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Friday 11 September 2026

In this week's edition:

• TOP STORY: New plan to turn spending into bigger benefits for local communities
• This week's headlines:
• In other news...
• Our latest job vacancies

TOP STORY: New plan to turn spending into bigger benefits for local communities

Westmorland and Furness Council has approved a new initiative to help ensure council spending, investment and services create the greatest possible benefit for local people and communities.

The new Social Value statement sets out how the council will use its influence as one of the area's largest employers, commissioners, landowners, investors and community leaders to support local jobs and skills, improve health and wellbeing, and strengthen environmental sustainability.

The council spends around £360 million each year on goods, works and services and employs almost 4,000 people. The refreshed approach aims to ensure there is a more focused approach to delivery of social, economic and environmental benefits alongside the services people rely on.

Find out more about the Social Value statement

This week's headlines:

Residents invited to have their say on local polling arrangements

Westmorland and Furness Council is encouraging residents to share their views as part of a review of polling districts, polling places and polling stations across the area.

Partnership with social enterprise delivers wider community benefits

From maintaining green spaces to developing pathways and community gardens, Works4You is making a visible difference across council sites.

World Suicide Prevention Day

A reminder that our actions, no matter how big or small, can provide hope to those who may be struggling.

Vape shop ordered to close after illegal tobacco and vape sales

A vape shop in Barrow has been ordered to close for three months under anti-social behaviour legislation following illegal tobacco and vape

sales.

Work to improve parking spaces at Westmorland Shopping Centre

Improvement works will begin from Monday 28 September to create wider parking bays that better accommodate modern vehicles.

Kendal bridge to close for five days

Nether Bridge in Kendal will be closed to all vehicles from Monday 12 October for a maximum of five days.

(From left) Westmorland and Furness Council Leader Cllr Jonathan Brook, Chairman Cllr Doug Rathbone and Cabinet member for Communities, Customer Services, Culture and Communications, Cllr Helen Chaffey

Tour de France Grand Départ Trophy draws the crowds at County Show

Hundreds of visitors to Westmorland County Show this week took the opportunity to get up close with the world's most famous cycling trophy.

In other news...

Bookings open for Penrith flexible bus service

The Extra Mile scheme – for rural communities around the town where there is little or no access to a bus service – launches on Monday (14 September).

The area included in the Penrith scheme takes in a rough circle with a 15-mile radius from the town centre, bordered by Appleby, Great Asby, Shap Wells hotel, Hartsop, Threlkeld, Millhouse, Highbridge, Moss Cottage, Aiketgate, Newbiggin, Croglin, Gamblesby, Kirkland, Dufton, Keisley and Murton.

Using an app or telephone booking service, passengers can request journeys within the operating area, and the system matches requests together to provide efficient shared transport. This means the bus travels where and when journeys are needed, helping connect rural communities with nearby towns and services.

Watch the video explaining how the scheme works

More information about The Extra Mile and details on how to download the app

Are you caring for someone else's child?

Whether you're caring for a grandchild, niece, nephew, sibling, or family friend's child, under a family arrangement, with or without a legal order, or as a kinship foster carer - you may be a kinship carer.

As part of our Kinship Local Offer, we're pleased to offer a series of free online training sessions designed to support kinship carers:

• 15 September | 9.30am–11am
  • Supporting healthy relationships in young people
• 15 October | 12.30pm–2pm
  • Online safety - trends, emojis and what to watch for in young people
• 6 November | 10am–12 noon
  • Life story work - supporting children and young people to understand their story

Book your place by filling this form

Our latest job vacancies

Join us! There are currently 42 job opportunities available to apply for now.

Bus driver’s success story makes it to House of Lords

A Cumbrian woman who overcame barriers to employment to become a bus driver has had her story highlighted by a Government Minister in the House of Lords.

Jennifer, who has learning difficulties and struggled with interviews, was supported by Connect to Work after finding it difficult to secure a job following college. With support from Inspira, she was helped through the interview process and connected with Stagecoach, where she is now working as a bus driver.

Connect to Work is a locally delivered employment support programme backed by £11 million of Government funding secured by Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA). It provides personalised support for people who are disabled, have health conditions or face other complex barriers to employment, including support once someone has moved into work.

In Cumbria, the programme is delivered by Enterprising Cumbria, with Inspira as the lead delivery partner.

Read the full story on the CCA website

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