A man reported as missing from the Cleator Moor area has been found
Subscribe to our mailing list to receive daily updates direct to your inbox
*We hate spam as much as you do. Privacy Statement
Phone: 01768 862313Email: admin@cumbriacrack.com
Registered in England as Barrnon Media Limited
No: 12475190VAT registration number: 343486488
© 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme
Some cookies are essential to make our website work
we'd like to set other cookies to show us how our website is being used
Improvement plans for Cleator Moor have moved forward with the submission of a planning application
encourages more walking and cycling in and around Cleator Moor
improving accessibility and also enhancing gateways into the town
The project will better connect Cleator Moor to employment
education and health provision beyond the town
while also enhancing the perception and character of the town as an innovative and dynamic place to live
The project will also include improvements to:
More than 3.5km of walking and cycling routes will be enhanced as part of the project
Cleator Moor Town Deal secured an award of £22.5m from the Government's Towns Fund
Connected Town is one of four projects that make up the Cleator Moor Town Deal which has been allocated £6million.
“Following engagement events with our community last year
we have drawn together a Connected Town project that will provide some great benefits for our local residents and businesses
The submission of planning approval is another important step forward for the Town Deal project.”
sets out the benefits of the project investment objectives which include:
the works aim to start in autumn/winter 2025 and be completed in autumn/winter 2026
For more information on the Cleator Moor Town Deal visit: cleatormoortowndeal.org.uk
Subscribe today and we'll email you the latest newsletter updates about your new council
Choose from a range of topics so that you only receive emails about the areas and services which interest you the most
Subscribe to news updates
New Help improve this site by giving feedback.
Josie has lived in the same town and still works in the church she was christened in.","thumbnailUrl":["https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1920x1080/p0kts4xz.jpg","https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1232x1232/p0kts4xz.jpg","https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/688xn/p0kts4xz.jpg","https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/400xn/p0kts4xz.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2025-02-27T06:16:37.360Z","duration":"PT2M5S"}Meet Josie
the 90-year-old church cleanerThis video can not be played
CloseA Cumbrian woman is still working at her local church as she celebrates her 90th birthday
She has 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild
and goes to work three days a week at the church house at St Mary's
Just a few days after celebrating her big birthday
Josie spent the day with BBC Cumbria's Harry Hansen to take a look back at her 90 years of living and working in the same town
Video produced by Harry Hansen and Toby Bewley
Follow BBC Cumbria on X, external, Facebook, external, Nextdoor and Instagram, external
Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk
Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreMeet Josie
2:05Up Next
Engineer still clocking on for shifts at 90
00:02:23Engineer still clocking on for shifts at 90
2:23Editor's recommendationsWatch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz
00:01:44Watch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz
1:44Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day
00:01:25Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day
1:25Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster Video
00:01:21Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster
1:21'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result
00:01:20'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result
1:20Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK
00:02:54Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK
2:54Watch: Key moments from the local elections..
00:01:32Watch: Key moments from the local elections..
1:32Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories
00:01:11Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories
1:11Russell Brand's court appearance explained..
00:00:50Russell Brand's court appearance explained..
0:50Ros Atkins on..
What's in the US-Ukraine resources deal
1:23Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election
00:01:18Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election
1:18Watch: Moment Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is released
00:00:46Watch: Moment Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is released
Work is set to get underway on another transformational project in Cleator Moor
The PEC Phase 3 building in Cleator Moor is owned by Cumberland Council and operated by Phoenix Enterprise Centre (PEC) under a long-term lease
The refurbishment of the building starts today (Wednesday 29 January 2025) and is being undertaken as part of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Revitalised Town project with around £1.3 million of works being undertaken
the works aim to increase the supply of high-quality
affordable office space in the centre of Cleator Moor
Cumberland Council appointed Day Cummins Ltd from Cockermouth as Principal Designer and Thomas Armstrong Ltd from Flimby has been appointed as Principal Contractor
“This will be an important step forward for the Cleator Moor Town Deal projects
Work continues on other parts of the Town Deal projects and momentum continues to build across this transformational programme.”
