Latest news with #MarkFryer
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cumbrian councils pass milestone on path to further devolution
Cumbria has taken a step towards further devolution, and additional powers. Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness councils have passed the Government's statutory devolution tests and can now move forward in the process, which could see the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority for the region. Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: "This important milestone towards devolution in Cumbria is another step forward in bringing transformational change to our region. "Devolution will unlock more funding and more powers for our area, with decisions being made in Cumbria rather than in London. "We have seen the long-term benefits of devolution for communities and local economies in areas that have directly elected mayors and this announcement is the start of our journey to match the growth we see in other regions." The decision follows a written ministerial statement by MP Jim McMahon, Local Government Minister, who confirmed the Government believes a mayoral authority would improve Cumbria's economic, social and environmental well-being. Both councils will now formally consider whether to move forward with a Mayoral Strategic Authority, with decisions expected in September. Councillor Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: "We welcome the agreement to the deferment of an election, if it is required, and confirmation that Cumbria has passed the Government's statutory tests. "It will now be down to local elected members to make a final decision on whether to move forward with devolution. "Before that, and to ensure we reach a decision that is in the best interests of those we represent, we will be engaging with our key partners to understand their perspectives, and carefully considering the public feedback from the consultation." If approved, the new mayoral authority could become a legal entity in early 2026. The Government also confirmed it has agreed to a joint request from the councils to delay a proposed May 2026 election. If the councils do move forward with a Mayoral Strategic Authority, an election would be held in May 2027, alongside elections for the two authorities. A public consultation held earlier this year received more than 1,300 responses from residents, businesses, and organisations. The feedback is set to be considered as part of the decision-making process in September. Last week, the Government published its English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill which sets out the powers and responsibilities that would be available for new Mayoral Strategic Authorities. These include transport and local infrastructure, skills and employment support, housing and strategic planning, economic development and regeneration, health, wellbeing and public service reform, and public safety.
ITV News
18-06-2025
- Sport
- ITV News
New 10m sports village in West Cumbria could open within the next two years
A new 10m sports village in West Cumbria could open within the next two years. The development includes a stadium for Workington Reds and Workington Town League club which will be built on the existing Borough Park site. Those behind the scheme say the stadium will hold 3,700 sitting and standing spectators. Floodlights and parking facilities will also be adjusted to fit the facility. Both Workington AFC and Workington RLFC will have the opportunity to hold engagement events over the summer. With a planning application set to be submitted by the end of July 2025, its expected construction work will begin in early 2026, finishing within 18 months. The existing pitch will also be replaced with a 3G pitch suitable for both football and rugby. Dave Bowden, spokesman for Cumberland Sports Village, said: "We're pleased to be part of such positive progress on the Cumberland Sports Village project. "It's a project built on partnership and shared vision and we're excited by the potential it holds to create lasting benefits for Workington AFC, Workington Town RLFC, and the whole community. "We thank everyone involved in reaching this stage and look forward to continue working hard to make this vision a reality." Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, added: 'We remain fully committed to supporting Cumberland Sports Village Ltd in delivering the Sports Village project. "I have been fighting for West Cumbria to have a top-class stadium for many years and it is fantastic that we now have some revised detailed designs for a venue which will cement our status as major players on the sporting map.' A spokesperson from Workington Town RLFC added: "This development marks a significant step forward for both the club and the wider area, offering modern infrastructure to support rugby league, local sport, and community events. 'We believe that the project will inspire future generations to want to watch and play sport in this facility. "We feel that the project is of the right scale, with a sensible and realistic approach, and will provide lasting benefits for Workington and West Cumbria. We're excited to play our part in this ambitious and transformative project.' A spokesperson from Workington AFC said: 'The proposed development will provide a modern, high-quality facility to support first-team performance, youth development, and the ongoing delivery of our club's community programmes across West Cumbria. "It also presents valuable commercial opportunities to help secure long-term sustainability. The Board of Workington AFC looks forward to help make these plans a reality for our club and community.'
