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Check out our guide to loads of activities for all the family over the February half-term.
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 February half term school holidays.
The discounted scheme will be available between Saturday 14 and Sunday 22 February 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 and some locations will also offer free sessions on a weekend.
It will be available at the following leisure sites at allocated times during the school holidays:
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Cockermouth Leisure Centre: 1pm - 1.50pm, Monday to Friday.
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Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre (Whitehaven): 12pm - 12.50pm, Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 February. 10am - 10.50am, Sunday 15 and Sunday 22 February. 1pm - 1.50pm, Monday 16 February, Tuesday 17 February, Thursday 19 February and Friday 20 February.
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The Sands Centre (Carlisle): 10am - 10.50am, Monday to Friday and Sunday 22 February.
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Wigton Baths: Monday 16 February, 3pm - 4pm, Tuesday 17 February, 11am - 12pm and 3.15pm - 4.15pm, Wednesday 18 February,11am - 12pm and 3pm - 4pm, Thursday 19 February, 11am - 12pm, Friday 20 February, 11am - 12pm and Saturday 21 February, 11am - 12pm.
- Workington Leisure Centre: 10am - 10.50am, Monday 16 - Friday 20 February and Sunday 22 February.
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In this week's newsletter...
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Work to replace the roof at The Sands Centre, Carlisle has reached another major milestone with the first layer of the new auditorium roof now successfully installed.
Work has progressed at pace since restarting in September last year and the complex removal of more than 200 tonnes of the old roof panels was safely completed just before Christmas.
The project remains firmly on track for the auditorium to re-open in mid-June 2026 and the countdown has officially begun to welcome audiences back for an exciting programme of shows and events at The Sands Centre
Transformational regeneration for Egremont moves a step closer this week with planning permission sought for a town centre scheme.
The development of the former Red Lion site is part of a wider project backed by £3m from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
National Apprenticeship Week has wrapped up, and our Early Careers and Apprenticeship Team are celebrating an inspiring week speaking to prospective apprentices.
From Workington to Whitehaven, Carlisle to Dalston, Silloth to Aspatria, and Keswick to Cockermouth, the team have met hundreds of people - sparking conversations, answering questions and opening doors to future career pathways within the council.
It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with students and share our wide range of opportunities and guidance on the application process.
A highlight of the week was hearing from current apprentices, who shared first‑hand stories about their journeys -what motivated them, what they’ve learned, and how their roles are helping them build confidence and skills.
National Apprenticeship Week may be over, but the momentum certainly isn’t. The Early Careers and Apprenticeship Team will continue championing opportunities, offering guidance, and working closely with schools to help the next generation discover what’s possible.
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The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice over the weekend. Check out the latest on the weather on the Met Office website. There's also lots of top tips on how to stay safe in the cold and on our roads on our weather ready website.
Our Environmental Crime Team recently carried out decisive enforcement action following community reports and intelligence from partner agencies concerning suspected illegal waste activity in Maryport.
On Monday 19 January, officers attended a location where they found an abandoned trailer containing a significant amount of mixed household waste. The trailer had no registration plate, was unroadworthy, and had been left on the public highway. It was seized under environmental crime enforcement powers, and officers confirmed the waste originated from three separate households.
During the recovery, an individual approached officers and claimed ownership of both the trailer and the waste. Further checks revealed that he had been transporting waste to the Household Waste Recycling Centre without being a registered waste carrier. He was found to be operating illegally as an unlicensed waste collector.
Following a full investigation, the following actions were taken:
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£1,000 fine issued for fly‑tipping due to the volume of waste deposited.
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£200 fine issued for abandoning a trailer full of waste on the highway.
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£600 fines issued to three householders for failing to meet their duty of care by not checking whether the waste collector was licensed.
Don't risk a fine - check who's disposing of your waste
This case serves as an important reminder that householders have a legal obligation to ensure anyone removing waste from their property is properly registered. Failure to do so may result in enforcement action if their waste is subsequently found fly‑tipped.
You can check if someone is a licensed waste carrier online.
Take a look at the latest reel to go live on social media which shows a glimpse into a day in the life of an Enforcement Officer at Cumberland Council.
