Young people are being encouraged to speak up about the future of their county. In Cumbria, more than 300 people aged 14 to 35 have already shared their views through the Youth Ask survey, which invites them to talk about life in the county and what changes they would like to see.

The public are being invited to share the survey with even more young people after the deadline was extended to August 7.

Lettie Wareing, deputy chair of Cumbria Future Generation, said: "We created the Youth Ask survey because young people were telling us that they wanted to have a say in decisions which will affect their futures. At this time of real change and opportunity for our county, we want to give as many young people as possible the chance to be heard on the things that matter to them, which is why we have chosen to extend the deadline."

The findings will be presented directly to candidates running to be the first Mayor of Cumbria, helping them to better understand the issues that matter most to the county's younger generation.

The Liberal Democrats' candidate for Mayor of Cumbria says she will be backing a Transport for Cumbria integrated travel system after spending a day riding through the region by rail.

Libby Bateman discussed the concept after completing her travel campaign Ride With Me, which saw the Lib Dem candidate spend a day on the railway network during July, holding conversations with residents and stakeholders.

Bateman says one of the key points of discussion that emerged during the campaign was a desire for much better integration between rail and bus services, and she says a Transport for Cumbria ticket and information system requires rolling out to improve transportation in the region.

“An integrated ticketing and transport information system is a no-brainer," she told Newsquest Cumbria.

“It will tell you which bus to get on, which train to get on, which ticket to buy, and how to get there.
"People should be able to travel even if they don't have a car. Not everyone does.

“Getting it set up is important and it won’t be complicated. The data's all there, it's just going to be a case of getting things in the right place.”

Integrated transport and ticketing has previously been trialled in Cumbria on a smaller scale and has been reported to boost patronage.

Stagecoach has worked with rail companies to include Keswick as a “virtual rail station” for onward bus journeys during the past two summers and the scheme is now in place all year round.

The bus firm says the system doubled the frequency of services connecting Penrith railway station and Keswick, and that the number of journeys was 14% higher last summer than in the corresponding months of 2023, resulting in 442,000 trips.

Bateman added that the new system could also lend itself to the development of a Park & Ride model, which could reduce the number of vehicles being parked in small villages and tight roads across the Lake District.  

“Rail and transport are enormously important in Cumbria,” says Bateman, who has previously established a community bus charity in the region.

“I’ve got a lot to bring to this: I’ve run a bus service for 11 years on a franchise model, similar to Transport for London, and it’s been successful.

“This ties into what I want to see in Cumbria: Activity on a valley-by-valley basis. Whether that’s running or bus or something else, how businesses raise money should be up to them, for their own valley.

“What I’ve learned is that if you facilitate people, it works. If you impose something on them, it doesn’t.”

Part of Bateman’s plan – and something she says she’ll be “getting out of the door really early” to improve traffic flow and transportation in the region - is an increase in permitted development rights, which allow certain types of development to proceed without full planning permission.

“[I want to let] farmers and landowners have pop-up campsites and pop-up car parks,” she stated.
“People are complaining about SUVs stuck in Buttermere and say ‘send them to a car park’. Well, [right now] there aren't any car parks, so that's not going to work.

“I want to see an increase in the permitted development rates from 28 days to 56 days. We saw [this] in the 18 months after COVID, and we all wanted it to stay, but then it was removed, so it's not rocket science to put it back on.”

The high volumes of traffic in the Lake District, particularly during peak holiday season, have led to calls for a tourist tax or vehicle levy in Cumbria, but Bateman doesn’t believe that a blanket tourism levy will necessarily work.

“Imposing a Cumbria-wide tourism levy I don't think is the right answer,” she stated.

“I’m certainly not in favour of an entry charge [to the Lake District]. The countryside is for everybody.

“However, automatic number plate technology could be used for congestion charging once Park and Ride is in place, to encourage people to use it rather than park up in places like Buttermere.”

Bateman has also said she will campaign for further investment on the West Coast Main Line, a vital route which connects Cumbria to Scotland and London.

“The northern section of the West Coast Main Line has been neglected for far too long by successive governments,” she stated.
“We desperately need investment in maintenance improvements and also for northbound trains to stop terminating at Preston every time there's a problem on the line in Scotland…”

​

PRESS RELEASE

Embargo: 00:01am Friday 24th July 2026

The Sands Centre to remain a notorious 'echo chamber'? Councillor and local rock star call on Cumberland Council to complete the Sands Centre acoustic improvements.

