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Cumberland Councillors met this week to discuss plans for devolution in Cumbria.
At a Council meeting at Allerdale House, Workington, councillors were provided with an update and were given the opportunity to have their say on the establishment of a new Mayor-led authority for Cumbria.
After considering the powers, responsibilities and funding that would be available to a new authority, Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council now need to formally decide whether they both want to go ahead.
If they do, a Cumbria Combined Authority would become a legal body early in 2026, with mayoral elections in May 2027.
A new authority would have a range of powers, responsibilities and opportunities not available to individual local authorities and would be in addition to Westmorland and Furness and Cumberland Councils.
Powers would include strategic, Cumbria-wide responsibilities on transport and local infrastructure; skills and employment support; housing and strategic planning; economic development and regeneration; environment and climate change; health, wellbeing and public service reform and public safety.
Following yesterday’s Cumberland Council meeting, the council’s Executive will meet on Tuesday 14 October to formally decide if they agree to consent to the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority for Cumbria.
In Westmorland and Furness, the council’s ruling Cabinet met on 29 September to discuss the issue and were ‘minded to consent’ to the establishment of a new Mayoral-led authority for Cumbria. Following scrutiny, their Cabinet will make a final decision to consent or not at its meeting on 14 October.
Both councils need to consent to setting up the combined authority.
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Also in this week's edition:
Transforming Carlisle: Major Regeneration Projects Moving Forward
Carlisle is undergoing a major transformation that will revitalise the city centre and create a vibrant, modern environment for all.
Works are either nearing completion or about to begin, with improvements planned for key gateways, public spaces and transport hubs. Over £100 million is being invested in high-quality schemes that will help reshape the heart of the city into a greener, more dynamic place. These projects will enhance accessibility, support local growth, and help build a city centre that’s fit for the future.
Carlisle Celebrates the Transformation of Market Square and Greenmarket
Carlisle city centre is set to come alive on Saturday 18 October, as Cumberland Council marks the official reopening of Market Square and Greenmarket following a major regeneration project funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
The £5.5 million transformation covers over 5,000 square metres, creating a vibrant, multifunctional space designed to support local businesses, increase footfall, and offer a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. The works include new paving, street furniture, feature lighting, and natural stone elements, with Greenmarket now serving as a dedicated event space.
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Give your views on Egremont regeneration schemes
The latest designs for regeneration in Egremont have been revealed.
The Borderlands-funded proposals include the development of the former Red Lion site, improvements in connectivity, and a large scale revamp at Florence Arts Centre.
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Paving the way: Botchergate Junction set for upgrades
Essential improvement works at Botchergate Junction will be carried out from Monday 13 October, as part of the enabling works for Carlisle Station Gateway regeneration project.
The works will take place overnight for five nights (8pm–6am) and will involve a full closure of Botchergate Junction, including The Crescent, English Street, and Court Brow.
These night-time closures are necessary to allow for resurfacing, new cycle lane installation, upgraded traffic signals, and refreshed road markings.
Once complete, these upgrades will significantly improve traffic flow during the day, making journeys through the city centre smoother and more efficient for all road users.
To ensure safety for both the public and construction teams, road users are asked to follow clearly signed diversion routes during the closure period. A full map of the works and diversions is available on One Network.
For further information, please visit the Cumberland Council website or contact the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736.
Buckbarrow Bridge Reopens
Buckbarrow Bridge on Corney Fell officially reopens to all users from 5pm, Friday 10 October 2025.
Buckbarrow Bridge Reopens – Reconnecting Corney Fell | Cumberland Council
Road Safety Boost: Fixed Cameras Coming to Holmrook and Smithfield
We have been working with Cumbria Police to improve road safety and respond to community concerns, with new safety cameras proposed for the A595 Holmrook and A6071 Smithfield.
The A595 at Holmrook has been identified as a high-risk corridor due to frequent speeding. Concerns raised by local residents have prompted action from both Cumberland Council and Cumbria Police, resulting in the decision to install a fixed safety camera at this location. Surveys conducted at Holmrook recorded an average speed of 42mph in a 30mph zone, with 64 offences detected in 2024, further supporting the need for enforcement at this location.
