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Also in this week's edition:
On the build up to the May bank holidays on Monday 25 May, we are reminding residents how to access our services.
Some of our offices - including Carlisle’s Civic Centre and Cumbria House, Allerdale House in Workington, and Market Hall in Whitehaven - will be closed to customers on Monday 25 May 2026. Online services will be available at www.cumberland.gov.uk
The main customer number (0300 373 3730) will close at 4.30pm on Friday 22 May and will reopen following the bank holidays on Tuesday 26 May at 9am. There will be a recorded message advising of the closure period and out of hours contact numbers for Highways, Homelessness, and Adults and Children’s Social Care, should anyone be calling in an emergency.
Household waste and recycling
There will be no changes to refuse and recycling collections on the bank holiday. Collections will take place on Monday 25 May.
Residents can check collection dates online.
Household Waste Recycling Centres will be open as usual.
For opening times and locations visit our website.
The permit helpline is closed on bank holidays and weekends.
Cumberland Council is set to have new boundaries for its council wards.
The Local Government Boundary Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It has reviewed Cumberland to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively.
The Commission has published final recommendations for changes in Cumberland. It says residents should be represented by 55 councillors. This is nine more than the existing arrangements.
There will be 55 wards, each represented by a single councillor. Most wards will change, two will stay the same.
Publishing the recommendations Bev Smith, Chair of the Commission, said:
"We are very grateful to people in Cumberland. We considered all the comments they gave us on our recommendations for a new electoral map for the area and this has helped us to make changes.
We believe the new arrangements will deliver electoral fairness while reflecting the needs and identities of local communities."
The LGBCE received 191 comments from people and organisations to help decide the new wards. The Commission has made further changes to its earlier proposals. Changes in response to what local people said include:
- To use most of Newlands Lane and Newlands Lane South as a boundary between Moorclose and Westfield wards in Workington
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Modify the boundary between Brigham and Dearham & Papcastle wards.
The changes become law once Parliament has approved them. Staff at the council will ensure that the arrangements are in place for the 2027 elections.
Cumberland Council has launched the Cumberland Economic Strategy, a bold and comprehensive plan designed to accelerate sustainable growth, attract new investment, and create high‑quality opportunities for residents and businesses across the region.
Developed in collaboration with local communities, industry leaders, education partners and regional stakeholders, the strategy sets out a clear vision for a thriving, inclusive and resilient Cumberland economy over the next decade.
Picture shows (l-r): Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council and Andrew Seekings, Chief Executive of Cumberland Council.
They are outside the new Innovation Centre in Workington. The Cumberland Council project provides purpose-built accommodation for entrepreneurial businesses, as well as bringing new modern office accommodation to Workington, something previously lacking in the town.
We led a waste crime disruption operation, this week, with Cumbria Constabulary and the DVSA in response to rising national concern over illegal waste activity.
Waste crime has become an increasing problem across the UK and was being debated more frequently at a national level. During the 2025/26 financial year, waste crime was estimated to have cost local authorities approximately £19.3 million. In the same reporting period, more than 52,000 incidents were recorded nationally, representing an 11 per cent increase compared with the previous year.
Locally, we have received a significant number of complaints and intelligence reports relating to waste movements and associated criminal activity. These issues pose serious environmental, financial and community risks, including fly‑tipping, public safety concerns and unfair competition for legitimate businesses.
In response, Cumberland Council worked closely with Cumbria Constabulary and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency on an intelligence‑led operation. Vehicles capable of carrying waste were targeted, with officers stopping and directing selected vehicles to a designated inspection area for further checks.
Residents are encouraged to continue reporting suspected waste crime so intelligence could be used to support future enforcement activity. Report these issues via our website Street cleaning | Cumberland Council.
The opportunity to design official posters for the historic 2027 Grand Départs of the Tour de France is now available for art, design and creative students studying in the Cumberland Council area.
A Stage One finish in Carlisle and a Stage Two start in Keswick have been both confirmed for the 2027 Tour De France.
The men’s Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, with the opening stage finishing in Carlisle the same day, before stage two travels from Keswick on Saturday 3 July 2027 - through the Lake District and Lancashire to finish on The Strand in Liverpool the same day, under the watchful gaze of the city’s iconic waterfront.
The poster competition has been launched as part of the Grand Départ GB’s JOY social impact programme.
Students enrolled on art, design, graphics, creative and photography courses at further and higher education institutions across the local authority areas hosting each of the six stages - including the Cumberland Council area - can enter a competition that will ultimately select the official poster for the 2027 edition of each race.
We, alongside the Carlisle Town Deal Board, will host a celebratory event on Friday 15 May 2026 to recognise the achievements of the Carlisle Town Deal programme and mark the completion of Project Tullie, which officially reopened in April 2025.
The event will take place at Tullie, Museum & Gallery, Carlisle and will bring together Town Deal Board members, project partners, delivery teams and invited guests. The event will also acknowledge the contribution of Emma Porter, former Chair of the Carlisle Town Deal Board, who played a pivotal role in shaping and steering the Town Deal programme.
