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Make a splash this summer!
All schoolchildren aged up to 16 years old from the Cumberland area will be able to go for a swim in a choice of five indoor pools for only 10p over the school summer holidays.
The discounted scheme will be available from next Monday (21 July) until Sunday 31 August and has been put in place by Cumberland Council, with the support of GLL and Wigton Baths Trust.
The council scheme will offer discounted swimming opportunities throughout the week, including weekends at some of the venues.
It will be available at the following leisure sites at allocated times during the school summer holidays:
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Cockermouth Leisure Centre: Monday to Friday, 1pm - 1.50pm each day.
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Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre (Whitehaven): Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 1pm - 1.50pm. Saturday: 12pm - 12.50pm. Sunday: 10am - 10.50am.
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The Sands Centre (Carlisle) - between 21 July and Wednesday 3 September. Monday to Friday and Sunday: 10am - 10.50am.
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Wigton Baths: Monday: 11am - 12pm and 3pm - 4pm. Tuesday: 11.15am - 12.15pm and 4.15pm - 5.15pm. Wednesday: 11.30am - 12.30pm. Thursday: 11am - 1pm.
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Workington Leisure Centre: week commencing 21 July, Monday to Saturday: 11am - 11.50am. From week beginning 28 July until 31 August Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday:11am - 11.50am.
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Looking for fun, family-friendly activities to fill your calendar? We’ve gathered together a selection of events and activities taking place across Cumberland during the summer holidays.
From local festivals and outdoor adventures to storytimes and craft days, there’s something for everyone. Check out our latest newsletter to see what’s happening around Cumberland this Summer!
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Also in this week's edition:
The Government confirmed it believed the introduction of a mayoral authority for Cumbria would improve people’s economic, social and environmental wellbeing and reflect the identities and interests of local communities.
In the Government’s public consultation, held earlier in the year it said all areas would need to pass its tests to be allowed to progress to the next stage of the devolution process.
The two councils will now need to formally decide whether they both want to introduce a Mayoral Strategic Authority. The councils are set to consider this in September.
The Government also confirmed it has agreed to a joint request from the councils to delay a proposed May 2026 election. If the councils do move forward with a Mayoral Strategic Authority, an election would be held in May 2027, alongside elections for the two authorities, thereby saving an estimated £1 million in costs.
The Government also published a summary of the public consultation it ran in the spring, which received more than 1,200 responses from groups, business and individuals. The consultation feedback will be considered as part of September’s decision-making process for both councils.
If the councils do agree to setting up a Mayoral Strategic Authority, it is anticipated this would become a legal body early in 2026, with leadership until May 2027 coming from the two constituent authorities, Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness.
Last week, the Government published its English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill which sets out in detail the powers and responsibilities that will be available for new Mayoral Strategic Authorities.
These include key areas for economic and community growth such as transport and local infrastructure, skills and employment support, housing and strategic planning, economic development and regeneration, health, wellbeing and public service reform, and public safety.
We will provide further updates when they are available.
The number of people visiting Maryport Activity Centre has more than doubled after the building was improved as part of Cumberland Council’s £12 million regeneration of the town.
New figures from the venue show that between January and May 2024, 2,588 people used the venue. This has increased by 159% for the same period in 2025, with 6,711 visitors experiencing what the building has to offer.
The interior of Maryport Activity Centre was transformed by the investment which came from central government. An amazing marine-themed adventure play area has been created, the existing Clip n’ Climb attraction has been improved, the gym has been expanded, and a new fitness studio and changing rooms created. There are café facilities again and party rooms and community spaces are now available for hire.
Petteril residents are invited to join their Community Panel at an event next week.
We’ll be at Carlisle Youth Zone, Victoria Place, from 6pm until 8pm on Wednesday, 23 July.
- Hear young people from Carlisle Youth Zone speak on their research around the panels’ priorities.
- Get updates from Carlisle United Community Sport Trust and Groundwork North East and Cumbria.
- Meet your local councillors and panel members, and network with community members.
Everyone is welcome, and you can reserve a place by emailing petterilcommunitypanel@cumberland.gov.uk Petteril Community Panel covers the wards of Botcherby, Currock, Harraby South, Harraby North and Upperby.
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Blindcrake Village Hall has been awarded £12,000 to install solar panels, an air source heat pump and batteries - aiming to become a hub of warmth and wifi, even during power cuts.
Are you under 25 and heading off to university or further education this autumn? If you live in Carlisle, you could be eligible for a financial grant from the Carlisle Educational Charity!
The charity supports young people (under 25 as of 1 October 2025) living in the Carlisle District by helping with the cost of higher education and related studies. Sixth form students aren’t eligible, but you can apply if you:
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Live in Carlisle (or your parents do)
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Are starting a full-time course this autumn
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Are a graduate pursuing further study or professional qualifications
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Need to travel in the UK or abroad as part of your course
Residents across Cumberland are being encouraged to make sure their details on the electoral register are correct.