The A6071 at Smithfield has also seen the deployment of mobile speed enforcement cameras in response to persistent speeding issues. This route, which connects rural communities and sees a mix of local and through traffic, has been flagged as a speeding hotspot. Surveys conducted at Smithfield to support community complaints recorded an average speed of 40mph in a 30mph zone, with 60 offences detected in 2024.
Road Safety Boost: Fixed Cameras Coming to Holmrook and Smithfield | Cumberland Council
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We are inviting the community to attend our annual Christmas Memorial Services at Distington Hall Crematorium.
The Services will be held on Tuesday 9 December and Wednesday 10 December, starting at 6.30pm on both evenings. These special services offer a quiet and reflective moment to remember, and honour loved ones during the festive season.
As part of these services, an on-screen tribute will be displayed, featuring the names of those we wish to remember. If you would like to attend or have a loved one’s name included in the tribute, please call 01946 598305 or email distingtonhalladmin@cumberland.gov.uk.
Please note, the deadline for tribute submissions is Friday 28 November. Attendance is free of charge, but advanced booking is essential as spaces are limited.
The services provide an opportunity for families and friends to come together in remembrance and reflection, offering a sense of comfort and unity during what can be a difficult time of year.
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Cumberland Council’s Distington Hall’s Chapel of Remembrance will be joining people across the country in marking Baby Loss Awareness Week (9–15 October) with special opportunities for remembrance and reflection.
As part of this important week, a new Baby Loss Book of Remembrance will be available at the Chapel of Remembrance. Families and individuals are invited to contribute messages, reflections, or memories to honour and remember babies lost too soon.
In addition, throughout the week, forget-me-not seed packets will be available in the Chapel of Remembrance. Visitors are welcome to take a packet home to plant as a lasting and personal tribute.
Baby Loss Awareness Week is an opportunity to bring us together as a community and give anyone touched by pregnancy and baby loss a safe and supportive space to share their experiences and feel that they are not alone.
The Chapel of Remembrance will be open throughout the week for those who wish to take part, add to the book, or spend a moment in quiet reflection.
Cumberland Council will also be showing support by lighting up council buildings in pink and blue during Baby Loss Awareness Week.
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) will also be joining the national commemoration of Baby Loss Awareness Week by holding two special remembrance services to honour babies lost during pregnancy, at birth, of shortly after. These services will take place at:
- Thursday, October 9 at 6pm in the Cemetery Chapel on Dalston Road, Carlisle.
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Monday, November 17 at 7pm at St Peter’s Church, Kells, Whitehaven.
These events offer a space for families, friends, and staff to come together in reflection and remembrance, and are open to anyone affected by baby loss.
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This year’s report showcases the power of working together to enable more people to be more active across Cumbria. From strategic partnerships to grassroots initiatives, the report highlights how collaboration has been at the heart of our efforts to tackle inactivity and promote healthier, more active lives.
Highlights in Cumberland include:
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3606 young people trained through Bikeability – an accredited national training programme to provide skills and confidence for pupils to navigate the roads safely via bicycle
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£104,629 awarded to 14 schools through the Opening Schools Facilities Fund creating more opportunities for wider communities to be active
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£31,659 awarded to 9 organisations through the Reconditioning Fund supporting older adults to be more active
Last week, a group of Pre-Supported Internship learners from Carlisle College proudly completed their first litter pick as part of our Litter Champions initiative.
Putting their new communication, teamwork, and health & safety skills into practice, the group worked together to collect five bags of rubbish along the Strand Road side of Zero Path - leaving the area cleaner and tidier for everyone to enjoy.
Their enthusiasm and commitment made a real difference, and they’ve set a fantastic example of community pride and collaboration in action.
Well done to all involved – a great start to their journey as Litter Champions!
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Carlisle’s city centre will once again come alive with creativity and entrepreneurial spirit as the Teenage Market returns this Saturday (11 October).
