South Cumbria News

Three wild swimming areas in Coniston have been designated as bathing water sites by the government ahead of the summer.

Groups organising festivals and events in Westmorland and Furness can now apply for grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 from a £100,000 fund.

An unsafe bridge connecting Duddon Bridge and Corney Village in South Cumbria is to be demolished and replaced.

Cumbria Constabulary will be educating young people and carrying out test purchasing operations as part of its support for a national, week-long knife crime campaign.

A man has been found dead after going missing in the Lake District.

Due to staffing issues, birth services at Helme Chase will be temporarily suspended for a period of six months. 

Donald Campbell’s Bluebird K7 has made the Ruskin Museum one of the best tourist destinations in the Lake District, with over sixteen thousand people visiting in the first two months.

A book published by a Beyond Radio presenter has been nominated for the prestigious Lakeland Book of the Year.

A county lines drug dealer operating in Barrow under the name ‘Rico’ has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Andy Hull is the newly elected Westmorland and Furness Council Member for the Grange and Cartmel Ward, after winning the by-election.

Rail users through North Lancashire and Morecambe Bay face disruption this week due to strikes and an overtime ban.

A Kendal man has been seriously injured in a single vehicle collision.

The hugely important work of midwives at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) is being celebrated as part of International Day of the Midwife 2024.

Latest works have been completed on a multi-million road safety scheme on an iconic Lakeland pass - meaning the route will be open for the Bank Holiday weekend.

Labour’s David Allen is the new police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC) for Cumbria.

Pupils from a Lancaster school have spoken out passionately about their campaign to save Lake Windermere from pollution.

Police are investigating assault on a conductor on a train at Windermere station.

A man has been charged with a drug offence after his vehicle was stopped by police near Tebay Services.

People living across North Lancashire and South Cumbria have been urged to get repeat prescription orders in early ahead of the upcoming bank holiday.

A Kendal musician has been awarded £25,000 to each create a brand new piece of musical art for Cumbria.

A man from Kendal died as a result of a fatal road traffic collision on the A66.

South Lakes Neighbourhood Policing Team, along with Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, held a series of Junior Citizen days for local primary school children in Ulverston, Windermere and Grange this week.

Teams of officers and staff who have worked to secure convictions against County Lines offenders have been commended by the Chief Constable of Cumbria.

A multi million pound investment to improve the A595 at Grizebeck has been given the green light by Government.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has praised the hard work of the volunteers who run Kendal Town Football Club.

Bomb disposal experts rushed to Oxenholme train station earlier today after a suspicious item was found.

Morecambe rockers, Massive Wagons, have been announced as the headline act at a concert in tribute to Barrow’s star of The Hairy Bikers, Dave Myers.

A Kendal climate change organisation has been awarded a £20,000 grant towards their latest project.

A new Royal Navy submarine being built in Barrow-in-Furness has been officially named after the ancient Greek king Agamemnon.

A man from Kendal has been charged with drug supply offences.

Cumbria Police is investigating a fatal collision which occurred on Saturday afternoon.

Drugs worth £75,000 and cash were seized during an early morning raid at an address in Kendal.

More than 98 per cent of pupils have been offered their first-choice primary school in South Cumbria.

A man from Barrow has been charged with burglary, fraud and assault offences after incidents in the town.

A long-serving nurse braved a head shave upon her retirement to raise funds to help babies at a Barrow hospital.

A former boxing champion turned poet is among four artists working with Barrow people on a dream project.

Drivers are being reminded that Kirkstone Pass will be closed to all vehicles for two weeks from tomorrow (April 16) for resurfacing works.

The Labour leader pledged to protect the future of Britain’s nuclear deterrent when he visited South Cumbria.

Works to build a new solar farm site on council-owned land at Sandscale Park in Barrow are set to start over next few weeks.

Hospitality and  tourism businesses are being supported by new Westmorland and Furness Council-funded bus services helping staff get to work in the Lakes.

The Windermere Ferry will be taken out of the water for its five-yearly refit and full inspection.

Barrow Raiders have announced a 'chart topping band' will headline a concert in tribute to Hairy Bikers star, Dave Myers, following his death in February.

