We are looking for the right person to chair the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board for Mirehouse, Kells, Woodhouse, Greenbank, and Sandwith in Whitehaven.
-
act as a champion for the programme
-
convene and lead the Neighbourhood Board
-
work closely with the MP, council officers and partners to provide 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 to 10 hours per month. It is on a voluntary basis but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Adoption Cumbria is urging people across the region to consider adoption in 2026, as the need for loving, permanent families for children waiting is greater than ever.
Latest national figures show 12% fewer families stepping forward to register to adopt compared to last year, leaving 2,940 children in need of adoption. Across the country—and here in Cumbria—there is a shortage of adopters, particularly for brother and sister groups and older children, who often wait much longer than others to find a family.
If you’ve ever thought about adoption but aren’t sure where to start, our online adoption information events are the perfect first step. You’ll also hear from a guest speaker who shares their own adoption journey—an invaluable insight into what life as an adopter is really like.
• Tuesday 20 January – 6pm
• Wednesday 25 February – 6pm
|
If you’ve ever thought about fostering but aren’t quite sure where to begin, attending a Cumbria Fostering information event is the perfect first step. Our events are relaxed, welcoming and designed to give you honest, practical insight into what fostering is really like—without any pressure or obligation.
-
Wednesday 28 January – Join our online information event from 6pm to 7pm from the comfort of your home. We will run through a short presentation before answering any questions you may have. To register for our event visit our event booking page.
-
Friday 6 February – Come along to our fostering information drop-in at Costa Coffee, Steelmans Walk, Workington, from 12pm to 1pm. Speak to our friendly team and foster carers and take away some information.
Take that first step—join an information event and discover how you could make a life-changing difference with Cumbria Fostering. Find out what to expect at an event here.
|
We have announced plans for two new play areas for Bransty in Whitehaven - marking a major investment in high‑quality outdoor spaces for local children and families.
The larger of the two play areas will be located within the grounds of Bransty School, positioned on the spacious grassed area. Designed for children aged four and above, this new facility will be open to the public outside of school hours, with access provided via South View Road.
The second play area will be created beside the new community gardens, close to Harbour View Nursing Home and the playing field. This space will be specially designed for preschool-aged children and will sit alongside the thriving community garden developed and maintained by Bransty CIC.
Residents are invited to take part in a public consultation on Thursday 29 January, from 3.30pm to 6pm at Bransty School. This event offers an opportunity for the community to share their views and help shape the equipment and design of both play areas. For those unable to attend in person, an online survey will also be available to ensure everyone has the chance to contribute.
Building on the success of recent regeneration projects in Devonshire Street, Greenmarket, and Market Square work is starting on the next phase of improvements in Carlisle city centre.
These works are part of the Carlisle Station Gateway Project and Carlisle Southern Gateway, continuing the council’s commitment to creating a greener, more accessible, and vibrant city centre for residents, businesses, and visitors.
The next phase of the Start With The Park project is set to take off, with the start of the construction of the brand‑new skatepark at Hammond’s Pond this week.
This exciting project, created in partnership with leading skatepark designers Canvas, will deliver a vibrant and inclusive space for skaters, BMX riders, and scooter enthusiasts of all ages. To ensure the design truly meets the needs of its future users, consultation took place in 2025 with local youth groups such as The Rock and Carlisle Youth Zone, alongside an online questionnaire, helping shape a skatepark that incorporates the features and ideas young people asked for.
Carlisle Library is operating a limited reception service, accessible via Level 3 of The Lanes car park.
The following services will be available:
-
Book requests and returns
Please note that browsing, study spaces, PC access and printing, regular events, and general access to the main library will not be available during this period.
The remainder of Carlisle Library will remain closed because the new air handling units, which circulate warm air throughout the building, are not yet installed. This is part of the ongoing refurbishment work and not due to any heating fault or breakdown. Current temperatures make it unsuitable to open the space, and the council is committed to ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of visitors and staff. Essential services will continue to be available during this period to support the community.
An open invite has gone out to landlords, letting agents, and housing professionals to attend two important events in March 2026 to learn about significant changes coming to the private rental sector under the Renters’ Rights Act.
Representatives from the DWP, Enforcement Team, Valuation Office, Trading Standards, Organised Crime Unit, and the Sustainable Warmth team will all be in attendance at the events.
Planned Highway Patching Works in Gosforth: Hardingill to Whitecroft
We will begin essential pre‑surface dressing patching works on the C4026 between Hardingill and Whitecroft, Gosforth, starting Monday 19 January.
The works are expected to take six days, subject to weather and on‑site conditions.
Planned Resurfacing Works on the B5322: Legburthwaite to The Green
We will also begin essential carriageway resurfacing on the B5322 Legburthwaite to The Green, St Johns in the Vale, starting Monday 19 January.
The works are expected to last for up to two weeks, subject to weather and site conditions. The resurfacing will take place from the junction of the A591, along the B5322 towards The Green.
There is still time to have your say on our budget consultation. The deadline for responses is 30 January 2026.
Like all councils, Cumberland faces significant financial challenges, including rising demand for services, rising prices, 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.
Since April 2023, we have made some £55m in savings, whilst also continuing to improve services.
To maintain essential services such as adult social care, children’s services, and waste management, we are 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.
If the proposals to increase council tax go ahead, then those in a band A property would see an increase of £1.22 a week for Cumberland Council services, with Band C bills rising by £1.63 a week. For band D properties the proposed increases equate to a rise of £95.18 a year or £1.83 a week.
A celebration of Britain’s comic art heritage arrives this month at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven, as it becomes one of the first venues to host The Cartoon Museum’s first touring exhibition.
Comics: The Famous & Forgotten will open on 17 January and will be held until 15 March 2026. The exhibition shines a spotlight on Britain’s rich comic tradition, its icons, innovators and the overlooked creators who shaped generations of readers.
|
On Monday 2 February, Distington Walled Garden are opening the doors for a friendly Knit and Natter session.
Whether you want to learn how to knit or crochet, or simply come along for a crack and some company, you’ll be very welcome.
The session will run from 10am to 1pm and materials and know how are free. If you fancy a little treat while you craft, refreshments, scones, and cake will also be available to buy.
|
