Cllr Owen Martin

14/04/2026

The council were very clear that comments made about me as chair where completely unacceptable.

In response to recent social media commentary concerning the land hire fees for the Sunday Market, the Council is issuing this statement to provide a factual summary of the statutory procedures and financial regulations that governed this decision.

* The Hire Fee: The Council resolved to set a hire fee of £100 for this event. While the standard commercial rate is £350, the Council utilised its discretionary powers to provide a community concession. This decision was made to support local traders and encourage footfall in the town which provides a wider economic benefit to all residents.

* The Voting Process: The resolution was reached following a tied vote among Councillors. In such instances, the Chairman is required by the Local Government Act 1972 to exercise a casting vote to ensure a definitive resolution is reached and Council business can proceed. This is a standard legal procedure used across all levels of local government in the UK.

Proper process was followed at every stage, and the decision is recorded in the official minutes which can be viewed on the website:

https://silloth-on-solway-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/30-March-2026-Full-Council-DRAFT.pdf

The Council remains committed to supporting local initiatives while ensuring all decisions are made transparently and in accordance with national legislation and our own Financial Regulations.

14/04/2026

It’s very sad to see, after 45 years and a great economic benefit to the town. As you can see below for legal reasons we were unable to continue.

The lease and a covenant from 1909 preventing sales on the land at Skinburness.

UPDATE: Sunday Market Proposal for Skinburness Road.

Following consideration of the professional advice provided by the Town Clerk at the meeting on 13 April 2026, the Town Council has reached a final decision regarding the proposed Sunday Market trial on Skinburness Road.

The Council has resolved not to proceed with the trial of the Sunday Market at this location.

In reaching this decision, the Council carefully weighed its commitment to supporting local attractions against new legal and contractual information. Key factors included:

* Legal & Leasehold Risks: An advisory report highlighted significant risks regarding historic land covenants that prohibit "stalls, sales, and commercial events" on the site.
* Contractual Obligations: The Landlord (Unitary Authority) had previously confirmed that the Council’s legal indemnity is strictly contingent upon following the terms of the lease. It was determined that a weekly commercial market may not meet the required legal definition of "public recreation".
* Procedural Fairness: The importance of "Gunning Principles" for fair consultation is acknowledged. A petition signed by 49 residents of Skinburness Road was also received and considered as part of the deliberations.

The Council’s initial support for the relocation was a response to the sudden announcement that the market might end. Members were acting in good faith to facilitate an important attraction for residents and visitors alike.

The Council considered the options available and agreed a set of conditions for a trial period, which if it was to become permanent would be followed with a full planning and consultation process. However, the identified legal and contractual barriers have made the proposed site unviable for this purpose.

The Council remains dedicated to the well-being of the whole town and will continue to act in accordance with its statutory obligations and the best interests of the community.

03/04/2026

After 17 years as a dedicated volunteer in Silloth, giving hundreds of hours each year often covering costs out of my own pocket and not claiming it back. I am deeply upset to be publicly accused of taking money in relation to my casting vote.

My commitment to Silloth, the council, community events, and first responders has always been genuine and unwavering. Allegations like this are completely unfounded and have the potential to seriously damage a person’s reputation. I find it a disgraceful attempt to discredit my character.

This has made me question whether it’s time to step away. Sadly, this isn’t the first time I’ve faced abuse over the years, but it is by far the most serious.

If you object to me speaking out publicly, then those statements should never have been written in the first place.

I am now seriously considering seeking legal advice regarding slander.

01/04/2026

Silloth Town Council acknowledges that feedback has been received regarding the consultation of residents in relation to the relocation of the Sunday Market.

In making decisions, the Council adheres strictly to its established procedures and Standing Orders. As part of its remit, the Council regularly considers and determines matters affecting the town. Where decisions relate to the use of Council owned land, due regard is given to the potential impact on nearby residents, and reasonable steps are taken to minimise any disruption where possible.

The Council routinely authorises and delivers both recurring and new events on the Green. Such events are formally approved through Council processes. Historically, it has not been standard practice to undertake direct consultation with residents in the immediate vicinity for these activities.

Regarding this specific proposal, the Council carefully reviewed all correspondence received from the public prior to the meeting. To further safeguard residential amenity, the Council has only authorised a strictly limited 14-day trial period. This allows for an assessment of traffic, noise, and logistics, with specific restrictions already in place regarding operating hours (8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and the prohibition of noise-generating attractions. This trial will be reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure the interests of the community are protected.

Members of the public are entitled to attend Council meetings and to submit feedback on forthcoming agenda items. Meetings are publicly advertised via the Council’s website, social media channels, and official notice boards. It is not practical for the Council to notify all residents of Silloth individually in advance of each meeting.