A man has been charged with murder following an incident in Barrow.

Local MP Tim Farron has written to the Chief Executive of United Utilities after it was revealed that that the company discharged more sewage at Cark-in-Cartmel than anywhere else in the North West.

Cumbria Police took action to support local businesses during a month-long initiative aimed at reducing offences and targeting retail criminals.

A man has been arrested following multiple reports from the public of a car driving dangerously in the Bowness-on-Windermere area.

The spotlight is shining on arts, heritage and culture across Westmorland and Furness thanks to a major grant fund to help communities thrive.

Barrow Outdoor Spring Market returns later this month.

The Lancaster to Barrow rail line will be closed until at least April 21 as repair works continue following last month’s derailment.

Police are renewing their appeal for information following a serious assault on Cavendish Street, Barrow.

North Walney Nursery and Primary School will now officially close at the end of August.

An iconic Lakeland pass will be re-opened for the Easter bank holiday weekend and school holiday fortnight, following completion of the latest phase of works on a multi-million pound road safety scheme.

A de-railed Lancaster-Barrow train has been lifted back onto the tracks via a crane as repair and investigation works continue and the line remains closed.

A young people's mental health charity has launched a new programme to aid Cumbria's youth.

Sam Plum, Chief Executive of Westmorland and Furness Council, has welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of more than £200 million over the next decade to ensure Barrow thrives as the home of UK nuclear submarine-building.

Work has started to repair council-managed 3G sports pitches in Barrow.

There’s a walk for everyone at this year’s Kendal Walking Festival over the late Spring Bank Holiday weekend in May.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has written to the Health Secretary Victoria Atkins, urging here to support rural doctors surgeries after a shocking new report revealed that some of our local GP practices are on the brink of closure.

The construction of a much-anticipated new education facility in Barrow has taken a significant step forward.

Barrow will now benefit from three new Community Beat Officers who have joined the wider Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Team.

The Council is calling for communities to help shape spending plans for a £1.7 million funding pot to put the wheels on more bus services across Westmorland and Furness.

Three people have been charged after an incident at a premises in South Lakeland Retail Park in Kendal.

Two local windfarms generated enough energy in the last year to power a city the size of Lancaster, bosses have revealed.

A thriving South Lakeland golf club is looking forward to an exciting new season.

Customers, staff and the wider community have welcomed the opening of a new Changing Places toilet at Barrow Park Leisure Centre.

Two men from the Barrow area have been charged following recent reports of large rocks being placed on the A590.

A man suffered serious injuries after falling from a bridge onto the railway in a village in the South Lakes.

The King's Guide to the Sands will lead this year's Cross Bay walk in aid of CancerCare.

A colourful spectacle of Spring traditions from across the world will be celebrated in Barrow this March.

Two men have been sentenced to more than 18 years in jail for drug dealing in South Cumbria.

A dealer from Windermere who was part of a £53m drug dealing empire is among nine people jailed for more than 100 years.

Ten firearms have been recovered from an address in Kendal and a man charged in a National Crime Agency investigation into the conversion of blank firing weapons.

The winners have been announced at the 19th Love Barrow Awards.

A state-of-the-art pool lift inspired by Paralympic swimmers has been officially opened at Kendal Leisure Centre by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mr Alexander Scott.

Donald Campbell’s boat, Bluebird K7, will run again, following its homecoming to the Ruskin Museum in Coniston.

Grange's £6.8million Lido and Prom restoration project is on track to be completed this summer.

Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council have begun searching for more than 60 apprentices, offering a fantastic opportunity to start a new career in local government.

Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal has been honoured as a National Joint Registry (NJR) ‘Quality Data Provider’ after successfully completing a national programme of orthopaedic data audits.

Donald Campbell’s daughter will welcome the world-famous Bluebird K7 back to South Cumbria this weekend.

TV presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star Helen Skelton has paid a visit to a lakeside bar and grill in Bowness-on-Windermere.

Nearly 97% of pupils have been offered their first-choice secondary school in the Westmorland and Furness Council area starting school in September.

A total of £250,000 has been pledged to cultural organisations in Westmorland and Furness through the council's new Culture Recovery Support Fund.