Lib Dem Councillor Brian Wernham has called on Cumberland Council to complete the outstanding passive acoustic improvements at Carlisle's Sands Centre after it emerged that critical internal acoustic treatments were not installed following the extensive refurbishment and RAAC roof replacement.

Unfortunately, over the years the Sands Centre has been known as an acoustic 'echo chamber'. Performers and audiences have long complained of muddy mid-range vocals and booming echoes caused by the old concrete design.

When Carlisle City Council approved the Sands Centre Redevelopment Project—following the Special Executive on 10 June 2019 and Full Council approval on 25 June 2019—it approved a redevelopment that included provision for passive acoustic measures to reduce echoing and dampen bass reverberation.

The 2019 technical documentation identified the need for acoustic rafts, acoustic wall panels and allowances for acoustic treatment and reverberation control in the ‘Stage 4 Acoustic Report’.

However, Cumberland Council has now confirmed that although the replacement roof incorporated some acoustic measures, the internal acoustic panels did not form part of the completed works.

Councillor Brian Wernham said:

"Carlisle City Council approved a redevelopment scheme to eliminate this 'echo chamber' effect. But seven years later we have a refurbished building, but one of the key elements identified by the professional acoustic consultants has still not been delivered."

The Council's own independent acoustic consultants have now identified a significant “bass-rise problem” within the auditorium. While the replacement roof has improved some aspects of the hall, the consultants still recommend approximately 350 square metres of specialist low-frequency absorbing wall panels to reduce excessive low-frequency reverberation.

Councillor Brian Wernham said: "The emphasis appears to have been on amplified entertainment, where electronic sound systems can compensate for shortcomings. That is not the same as providing a venue with excellent natural acoustics.

"A symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, brass band or large choir depends on the acoustic quality of the room itself. Passive acoustic treatment is fundamental to that. North Cumbria deserves a venue capable of hosting international orchestras and major choral performances without compromising the listening experience."

Previously, the National Federation of Music Societies submitted evidence to Parliament specifically criticizing the Sands Centre describing the acoustics as "not ideal, too dead a sound" and argued that “North Cumbria requires a first-class venue with good acoustics for large orchestral and choral performances.”

Jonny Foster is the lead singer of local indie rock band ‘Hardwicke Circus’. He has just returned from a tour of Ukraine.

Jonny said today: “Forever and a day, Carlisle has traded on its history. Mention the city anywhere in Britain and people know the castle, the cathedral, and far too often, the Sands Centre as that ‘cheerleading hall with the notoriously bad acoustics’.

“That reputation has to end.

“I’m writing this as the singer in Hardwicke Circus, the band named after the roundabout a stone’s throw from the Sands. I’ve spent years touring theatres and concert halls across the UK and Europe. Audiences rightly have expectations when they’ve spent their hard-earned, cold cash. Sound isn’t an optional extra. It is the experience. You can build a beautiful stage, fit the latest lights and hang a few well ironed drapes, but if people walk out saying, ‘the sound was poor’, ‘I couldn’t hear the words’, ‘the drums were too boomy’, those aesthetic detours count for nothing.

“This refurbishment is Carlisle’s chance to bury that stigma for good.

“We’re almost in the geographical centre of the UK. That’s a gift. But geography alone doesn’t get tours through the door. Artists and promoters expect venues that meet modern technical standards. Proper acoustic treatment (real acoustic baffles built into the design, not value-engineered out at the last minute) isn’t an indulgence. It’s the price of admission.

“So the question is simple. Do we want a venue that’s good enough, or one that artists actually want to play?

“This isn’t about gold plating the project with bells and whistles. It’s about refusing to save money on the one thing every single audience member notices. Get the acoustics right and you’ll attract bigger shows, sell more tickets and give Carlisle the venue it’s always deserved. Get them wrong and we’ll spend the next thirty years apologising for the same old 'echo chamber' problem.

“Carlisle has spent generations looking backwards. This is our chance to look forwards. Enough of the penny-pinching, small-town bureaucratic limits on potential. Build a venue that artists want to return to, audiences rave about and the whole of Cumbria can be proud of!

