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Also in this week's edition:
As temperatures are set to rise this weekend, many people will be heading to our beautiful lakes and waters to enjoy the sunshine and cool off by the water. However, safety officials are urging visitors to stay alert — while it may feel warm outside, the lakes tell a different story.
Recent wet weather has caused lake levels to rise, and with that, the warmer surface water has been replaced by much colder water from rainfall and runoff. This means that while a dip might seem inviting, the risk of cold water shock still remains high.
Cold water shock can quickly overwhelm even strong swimmers, and tragically, it claims lives every year. The Lake District National Park Authority is reminding visitors to enjoy the beauty of the lakes responsibly.
They’ve shared a wealth of water safety guidance, including helpful videos and expert tips, on their website to help everyone stay safe.
Find out more and get prepared 👇
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 We’re excited to announce the transformation of 16.5 miles of the A595 and A5086 — delivering smoother, safer, and smarter journeys for everyone!
This £14.3 million transformation was made possible thanks to funding from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. A huge thank you for supporting better, more reliable infrastructure in our region! 
Here's what's been delivered:
 11.05 miles resurfaced on the A595
6.31 miles resurfaced on the A5086
910 gullies & 185 manholes replaced
5,397 kerbs & 2,493m of edgings installed
3,258 road studs & 64km of fresh markings
125 new streetlights lighting the way
We’d also like to thank everyone for their patience while these works were carried out – here’s to smoother, safer journeys for everyone!
If you spot an issue on the road, please visit https://bit.ly/ReportAProblemCumberland or call our Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736.
Date & Time: 21 June 10am – 2pm
Location: Whitehaven Library
Let's come together to celebrate the richness of all cultures and countries! This vibrant event will feature a variety of activities, performances, and tastes from around the world:
This is an event for all ages and everyone who loves to learn, connect, and have fun!
Songs from Around the World –Sing Owt and Wild Chorus - A musical journey that will fill your soul with global melodies! Live at 10.30am and 12.30pm
Solway Sea Shanty Crew – Get ready to sing along with lively sea shanties and maritime music! Live at 12pm
Arts & Crafts – Explore unique crafts and maybe even take something home! Stalls from Rosehill, The Rum Story, Groundwork NE and Cumbria and Growing Well.
Afghan Food Tasting – Savour delicious Afghan food.
Zuma Sessions – Relax and rejuvenate with a dynamic, energetic dance session! Sessions at 11am and 1pm
Meditation Sessions – Calm your mind and connect with inner peace in a peaceful meditation session. Session at 1.30pm
Come with open hearts, your family, and friends, and let's celebrate the beauty of diversity together! Traditional dress encouraged.
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With the excitement of Wimbledon just around the corner, now is the perfect time to dust off your racket, step onto the court, and get involved in your local tennis community.
The Barclays Local Tennis Leagues has just launched a brand-new Beginner League at Bitts Park, giving you the perfect chance to get on court and into the game.
Whether you’re completely new to the game or looking to improve your skills, this league is designed just for you. By signing up, you will be given an ITF World Tennis Number - this number allows you to be matched with opponents of a similar standard, making each match fair, fun, and rewarding.
The leagues are volunteer-led and open to adults aged 18 and over, with matches taking place year-round in more than 200 parks and public courts nationwide. The new Bitts Park Beginner League offers a welcoming environment for anyone wanting to ease into the sport while still enjoying a bit of healthy competition.
By signing up, you’ll also unlock some fantastic benefits:
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LTA Advantage Play+ membership, giving you access to the Wimbledon Ballot
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LTL coupon prizes just for playing matches (and winning your group!)
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An ITF World Tennis Number to track your progress
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Exclusive discounts on leading sports brands
Download the Barclays Local Tennis Leagues app, create an account, and search for “Bitts Park.” You’ll be able to join a live round or sign up for the waitlist if a new round is starting soon.
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We are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Mencap for this year’s national theme: Do you see me?
The message is crystal clear: look beyond the label and truly see the people, talent and potential in our neighbours with a learning disability.
Why shout about it! 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability. Most want the same everyday chances friendships, jobs, good health but still face hidden barriers.
Join us in amplifying their voices, challenging low expectations and making Cumberland a place where everyone is seen, heard and valued.
Unique Voices, a participation and engagement group for young people with SEND in Cumberland, has officially launched a new animation project aimed at highlighting the everyday lived experiences of young people with SEND in the region. The launch aligns with Learning Disability Week (16–22 June), which this year carries the theme ‘Do You See Me?’
The animation was co-written and developed by the young people themselves, supported by colleagues at Cumberland Council. They then collaborated with award-winning Carlisle-based animation studio Plus3k to bring their vision to life. Styled like a 2D computer game, the animation follows a character named Safen as they go about their daily routine and visit a coffee shop to meet a friend. Once there, Safen becomes overwhelmed by the busy atmosphere, encountering inconsiderate customers and an impatient barista. The story then shifts to show how a more positive, supportive environment—marked by kindness, patience, and understanding—can significantly change Safen’s day for the better.
Excitement is building across the county as more than 1000 children and young people get ready to come together for the 2025 Cumbria School Games, a countywide celebration of movement, teamwork and active lifestyles.
Taking place on Thursday 26 June in Carlisle at Sheepmount Athletics Stadium, Bitts Park and The Sands Centre, this vibrant event will bring pupils from Years 1 to 8 together for a full day of positive, inclusive, energising activity - designed to inspire, engage and connect.