A comprehensive package of works is being undertaken:
The work is expected to take between 10 and 12 months to complete
Planning consent for the works was granted in November 2024
Chair of the Cleator Moor Town Board said:
“The commencement of refurbishment work on the Phoenix Court Phase 3 building marks the start of the Revitalised Town element of the Town Deal
The investment of over £1.3 million will bring back into use a commercial property on the Square and provide space for latent demand in the town for quality office space
this is welcome news and will support wider regeneration projects across the Town under the Town Deal banner.”
Executive Director at Phoenix Enterprise Centre added:
“PEC currently provides managed workspace and office accommodation to 34 businesses
Employing circa 250 people directly within the town and thousands more outreach workers
PEC is a Community Interest Company and all surpluses from rental income is used to support the delivery of Advice and Guidance services and the Food Pantry to vulnerable people in our community.”
Managing Director Thomas Armstrong Construction Ltd said:
“Thomas Armstrong Construction Ltd is thrilled to have been appointed as Principal Contractor on the exciting modernisation of the PEC Building in Cleator Moor
which continues our long-standing relationship with Cumberland Council
“The development will bring substantial benefits to the local community
which when combined with the other projects that have commenced in the town
will breathe fresh life into the whole community
“The project will not only rejuvenate the centre of Cleator Moor but will provide fantastic opportunities for local people and will contribute positively to the local economy.”
Also part of the Revitalised Town programme is Cleator Moor Community Hub and Town Square public realm works
The aim is to increase activity and footfall around the Town Square by bringing vacant and under-utilised buildings back into active use while creating an attractive new public realm
Uses will include a new cultural community hub and enhanced business space
The Cleator Moor Community Hub will incorporate the library and old council offices
The two existing buildings will be joined by a new annexe that will house a café
Public realm works will see improvements to the Town Square
have been appointed as Principal Designer for the project
Cleator Moor Town Deal has secured an award of £22.5m from the Government's Towns Fund along with an additional £18.4m from match funders
New Help improve this site by giving feedback
Exciting improvements to a leisure facility in Cleator Moor are now underway
Thomas Armstrong - working on behalf of Cumberland Council - has now started work on the activity centre
Healthy Town is one of four projects that make up the Cleator Moor Town Deal and the works are the first of the projects to get underway
it will provide the community with a modern
multi-purpose and inclusive sports facility at the existing activity centre
The news has been welcomed by one of the new primary users of the revamped site
It will provide a new base for Cumberland Occupational and Social Centre (COSC) - a day centre for individuals with physical disabilities
“The quality of service we are going to be able to offer is a dream come true.
“COSC has been in The Bunker for over 30 years
in that time we have expanded our service to reach more ages
disabilities and an outreach support programme.
and a safe space to explore their abilities and make new friends is life changing.
“We all would like to thank the people who have been involved in making it happen.”
Cumberland Council has been working with contractor Thomas Armstrong under a design and build contract
The contract works started this month with an anticipated 13-month programme
To allow the works to get underway the main activity centre building closed to the public on 13 January 2025
The 3g pitch will still be operating during the works
The 3g pitch will be available to use from 5pm on weekdays between 13 - 31 January and will be open as normal on weekends.
"The improvement work will transform the existing facility to accommodate wider sports and more flexible activity spaces for the local community
“The ambitious schemes for Cleator Moor are moving forward and will provide sustainable developments for the benefit of the whole town.”
Healthy Town aims to enhance leisure provision in the town to boost levels of health and wellbeing and encourage more people to visit
bringing increased footfall and revenue to local businesses
It is proposed that the new centre would deliver a broader programme of sports
physical activity as well as providing a home to wider health and wellbeing services
“This is another important step forward for the activity centre and the wider Cleator Moor schemes
It is one of a number of exciting transformational projects underway across Cumberland
“Improving access to sports and leisure facilities has the potential to improve wider health and wellbeing outcomes in our communities
something that is a priority for the council.”