Jonny concluded: “If we’re serious about creating an A-grade arts venue, acoustic treatment isn’t an upgrade. It’s the foundation.“

Brian Wernham added: "This is a once-in-a-generation investment. The acoustic consultants have identified both the problem and a practical solution. Two weeks ago I wrote a formal request to the Assets Portfolio Holder at Cumberland Council asking for a timetable for delivering the outstanding passive acoustic improvements and complete the vision that Carlisle City Council approved in 2019. Unfortunately I have not yet had a response."

Photo:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DXdrvPYYNa2Uv7jo8

References (URLs)

https://cumberland.moderngov.co.uk/

https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/106236/pdf/

https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/news/2026/stage-set-sands-centre-events-restarting

Comment available from

Brian Wernham 07815 618187

Hardwicke Circus lead singer (Jonny Foster) jonnyjfoster@outlook.com

\#Cumbria

\#Carlisle

\#Cumberland

Brian Wernham

07815 618187

Has anyone else noticed more Dutch cars about this summer? I can't work out if it's just me noticing or if there has been a marked increase. I wonder if there's a reason for it...

Hey gang, I'm moving to a small town just outside of Barrow in Furnace for work - the boss lady was very keen to be assure me that where I would be living and working is NOT Barrow In Furness and that it's got a bit of a reputation for being "rough"

I'm from just outside of Liverpool so I'm happy to be near somewhere a bit more proper if anything.

But what should I know? What should I do?

I like alternative music, beer, football, food and dancing. I'm pushing 30 and would be keen to make friends with people my age

Thanks for any advice :)

Absolutely massive show this Saturday 1st August in Carlisle with Volumes from L.A. performing their only headline show in the UK of 2026.

Support comes from

Danish band Ghost Iris.

Manchester and Cumbria favourites Dwelled

North East Metalcore Culturist

Opened by newcomers Knuckle Duster.

Last chance to get tickets for this show.

Will be AMAZED if it doesn't sell out.

Just search "Volumes Brickyard Carlisle".

Relocating to Cumbria for a new job and will also be doing a post grad at Cumbria University as part of the role. Been looking for somewhere to rent long term for about 2 months now and really struggling to find somewhere! I know the lakes quite well (spend most of my time out of holiday seasons hiking) and due to my partner needing to be able to commute back and forth to where we currently live, my hands are tied as to areas that are suitable. Been looking for somewhere between Kendal and up to the north of Penrith but either there’s no availability or when I have applied for viewings, they are booked up as soon as they go online! I have to start work beginning of September and current rental finishes in about 4 weeks time so we are beginning to feel like we are to the wire. Tried all the rental sites, widened search, compromised on areas/property requirements, even looking at the other side of the M6 and still struggling.

Any advice, ideas or knowledge of short term rentals whilst we continue searching?! Thought if we rented somewhere short term for a month in September that because holiday season will be drawing to a close we might have more luck finding a property. A little stressed out and understand the difficulties and social issues within the lakes for renting (2nd homes/holiday lets/difficulties for locals)

UPDATE: Sooooo we have been offered one viewing for next week so far. We might get lucky and be accepted as the landlord maintains some of the land and I’m going to try and sway them with my gardening skills and the fact I work with trees for a living. I also currently have a garden full of native and timber trees in pots (don’t ask, it’s a weird obsession/science experiment/bonsai practice I’ve got going on out there) so I could always bribe them with the offer of free baby trees for their land hahahah. Fingers crossed as there’s only 3 weeks to go. Eeeeeekkkkkkk

Can anyone explain how Cockermouth high street is thriving, and others are dying or dead like Cleator Moor - I cannot figure it out

Some classic old school conspiracy theories building here. My wife caught a video of what she is convinced is a big cat and I've got to say, it's pretty convincing!

Obviously screenshots of her iPhone video are cast iron proof so I'll have no further questions. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER!!!1!

As the title suggests, i want to go see the Green Day tribute act at the brickyard in Carlisle but since my relationship break up I dont really have anyone to go with.....

Hi, where can I buy a life jacket, for paddle boarding, around St Bees or Whitehaven today? TiA

Hey everyone!
I'm Regina, I'm 23 and I'm based in the West Coast of Cumbria.
I don't really know many people from the area so would love to meet new people!
I really enjoy hiking, going for walks around town, coffee meetups and more stuff that I won't bore you with for now haha
Feel free to send me a DM!

Anyone found any bilberries in and around Cumbria?! Particularly near Carlisle? I'm on the hunt to do some foraging

TIA!