We’re asking drivers, residents and businesses to plan ahead over the coming weeks as essential roadworks and utility works take place across south Carlisle.
Our ongoing structural repairs on the Eastern Way bridge will continue until Friday 26 June following additional work to address areas of concrete that were found to be in poorer condition than expected. These repairs are vital to ensure the bridge remains safe and reliable for years to come.
At the same time, Northern Gas Networks will begin gas mains replacement works on Warwick Road from 11 May to 24 June, also using multi-way traffic signals.
Together, these works mean traffic lights will be in place on key routes, and delays are likely, especially at peak times.
We’re working closely with partners to minimise disruption where possible and would like to thank everyone for their patience while these important improvements are carried out.
We’re set to begin road improvement works on the C4001 in Lowca from Monday 11 May, with the scheme expected to take around five days, weather permitting.
The work will include drainage and road repairs, a new raised table to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, upgraded street lighting, cycle route improvements, and refreshed road markings. Delivered in partnership with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and funded by National Highways, the scheme supports safer, smoother journeys for all.
These improvements also form part of Route 72 (Hadrian’s Cycleway), helping make this well-used coastal route safer and more accessible.
We’ve listened to feedback from schools and families and adjusted working hours to 9am–6pm to support travel during the GCSE exam period.
There will be temporary road closures and diversions in place, but access will be maintained for emergency services, pedestrians and dismounted cyclists.
Thank you to everyone for your patience while we deliver these improvements.
We’re proud to celebrate national recognition for contractors we’ve worked closely with on key regeneration and community projects across Cumberland.
Krol Corlett Construction Ltd and Morgan Sindall Construction have both received Bronze awards at the Considerate Constructors Scheme National Site Awards, recognising high standards in community engagement, environmental management and workforce wellbeing.
Krol Corlett was recognised for its work on the Carlisle Digital Hub, which is transforming Carlisle Library into a modern, accessible learning and community space. Morgan Sindall received its award for the Workington Innovation Centre, a new facility set to support start-ups and growing businesses, with an opening planned for summer 2026.
These awards reflect the strong partnerships we’ve built and our shared commitment to delivering projects responsibly.
A huge well done to all our project managers and teams working closely with contractors on site, their collaboration and dedication help make these successful schemes possible.
Image, from left to right: Simon Gornall Contracts Manager (Krols), Katy Livesey, Project Manager, Cumberland Council, David Clifford, Senior Site Manager, Caroline Patterson, Programme Manager, Cumberland Council, Stuart Todhunter Managing Quantity Surveyor.
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The Café at Distington Walled Garden will be closed for a short time for essential maintenance from 11 to 18 May 2026. The Café will be back open and ready to welcome you again from 19 May as normal. Thanks for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Harbour Place in Workington welcomed a strong turnout at its open day on Thursday 7 May, giving local people and families the chance to explore the £19 million development.
Delivered by Riverside in partnership with Cumberland Council, the scheme opened in February 2026 and provides 107 homes for people aged 55+ and those with extra care needs, with nearly 70 residents already settled in.
Visitors toured the apartments and bungalows, met staff and residents, and learned more about life at the scheme, including its communal facilities and social activities. Feedback from residents continues to highlight the supportive environment and strong sense of community.
The event also reinforced the growing demand for extra care housing, with Harbour Place playing a key role in helping people live independently while accessing care when needed.
(Image of Harbour View, Workington sourced from Riverside.)
The Stroke Association is hosting a series of events across Cumberland, starting on Monday 11 May, as part of Make May Purple 2026, raising awareness of stroke prevention, recovery and local support services.
All are welcome, including carers, families, and colleagues. Event dates:
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Monday 11 May, The Oval Centre, Workington - 10am to 12pm
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Monday 11 May, West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven - 2pm to 3.30pm
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Thursday 28 May, Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle - 2pm to 3.30pm
The community event in Workington on Monday 11 May will bring together stroke survivors and local support organisations. The hospital events will focus on stroke prevention and awareness, including blood pressure testing subject to consultant availability.
Cumberland Council commissions the Stroke Association to provide Stroke Support Services for stroke survivors and carers, offering practical, emotional and recovery-focused support.
Bring some colour to your garden this summer at the Garden Linx Summer Plant Sale, starting Monday 11 May and running until Friday 15 May at Carlisle Cemetery, Richardson Street, open daily from 10am - 3pm.
Browse a fantastic range of seasonal plants and flowers at great prices, including:
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Single pots from £3
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Six packs for £3
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Hanging baskets from £10 - £16
Whether you’re refreshing your garden, brightening up a patio, or looking for a thoughtful gift, there’s plenty to choose from.
This cash-only sale is run by Carlisle Day Services and showcases the valuable work they do supporting people with disabilities across the community.
Everyone is welcome, so come along, support a great local initiative, and pick up something special for your summer garden.
Orders can also be placed for collection by calling 01228 221449.
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