Latest news

Vandals force extended play area closure
Published: 04/07/2019
VANDALS have forced a play area in Hensingham, Whitehaven to remain closed to the public.
Copeland Council was forced to close Rosebank play area in April due to safety concerns caused by vandalism.
Several areas of the soft pour matting have again been vandalised again while the play area was closed. The matting is beyond repair and further vandalism means that it will cost a significant amount more to replace.
Mayor's statement on maternity decision
Published: 03/07/2019
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, has made the following statement on today's decision to retain consultant-led maternity at the West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven.
"I am elated at the decision to retain consultant-led maternity services at the West Cumberland Hospital.
"It’s been a long road to get to this landmark day, travelled by our community and workforce at the hospital, and it’s a tremendous relief for everyone that the decision of the NHS North Cumbria CCG’s Governing Body is the correct one.
£100,000 face lift for Whitehaven building
Published: 03/07/2019
UNION Hall, one of Whitehaven’s most prominent buildings, has completed a remarkable £100,000 transformation.
Building owner, Donald Dixon has invested a significant amount of cash renovating the property on the corner of Lowther Street and Irish Street.
Mr Dixon will receive £10,000 from Copeland Borough Council towards the project through Copeland Mayor, Mike Starkie’s Pride of Place building grants scheme.
Council celebrates in Love Parks Week
Published: 02/07/2019
COPELAND Council is to celebrate Love Parks week with a host of events in Castle Park, Whitehaven.
Love Parks Week runs from Friday July 12 until Tuesday July 22 and aims to encourage people to get out and enjoy their local parks.
The council's plans include:
- A litter pick on Friday July 12 from 10am until noon - the public are invited to join council staff in sprucing up Castle Park.
Deer found in recycling bank
Published: 02/07/2019
COPELAND Council is urging people to use recycling sites responsibly after a decaying deer carcass was found in a cardboard bank.
The dead animal – thought to have been killed on the road - was put into the bank at the Ravenglass recycling site in the National Park car park, and had to be removed by waste staff.
Copeland’s Portfolio Holder for Waste, Coun Steven Morgan, said: “As well as the upset to the resident who discovered the carcass, this irresponsible action costs Copeland tax payers dearly.
Copeland benefits from £900k pollinator project
Published: 02/07/2019
COPELAND Council is set to receive £60,000 over the next three years to help to join the fight in protecting and reintroducing pollinators in West Cumbria.
The funding has been allocated as part of ‘Get Cumbria Buzzing’ project which aims to tackle a decline in bees and other pollinators.
Copeland Council will use the funding to create havens for insects spanning almost 10,000 square metres. This will be done by planting plugs, trees and native Cumbrian wildflowers alongside other shrubs and bulbs, ensuring the pollinating insects are attracted to the areas.
Crisis training for Council staff
Published: 02/07/2019
COPELAND Council staff are trained to offer Mental Health First Aid to people in crisis.
Staff from a range of teams across the council are equipped to deal with people suffering from mental illness, including those at crisis point, seeking council services.
Colleagues undertook a two-day intensive course provided by Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA) which included: raising awareness and recognising the signs of mental illness, developing a better understanding, reducing the stigma and dealing with those who have depression and anxiety.