|
Also in this week's edition:
Work to replace the roof and upgrade the auditorium at The Sands Centre in Carlisle is now in its final stages, with a full programme of events set to restart from mid-June.
The complex project has seen 200 tonnes of RAAC roof panels safely removed and replaced, with the temporary roof structure that has protected the building during the works now being dismantled. Scaffolding around the site will also be coming down soon, marking a significant milestone in the scheme.
Inside, finishing touches are underway to create an improved auditorium experience, including brand new customer seating, upgraded theatre lighting and refurbished backstage facilities. Further improvements to the auditorium floor are planned over the summer and will not affect the events programme.
Visitors are advised that there will be a temporary reduction in parking capacity at The Sands Centre, with around 20 spaces unavailable for approximately three weeks while materials and equipment are stored on-site. There will also be ongoing construction vehicle movements in the area, so please take care when travelling to and from the venue.
We look forward to welcoming audiences back from mid-June for an exciting programme of events.
Some of our stories over the past month:
The search is now underway for thousands of volunteers to help bring one of the world’s biggest sporting events to life, as applications open for the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grand Départs in summer 2027.
Cumberland is set to take centre stage when the Grand Départs arrives in 2027. Carlisle will host the finish of Stage One on Friday 2 July, as riders travel from the race’s opening in Edinburgh, while Keswick will host the start of Stage Two on Saturday 3 July. The route will then travel through the Lake District, giving local communities a unique opportunity to be part of this globally recognised event.
Around 9,000 volunteers are being recruited across Scotland, England and Wales to play a key role in the event. Known as ‘JOY Makers’, these volunteers will be at the heart of the races, helping to create a welcoming atmosphere for spectators, supporting event logistics and ensuring everything runs smoothly across all six stages.
Applications are now open for anyone interested in getting involved, with opportunities available across all six stages of the event. Registrations opened on Wednesday 27 May and will remain open until Tuesday 1 September 2026.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a historic event and to help put Cumberland at the centre of one of the world’s most iconic sporting occasions.
|
A large crowd enjoyed a free afternoon of family entertainment at bank holiday Monday’s Upperby Gala held at Hammond’s Pond, Carlisle.
Thousands marvelled at the packed programme of activities which this year included performances compared by The Fairly Famous Family including community dance groups; Studio A Dance Company, Razzamataz Theatre Schools, Carlisle Dance Academy, Express Dance Studios and O’Hehir School of Irish dance plus The Bjamba Band and Tom Longton Sheepdog Demos.
Organised by Cumberland Council and supported by the Friends of Hammond’s Pond Group, Upperby Gala was held between 1pm and 4pm.
Children and young people in care in Cumberland will soon benefit from improved, high-quality care facilities after planning permission was granted for the conversion of two existing buildings into modern residential homes.
Cumberland Council’s Planning Committee this week approved plans for two new children’s care homes near Whitehaven and Carlisle.
The development forms part of the council’s £2.649m capital investment programme to expand in-house provision, creating three additional residential homes alongside a larger, enhanced home.
This investment will enable more children to live safely within their local communities, reducing reliance on out-of-county placements and supporting them to remain close to their families, schools, friends and wider support networks.
We have seen a major improvement in early years health services, with more than nine in ten children now receiving a key developmental check - placing the area above the national average.
Under the national 0 -19 Healthy Child Programme, councils have a statutory duty to ensure every child receives five health visitor contacts between birth and age five. One of the most important of these is the 2 to 2½ year developmental review, which supports early identification of issues with speech, language, emotional wellbeing and development.
Demolition and remediation works on land at the Port of Workington are now complete, paving the way for new development on the site.
The work to clear the area formerly known as Tank Farm A and Tank Farm B was carried out over the autumn and early spring and has seen redundant infrastructure demolished as well as hazardous materials and contaminants removed.
Work to prepare land at neighbouring Oldside has also got underway this week with this part of the project due for completion at the end of July.
The works part of the wider Workington Gateway Scheme and once complete, approximately 8.49 hectares of prime development land will be available for development, helping to create jobs and growth in the town.
The programme is being funded by around £4.5 million in Government funding as part of the Workington Town Deal and being carried out by Thomas Armstrong Group.
[Picture shows the Oldside site which is part of the project]
|
Cumberland Council is encouraging residents and visitors to make the most of half term and the summer holidays, with affordable travel across the area, thanks to the Cumberland Go bus network.
Passengers can enjoy single bus journeys for just £3, making it easier than ever to explore Cumberland without the expense of driving and parking. From trips to Hadrian’s Wall and the coast, to visits to family-friendly attractions, there are plenty of great-value days out on offer.
Take a seat and enjoy the journey on the X7 bus route, connecting Whitehaven, Ravenglass, Millom and Barrow – with stunning coastal views, historic sites and great days out along the way.
Whether you’re heading out for a walk, visiting family or exploring somewhere new, the X7 makes it easy to travel without the hassle of driving and parking.
-
£3 fares
-
Scenic routes right on your doorstep
-
Easy, reliable travel across the west coast
Changes to the way customers pay for parking at Workington’s multi-storey car park will begin next month.
The Cumberland Council-operated site will be moving away from the pay-on-exit barrier system from Tuesday 2 June, with customers asked to pay on arrival, in line with other council-run car parks.
The changes mean that customers will have more flexibility when paying for their parking, with people now able to use the MiPermit mobile app or phone system, card or cash. If customers choose to use the MiPermit app, they’re reminded to only download it from the official Apple App Store or from Google Play depending on which device they use. Download links can be found on the MiPermit website.
In addition, the changes will allow the car park to be open for longer with it operating from 7am to 7pm seven days a week from 2 June.
Due to the construction of a larger pop-up Coop store on the Queen Street car park in Aspatria, users should be aware that there'll be some disruption and a reduced number of parking spaces available on the week commencing Monday June 1. The works are likely to last all week.
This temporary store will be in place while their current premises elsewhere in the town are closed for redevelopment.
We apologise for any inconvenience, but it is essential these works are carried out safely. The recycling banks will remain accessible throughout the duration of works.
We have published the Section 19 Flood Investigation Report into the flooding that affected Wigton and surrounding areas on 12 and 13 November 2025.
The report, produced by the council in its role as Lead Local Flood Authority, provides a detailed account of the causes and impacts of the event, which saw approximately 80 properties affected across North and West Cumbria, including Wigton.
The investigation highlights how intense rainfall overnight led to rivers and watercourses rising rapidly, with limited warning in some areas. More than 60mm of rainfall was recorded locally during the event, over half the average monthly rainfall for November.
Resurfacing works between Daisy Avenue and Grange Drive, Carlisle will be happening soon.
The works will begin on Monday 1 June 2026 and are expected to last for approximately five days, subject to weather conditions and site requirements.
To ensure the safety of both the workforce and the travelling public, the works will be carried out under night-time road closures, with a signed diversion route in place throughout the duration of the scheme.
Working hours will be 6pm to 1am each evening, with the road remaining closed until 3am to allow for site clean-up and material curing.
|
