From March 2026, around 2,000 households in Carlisle will have their general waste collected fortnightly using 180 litre wheeled bins rather than seagull-proof sacks.
Although the majority of households in the Cumberland area already have bins for their general waste, a small percentage have seagull-proof sack collections.
Wheeled bins are already used for general waste by most households in Carlisle and in other areas of Cumberland Council.
The icy conditions on the roads meant that our waste crews were not able to get to some properties to empty the bins this week. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but the safety of our staff and the public is always our priority. You can see details of the areas affected and when we'll return on our website at: Latest service status | Cumberland Council
Weather warnings and health advice
There continue to be Met Office yellow weather warnings for ice and snow for parts of Cumberland and surrounding areas on Saturday and Sunday. You can find out more on the Met Office website.
With the cold weather continuing, you can find out more about how to travel safely and advice on looking after your health in winter weather on our weather ready website.
Working closely with Stagecoach and Reays, we launched the third phase of our Cumberland Go bus network this week. This milestone completes a phased rollout designed to improve bus services across Cumberland.
New services include a direct, more frequent link between Carlisle, the Cumberland Infirmary, Cockermouth, Whitehaven, and West Cumberland Hospital (#600), improved Whitehaven town routes (1/1A), and better connections to Cleator Moor (#22/22A). Additional routes will serve Hadrian’s Wall (#HW1), South Carlisle Health Centre and Carleton Clinic (#DR1), and Wigton/Anthorn to Carlisle (#71).
These follow recent additions introduced in November and December, including the Maryport–Dearham (#MD1), Cockermouth–Maryport (#68), and Cockermouth town service (#C123), alongside enhanced inter‑town links and upgrades to the #93 and #64.
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Supporting the health and wellbeing of local residents and providing better access to innovative and inclusive activities is at the heart of a new leisure operator contract announced this week.
Sports & Leisure Management Ltd who trade as Everyone Active - a leading national leisure operator - was successful in the recent procurement to manage our leisure facilities in the West of Cumberland.
The new 10-year contract will start in April 2026 and includes: Workington Leisure Centre; Maryport Activity Centre; Cockermouth Leisure Centre; Keswick Leisure Centre; Whitehaven Sports Centre; Copeland Pools and Fitness Centre; Cleator Moor Activity Centre (redeveloped facility) and Millom Leisure Centre (new facility under development).
A key part of the new contract is the delivery of an Active Wellbeing programme and to support a new Cumberland wide Active Wellbeing Partnership.
The programme targets health inequalities and will work in partnership with health and social care providers to support groups such as care experienced and cared for children.
The centres will continue to provide leisure, health and fitness facilities such as gyms, sports, swimming (lessons and public access)
Leisure sites in Carlisle - including The Sands Centre - do not form part of the new contract and will continue being managed on the council’s behalf by Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), trading as Better.
Do you know a young person who could represent Cumberland as our next Member of Youth Parliament?
We’re looking for young people aged 11–18 who live or study in Cumberland to take on this exciting role. It’s a fantastic opportunity to:
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Have their voice heard locally, regionally and nationally
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Build skills and experience
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Help shape decisions and create positive change in Cumberland
Cumberland Council is delighted to celebrate Jane Wheeler, Assistant Director for Family Help, Partnerships and Youth Justice, who has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours. The honour recognises her long‑standing commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
Since joining Cumberland two years ago, Jane has played a key role in transforming family help services, including the opening of seven new Family Hubs that are already strengthening support for local communities. Her leadership builds on her previous success at Sunderland City Council, where her work on early help was praised by Ofsted. The award also noted Jane’s commitment to children and young people in all areas of her life including proviidng long term support to a care experienced young person.
We are encouraging everyone to share their views on proposals for our 2026/27 budget.
Like all councils, Cumberland faces significant financial challenges, including rising demand for services, inflation which is above 3%, and changes to government funding. By law, the council must set a balanced budget, which means making sometimes difficult decisions about services and council tax.
To maintain essential services such as adult social care, children’s services, and waste management, the council is proposing a 2.99% increase in council tax and a 2% rise in adult social care levy which goes specifically towards things like residential care, supporting those recovering from illness, and services for those with learning and physical disabilities. Parish and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner precepts are set separately.
Calling all Allonby residents - there are still a couple of days left to fill in our survey and let us know what your village needs.
We’re asking about all aspects of life in the village, to help us and our partners deliver better services.
Can you access the things you need? What's good about the village - and what could be done differently?
The survey closes on 12 January. We’ll be hosting a drop-in event on 24 January to share the survey findings – put it in your diary:
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Saturday, 24 January
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10am until noon
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Allonby Village Hall.
This event is hosted by the Fells and Solway Community Panel.
What happens when care experienced young people are given the creative freedom to tell their own stories? A new emotive exhibition at Carlisle’s Tullie Museum and Art Gallery gives them the space to do just that – using creativity to change perceptions and reclaim their voice.