Cumberland Partnership Manager for GLL said:
“This is a great investment for the people of Cleator Moor and surrounding areas
the new facility is going to provide more activities to more people and really benefit the Health and Wellbeing of the local population
During the building works our current members of Cleator Moor Activity Centre will be able to access our other facilities at Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre
The facility improvements are one of a programme of projects supported by the UK Government’s Town Deal
Cleator Moor Town Deal secured an award of £22.5m from the Government’s Towns Fund along with an additional £18.4m from match funders
This includes a £2.1m grant for the Healthy Town project from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
as part of its investment in supporting permanent and sustainable change in Cleator Moor and all its site communities
Improvements to a leisure facility for Cleator Moor have taken another step forward following the approval of a planning application and a contractor appointment
Healthy Town is one of four projects that make up the Cleator Moor Town Deal
It aims to provide the community with a modern
multi-purpose and inclusive sports facility at the existing Activity Centre
The news has been welcomed by one the new primary users of the revamped site
It will provide a new base for Copeland Occupational and Service Centre (COSC) - a day centre for individuals with physical disabilities
‘We have received the news that the planning permission has been approved and we can't explain how much this means to our members
contract works will start in January 2025 with an anticipated 13-month programme
To allow the works to get underway the main Activity Centre building will close to the public on 13 January 2025
It will be available to use from 5pm on weekdays between 13 - 31 January and will be open as normal on weekends.
"This another important milestone for the Activity Centre
The plans will transform the existing facility to accommodate a wider sports and more flexible activity spaces for the local community
“This is another important step forward for this ambitious scheme
It is one of a number of exciting schemes underway across Cumberland
community groups and businesses are being updated on exciting plans for Cleator Moor
The town has secured a once in a generation level of regeneration funding to help it thrive into the future
There will be change that will make a positive difference to the lives of its residents for many years to come
Four projects make up the Town Deal and progress is being made to progress on all of the exciting projects:
A project to develop an enterprise campus on the Leconfield Industrial Estate aimed at leveraging the economic growth potential of the Sellafield supply chain through a cluster approach to growing and diversifying the West Cumbria economy
The Innovation Solutions Hub (iSH) Enterprise Campus is an £50m economic regeneration initiative led by Cumberland Council with funding and support from Government (DLUHC) through Town Deal and Levelling Up programmes
and other strategic partners including the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
Sellafield Ltd and Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership
The development of the site forms part of the wider regeneration programme being delivered across West Cumbria by iSH focused upon delivering economic growth opportunities around robotics
AI and advanced engineering and manufacturing
Design work is well progressed and enabling works are due to start in early 2025
The Cleator Moor Community Hub will incorporate the library and currently empty old council offices
The refurbishment of the building is being undertaken as part of the Cleator Moor Town Deal with around £1 million of works being undertaken
The design development for the PEC phase 3 building is now complete and works are due to start in early 2025
Design development is still underway on the community hub and surrounding public realm works through Day Cummins.
Enhancing existing sports and leisure provision as well as providing a modern multi-purpose centre including an indoor sports hall
alongside wider health and well-being provision and targeted youth activity
The project is fully designed and the construction contract to be awarded subject to planning approval expected late November 2024
Works to transform the current facility are set to start in January 2025 and will take one year to complete
While the works are ongoing the council and GLL will continue to operate the external all weather pitch
The new facility will house a new multi-functional four court sports hall
group exercise studio and a new home for COSC who will relocate from the town centre to the new facility
This scheme will deliver a high-quality integrated and sustainable transport network which improves connections between employment
amenities and leisure and transforms the accessibility and attractiveness of Cleator Moor
A public engagement event on the plans was held during the summer. Works are programmed to start in spring 2025
“Progress is being made on all four of our Town Deal projects
Lots of work is going on behind the scenes to deliver them
Timelines are in place and a team is in place to drive forward the plans.”