Drivers are being reminded that the next scheduled closure of an iconic Lakeland pass will start next week, as work continues to complete a multi-million pound road safety scheme.

The Westmorland and Furness Holiday Activities and Food programme is now open for booking and gives eligible children a wide range of free activities to choose over the Easter holidays.

A man from Kendal has been charged with multiple offences in the town.

A man has been charged with drug supply after officers proactively stopped a vehicle on School Street in Barrow last night.

The North West Ambulance Service will retain a presence in Grange-over-Sands thanks to a partnership with Cumbria Fire and Rescue.

Barrow’s ‘Hairy Bikers’ star, Dave Myers, has died aged 66, two years after a cancer diagnosis.

A new Lake District National Park Authority Visitor Information Centre has opened today in Hawkshead following an investment of over £200,000.

Charges at car parks across the Lake District are set to rise.

Detectives have charged two men with a string of offences after a Cumbria Police investigation in the Windermere area.

A major celebration of the hospitality industry is coming to the South Lakes for the 47th time.

Westmorland and Furness Council are set to increase their share of Council Tax by almost 5%.

A temporary suspension of birth services at Helme Chase Maternity Unit at Westmorland General Hospital will now happen.

Detectives tackling the issue of county lines drugs crime in Barrow have secured jail sentences for another two offenders.

Police are teaming up with Barrow AFC to urge fans to enjoy this weekend’s match with Bradford City responsibly.

A man from Scunthorpe has been charged with 13 shoplifting offences committed in the South Lakes area and Keswick.

A new Vaping Taskforce Group has been set up by Westmorland and Furness Council in response to the growing concerns around the increased use of ‘vapes’ amongst young people. 

A quantity of stolen property has been recovered from an address in Kendal following the arrest of a man.

The Trust that operates hospitals in Lancaster, Morecambe, Kendal and Barrow has announced changes to their Board of Directors.

A key piece of land in the heart of Barrow is now ready for development so it can provide high-quality homes in the future.

Construction work on a major £6m project to expand Sandgate School for children with Special Educational Needs in Kendal is making significant progress, with the recent completion of the steel framework for the building.

The company which owns two onshore wind farms in South Cumbria and Heysham is rebranding after a company takeover.

An ‘Innovating for Success’ grant of £19,500 from Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership is helping the owners of Muncaster Castle achieve their ambition to become the UK’s first carbon-zero castle.

Staff on Furness General Hospital's Intensive Care Unit were delighted to receive a significant upgrade in training capabilities, thanks to a generous donation from the community.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has warmly welcomed the news that health bosses have scrapped controversial plans to start charging patients who stay overnight at Royal Preston Hospital.

Westmorland and Furness Council’s share of Council Tax is set to rise by 4.99%.

Residents and others affected have been thanked for their patience and understanding during an emergency road closure in Kendal to ensure the safe demolition of an unsafe building.

An application by a farm in South Cumbria to install camping pods on site are set to be turned down by planners.

An Ulverston distillery has started the year with two new awards at the World Drinks Awards 2024.

Communities taking part in 20 heritage projects across Furness are celebrating after receiving a share of £50,000 to support their efforts.

A man has been charged following an incident at a premises on Stricklandgate, Kendal earlier this week.

Two men have been convicted of wildlife crime after being arrested during a vehicle stop in Kendal.

The South Lakes MP has demanded health bosses rethink their decision to start charging cancer patients who stay overnight at Royal Preston Hospital because they cannot commute for their treatment.

Wanted men and women were arrested and drugs warrants executed by officers across the county as part of the latest Operation Merlin week of action.

Nine members of an Organised Crime Group who trafficked over a kilogram of Class A drugs between Merseyside and Kendal and the South Lakes - and caused devastation to local communities with their extra-strong heroin - have been jailed.

Westmorland and Furness Council’s leisure centres will offer 10p swims for children over half term.

A trial change to recycling collection on one round in Ulverston is being carried out to inform future decisions about the service.

Last week officers from Cumbria’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams were highlighting the work they do to address issues within our communities and keep people safe.

A lorry driver has been charged with drink driving after an incident on A591 over the weekend that closed the road in both directions.