Cumberland Council has started its annual canvass of electors – a process which looks to ensure the details it has on the electoral register are correct. The process also helps identify any residents who are not registered, so that they can be given the opportunity to apply.
Each year the council contacts every household to check whether it has the correct people registered to vote and to ask residents to inform it of any changes.
Residents may therefore start to receive emails or letters over the coming weeks asking them to check who it has on the register and inform it of any changes.
A new series of free guided cycle rides is set to launch in Carlisle this August, offering residents of all ages the chance to boost their confidence on two wheels while enjoying gentle social rides through the city.
Active Cumbria’s Travel Actively Carlisle team is running Pedal Together rides throughout August, September and October, providing short, easy routes designed to help people feel more comfortable using their bikes for everyday journeys. Whether you’re returning to cycling or just want to meet like-minded people, these rides promise a relaxed, friendly way to get pedalling.
Booking is essential – to find out more visit the new Cumbria Travel Actively website.
Do you use, or live near, Melbourne Park in Carlisle? Would you like to help plan its future?
The park has lots of potential to be a vibrant asset to its community – but we want to hear from you. How do you want to use the park and what ideas would you like to see put into action?
We’d love to see residents, particularly those from the Botcherby and Currock wards, on
Thursday, 24 July, at 12.30pm at Botcherby Community Centre. The Petteril Community Panel will host a walk around the park and an engagement event in the community centre afterwards, to gather people’s views and ideas.
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We’re excited to share that Workington is set to benefit from over £33 million in regeneration investment, aimed at transforming the town, boosting economic growth, and improving connections for residents, visitors, and businesses.
This funding will support two flagship projects:
Workington Town Centre Public Realm & Connectivity Backed by £23 million from the Workington Town Deal, this project will transform the town centre into a safer, more welcoming space with improved pedestrian access, reduced traffic impact, and more attractive public areas to encourage footfall and business growth.
Workington Gateway With £10 million in government funding, this project will upgrade key transport links, including road improvements at Ramsay Brow and Hall Brow, enhanced pedestrian and cycle access to Hall Park and Workington Hall, and better connections to employment sites such as the Port of Workington.
Construction is expected to begin in August 2025, with completion by spring 2026.
These projects are part of a wider vision for Workington’s future, which includes:
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Port of Workington Logistics & Energy Hub
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Traffic and cycling improvements
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Enhancements to Hall Park
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Development of the Cumberland Sports Village
Drop-In Session – Have Your Say
To help keep our community informed and engaged, a public resident and business drop-in session will take place:
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Workington Library, Vulcans Lane, CA14 2ND Thursday 24 July 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Come along to view the construction plans, explore the project timelines, and speak directly with members of the project team.
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Inspectors have praised Adult Learning Services in Cumbria.
An Ofsted inspection carried out in June rated two areas of the service as ‘outstanding’, with all other areas ‘good’. The overall effectiveness rating was ‘good’.
The new Ofsted report, published today (Friday), demonstrates notable improvements in areas of the service over a previous inspection seven years ago. The 2018 inspection rated all areas as ‘good’ – and therefore the overall effectiveness rating was still ‘good’ - but no areas were judged outstanding at that time.
Managed by Westmorland and Furness Council, the Adult Learning Service provides programmes throughout Cumbria, including for Cumberland Council.
Find out more about our adult learning courses at: Home | Cumbria Adult Learning
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Following a formal recruitment process, in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice and the Chief Coroner for England and Wales, Cumberland Council has appointed Ms Kirsty Gomersal as the new HM Senior Coroner for the Cumbria area.
Ms Gomersal has been fulfilling the role on an acting basis since December 2024 following the sudden passing of Ms Kally Cheema, the former Senior Coroner for Cumbria.
Ms Gomersal has been the HM Area Coroner (and Designated Deputy) for the Cumbria area since 2018, having previously worked for a leading law firm, as well as being HM Assistant Coroner for West Yorkshire on a part time basis.
HM Coroners are independent judicial officers (Judges) and members of the judiciary, who investigate and, where required, hold an inquest into deaths where there is reason to suspect that the death was due to violent or unnatural reasons, the cause is unknown, or where a death occurs whilst a person was in custody or state detention.
HM Coroners area in Cumbria is a judicial area, as set out in legislation, and following the local government reorganisation (LGR) that came into force within in April 2023, Cumberland Council was appointed as the ‘relevant authority’ for coronial services in the county, however, the service is joint funded by Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness Councils.
Wild Camping Fine – Thirlmere (17 July 2025):
Individuals fined for environmental damage caused by wild camping; funds will support restoration efforts.
Winter Prep Begins (15 July 2025):
Gritters spotted early as part of Cumberland Council’s winter readiness programme.
From new openings and local success stories to upcoming events and opportunities, there’s a lot happening in Cumberland’s business community. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or just interested in local growth, this month’s newsletter has the updates you need to stay informed.
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Join Team Cumberland
See if there is a job for you at Cumberland Council on our jobs page. You can also find out more about life at the council on our dedicated careers page.
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