31/10/03 - Ecological Protection delays Barrow Children's Home

Ecological protection issues are causing delays to the much needed Barrow Children’s Home.  Bats, natterjack toads and great crested newts are the rare wildlife possibly resident in the area in and around Hawthwaite House.  Bats were found as initial planning work got underway to transform the property into residential children’s unit for looked after children.

The find has meant that the Council has been required to apply for DEFRA licences before work can begin.  Although the licence is now in place for the bats and was deemed unnecessary for natterjack toads, a licence for great crested newts has not yet been approved by DEFRA.  County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for Care and Social Services says,

“We are awaiting the outcome of our latest application to DEFRA for a licence to work on the site.  Until the licences are in place we are unable to let the contract for the work.  We would expect the project to take six months to complete but obviously can’t estimate a completion date as yet until we receive the DEFRA licence and know what restrictions there might be on how or when we carry out the work.  The delay is very frustrating but it is important that we protect the environment and work within the guidelines set by the ecological experts.

We were concerned that the national shortage of social workers, especially in children’s residential services would mean that a Manager for Barrow Children’s Home would take a considerable time to appoint.  This would have caused some difficulties as it is important that the Manager of a new home like this one is involved in selecting staff, choosing the furnishings and other accessories that make a house a home.  Most importantly, a new Manager needs to work closely with neighbours and the local community to raise awareness of the children’s services provided at the home and how the local community can, if they choose, be involved.  I am delighted that we have appointed Martin Birch as the new Manager and he can be involved in the development of Hawthwaite House from the beginning.  Martin is currently working with Cumbria Adolescent resource team in barrow.

I hope that we are able to get back on track with the development of Hawthwaite House as soon as possible to ensure that young people looked after in barrow can receive residential care services in their own locality, ensuring continuation of education and contact with friends and family.”