 Penrith Town Council has partnered with the Penrith Lions Club to install bunting around the town, ensuring the town is vibrant and welcoming for residents and visitors alike for the summer months – and ready for the upcoming Penrith May Day event!
This year marks the fourth year of partnership between the Council and the Lions Club to install bunting in the town centre, with over 1000 metres of bunting being used to dress the town centre.
Our thanks go to all the Penrith Lions volunteers for yet again volunteering to support the Council in making sure the town looks bright for the summer months and to Kenny from FCC Environment for hanging the bunting.
Doug Lawson, Chair of Penrith Town Council and Penrith Mayor said:
“Thank you to the Penrith Lions Club for yet again volunteering to support the Council in making sure the town looks bright and vibrant for the summer months.
“Their commitment to volunteering for the good of the town is truly admirable – and my thanks go to them on behalf of the town.
“Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome residents and visitors in Penrith town centre on Monday 5 May for what is shaping up to be a fantastic day of community fun and entertainment.
“Everyone is welcome, so please come along for a day of fun!”
For more information about the upcoming Penrith May Day event, please visit the Penrith Arts & Culture website: https://penrithartsandculture.co.uk/penrith-may-day/
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 Description (Left to Right): Neil Hannah - Chair of Fellrunner Village Bus, Cllr Hilary Snell, Chair of the Council's Communities Committee & Whiskey (the dog!)
Penrith Town Council is pleased to announce the awarding of a £3,000 grant to Fellrunner Village Bus (Fellrunner), reinforcing our commitment to supporting accessible and sustainable transport services for the local community.
Fellrunner provides essential transport links to those in rural areas who may otherwise struggle to access key services, such as those found in Penrith. The service also enables Penrith residents to visit friends and families throughout the Eden Valley without the need for a car.
The Council grant will contribute towards the maintenance and operational costs of Fellrunner’s fleet, ensuring that these crucial services remain available to the community.
Hilary Snell, Chair of Penrith Town Council’s Communities Committee said:
“It is fantastic that the Council has been able to support Fellrunner to help enable the vital service they provide to many residents, particularly older and vulnerable individuals who rely on safe and reliable transport to stay connected with healthcare, shopping, and social interactions.
“The Fellrunner service provides a material benefit to Penrith – with passengers from surrounding villages being able to easily travel into town, increasing the footfall in shops and services in Penrith – supporting local businesses.”
“My thanks go to all at Fellrunner for the excellent service they provide.”
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Neil Hannah, Chair of Fellrunner Village Bus said:
“This grant from Penrith Town Council is a significant boost to our operations. It allows us to continue serving the community effectively and ensures that those who depend on our services can travel with confidence.”
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On Thursday 27 March 2025, the Penrith East by-election took place which voted to elect Ron Kelley to the position of Councillor for Penrith East Ward.
We look forward to working with our new councillor to continue delivering for the people of Penrith and for the people of Penrith East.
 Description: (Left): Anne Harriman, Talkin Tables - Penrith Coordinator, (Middle): Elizabeth Royster, Talkin Tables - Regional Coordinator, (Right): Cllr Val Bowen, Deputy Chair of Communities Committee
Penrith Town Council is pleased to announce the awarding of a £400 grant to Talkin’ Tables Penrith, an initiative dedicated to tackling social isolation and loneliness in Penrith and across the country.
Talkin’ Tables provides a welcoming space in local cafés and community venues where people can come together for friendly conversation and have a hot beverage.
The Council funding will support the promotion and marketing of the initiative, helping to ensure that more residents are aware of the service and feel encouraged to participate.
On Monday 3 March 2025, Councillor Val Bowen, Deputy Chair of the Communities Committee visited a Talkin’ Tables session at Booths and said:
“I am delighted that the Council has been able to support Talkin’ Tables with this grant – helping them expand their reach and impact, ensuring that even more residents can benefit from this fantastic initiative.
“Loneliness and social isolation are significant issues in our community, so I am very pleased to see the Council taking this proactive step to address them.”
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Elizabeth Royster, Regional Coordinator for Talkin Tables said:
"We are incredibly grateful to Penrith Town Council for this funding. It will allow us to promote our initiative more widely, ensuring that more people in the community know where to find a friendly face and a warm welcome.