Work is now underway to bring a new and improved sports facility to Cleator Moor
The work is being carried out on the town’s activity centre to revamp it and create a modern
multi-purpose and inclusive sports facility as part of the Cleator Moor Town Deal
Thomas Armstrong – working on behalf of Cumberland Council – has now started work on the centre
which is expected to take around 13 months
the site will also provide a new base for Cumberland Occupational and Social Centre (COSC) – a day centre for individuals with physical disabilities
said: “The quality of service we are going to be able to offer is a dream come true
disabilities and an outreach support programme
and a safe space to explore their abilities and make new friends is life changing
“We all would like to thank the people who have been involved in making it happen.”
The 3g pitch will be available to use from 5pm on weekdays between 13 – 31 January and will be open as normal on weekends
said: “The improvement work will transform the existing facility to accommodate wider sports and more flexible activity spaces for the local community
The Healthy Town project aims to enhance leisure provision in the town to boost levels of health and wellbeing and encourage more people to visit
in the hopes of bringing increased footfall and revenue to local businesses
It is proposed that the new centre would deliver a broader programme of sports and physical activity as well as providing a home to wider health and wellbeing services
added: “This is another important step forward for the activity centre and the wider Cleator Moor schemes
something that is a priority for the council.”
Cumberland Partnership Manager for GLL said: “This is a great investment for the people of Cleator Moor and surrounding areas
“During the building works our current members of Cleator Moor Activity Centre will be able to access our other facilities at Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre
Cleator Moor Town Deal secured an award of £22.5 million from the Government’s Towns Fund along with an additional £18.4 million from match funders
This includes a £2.1 million grant for the Healthy Town project from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
Plans have been lodged to help get people moving in Cleator Moor
It is hoped the project will better connect Cleator Moor to employment
while also enhance the perception and character of the town as an innovative and dynamic place to live
Cleator Moor Town Deal secured an award of £22.5m from the Government’s Towns Fund
Connected Town is one of four projects that make up the Cleator Moor Town Deal which has been allocated £6million.
said: “Following engagement events with our community last year
It will provide a new base for Copeland Occupational and Service Centre (COSC)
a day centre for individuals with physical disabilities
said: ‘We can’t explain how much this means to our members
“The quality of service we are going to be able to offer is a dream come true
work will start in January and take around 13 months
To allow the work to get underway the main activity centre building will close to the public on January 13
The 3G pitch will still operate during the work
It will be available to use from 5pm on weekdays between January 13 and January 31 and will be open as normal on weekends
said: “This another important milestone for the activity centre
said: “This is a great investment for the people of Cleator Moor and surrounding areas
the new facility is going to provide more activities to more people and really benefit the health and wellbeing of the local population
our current members of Cleator Moor Activity Centre will be able to access our other facilities at Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre
The facility improvements are one of a programme of projects supported by the Government’s Town Deal
Plans have been revealed for 95 new homes in West Cumbria
has submitted an application for the new development in Cleator Moor to Cumberland Council
four and five-bedroom properties and would be built on land off the A5086
said: “We are excited to bring forward our plans for this exciting new development in Cleator Moor
“We understand the demand for high-quality housing in the area and are committed to providing homes that are not only modern and energy efficient but also make a positive contribution to the local community
“Our development will provide a mix of open market and affordable homes
helping to address housing needs while complementing the character of the town.”
Genesis Homes hopes work will start early next year
Cleator Moor Celtic has been given a cash boost to help buy the club a new set of goals
the club also has teams from juniors to over-35s and plays from Birks Road
It was awarded £4,750 from Cumberland Council’s South Cumberland Community Panel
The goals were delivered and assembled yesterday
The club said: “Thanks to Cumberland Council as this would not of been possible without their support.”
