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Friday 14 August 2026

In this week's edition:

• TOP STORY: Newborn library memberships launched in Westmorland and Furness
• This week's headlines:
• In other news...
• Our latest job vacancies

TOP STORY: Newborn library memberships launched in Westmorland and Furness

It is now easier than ever for families in Westmorland and Furness to start their child’s reading journey. Parents registering the birth of their baby are now being offered the opportunity to get their baby’s first library card at the same time. This exciting collaboration between our Libraries and Registrars highlights our shared commitment to supporting early literacy and family wellbeing. As part of the standard birth registration process, parents are now asked if they would like to register their baby for a library card. Read the full article on our website: Newborn library memberships

This week's headlines:

Penrith primary school extension update

Work is progressing well on a significant extension at Beaconside CofE Primary School, which will create additional school places and expand specialist provision.

Refurbishment of public toilets in Barrow completed

The refurbishment of the public toilet facilities on Fell Street in Barrow has now been successfully completed, delivering improved, modern amenities for residents and visitors.

Students receive their A Level, BTEC and T Level results: Advice on what to do next

Young people across Westmorland and Furness received their A-Level, BTEC and T Level results this week and are now taking the next steps towards higher education, apprenticeships, training and employment.

Schools and colleges across the area have reported many positive outcomes, reflecting the hard work, dedication and resilience shown by students throughout their studies, supported by families, teachers and wider school communities.

Students who need advice about their options or next steps can access support through the National Careers Service, which offers guidance on higher education, apprenticeships, training and employment opportunities. Tel: 0800 100 900 or access online through the National Careers Service website. The Inspira website also provides careers information, advice and guidance for young people considering their next steps.

Pocket park set to be created in Dalton town centre

A new pocket park is set to be created in Dalton with funding from the Borderlands programme, transforming a vacant town-centre site into a new space for residents for everyday use and community events.

In other news...

Less than one week left to have your say on the future of two care homes

Westmorland and Furness residents have less than one week left to have their say on the future of two council-run care homes.

The public consultations on Applethwaite Green in Windermere and Grisedale Croft in Alston opened on 14 May and close at midnight on Wednesday 19 August.

There is still time to find out more and have your say:

• Consultation information and survey documents for Applethwaite Green
• Consultation information and survey documents for Grisedale Croft

After the public consultations close, the responses will be presented to the Westmorland and Furness Council Health and Adults Scrutiny Committee meeting in Kendal on Wednesday 23 September, with the final decision on the future of the care homes expected to be made in the following weeks.

Reminder: Planned closure of Kendal Town Hall, South Lakeland House and car park for essential electrical works

Kendal Town Hall, South Lakeland House and the South Lakeland House car park will be closed on Saturday (15 August) and Sunday (16 August) to allow essential electrical distribution works to be carried out.

The works will be undertaken by Electricity North West and will require a full isolation of the electrical supply to both buildings. As a result, there will be no power, lighting or electrical services available throughout the closure period.

The planned power shutdown will begin at 8:00am on Saturday and will remain in place until Electricity North West completes the works. Power is expected to be reinstated on Sunday; the exact time cannot be confirmed until the works have finished.

Both buildings will be fully locked for the duration of the shutdown and all building users and car park permit holders have been informed.

Read the full article on our website: Planned closure of Kendal Town Hall, South Lakeland House and car park for essential electrical works

South Lakes Youth Work Summit

Calling all professionals working with young people!

South Lakes Youth Work Network is inviting professionals and volunteers who work with young people to join us for the South Lakes Youth Work Summit on Saturday 5 September.

This event will bring together youth workers and sector partners to:

• Strengthen professional connections
• Share innovative practice
• Explore current challenges
• Explore local and national youth work priorities
• Reflect on the future of youth work

Together, we'll discuss how we can we can strengthen partnerships and build a more collaborative, sustainable and impactful future for young people. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation.

Find out more: South Lakes Youth Work Summit 2026

Our latest job vacancies

Join us! There are currently 33 job opportunities available to apply for now.

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