A decision will be made on the potential closure of Barrow’s North Walney School.

Police in South Lakes have conducted targeted work around dealing with disqualified drivers who are ignoring their bans.

Westmorland and Furness Council is lighting up buildings in purple over the weekend to mark Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) and commemorate all those affected by genocide.

A Lancaster based contemporary and modern British art specialist is bringing the works of a renowned Northern artist to a spa hotel in the South Lakes.

Work is under way to upgrade a popular amphitheatre to host public events and activities in Barrow.

Four men were arrested as part of an investigation into a burglary in Ambleside.

A Beyond Radio presenter and her husband have released their latest book exploring the rivers of Cumbria.

The family of a Kendal man who died in a collision on the A590 have paid tribute to a 'passionate and kind man.'

The NHS Trust that operates hospitals in Lancaster, Morecambe, Kendal and Barrow has declared its highest alert level due to pressure on emergency and urgent care services.

A week of action is underway to highlight the work neighbourhood police officers in the South Lakes.

A woman in danger of getting cut off by a rapidly rising tide at Arnside has been rescued.

A Kendal man has died following a collision on the A590 near Newby Bridge between a car and a coach.

Works to improve the overall street scene and finish of terraced properties along Greengate Street in Barrow gets underway this week.

A test purchase operation in Barrow and Ulverston resulted in two out of five retailers selling e-cigarettes commonly known as “vapes” to the underage test purchaser.

Barrow’s neighbourhood policing team is once again being supported by a local dealership who have donated a new Hyundai Kona.

A man has been jailed for more than 31 years after admitting historic sex offences.

The Breast Screening Unit at Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal has reopened following refurbishment.

Residents and visitors are warned of scam parking websites and apps after an incident is reported at a local Westmorland and Furness car park.

An ambitious mission to reintroduce 10 threatened animals and plants in South Cumbria has celebrated unprecedented successes.

The University of Cumbria has announced that family business Caddick Construction has been appointed as the lead contractor to create the first university campus in Barrow-in-Furness. 

The South Lakes MP has demanded justice and compensation for sub-postmasters who had their reputations ruined by allegations of theft and false accounting as a result of the Horizon computer system.

Police investigating a shoplifting offence in Barrow have released an image of a man they are keen to speak with in connection with the incident.

Police worked with a support agency in Barrow over the festive season to offer an extra avenue for help and advice on domestic abuse.

Westmorland and Furness Council has taken over management of the much-loved community, arts and cultural venue, the Coro in Ulverston.

Beetham Nurseries is celebrating the start of 2024 with its popular Orchid Day event later this month.

Northern has announced train tickets for £1 for some journeys between Barrow and Lancaster.

More than 1,000 drivers were tested and more than 100 were arrested for drink or drug driving in Cumbria in December.

A man has died following a collision on the A590 in South Cumbria.

Westmorland and Furness Council has completed a £320k investment in a new pedestrian-friendly ‘gateway’ into Kendal town centre.

The final phase of a major project to replace a one-kilometre section of gas pipeline under the A592 Rayrigg Road, Windermere, begins today (January 2).

Police are appealing for information about a “despicable” burglary after a grieving, just-widowed woman had valuables stolen from her home – days before Christmas.

Police are investigating a fatal two vehicle collision that occurred on the A683 in Kirkby Lonsdale.

A mum and daughter who run a Kirkby Lonsdale-based group distributing food to people who need it most have organised a 'Big Lunch' for Christmas.

Three people have been arrested as part of an operation to tackle boat thefts in the South Lakes.

Residents in South Cumbria looking for somewhere to warm up and have a hot drink and a chat will be able to choose from nearly 100 local “warm spots” this winter.

Detectives are asking for any witnesses to come forward after a man was stabbed at Windemere railway station last month.

A Barrow man who broke into his former partner’s home and took her dog has been sentenced to two years in prison.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron recently met with officials from National Highways to make the case for a roundabout on the A590 at Gilpin Bridge to improve safety.

A great grandfather who has had cancer for 11 years is walking 60 miles over three days to raise money for a children’s hospice.