Cleator Moor Celtic won through to the next round in the West Lancs League President’s Cup after their victory over Lytham Town
The sides faced each other in awful conditions at the Dalton United ground for the semi-final
Celtic took the lead in the 19th minute through Owen O’Neill
Ben McCarron doubled the lead on 24 minutes
Lytham struck back early in the second half with Will Eastham scoring on 47 minutes
But the score stayed that way with both sides spurning chances and Cleator Moor won 2-1
Mystery is afoot after unusual gold food items have appeared across Cumbria
Dozens of gold custard creams have been spotted around Carlisle since Christmas and now half-eaten golden pies are being found around Whitehaven and Cleator Moor
The unique objects have delighted locals who’ve found them so far – but it’s left everyone asking the same question
who is behind the trails of biscuits and pies
If you’re lucky enough to spot one of the custard creams in Carlisle
you’ll also find a cryptic QR code stuck down next to it
The code takes users to a website called Cumberland Objects
which shares location clues for 50 custard creams hidden around the city as well as seven pies hidden around Whitehaven and Cleator Moor on the Coast to Coast cycle path
It encourages people to embark on scavenger hunts to find them all and explains that The Great Biscuit Breakout and The West Cumbrian Pie Hunt are part of a wider project to celebrate the obscure and uncelebrated anecdotal heritage of Cumbria
The custard creams in Carlisle pay homage to McVitie’s which produces 6.5 million of the biscuits in Carlisle every 24 hours while the pies represent Bennett’s
a popular old pie shop from days gone by in Cleator Moor
the guerrilla art collective behind the project remain a mystery
we decided to reach out to them in an attempt to find out more
who explained they would probably not be able to talk
but would be happy to answer some questions
The collective told us that that they didn’t know many of the answers – as they said they do not feel they technically exist
they they did tell us that they wanted the focus to be on people’s enjoyment of the finding the objects
the group is also collecting hyper-local stories
tales and urban legends to share on its website
The location of three signs related to these stories can also be found on the website
referencing the town’s old Co-Op building
If that wasn’t enough – the collective today announced it is putting up flyers around Whitehaven calling for history buffs and dog owners to take part in a re-enactment of the 1778 John Paul Jones invasion of Whitehaven (but this time
The collective has also set up a Cumberland Objectors group on Facebook for people to share pictures of the biscuits and pies they’ve found so far
We’d love to see your biscuit, pie and sign pictures and hear your thoughts on the Cumberland Objects mystery. Email us at admin@cumbriacrack.com
Are you part of Cumberland Objects? If you’re reading this, we’d still love to hear more. Email us at admin@cumbriacrack.com
Sign our campaign for a grant funding review
earmarked by the Copeland Local Plan as suitable for residential development
The Penrith-based developer wants to build 95 properties on 12.5 acres north-west of Frizington Road in Cleator Moor
Planning consultancy SRE Associates applied to Copeland Council on Genesis Homes’ behalf
and AFL Architects designed the houses for the scheme
Westwood Landscape Design is the landscape architect for the project
According to a design and access statement
a range of bespoke site-specific house types have been created to meet demand
The remaining 12 properties would be affordable
split between affordable rent and shared ownership
Four bungalows and a mixture of detached and semi-detached properties would be on offer
Car parking would be provided for up to 238 vehicles
The site in question is currently underused agricultural land, earmarked by the Copeland Local Plan as suitable for residential development
Genesis Homes is hoping to begin work on-site by early 2026
subject to the scheme winning planning permission
said: “We understand the demand for high-quality housing in the area and are committed to providing homes that are not only modern and energy-efficient but also make a positive contribution to the local community
and RG Parkins are on the scheme’s project team
use the reference number 4/25/2110/0F1 on Copeland Council’s planning portal
Read our
Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value"
Main contractor McLaughlin & Harvey has rounded off the 818,000 sq ft Longtown storage shed for the Ministry of Defence and has handed over management to Defence Equipment & Support
Westmorland and Furness Council has approved a supplementary planning document to guide development of the nearly 67-acre site
Register for free North West property intelligence
Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value"
Join more than 13,000 property professionals and sign up to receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox
By subscribing, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value"