DOG fouling was among subjects discussed when Casterton Parish Council met.

The footpaths officer suggested that dog owners should be issued with trowels to remove dirt to hedge bottoms or dig it into the ground.

The possibility of dog dirt bins placed in app-ropriate places in the village was again debated.

Coun-cillor David Metcalfe, a farmer, stated that a percen-tage of lambs contracted toxocariasis from dogs and it was suggested that advice on dog worming should be sought and displayed locally.

Minutes of the Village Hall’s previous meeting contained information on the disabled access issue which is currently being assessed by a working group.

Coun Metcalfe has attended a meeting with Casterton’s highway steward, where he heard about a pilot scheme in Eden District looking into teams of two or four men to boost the productivity of the stewards.

Regarding Lakes and Dales Redesignation, County Coun Kevin Lancaster reported that there was a strong divide in the community as a whole, and it was hoped that the proposal would go to a public inquiry.

The parish council unanimously agreed to contact SLDC to request that everyone should be given an opportunity to express their views.

It is now confirmed from Casterton School that the annual parish meeting will be held in the school’s Reading Room on May 17, at a time to be agreed.

Invitations will be sent to all households and businesses in the village.

Underley Garden School at Kirkby Lonsdale is looking for opportunities to become involved in the community by means of walling, fencing and planting bulbs etc.

The school is to be contacted to arrange a meeting to assess the possibility of improving the village green or other open spaces.

BT and United Utilities are no longer sharing respon-sibility for poles to which village lights are attached.

The loss of the poles, as they become ready for replace-ment, will now become the responsibility of the parish council.

The next parish council meeting will be held in the village hall on April 12 at 7.30pm.

All residents will be welcome to speak if desired on the agenda item allocated for non-council members.