Wooden-clad environment sensitive crash barriers are being installed on an iconic Lakeland route as part of a multi-million pounds road safety project.

Police are investigating a collision in Barrow that left a man with life-threatening injuries

A major incident has been declared and 53 homes evacuated after a suspicious item was found in a house in Ulverston.

A big brother who raised thousands in memory of his sister has received a special award.

Engineers from Electricity North West are now restoring the final few properties affected by the snowstorm that hit Cumbria, having reconnected 99% of the 15,500 properties.

A major incident which was declared over the weekend following heavy snowfall in parts of Cumbria has been stood down.

A man has been jailed for sexual assault and stalking offences in Barrow.

Dozens of schools in South Cumbria are closed today following the heavy snowfall over the weekend.

Cumbria’s road networks are continuing to experience challenging conditions following heavy snowfall yesterday and icy conditions today.

A major incident has been declared in Cumbria due to heavy snowfall, the county's police force has said.

Police investigating two separate collisions in the Barrow and Dalton areas are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has raised the long delays cancer patients are facing in Cumbria to receive life-saving treatment in parliament.

Officers investigating an incident in Barrow are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Three men have each been sentenced to 30 months in prison after being involved in a sophisticated cannabis cultivation operation in Barrow.

Westmorland and Furness Council has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable future with the agreement on Part One of its new Electric Vehicle Strategy.

A driver of a car has been airlifted to hospital following a serious collision on the A590 at Lindal.

A survey has been launched to gauge the success of a series of fun events and activities held in Barrow this summer.

Cumbria Police is appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage as officers investigate a road traffic collision involving a car and a pedestrian today.

Police have seized around 8kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of around £80,000 after officers stopped a vehicle on the M6 near Kendal.

Transformational projects to improve Kendal town centre have been given a £13.5million cash boost.

Four people from Barrow have been charged for drug offences following a joint policing operation.

A registered sex offender who broke the terms of a court order and attempted to communicate sexually with what he thought was a child has been jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Detectives have charged a man with aggravated burglary following an incident in which an intruder was reported in a home in Kendal in the early hours of Saturday.

A caring and compassionate nurse from Morecambe Bay has been recognised by The King for her contribution to the NHS at a royal reception at Buckingham Palace this week.

The University of Cumbria, BAE Systems Submarines and partners welcomed Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Barrow-in-Furness.

A swimming pool in Barrow has received £235,000 in government funding to help with running costs.

Patients are set to benefit from a new £13.7 million Surgical Hub currently under construction at Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal.

Final refurbishment works on Barrow’s iconic Jubilee Bridge will start next week.

Officers are appealing for information following a three-vehicle collision that occurred on the A591 near Sizergh.

A man from Liverpool has been jailed for drugs supply offences following an incident earlier in the year in South Cumbria.

A historic landmark near Carnforth had been removed from Historic England’s annual Heritage at Risk Register.

Police arrested a man after a report he was seen with a knife at a hotel in Ambleside.

Christmas is around the corner and this year, local independent garden centre Beetham Nurseries is running Christmas Markets on two four-day weekends.

Cumbria Constabulary say a police investigation has been carried out following concerns of a historic nature raised in recent weeks in relation to the former St Monica’s home, Kendal, and Parkside Road Cemetery, Kendal.

A man has been bailed after he was arrested on suspicion of racially abusing a Barrow AFC staff member during the game with Morecambe earlier this week.

A man who lied to a court to get bail, telling a judge that his infant son was so unwell that he’d had to undergo multiple invasive brain surgeries, has been jailed for more than two years.

Cumbria Police are appealing for the public’s help identifying a man who was found deceased on Roa Island.

Officers across South Cumbria carried out warrants and targeted wanted individuals as part of the latest Operation Merlin week of action.

A blackmailer who falsely told distraught pet owners he had found their lost animals before demanding cash for their safe return has been jailed for 3 years 8 months.

Enticing dark eyes, lithe body, sinuous movements and an enticing air of mystery: it’s no wonder she was one of the most popular exhibits at Milnthorpe’s Lakeland Wildlife Oasis.

A nurse from a surgery serving Milnthorpe and Carnforth has been awarded a prestigious title.