“Something as simple as a shared conversation over a cup of tea can have a huge impact on wellbeing, both physical and mental, and we are excited to continue growing our presence in Penrith.”
Talkin’ Tables sessions currently available in Penrith are listed below:
- Booth's Cafe Penrith – Mondays, 10.30am - 11.30am.
- Penrith Leisure Centre – Tuesdays, 11am - 12pm.
- Winters Park Care Home – Tuesdays, 2pm - 3pm.
- Arturo Lounge – Wednesdays, 11am – 12pm.
- Cafe 4Eden – Thursdays, 10.30am - 11.30am.
For more information about the Talkin’ Tables initiative, please visit: https://www.talkintables.co.uk/penrith
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 Description: (Left to Right): Cllr Barbara Jayson (West Ward), Cllr Danny Smith - Deputy Chair & Deputy Mayor (South Ward), Cllr Hilary Snell - Chair of Communities Committee (West Ward), Cllr Paul Donald (North Ward), Cllr Val Bowen - Deputy Chair of Communities (Pategill), Ami Stidolph - Cumbria Wildlife Trust (Cold Springs Engagement Officer)
On Friday 21 March 2025, the Council's Communities Committee visited Cold Springs Nature Reserve, and were given a tour of the site by Cold Springs Engagement Officer to learn about the fantastic work the Cumbria Wildlife Trust are doing on site.
Back in December 2024, the Council's Communities Committee agreed to fund two projects on site relating to the Wildlife Garden and the creation of a Pond Platform to engage young people with nature, with work due to start on the two projects in the coming weeks.
 Description: Green Bench opposite Wordsworth Street (Top Left), Girl Guides Bench (Top Right), Cemetary Benches (Bottom).
The Council is pleased to report that it has repainted a number of benches on Beacon Edge, helping to keep the area looking welcoming and well-maintained. This includes two benches near the cemetery, the distinctive green bench opposite Wordsworth Street and the Girl Guides Bench close to the Roundthorn junction.
We hope everyone enjoys the refreshed seating while taking in the beautiful views along Beacon Edge!
The Scaws Tenants and Residents Association was formed in 1994 and has recently dissolved in late 2024. At its final meeting, the Association resolved to request that Penrith Town Council consider adopting two noticeboards on the Scaws Estate that the Association previously owned.
At the Council's Finance Committee meeting on Monday 17 March, the Council agreed to adopt the two noticeboards. Plans include upgrading the noticeboard on Folly Lane and removing the one on Brentfield Way, with a new noticeboard to be installed at a more suitable location on the Scaws Estate.
As part of the 2025/26 budget, the Council has also allocated funding for up to six new seats in Penrith. The Council has received a £650 donation from the Scaws Tenants and Residents Association which it will use to install an additional bench on the Scaws Estate, in addition to the six new seats already planned for in Penrith.
The Council extends its sincere thanks to the Scaws Tenants and Residents Association for their years of service and dedication to the local community.
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Penrith Town Council has now been notified that in accordance with Section 38A(9) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and Regulation 19 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended) the Final Decision Statement has been issued by Westmorland and Furness Council regarding the Penrith Neighbourhood Development Plan.
This means that following the local referendum on the Penrith Neighbourhood Development Plan held on Thursday 28 November 2024 which accepted the plan with a majority yes vote, Westmorland & Furness Council has now adopted the plan, meaning they need to consider any planning applications in Penrith against the planning policies included in the Penrith Neighbourhood Development Plan.
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Any member of the public can attend Council meetings. The Council's upcoming meetings are detailed below with dates, times and venues.
Full Council Meeting
- Date: Monday 31 March 2025
- Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
- Venue: Board Room, Unit 1 Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Planning Committee:
- Date: Monday 7 April 2025
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Unit 2, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Finance Committee:
- Date: Monday 28 April 2025
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Board Room, Unit 1 Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Communities Committee:
- Date: Monday 31 March 2025
- Time: 5.15pm - 7:15pm
- Venue: Boardroom, Unit 1, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
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