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Also in this week's edition:
Following the Met Office issuing a warning of a heightened wildfire risk for the next few days, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to enjoy the weather and countryside safely and responsibly.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service have responded to a number of wildfires already this year and Extreme Wildfire Risk temporary notices are now being posted around the county at main visitor locations, so crews should be aware that the wildfire risk is going to remain high for the foreseeable future.
You can take a number of small but meaningful steps to help do your bit:
- Do not have any open fires/campfires or barbecues in the countryside
- Extinguish cigarettes completely
- Take all litter home
- Take care when parking vehicles – do not block access roads, tracks or gates
- Please park carefully – be aware that vehicle exhausts and catalytic convertors can get very hot and if parked on dry vegetation they might start a fire
If you see a fire outdoors, remember:
- Move to a place of safety and report it by calling 999
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Do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself
- Give as much information as you can including the size of the fire, location, and terrain
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Always follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities
Changes are coming to waste and recycling collections in the former Allerdale area starting the week of 26 May 2025. We’re reminding residents to check their updated collection dates regularly, as only up to six weeks of information is available at a time. You can find the latest details at www.cumberland.gov.uk/waste/binday
Because of upcoming service changes, we won’t be issuing an annual calendar this year. Please continue to check the website to stay informed - some residents may see changes to their usual collection days.
If you have requested a replacement 180 litre bin, we will start the delivery from mid-May. If you have provided an email address when requesting a replacement bin, you will be contacted a few days before the delivery.
We can't take orders for replacement 180 litre bins at the moment, but there will be another chance to order one between Tuesday 1 July and Thursday 31 July.
Some households may also qualify for a larger or additional bin - especially if you have young children in nappies, a large household, or extra waste due to medical needs. More info is available at www.cumberland.gov.uk/waste/largerbin
Looking ahead, from September 2025, cardboard and paper collections will move from monthly to fortnightly. For the latest updates on all changes, visit www.cumberland.gov.uk/wastechanges.
The Fells and Solway Community Panel is welcoming people to a special event in Wigton on Wednesday, 28 May.
The community event, from 9am until 11.30am at St Cuthbert’s Church Hall in Burnfoot, includes masses of information and even the chance to win an air fryer in a free draw.
People can sample healthy brunch recipes, find out about composting, get to grips with the NHS app, hear from Age UK or chat to our Community Development staff.
There will also be the opportunity to ask questions about waste and recycling, and find out about our food partnership, Food Cumberland.
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Calling all 14–24 year olds! Want to make a difference and boost your skills this summer? Become a Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer with Cumberland Libraries!
We are looking for 2025 Summer Reading Challenge volunteers!
We're recruiting now for young volunteers aged 14 to 24 years to become reading champions and encourage young people aged 4 to 12 years to keep reading over the summer holidays. The theme this year for the Summer Reading Challenge is “Story Garden.”
This is a fantastic opportunity for you to be part of a team, building confidence and developing creative skills as you talk to children about the books they've read and help staff with activities both online and in the library.
We provide training before the challenge starts and keep a record of all the hours completed. If you are working towards a Duke of Edinburgh award or similar, your logged hours can contribute towards it.
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Cumbria Fostering is calling on more people to consider becoming part of our fostering family, as part of Foster Care Fortnight (12–25 May) which launches next week.
Foster Care Fortnight, led by The Fostering Network charity, is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the vital role foster carers play in supporting vulnerable children. This year’s theme, ‘The Power of Relationships’, highlights how the stable, supportive bonds foster carers provide can be life-changing for children and young people.
During the fortnight Cumbria Fostering is holding a series of information events to give local residents the chance to learn more about the difference fostering can make and how it can transform lives:
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Friday 16 May – Visit our information stand at Workington Library on Vulcan's Lane, Workington, CA14 2ND, from 1pm to 3pm.
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Tuesday 20 May – Join our online fostering information event from 6pm to 7pm. To register for our event visit our event booking page.
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Saturday May 24 - Come along to our formal Information Event in the downstairs meeting room of Penrith Library from 11am to 1pm. To register for our event visit our event booking page.
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Carlisle City Centre
Progress is moving ahead in Carlisle city centre! The area around the Market Cross and War Memorial was reopened in time for VE Day.
Next up:
- The next programmed phase of works is to continue the areas in Greenmarket and the turning head outside Primark. The turning head is due to be reopened by the end of May.
- The area between the War Memorial and Greenmarket will remain to be used as site access for vehicles but as works complete this will be opened back up.
- The last phase of works will see Castle Street and Greenmarket reopen with the site access area finished by removing the temporary tarmac and reinstated with paving to match the rest of the newly paved area. The whole construction is due to be complete by the end August 2025.
Building bigger and better in Maryport
The creation of a new contemporary extension to one of Maryport’s landmark buildings is about to transform another part of the town centre.
The former Carlton Cinema on Senhouse Street is being converted into a centre for the arts, music and theatre as part of the £12 million UK Government funded regeneration of Maryport, which is being carried out by Cumberland Council.
Work is already well underway on the interior and exterior of the existing structure and now a new entrance, box office, bar and disabled access is being created where a neighbouring derelict building has been carefully removed. This new single storey structure has a contemporary design which stands out in its historic surroundings. It will be clad with metal with a golden finish and also provide access to a new courtyard at its rear.
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Take a nostalgic journey through the lively pub heritage of Whitehaven at The Pop Inn – a special pop-up event hosted at The Beacon Portal on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May, from 10am to 4pm.
Inspired by the iconic “Ye Olde Inns of Whitehaven, 1846–1958” map, this pop up event brings to life the stories of 131 pubs that once formed the social heart of the town — only 15 of which still exist today. The event features a stunning 3D representation of the historic map, giving visitors a fresh and immersive perspective on Whitehaven’s vibrant past. From bustling alehouses to quiet corners where stories were shared over a pint, The Pop Inn offers a rare glimpse into the everyday life, character, and culture that defined these communal spaces.
Carlisle residents are invited to stock up on beautiful plants and flowers at Cumberland Council’s Garden Linx Summer Plant Sale, delivered by Carlisle Day Services.
This event will run from Monday 19 May through to Friday 23 May, between 10am and 3pm each day. Please note, this is a cash-only event. You’ll find the sale at Garden Linx, located within Carlisle Cemetery on Richardson Street, CA2 6AL.
There will be a fantastic range of plants available, with single pots starting from £2.50, six packs from £3 and hanging baskets priced between £8 and £16. Whether you're looking to add a splash of colour to your garden or pick up a ready-to-go basket full of blooms, there will be lots of variety available.
The event is organised by Carlisle Day Services, a Cumberland Council service that supports people living with disabilities. Carlisle Day Services provides a welcoming and empowering environment for people with disabilities. It supports people to develop and maintain their independence, be part of local communities, try new hobbies, improve their skills, and build new friendships.
For more information about the summer plant sale, please contact Carlisle Day Services on 01228 597529. Come along and pick up some beautiful plants just in time for summer!
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