What would your perfect day in Allerdale be? Local by-election information, covid-19 updates and more

The Westfield ward by-election for Workington Town Council was held this week. 

The result of the election was: 

• Laura Johnstone (Independent) - 104 votes
• Neil Anthony Schofield (Labour Party) - 172 votes
• Kate Teresa Walker (Conservative Party Candidate) - 88 votes

The total electorate is 2,343. Number of votes cast was 365 (15.85% of the electorate). There was one rejected ballot paper.

We also published the Statement of Persons Nominated for the by-election for Maryport South ward on Allerdale council. There are three candidates. The election is on 25 November 2021, and you can see who is standing and more information at: Local by-elections (allerdale.gov.uk). 

Anyone who wishes to vote in the Maryport South by-election and is not registered to vote, must register before midnight on 9 November 2021. Find out more at: Local by-elections (allerdale.gov.uk)

New COVID-19 infections decrease by 15% in the week ending 29 October, from 2,707 cases to 2,307. 

Cases among school age children fell, continuing the downward trend seen over the last few weeks. The 40-59 age group accounted for the greatest number of new cases. 

Infection rates in Copeland, Barrow and Allerdale and continued to be well above national and regional averages, with Copeland’s rates of 754 per 100,000 one of the highest in the country.  

Positively, the number of new patients admitted to hospitals in the county decreased compared to previous weeks, down from 60 to 52.  

Sadly, 17 COVID1-9 deaths were registered in week ending 22 October. 

Vaccination coverage continues to grow, with 90% of people aged 18 plus now double vaccinated, 6% above the national average. 

The weekly COVID-19 situation report is available at www.cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread  

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said: 

“It’s encouraging to see overall infection numbers drop in this week’s data, and it’s reasonable to think that pupils being out of school during half-term has had a positive impact. We have actually seen declining infections in school age children for three weeks now, though the infection rate remains high by ‘normal’ standards.  

“It’s also positive to see the reduction in hospital admissions, but it’s too early to say whether this is a trend.  

“We all know how disruptive the high infection rates have been in recent weeks, so I continue to encourage everyone to take steps to prevent themselves getting ill and spreading the virus. If you are eligible, get your booster vaccination, as well as your flu jab, continue regular testing of your children and taking up the vaccine through the schools vaccination programme as soon as possible. And remember to self-isolate and get a PCR test if you have symptoms.” 

Allerdale’s Market Trader of the Year award has this year been won by Andrew Byrne from the Pepper Bags stall in Keswick.    

Andrew has been trading on Keswick for 20 years on Thursdays and Saturdays, selling bags, purses, wallets, belts, gloves, rucksacks, bumbags and leather bags.    

 Allerdale Borough Council holds regular markets in Keswick, Wigton, Workington, and Silloth. The award is open to all the traders on each of the markets in the Borough, and has previously been won by stallholders operating in Keswick as well as Workington. The award recognises the particular contribution of stallholders to the continued success of the markets in Allerdale.    

 This year the award recognises Andrew’s role as Chair of the new Market Traders Forum that has representatives from all Allerdale’s markets. The forum provides an opportunity to raise any feedback from the traders to make improvements to the way the markets are run.  

 Presenting the award, Cllr Mike Johnson, Leader of the Council said: “I’m really pleased to be able to present this award to Andrew who has been a regular stall holder for many years and now plays a very active role in the continued success of our markets.    

 “The markets in Keswick, and those in our other towns have gone from strength to strength since we took the service back in house a few years ago. They continue to make a real contribution to the vibrancy and sustainability of our towns. This is full credit to the team, but also to the traders. Therefore, it is great to be able to recognise their success and thank them for their continued support.”   

 Andrew Byrne said " It is a great honour to receive the award, for myself and to everyone who helps on the stall. My Dad, Bill, Josh and James."  

 Market Manager, Phil Byers added: " It is brilliant to give the  Allerdale Trader of the Year award again, as we couldn't last year due to covid. Andrew is a well-deserved recipient."