Town council: There had been 15 reported police incidents in January, including four reports of anti-social behaviour and a road traffic accident where the investigation was ongoing. There have been reports of nuisance at the auction mart behind the Collingwood and Longstaffe housing in the early evening. The drugs investigation in Low Bentham is ongoing, but the officer emphasised the more information received from the public the better, although this needs to be hard fact and not rumour. With regard to drugs awareness, she asked about possible venues and it was suggested the Youth Cafe might be a good place to start, both with youngsters and their parents.

District Councillor Linda Brockbank reported that the proposal to charge for Bentham car parks had been dismissed by the policy committee. She thanked the council for its support against charging. Coun Brockbank had been to a We are Bentham meeting where the traders had decided against the proposed Station Road car park and had asked instead for the area to be made into a park and picnic area. Coun Brockbank asked for feedback and ideas and agreed to put details on the town’s website asking for input from residents and visitors.

County Councillor David Ireton updated the council on progress with the school. Building control had asked for amendments to the structure.

Coun Burton told members the proposed site for new allotments had been rejected by those wanting a plot. As it had taken the council three years to find this site and a further two years to get to this stage, it was suggested those wanting allotments should be more proactive in identifying suitable sites. They had suggested the land earmarked for a car park on Station Road, owned by Craven District Council, would be suitable, even though Craven refused to relinquish it. Town councillors expressed their disappointment at the outcome following years of work to try to find a suitable site for allotments, but agreed to contact Craven again to see if they had any suitable land available. It was reiterated that any allotment site must cover its own costs.

Bright Hour: At the latest Bentham Methodist Bright Hour meeting, Sharon Harpur shared her “Journey to Faith from Jesus to Christian”.

Pioneer Projects: On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Pioneer Projects are able to offer help with computers. You will be taught basic to intermediate level computing skills covering topics such as word processing, online computer security, online shopping, spreadsheets and graphs, or anything you would like help with. A couple of laptops are available or you may prefer to bring our own. Pioneer Projects has also launched an appeal for garden buddies. If you have a couple of hours spare and would be happy to share your skills and knowledge with others, please get in touch. In return, volunteers will be offered space in the greenhouse and a small bed in which to grow vegetables or flowers.

Historical society: Dr Alan Crosby gave a talk on Fairs and Markets to Ewecross Historical Society on Monday.

Age Concern: Members of Age Concern met at the Masonic Hall on Friday and enjoyed a lunch served by Mary Swithenbank and Betty Wilson. In the afternoon Ingleton farmer John Dawson gave an entertaining account of his work and life in farming. The raffle winner was Marian Robinson.

Coffee morning: A coffee morning held in the town hall on Saturday raised £175 for the Lancaster and Skipton Rail User Group .

Women’s Institute: Members of Low Bentham Wl had an enjoyable evening at Temptations craft shop in High Bentham on Thursday. They made fabric corsages under the direction of Rosie and Christine.

Workshops: Temptations has a number of workshops planned for March. These include patchwork, sewing and knitting. For more information, contact the shop.