Agencies across Cumbria are issuing early advice to keep people safe ahead of an amber weather warning issued for the entire county, which comes into effect on Sunday.

Early predictions suggest there may be highway disruption, possible power outages and potential flooding as a result of Storm Isha.

The storm is expected to bring a spell of very strong winds during Sunday evening into Monday.

A multi-agency response is being prepared and Cumbria Local Resilience Forum has met to ensure any response is coordinated so communities can access any help and support they need.

Among the hazards expected are strong winds, with gusts expected to range to up to 70mph along coasts. Inland areas could potentially affected by wind speeds of up to 65mph.

This could cause airborne debris and fallen trees, highway disruption and may pose a potential hazard to pedestrians, motorists and stationary vehicles.

Spells of moderate to heavy rain will add to challenging travel conditions and pose a flood risk.

At this stage, residents are asked to plan ahead and:

• Secure any loose items around your home and garden, such as rubbish bins, trampolines, plant pots and garden furniture, to minimise the risk of floating debris and damage.
• Speak in advance to vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours – advise them and ensure they are prepared in case of power outages.
• Check your torch batteries, radio and try to ensure phones are charged up in advance of the affected times.
• Park vehicles in a garage if available – otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences if possible.
• Be aware of the weather warning and avoid planning travel during this time if possible.
• If you must travel during this time do so with caution – pack your car with essentials, plan your route and listen to travel updates.
• Stay clear of coastal areas during the affected times.
• Stay away from the fells well in advance of the affected times to keep you and mountain rescue volunteers safe.
• Do not drive through flood water if coming across flooding – take an alternative route.
• Do not touch any telephone or electrical cables that may have blown down.

Keep up to date with the latest by following our Twitter and Facebook page. You can report Highways issues on our website, or for more urgent issues, by calling the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736.

The story of L S Lowry and his Cumberland connections with the area and local artists will go on show at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven later this month.

The L S Lowry in Cumberland exhibition will be taking place in The Beacon Museum’s Light and Dark Gallery between 20 January and 14 April 2024.

The museum will be exhibiting artworks loaned from The Lowry in Salford, along with local artists that Lowry had connections with, Geoffrey Bennett loans from private collectors, and a Percy Kelly artwork from the Copeland Collection. Tullie, Carlisle is also lending some artwork by Sheila Fell from their collection as part of the exhibition.

Recycling bins in local public libraries and new doorstep collection plans have been unveiled.

We, in partnership with Cumbrian recycling company, CRL, launched our plans for the Small Electricals Recycling Project at a event at the Beacon Museum last weekend.

It is hoped that all local residents, 125,000 households, will get behind the drive and increase small electricals recycling in the area.

The project will see new recycling bins placed in key locations around the community; across 26 local libraries and sports facilities, with the aim to increase to 41 locations in 2024, making recycling small electrical items easier for the local communities, and reminding residents that anything with a plug, cable or battery can be recycled. 

Almost £20,000 has been invested into community projects in the latest round of funding from the Border, Fellside and North Carlisle Community Panel.

The panel of ward councillors met to give their backing to a wide range of initiatives.

We appointed Carlisle-based contractor Cubby Construction Ltd for the design and build of the replacement Sands Centre RAAC roof.

Following a detailed structural assessment of the roof last year by specialist engineers, a recommendation was put forward to replace the RAAC panels in the auditorium roof.

The assessment of the roof was undertaken following the change in government guidance on the use of RAAC in buildings.

Cumberland Council has undertaken a procurement exercise to appoint a contractor and the appointment of the successful contractor has now been confirmed.

The council will now work with them to finalise a design and programme to undertake the works. It is anticipated that this next stage will be finalised by the Spring.

We've been urging residents who are purchasing puppies to only buy them from licenced breeders.

Breeders require the appropriate licence if they run a business that breeds or advertises dogs for sale. 

To check if a dog breeder is licenced, buyers should ask the breeder to show their licence certificate and licence number – this information should also be visible on the Cumberland Council website. 

Breeders should be able to provide buyers with proof of whelping, dates and times of birth, weights of puppies and veterinarian records.