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cumberland Council extends shop front grants programme
Cumberland Council has announced additional funding to support high street regeneration and wider business growth. With funded from British taxpayers through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), the money has allowed the council to extend their shop front grants programme, which helps improve the front of commercial properties in town and city centres across the region. Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: "The previous grants have proved to be a great success, and we urge businesses to apply for the funding. "If you have a commercial high street or town centre property which would benefit from a new look and meets the call criteria, please do get in touch. "More information on the fund, guidance notes and how to submit applications is available on our website." An additional £105,000 has been allocated for 2025-26, marking the third consecutive year of capital funding for the scheme. To date, the programme has supported upgrades to more than 100 premises and returned 11 empty units to active use. Past recipients include 16 King Street in Whitehaven and 121 Senhouse Street in Maryport. In addition to the shop front scheme, the council is working with Cumbria Business Growth Hub and Enterprising Cumbria to deliver wider business support across the region. Cumbria Business Growth Hub has been awarded £200,000 from UKSPF and £400,000 from REPF to provide grants and advice to small, micro, and medium-sized businesses. Capital grants are available for equipment, productivity improvements, premises upgrades, tourism heritage projects, and farm diversification. Revenue funding will offer vouchers for specialist consultants, as well as advice and access to workshops and programmes. Agricultural businesses will also benefit from workshops delivered in partnership with the Farmers Network. A further £200,000 in revenue funding will enable Enterprising Cumbria to expand its Accelerator programme across the region. This programme offers support for new and existing businesses, one-to-one advice for high-growth potential businesses, and pre-start support for individuals exploring business ideas, including potential financial assistance. For details on the shop front grants, visit Businesses interested in Cumbria Business Growth Hub support can email info@ For information on the Accelerator programme, contact
BBC News
03-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Sands Centre's events season cancelled over ongoing roof works
A leisure venue's autumn and pantomime season will not go ahead after work to remove unsafe concrete in the auditorium roof was slowed by storm removal of approximately 200 tonnes of concrete at the Sands Centre, in Carlisle, got under way last year, but January's Storm Éowyn hit a temporary which manages the venue on behalf of Cumberland Council, said it was working with promoters to reschedule events which were due to be staged between 1 September and 31 is asking people not to contact the box office, adding its team would be in touch with all affected ticket holders in the coming weeks with "further details about their options". The events space has been shut since 2023 following a change in government guidance over the use of Raac, a type of concrete found to have safety council initially aimed to have the work completed by late spring, but now says it hopes to have it finished this winter, with the entertainment programme restarting early next leader Mark Fryer said the contractor appointed for the job had faced "several challenges", with the storm having had "a major impact on the completion of the necessary works".Alongside the removal of the concrete, the ventilation system will be upgraded, the lighting system enhanced and customer seating replaced, while changes will also be made to the back-of-house closure of the events space does not impact on the centre's swimming pools, gym, studios or sports hall. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
ITV News
03-06-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Carlisle's Sands Centre reopening delayed again
The reopening of the Sands Centre auditorium has been delayed until at least 2026 as the work to remove RAAC panels from the roof continues. Cumberland Council says the delay to the work is due to storm damage from earlier this year. The council had previously stated that work would be completed by spring 2025, but the events programme at the Sands Centre is now not expected to begin again until early 2026. Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: 'Our project team and contractor have had to face several challenges, and the storm in January had a major impact on the completion of the necessary works. The team worked tirelessly to deal with the storm damage. 'The Sands is the region's premier venue, and the investment in the new roof and the works planned for the auditorium will ensure it is the venue of choice for our residents and wider audiences." Following the temporary closure of the auditorium last year, GLL, who manage the venue on the council's behalf, moved their classical concert programme to the sports hall within the Sands. A Cumberland Council statement said: "The temporary closure of the events space to allow the works to be undertaken does not impact on the day-to-day running of the main leisure centre. "The new main Sands Centre building's leisure provision is unaffected, which includes the pools, gym, studios and sports hall."