The Council remains committed to transparency and encourages residents to engage with the decision making process through the available channels.

31/03/2026

Now would seem the right time for someone to join Silloth Town Council! There’s a lot of opinions flying about about how the council work, how we should do things. This is a really positive thing to see! So come on put your name forward!

🌟 Could YOU be our next Town Councillor? 🌟

We currently have a vacancy which the Council need to fill by co-option at the earliest opportunity.

Do you care about your community? Do you want to make a real difference in shaping the future of our town?

We’re looking for someone passionate, committed, and ready to get involved in local issues to join the Town Council. This is your chance to:

✅ Represent your community
✅ Help make decisions that affect everyday life
✅ Support local projects and initiatives
✅ Be a voice for residents

No previous experience is needed – just enthusiasm and a genuine desire to serve your community. Full training and support will be provided.

If you’d like to find out more or apply, click on the link below for more information. Closing date for applications is Friday 10 April 2026.

https://silloth-on-solway-tc.gov.uk/co-option/

24/03/2026

🎡🐣 Silloth Easter Funfair is coming! 🐣🎡

We are bringing the Easter Funfair to Silloth Sea Front!

📅 28th March – 12th April
🕐 1PM – 5PM Daily
📍 Sea Front – Opposite the Lifeboat Station (CA7 4AW)

Enjoy rides, games, family fun and our special Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Weekend! 🥚

👀 Find the hidden eggs and WIN FREE RIDES!

Bring the whole family down and enjoy some Easter holiday fun by the sea! 🌊🎠

24/03/2026

I have called for a extraordinary meeting of the council to discuss the possibility of the council hosting the market within the town.

This will need a lot of discussion and debate, to decide on what options we have and what would be required to meet the needs of the residents and businesses alike.

One of the key attributes of the market was the number of weekly visitors, who then went on to come and shop in town.

If anyone has any comments regarding this please email [email protected] prior to Monday. These can be taken into account at the meeting.

21/03/2026

UPDATED 23rd March ⬇️
In light of the recent news regarding the Silloth Sunday Market, I have contacted fellow councillors and reached out directly to the market team to better understand the situation.

The market has long been an important part of the local community, supporting small businesses, attracting visitors, and contributing to the town’s character, so its future is of real significance.

I am hopeful that, by working collaboratively, we can explore potential alternative locations and identify practical solutions to help secure the market’s continuation for the benefit of residents, traders, and visitors alike.

A council meeting will be held to discuss the options next Monday 30th March 7PM in the community hall.

20/03/2026

It is with great sadness that we receive the announcement of the final edition of the Solway Buzz 🐝, following 25 years of dedicated service by Peter, Kath, and their committed team of volunteers.

On behalf of the community of Silloth, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the invaluable contribution this publication has made over the years. The Solway Buzz has been a cherished community asset, sharing news of our wonderful town, alongside letters of appreciation, beautiful photography, poetry, and much more.

Its absence will be deeply felt by both residents and visitors alike. We offer our heartfelt thanks for the hard work, passion, and dedication that have sustained it for so long, and we send our very best wishes for the future.

Owen Martin
Mayor of Silloth on Solway

07/01/2026

✨ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞! ✨

📢 Calling all local retailers, attractions and hospitality businesses.

Cumbria Tourism are holding an exciting event in preparation for the Cumbrian Coastal Route (CCR), inviting local businesses to come along and find out about the project and how to get involved.

📍Silloth on Solway Golf Club, CA7 4BL
🕛 11am to 1pm, Thursday 22nd January

It’s free to attend and open to anyone in the Mawbray, Silloth, Bowness, Port Carlisle and inland areas such as Abbeytown & Kirkbride etc – as well as anyone else who may have missed the Maryport event.

You can book your place via the link below. 👇

https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FURA

30/12/2025

NOTE: CLOSING DATE EXTENDED TO 2 March 2026!!

Tenders are invited from traders interested in obtaining the concession to sell light refreshments (excluding ice cream & hot drinks) on its land at the Skinburness Road Car Park (near the ‘Big Fella Sculpture’), Silloth, between 14 February 2026 to 31 October 2026. At the discretion of the Town Council there will be an option to extend the licence for a further year, up to a maximum of 4 years in total (1+1+1+1). Closing date for the submission of tenders is 2 February 2026.

https://silloth-on-solway-tc.gov.uk/food-concession-2026/

30/12/2025

Tenders are invited from operators interested in obtaining the concession to operate a Land Train on Silloth Green between 14 February 2026 to 31 October 2026. At the discretion of the Town Council there will be an option to extend the licence for a further year, up to a maximum of 4 years in total (1+1+1+1). Closing date for the submission of tenders is 2 February 2026.

https://silloth-on-solway-tc.gov.uk/land-train-concession-2026/