Hosted by Cumberland Council, with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the event will take place within the newly refurbished pedestrianised area of the city centre and will feature stalls run by traders aged between 8 and 25 years of age, alongside live performances from local young singers, musicians and dance schools.
The Teenage Market is also part music festival with a full programme of live entertainment throughout the day. The City Centre will be buzzing with energy as Studio A Dance Company, Jordyn Louise Dance, and a host of talented young local singer-songwriters take to the stage, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for all. Carlisle Youth Concert Band will be performing at the Teenage Market for the first time, between 10.30am and 11.30am.
If you are looking for some different, locally produced gifts and treats, whilst also supporting local young traders and performers, visit the Carlisle Teenage Market in the city centre on Saturday 11 October, between 10am and 3.30pm. Cash payments are preferred.
You can ‘Like’ The Teenage Market on Facebook and follow them on X.
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Households across Cumberland are being encouraged to respond to the annual canvass - a process which seeks to make sure electoral registration details are up to date – as soon as they can.
Letters and emails have been sent to some households in recent weeks by Cumberland Council’s electoral services team asking people to check if the information about them on the electoral register is up to date.
Many households have responded to these communications already, however, those who’ve yet to respond will be visited by one of the council’s canvassers. Visits have already begun and will continue until Friday, November 14.
Residents are being reminded that all canvassers will carry photo ID and will never enter any property. Responses will be recorded on a tablet device and if there is no response a further visit may be scheduled or a ‘calling card’ with further instructions will be posted.
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We are inviting families to learn more about how they can support their child’s early movement at Starting2Move, a pop-up event in Carlisle on Wednesday 15 October 2025, from 10 am to 4 pm, outside the Tourist Information Centre, Carlisle.
Starting2Move is a pilot initiative designed to help parents and carers feel confident in encouraging movement and play in babies and young children.
Join your Lakes to Sea Community Panel for an informative evening later this month.
Do you have questions about what happens to our waste? Or would you like to hear more about how to report potholes?
We’ll be at the Braithwaite Institute on Monday, 27 October from 5pm until 7.30pm to answer all your questions.
Cumbria Fostering launched its powerful new short film, The Run, yesterday, as part of a countywide campaign to recruit more foster carers.
The film follows Tom, an 11-year-old boy, who faced danger and instability in his early life, which forced him to run from unsafe situations. Through the care of a loving foster family, Tom’s life has transformed - he now has stability, safety, and support to grow and thrive.
The Run follows his journey, showing the challenges he overcame and how having someone who believes in him gave him the courage to move forward. Tom’s story is a moving reminder of the difference foster care can make, turning fear and uncertainty into confidence, hope, and a sense of belonging.
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If you feel inspired by Tom’s story to find out how you can make a difference, visit cumbriafostering.org.uk.
Join the Carlisle Remembrance Run, a meaningful community event held in Carlisle on Saturday 8 November 2025, in support of the Royal British Legion. Taking place the day before Remembrance Sunday, this is an opportunity to come together in unity to honour and remember those who have fallen, served - and continue to serve - in the Armed Forces.
There are two races taking place - a 5k and the 2k family fun run all to raise money for the Royal British Legion. Entry includes a commemorative medal, race number and refreshments at the finish.
Participants are encouraged to wear red or poppy themed clothing in honour of remembrance. This is an inclusive event. Participants using wheelchairs, pushing prams, or bringing along well-behaved dogs on leads are more than welcome to take part. This day is about coming together, and we want everyone to feel they can be involved.
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CARLISLE: Works originally scheduled to take place in West Walls car park in Carlisle last Saturday had to be postponed due to the adverse weather conditions. This work - to remove overgrown vegetation - will now take place this Saturday, October 11. It will be carried out throughout the day; however, the car park will remain open with a reduced capacity.
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COCKERMOUTH: A section of Sullart Street car park, Cockermouth, will be closed off today (Friday October 10) so works to remove some damaged trees can take place. As the works are completed our contractors Tivoli will open up closed sections of the car park, however, there will be some disruption throughout the early part of the day. The recycling area is unaffected.
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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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