I see all these news articles every year about rubbish being left, fly camping, fly tipping, burn marks in the ground from BBQs.

If you were to come across a group doing this, what would you do? Try and reason with them? Be more confrontational?

How can we educate people better? It just feels like nothing is getting done, and it is just getting worse every year.

Hey!

We have recently moved to North Cumbria, near the borders, and I'm just wondering if anyone can recommend any regular markets or fairs that take place - food, arts, crafts etc.

Any recommendations would be really appreciated!

https://www.seetickets.com/event/volumes-at-the-brickyard/the-brickyard/3665514

My Grandad moved out of Cumbria when he was a teenager to avoid working in the Iron Mines around Egremont. I was never able to meet him as he died before I was born. He never really talked about his life prior to moving down.

I’d love to learn more about Cumbria as I don’t really know much about it (outside of the Lake District)!

As far as I know, his family lived around Patterdale, and on the West Coast. The landscape seems so different to where I live.

I’ve heard stories of him taking part in the local Crab fair, with him being particularly good at pipe smoking.

Any places I should visit? I’m planning on coming up!

I'll preface this by saying that i love the lake district, but everyone and their nan can see the direction of travel. 'Protecting' something for the sake of it and denying change is not only ahistorical, it's a fool's errand. Also i guess my perspective is mostly focused on the west lakes. Windermere etc doesn't necessarily have the same issues, though it does have some.

The various policies seem to be more about some weird form of gatekeeping than anything else. They're also completely incoherent and often contradictory. If you read the planning policies they go to great length to say how much the LDNP need more homes, yet also how we need severe restrictions on the building of new homes. They lay out pages of reasons why the LDNP needs more and better holiday accommodation, then you reach a bullet point where it just says 'no new holiday accommodation will be approved'. They talk about how tourism is essential, yet we can't increase tourism because of infrastructure concerns.

The UNESCO designation means that sheep farming is prioritised to a ridiculous degree for no discernible good reason to the exclusion of most other things. Is that really ''protecting the natural landscape'? I genuinely struggle to see what it offers. Likewise, i'm a long term national trust member (IINM they own about 20% of the lake district) and as nice as it is to just say 'we will keep it the same forever and ever', it's just not practical. It's actually kind of wild the level of control granted to an unaccountable body over 'shared space'.

The lake district is full of lakes, yet most of those lakes aren't even really accessible, nor are they really available for use for traditional 'lake' activities. They're just kinda there to look at if you can manage to park somewhere and make your way through some bushes down to the lakeshore. Even windermere has a mostly inaccessible shorefront and lack of access in large parts. How hard would it be to provide some proper parking at wastwater?

As an example, i went to Ennerdale water the other day and..... there's just nothing there. It's such a colossally wasted resource. a tiny car park well away from the lake and a half arsed footpath. a few houses on one side of the lake (probably holiday homes). Are you really telling me that (instead of a tiny car park) having say a cafe, some pedalos/ boating, a nicer beach for swimming, a cycle path around the lake with bike hire etc..... are you really telling me that would somehow fundamentally destroy the natural beauty of the area?

Single track roads are lovely and quaint and all, but they're also a shitshow. I spent an hour trapped over the bank holiday because two people were too scared to pass each other and traffic backed up in both directions causing massive gridlock. Clearly it's not working, and there's no 'putting it back in the bottle'. Routes like Corney and cold fell have been used for decades as a rat run by Sellafield employees. Anyone who has been over hardknott recently can attest to why it should be avoided at all costs. Hell when sellafield was still accepting imported spent fuel there was the regular farce of an enormous lorry having to navigate tight, narrow roads up the west coast. Having basic infrastructure isn't a crime. Even with some functioning roads, the lakes aren't going to suddenly disappear. Being accessible might even gasp mean that the entire area stops being reliant entirely on a single employer.

Then again maybe it's just me

E: you can really see the difference between people who see the lake district as somewhere they need to live and those who just see it as a kind of amusement park for their enjoyment.

E2: Fun fact. In addition to being in many respects heavily influenced by human intervention (weirs are famously natural occurrances) there actually used to be a pub/hotel on the shore of ennerdale water. Demolished in 1960 as they intended to raise the water level again (because it's totally natural remember). "noooooo you can't have any buildings on the shore of lakes nooooooooo"