In this snapshot of a typical day, the team responds to dog‑fouling in Vulcan’s Park, checks reports of fly‑tipping, and investigates an abandoned vehicle.
They cover a huge range of issues and are always keeping an eye out for anything that affects our communities.
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A powerful art exhibition created by care experienced young people to change perceptions and reclaim their voice, is to come to Whitehaven in time to celebrate National Care Day.
Currently exhibited by Carlisle’s Tullie Museum and Art Gallery, ‘Re-write the Narrative’ is a deeply moving and personal insight into memories and experiences of young people who have care experience.
The collection, which brings together artwork, poetry, and creative installations, will open in Whitehaven from 20 February – to celebrate National Care Day – until Friday 13 March.
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The Beacon Museum invites visitors to step into the world of John Dalzell Kenworthy, the celebrated West Cumbrian portrait artist whose work captured the character, resilience, and everyday life of his community.
JD Kenworthy - The West Cumbrian Portrait Artist is a new temporary exhibition in the Light and Dark Gallery, celebrating the life and work of renowned local artist and civic leader John Dalzell Kenworthy (1858–1954). Running from 14 February to 21 June 2026, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore the people, stories, and social fabric of West Cumbria during the Edwardian era.
The exhibition also celebrates the next generation of portrait artists. Pupils at St James’ C of E Junior School have been exploring the art of portraiture in an exciting project inspired by the work of artist Kenworthy, with pieces ranging from textured cardboard self‑portraits to observational drawings and bold abstract designs. These lively pieces of art show that everyone can be a portrait artist, and that portraits are about capturing personality as well as appearance.
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Both of Cumbria’s Health & Wellbeing Boards are gathering views from the public about local pharmacy services. Your responses will help us understand how pharmacies are used and what services people need. This information will be used to inform the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, which helps plan pharmacy services across Cumbria.
The deadline for responses is 13 March 2026.
Relocation of Lawson’s Monument
This week saw the successful relocation of the historic Lawson’s Monument, returning it to its original home in Court Square and restoring an important piece of Carlisle’s heritage.
Originally located in Court Square, Lawson’s Monument was moved in 1936 during the construction of underground public toilets. Its reinstatement forms an early milestone in the £40.5 million Carlisle Station Gateway Project, which is reshaping the area around Carlisle Railway Station into a more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant space for residents, visitors, and commuters.
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Hammond’s Pond is Blossoming: Big Changes Taking Root
There are ongoing improvements at Hammond’s Pond, delivered through the Start with the Park project.
Significant progress is being made across the site, with new tree planting underway and construction of the new skate park advancing well.
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Partnership wins national accolade
The Cumberland Community Alcohol Partnership has been named one of the best in the country.
The council-led partnership is the joint winner of the CAP of the Year award from the national Community Alcohol Partnerships body.
The accolade recognises the innovative work being done with young people to reduce the harm done by alcohol.
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Next Phase of Workington Gateway Project Begins
There are some upcoming changes to traffic management as Phase 2 of the Workington Gateway project begins.
These works form part of a major programme to improve road safety, upgrade essential infrastructure and strengthen connections to key employment sites and the Port of Workington.
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Catchment changes unlock housing opportunities across Carlisle and Eden area
Natural England has confirmed that boundary adjustments to the River Eden Nutrient Neutrality catchment, paving the way for stalled developments and over 500 affordable homes, while maintaining environmental protections.
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The new Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) has taken an important step forward with the recommendation to appoint John Barradell OBE as its Interim Chief Executive.
John brings decades of senior leadership experience, including serving as chief executive of the City of London Corporation and Brighton & Hove City Council. He has also led major national resilience efforts, including the Government’s Grenfell Recovery Taskforce and the London Strategic Group during Covid 19. He currently chairs the National Emergencies Trust and serves as a commissioner on the National Preparedness Commission.
He and his family live in Carlisle, reinforcing John’s passion for Cumbria and his commitment to cementing the county’s position on the national stage. He is currently working as Programme Director for devolution in Cumbria.
CCA is a new statutory authority, which will be led by a directly-elected Mayor from May 2027. The role of Interim Chief Executive will help drive Cumbria forward as it embarks on an ambitious devolution journey which will see at least an additional £333 million in funding coming directly into the county, to be spent on local priorities.
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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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