The Met Office has issued various warnings for strong wind and heavy rain over the coming days, including an amber warning for strong winds on Saturday from Storm Darragh.

Keep up to date with all the latest weather news via the Met Office website.

You can also see the latest from Cumbria Police. 

Some advice and ways to be prepared include:

• 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.
• Never drive through a road closure we’ve put in place. Take an alternative route. Road closures are there for your safety.

If residents are without power and you need support they should contact Electricity North West in the following ways:

• Call direct on 105
• Report a power cut online and check for the latest updates enwl.co.uk/powercuts
• Join their free Extra Care register for extra support enwl.co.uk/extracare
• Remember if you see any overhead lines down or damage to equipment, please stay clear and report it to Electricity North West

Improvements to Cumberland’s kerbside waste and recycling are being proposed which aim to make the service fairer and more efficient.

The proposed changes, that could result in some changes to the current frequency and method of collection, will:

• Harmonise waste collections throughout Cumberland’s area.
• Enhance service reliability and efficiency.
• Create a positive working environment for staff.
• Support Cumberland Council’s environmental goals and compliance with new government regulations.

The redesigned service will also align with Cumberland Council’s commitment to sustainability, fairness, and future growth.

We want to deliver meaningful and lasting change to end homelessness. Help us to achieve this ambitious aim by sharing your views on proposals in the new homelessness and rough sleeping strategy. 

You can share your views before 20 December online. 

Construction work has begun on the new Innovation Centre in Workington.

The building will provide purpose-built accommodation for entrepreneurial businesses, as well as bringing new modern office space to Workington, something currently lacking in the town.

The Innovation Centre is located on part of the former Central Car Park in Workington town centre and will, primarily, be aimed at digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses. The aim is to attract start-ups who are ripe for incubation, as well as small businesses ready for growth. Expert support will be available to help them achieve their ambitions from operating company, Oxford Innovation Space. It manages a number of similar facilities across the UK, working with local authorities, universities, science parks and investors.

The first stages of work involve site clearance and the removal of rubble and slag-material, with the groundworks expected to be completed early in 2025.

The Innovation Centre is expected to open in Spring 2026.

Construction of Workington’s new Innovation Centre begins | Cumberland Council

Planning permission secured and contractor appointed for Cleator Moor leisure facility

Improvements to a leisure facility for Cleator Moor have taken another step forward following the approval of a planning application and a contractor appointment.

Healthy Town is one of four projects that make up the Cleator Moor Town Deal.

It aims to provide the community with a modern, multi-purpose and inclusive sports facility at the existing Activity Centre.

The news has been welcomed by one the new primary users of the revamped site. It will provide a new base for Copeland Occupational and Service Centre (COSC) - a day centre for individuals with physical disabilities.

Planning permission secured and contractor appointed for Cleator Moor leisure facility | Cumberland Council

Maryport projects coming together

The new gym and new Clip n’Climb equipment is installed and almost ready to go inside Maryport Activity Centre. Next week we’ll be building the amazing new adventure play centre.

The new kitchen and café areas are also taking shape, and the building’s first dedicated changing rooms are being fitted out.

Walls are being painted, floors are being laid and, outside, the new entrance is almost finished, with the landscaping well underway.

We’ll be announcing the opening information soon.

And the paths are being laid, the bases for the bar and stage are being poured, the amphitheatre-style earthworks are underway… The new outdoor event space on Maryport Harbourside is also taking shape.

The bar and stage are being constructed off site and are due to be installed early in the new year, with the landscaping of the area to follow. We think we need to hold a great big party next Summer to celebrate!

https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/maryport

Have your say on proposed Borderlands projects for Egremont

The opportunity to learn more about new plans for Egremont will be available at a public engagement event on Tuesday 10 December, between 2pm and 7pm, at Egremont Market Hall.

Three Egremont projects are being developed to support a £3 million bid for Borderlands Inclusive Growth Funding. They will support the town’s health, economy and reputation as a destination town.

The event is a chance for local residents and businesses to take a closer look at the schemes and provide feedback on the projects.

Have your say on proposed Borderlands projects for Egremont | Cumberland Council

Our Community Panels have several engagement opportunities coming up.

The following panels are offering residents a chance to chat informally with their councillors for half an hour immediately prior to their formal panel meetings.

They can raise questions, share community concerns, or simply find out more about the panels and how they work.

• Monday, 9 December - Fells and Solway (covering the wards of Dalston and Burgh, Solway Coast, Thursby, Aspatria and Wigton); 1.30pm until 2pm, Caldbeck Parish Hall.
• Tuesday, 10 December – Workington Together (covering the wards of Mossbay, Moorclose, Harrington, Seaton, St John’s and Great Clifton, and St Michael’s); 5.30pm until 6pm, Inspira, Vulcan’s Lane, Workington.
• Thursday, 12 December – Lakes to Sea (covering the wards of Bothel and Wharrels, Cockermouth North, Cockermouth South, Dearham and Broughton, Keswick, Maryport North and Maryport South); 5.30pm until 6pm, Crosthwaite Parish Rooms, Main Street, Keswick.
• Thursday, 12 December - Whitehaven and Coastal (covering the wards of Bransty, Egremont North and St Bees, Hillcrest and Hensingham, Howgate, Kells and Sandwith, and Mirehouse); 3pm until 6pm, Rosehill Theatre, Moresby.

A big thank you to the residents of Aspatria, contractors Tivoli Group Limited and to Aspatria Town Council for supporting the deep clean of Queen Street car park last week.

The car park's looking great, with debris and other unwanted items cleared away - especially important following the recent stormy weather.