Open until Sunday 25 January 2026, ‘Re-write the Narrative’ is a deeply moving collection that brings together artwork, poetry, and creative installations that share the lived experiences of young people who have been in care.
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Pride in Place is a long-term, community-led regeneration programme that empowers local areas to tackle the infrastructure, social, and civic challenges that matter most.
As part of the £5 billion nationwide initiative, the government's Pride in Place programme has allocated up to £20 million over 10 years to each of the three Cumberland neighbourhoods of:
- Raffles and Morton,
- Flimby, Ellenborough and Broughton Moor.
- Mirehouse, Kells, Woodhouse, Greenbank, and Sandwith.
Neighbourhood Boards will be developed to bring local people, businesses, and community groups together to help shape the future of their area. Its main purpose is to make sure that Pride in Place projects reflect what matters most to the community.
The £20 million investment for each neighbourhood will be managed by local residents and community groups, not by central government. The funding aims to achieve three core objectives:
- Build stronger communities: Improve community cohesion and belonging by enhancing shared spaces.
- Create thriving places: Revitalize high streets and public spaces and improve amenities.
- Empower people to take back control: Give local people a direct say in their community's future.
Could you be the chair of Pride in Place Programme Neighbourhood Board in the Mirehouse, Kells, Woodhouse, Greenbank, and Sandwith area?
As Chair you will act as a champion for the Pride in Place Programme, convening and leading the Neighbourhood Board. You will work closely with the MP, Council Officers and partners in providing strategic oversight, champion community engagement, and ensure delivery of outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our communities and leave a lasting legacy.
The role is part-time and flexible, requiring around 8–10 hours per month, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Applicants are asked to submit a CV and supporting statement (up to 1,000 words) outlining their connection to the area, relevant experience and vision for inclusive community leadership to communitydevelopment@cumberland.gov.uk
The closing date for applications is 30 January, with interviews scheduled for February.
Last month we saw the launch event for the newly refurbished PEC Phase 3 in Cleator Moor, marking an exciting step forward for the town’s ongoing regeneration. With the first tenants preparing to move in this month, the building is ready to support local organisations as they grow.
Delivered through the £22.5 million Cleator Moor Town Deal, the project has created a more accessible and efficient workspace for local businesses.
Owned by Cumberland Council and leased long term to Phoenix Enterprise Centre (PEC), the space will continue to support local enterprise as PEC sub lets offices to organisations looking to grow and thrive in the town.
With the first and second floors already fully let, there’s lots of interest for the remaining space. Any businesses hoping to secure space within the newly upgraded facility can contact nina@phoenixenterprisecentre.co.uk or call 01946 813555.
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We have secured £40 million from the Environment Agency to deliver a major Flood Risk Management Scheme in Millom and Haverigg, one of the largest investments of its kind in the area.
This transformative project will significantly reduce flood risk for hundreds of homes, protect local businesses, and safeguard vital infrastructure. It will also strengthen long‑term community resilience, support local jobs, and contribute to wider economic growth, including the delivery of the £25 million Millom Town Deal.
The scheme is funded through the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Capital Grant, alongside support from the Local Levy and United Utilities.
With funding now approved, the project moves into the delivery phase. We look forward to continuing our work with partners to bring this essential scheme to life and deliver lasting benefits for the community.
As we move into the New Year, we’re encouraging residents to consider a meaningful resolution for 2026: becoming a volunteer driver with Cumberland Council’s Voluntary Social Car Scheme.
The scheme supports communities across 16 local areas, offering essential door‑to‑door transport for residents of all ages who have no other way of travelling. From medical appointments and weekly shopping to visiting friends or connecting with public transport, our volunteers help people stay independent, connected, and supported.
Volunteering is flexible, you drive only when it suits you. Fuel expenses are reimbursed (45p per mile without a passenger, 50p with passengers), and full insurance protection is provided. It’s a rewarding way to make a direct difference in someone’s day.
Areas currently supported include Aspatria, Cockermouth, Keswick, Whitehaven, Millom, Workington, Maryport, Cleator Moor, Dalston, Gosforth and more.
Remember too that you can take up to two days of paid volunteering leave each year, full days or half days, and we’ve made the process simple, so it’s easy for you to get involved.
Share your experiences, ideas and feedback and help improve services and make a real difference for local families.
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Influence how local services are designed and delivered.
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Make sure families’ voices are heard.
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Meet other parents and carers in your area.
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Help create positive change in your community.
Interested? Email parentandcarerchampions@cumberland.gov.uk or chat to one of the team at your local Family Hub.
Did you know that some families can get up to 15 hours of funded childcare each week for their two-year-old? This support can make a big difference, helping your child learn, play and make friends while giving you a little extra time for work and study.
To qualify, you’ll need to meet certain criteria – for example, if you receive income-related benefits or your child has additional needs. It’s quick and easy to check if you’re eligible and apply online.
The North Pennines National Landscape partnership is consulting on a draft of the next Management Plan, 2026 to 2031.
The deadline for responses is 10 February 2026.
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