agreement has been reached to place a planter in the square.

The Market Square improvement plan is 35 per cent completed. However, the current situation means that much is on hold. The clerk and chair will draw up an order of priority for completion.

Feedback on the Milnthorpe local plan review has been extended to July 17.

The pony field has been let and the tenants have done considerable work on it. The council noted that the field looks better than it has for many years. Only two stall holders are currently attending the market. Rent has been waived with the agreement of the council.

Cllr Roger Bingham commented that the community had come together brilliantly during the crisis. But he was disappointed that it was not possible to celebrate VE Day. Cllr Baverstock suggested it might be possible to do something for VJ Day (August 15).

THE Allotment Association has announced that the Horticultural Show will not go ahead in the usual way due to the coronavirus crisis.

But the group is still going to run a few categories online.

These include best kept allotment; best kept hen pen or pigeon pen; best kept garden; best hanging basket or container; tallest sunflower - run in conjunction with St Thomas's Church; cress head which is new for children; largest pumpkin. These will be judged via email pictures and visiting local gardens.

For more information go to the brand-new updated website: www.milnthorpeallotments.co.uk/up-to-date-news.

A NEW bike shop has opened in Milnthorpe.

The old HSBC bank premises now hosts Mal the Bike Guy.

Proprietor Mal Evans says that his work is making bikes happy.

A lot of people are cycling at present, so the shop offers the opportunity for locals to keep their machines in good condition.

Because of the current crisis Mel is offering a free collection service within a five-mile radius of the village.

However, there are strict coronavirus procedures in place at the premises which will be open every day

except Sunday.

Mal has worked in the bike trade for many years.

His aim is to get people out on their bikes enjoying the great outdoors.

Partner Kath is supporting him in the venture.

She has been riding bikes in Cumbria since she was a child and loves a life on two wheels.

They both wanted to do something locally.

More information can be found on the website: malthebikeguy.co.uk.