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Friday 9 October 2026

In this week's edition:

• TOP STORY: Council schools benefit from £5 million investment in improvements
• This week's headlines:
• In other news...
• Our latest job vacancies

TOP STORY: Council schools benefit from £5 million investment in improvements

Westmorland and Furness Council is continuing to deliver its most ambitious school maintenance programme to date, following a packed schedule of repairs and upgrades over the summer months.

The council has committed £4.85 million in its 2026/27 budget to help ensure local schools provide the best possible learning environments for children and young people.

This sustained commitment represents the highest level of annual investment in school maintenance since the council was formed. Improvements have included fire safety upgrades, electrical rewiring, asbestos removal and structural repairs, alongside modernisation works such as triple-glazed windows, roofing improvements and enhanced drainage systems. 

Find out more about the school investment

This week's headlines:

Planning committee changes from end of October

National government has introduced new rules designed to speed up the planning process, which will result in fewer planning applications being determined by a planning committee.

Exciting plans unveiled for the future of Education in Alston

The Department for Education (DfE) has formally confirmed the rebuilding of Samuel Kings School and Alston Primary School.

Applications still open for Greening Businesses Scheme

Applications for the third round of the Greening Businesses Scheme are open until Sunday 25 October, and small and medium businesses of any sector are eligible to apply.

Training on offer to develop young drivers’ skills

The council is promoting an enhanced Pass Plus scheme aimed at developing young drivers' skills and confidence, while helping to reduce casualties on our roads.

Have your say on walking and cycling access in Penrith

People are being invited to share their views on proposals to improve walking and cycling access to the Sandgate area of Penrith town centre.

Make a difference in your community: Be a Councillor

People who are passionate about their local community and want to make a real difference to local people's lives are being encouraged to consider becoming a councillor.

First South Lakes Youth Work Summit brings together youth sector professionals

The first-ever South Lakes Youth Work Summit brought together youth workers, volunteers, trustees, community organisations and partners from across South Lakeland for a day of learning, connection and inspiration.

In other news...

One-day payment service disruption for system upgrade

An upgrade of our income management system means that some payment services will be unavailable on Tuesday 20 October in the former Barrow and South Lakeland areas. On this day, our staff will not be able to take payments over the phone, process in-person card payments using certain payment terminals, enter electronic payment information, or carry out daily payment processing activities.

All other payment facilities – such as personal online banking, via the council’s website, automated touchtone phone line, payments at car parking pay & display machines or using AllPay at any Post Office or Pay Point store if you have a bar-coded bill - will be available as normal and all services will be available again from Wednesday 21 October.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Cumbria in Bloom Awards recognise local volunteers

There was plenty to celebrate at the Cumbria in Bloom Awards Ceremony for our parks and cemeteries and the dedicated volunteer groups who support them. The Friends of Nobles Rest in Kendal not only achieved a Silver Gilt Award but were named overall Winners in the Parks and Cemeteries category. Meanwhile the Friends of Barrow Park were also recognised for their fantastic work, receiving an RHS Level 4 "Thriving" Award for the Barrow Park Glass House project.

In addition, there was a Gold Award for Barrow including Barrow Park, a Silver Gilt Award to Penrith Cemetery and Silver Awards to Ulverston Parish Church and Parkside Cemetery, Kendal.

The Friends of Nobles Rest and Friends of Barrow Park are both active, welcoming groups and are always keen to hear from anyone interested in getting involved. We are also keen to hear from new groups wishing to support other parks and cemeteries across Westmorland and Furness.

The Friends of Nobles Rest and Friends of Barrow Park at the Cumbria in Bloom Awards Ceremony

Break free this Stoptober

Quit smoking this Stoptober and take a step towards a healthier future for yourself and those closest to you with an NHS Free Personal Quit Plan.

Find local support tailored to you at Smoke Free Westmorland and Furness including 12 weeks of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) – including patches, lozenges and vapes.

Find out available support on our website

Watch the video from community Pharmacy L&SC Chief Exec Mubasher Ali, where he talks about the support available in pharmacies across our area to help you quit smoking this Stoptober.

Our latest job vacancies

Join us! There are currently 47 job opportunities available to apply for now.

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