There was a good turnout of members all ready to question Tim on various topics, both local and national. The future of farming was first on the agenda with new support schemes and the Government’s newly published food strategy being discussed at length.

Tim and members agreed that the food strategy and new support system were going in the right direction but much more needed to be done.

Tim, who always has been a strong advocate for Lake District farmers, promised to raise these concerns and issues in Westminster and report back.

Members then turned to local issues with younger members focusing on the need for more affordable housing so that they can buy or rent a property near to their agricultural business, cutting down travelling costs and enabling them to be as near the farm as possible.

Tim explained the ever worsening second home situation. Whilst we live in a beautiful area it does add pressure with second homeowners buying many of the cheaper properties up, therefore making it near impossible for locals to compete.

All present agreed that there needed to be more local occupancy houses built for rent or to buy for local young people, the Lakes should be a place to live and work not just retire.

Finally, there was frustration at the way local planning issues were being handled by South Lakeland District Council. Several people raised concerns about slow processing of applications and inconsistency on how applications were dealt with.

Tim said he would set up a follow up meeting between members and the planning service so that these issues could be tackled head on.

Tim then left after a good two-hour discussion in the garden at Benson Hall, which possibly has one of the finest views in the Lakes.