After the success of the Teenage Market in Carlisle we are thrilled to be able to bring the market to Maryport and to offer more young people an opportunity to take part in this fantastic event.
Working in partnership with Taste Cumbria our ‘Pop-up’ Teenage Market will be held as part of the Taste of the Sea festival which is being held in Maryport on the weekend of the 9th and 10th August.
The Teenage Market is open to any young person aged between 8 and 25 years of age and it is completely free to take part.
Do you know a young person who is passionate about business or who loves to craft, bake, make jewellery, 3D print? Then this is the event for them.
We received some great feedback from our last market:
"I am usually quite shy, this has helped me feel more confident.
It gives a sense of achievement and encourages my son’s creativity. Selling pieces he has created with returning customers who seek him out really helps give him confidence.
Allows me to make money, get recognition. It’s been fun."
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Whitehaven’s town centre has been given a fresh new look following the completion of a £450,000 regeneration project. The revamped Green Market and Duke Street were officially unveiled during a community celebration on Friday 13 June.
Funded by Cumberland Council, Sellafield Ltd, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the 13-week project was delivered by Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd and designed by Align Property Partners. The improvements include upgraded seating, planting, litter bins, historical interpretation boards, and commemorative stones created by the Whitehaven Heritage Action Group.
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This transformation blends modern design with historical preservation to create a more attractive, accessible space for all. The aim is to boost footfall, support local trade, and honour Whitehaven’s rich heritage.
The event featured live music from local acoustic artist Char and refreshments from Cross’s Coffee Shop, as the community came together to celebrate a proud milestone in the town’s ongoing revitalisation.
Thank you to all the teams who were involved with this successful project.
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This online service is available 24/7 and enables anyone to report water and odour pollution instantly, whether you're in the office or out enjoying England's natural spaces. Reporting capabilities will be expanded to include more incident types in the near future
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Cumberland Council is celebrating the success of actions taken to improve public health by revoking three of Carlisle’s four remaining Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs).
This milestone follows confirmation from DEFRA that nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels in these areas have consistently met national standards, based on the council’s 2023 Air Quality data and 2024 annual report.
The AQMAs to be revoked are:
- B6264 Brampton Road at the junction with Stanwix Bank.
- Currock Street between James Street and Crown Street.
- Dalston Road at the junction with Junction Street.
Cumberland Council has approved a Smoke Control Area Emission Enforcement Policy, reinforcing its commitment to cleaner air and healthier communities.
The policy aligns with updates to the Clean Air Act 1993, introduced under the Environment Act 2021, and supports the air quality priorities outlined in the Air Quality Action Plan 2023.
The new policy introduces robust measures to address emissions within designated smoke control areas and enables the council to impose financial penalties for violations.
This step underscores Cumberland Council’s dedication to tackling air pollution and protecting public health.
There are just two weeks left for local residents to complete a survey about Cumberland’s Library Service – the results of which will help the council ensure the offering is fit for the future.
The survey is part of the council’s Fit for the Future programme which aims to futureproof the area’s Library Service, ensuring it meets the needs of local people going forward.
More than 1,000 people – both current library members and non-users - have already taken part in the survey which closes on Friday, July 4. It asks a variety of questions, including asking for feedback on things like library buildings, digital services, interactions with staff, and ideas for the future.
There is essential maintenance to be carried out on the much-loved suspension footbridge connecting Portinscale and Keswick.
This essential project involves replacing deteriorated structural elements which will help to preserve the bridge’s safety, reliability, and long-term integrity.
The maintenance work is scheduled to take place on Monday 30 June 2025 between 7am and 3pm and is expected to be completed within the day.
We’d like to apologise to those affected by the extended delay to Ivegill Road and appreciate the patience and cooperation of the residents and road users in the area.
Our principal contractor, Galliford Try Infrastructure, has assured us that Ivegill Road will reopen by Monday 30 June.
We are pleased to confirm that Buckabank Road, the new Durdar Roundabout and the new link road into Durdar will open on Monday 23 June.
We appreciate the patience and cooperation of road users and residents in the area whilst the road was closed.
We can confirm that Burthwaite Road will not close until Friday 25 July. The closure is required to allow our contractors to safely complete the work at Redcat Roundabout and will take at least two months to complete.
This Saturday (21 June), Carlisle will host the Cumbria Diversity Carnival 2025, a free open-air event celebrating culture, inclusion, and community.
The day will begin with a colourful city-centre parade, starting at 11.30am (with participants gathering from 11.00am on Warwick Street). The parade is expected to attract up to 1,000 people and will make its way through the city before finishing in Bitts Park for a community Big Lunch and live stage performances.
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Right onto Corporation Road
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Veer right onto Rickergate (past the Civic Centre)
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Onto Lowther Street (via bus lanes)
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Cross Victoria Place, continue on Lowther Street
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Parade turns around, returns down Lowther Street
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Onto Drovers Lane, then West Tower Street
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Under the flyover onto Dacre Road
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Into Bitts Park (Tribe area)
The Big Lunch in Bitts Park will begin around 12.30pm. While the parade is open to all, lunch is limited to around 200 people, with food served in paper bags. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets or folding chairs, as seating will not be provided. Performances will take place on a covered open-air stage.
This is a community event organised by the Cumbria Diversity Carnival team, and everyone is welcome to attend.
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