Linda Murray, former director of Let Me Lettings, received a 20-month suspended prison sentence, 30 days rehabilitation, a seven-year ban from directorship, and was ordered to pay £3,660 in compensation for committing fraud. Murray's company failed to place tenant deposits into the government-authorized Deposit Protection Service, misleading landlords and tenants. Wigan Trading Standards prosecuted the case after receiving complaints from seven landlords about nine properties, with over £6,000 lost.

An assault occurred at The Engine Shed, Pennine View Park, Kirkby Stephen, resulting in a male in his early twenties being hospitalized. Police have released CCTV images to identify a male connected to the incident and are seeking a female witness described as a white female in her early twenties, around 6ft tall, with long blonde hair, who wore a blue sequin top and a leather mini skirt on the night of the assault. Information can be reported to Cumbria Police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.

The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry discussed the 2011 case of Katherine Jane McQue, former operator of Rinkfield Post Office, who was prosecuted for fraud based on incorrect shortfalls reported by the Horizon IT system developed by Fujitsu. Despite initially blaming the system, McQue admitted to falsifying records to cover losses and was sentenced to a suspended prison term and community service. The inquiry highlighted questionable practices by the Post Office, including pressuring defendants to not blame the Horizon system as a condition for plea acceptance.

The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry discussed the 2011 case of Katherine Jane McQue, former operator of Rinkfield Post Office, who was prosecuted for fraud based on the Horizon IT System by Fujitsu, which had inaccuracies. McQue admitted to falsifying records to cover losses but initially claimed the system was flawed. She received a suspended prison sentence and community service. The inquiry highlighted the Post Office's past insistence on operators not blaming the Horizon system for losses as a condition for accepting plea deals.

The police are investigating an assault that occurred at The Engine Shed, Pennine View Park, Kirkby Stephen, where a male in his early twenties was injured and taken to the hospital. They have released CCTV images and are seeking information from the public, particularly about a male and a female present at the scene. The female is described as a white female in her early twenties, approximately 6ft tall, with long blonde hair, wearing a blue sequin top and a leather mini skirt with tights. Information can be reported online or via phone.

Westmorland and Furness Council is conducting a comprehensive review of a flooding incident in Holbeck, where water from culverts caused significant damage to homes. Residents, including Tracy Clarke, expressed frustration over the council's inadequate response and the ineffectiveness of provided sandbags. The council acknowledged the challenges and is working on a uniform policy for flood management while liaising with third-party owners responsible for the culverts.

The Town Quay in Barrow has reopened to the public after safety upgrades were implemented to prevent children from jumping into the water. The Associated British Ports (ABP) and Westmorland and Furness Council collaborated on the project, installing new ladders, signage, and considering CCTV cameras. The initiative follows a fatal incident in Port Talbot, Wales, and aims to balance public access with safety concerns. Local councillor David Cassidy emphasized the importance of community vigilance and water safety education in schools.

Timothy Leeson and Denny Derbyshire have established 'Cumbria Outsiders,' an art group in Ulverston aimed at promoting Outsider art, a genre known for its raw and honest expression. The group, which started this month, is open to artists across Cumbria and aims to support marginalized artists by providing a platform for showcasing their work and sharing ideas. The initiative seeks to make Outsider art more accessible and foster a supportive community through group exhibitions and a dedicated Facebook group.

KAIZEN Sushi and Eatery will join the LOOM Food Market at Spinning Jennies in Kendal as a permanent vendor. Co-founders Keith and James express excitement about the new location, emphasizing their commitment to local suppliers and recruitment. Geri Ward, co-founder of Spinning Jennies, praises their culinary excellence and energetic approach, aligning with the market's vision.

Linda Murray, a 40-year-old director of Let Me Lettings, received a 20-month suspended prison sentence for two years, 30 days of rehabilitation, and a seven-year disqualification from being a company director. She was charged with eight counts of fraud for not placing tenant deposits into the government-authorized Deposit Protection Service, misleading landlords and tenants. Wigan Trading Standards led the prosecution, with complaints from seven landlords involving over £6,000 in losses.

The ongoing Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry has raised the 2011 fraud case involving Katherine Jane McQue, who managed Rinkfield Post Office in Kendal. The Horizon IT system, developed by Fujitsu, was used to prosecute thousands for fraud based on often incorrect shortfalls. McQue admitted to a £25,000 fraud, initially blaming the flawed Horizon system but later retracting her claim. The inquiry scrutinized the Post Office's practice of accepting pleas only if defendants did not blame Horizon, with Stephen Bradshaw, a former investigator, acknowledging that such conditions would be unacceptable today.

Mark Howarth, a former Ulverston Victoria High School student, has released a new single titled 'Bend and Break' with his band Fuzz Skyler. The band, influenced by Muse, Queen, and others, includes lead vocalist Farzard (Fuzz) Marand and bassist Arnie Daunys. The single, part of their second EP, is available on YouTube and Spotify. The band formed after Howarth and Marand met in a David Bowie tribute band. They are now partnered with TikTok's SoundOn and Headliner Magazine. The song, written during lockdown, addresses themes of abusive relationships.

The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs released data showing that over 8,787 hours of untreated sewage were discharged into Windermere from seven sites managed by United Utilities. The top three sites were Grasmere Wastewater Treatment Works, Hawkshead Pumping Station, and Near Sawrey Wastewater Treatment Works. United Utilities attributed the spills to one of the wettest years on record and announced a £41 million investment to reduce storm overflow operations by 50% by 2030. Campaign groups Save Windermere and Windrush Against Sewage criticized both the water companies and the Environment Agency for inadequate management and called for updated permits and a live spilling map. The Environment Agency is conducting a large-scale criminal investigation into potential non-compliance by water companies.

Timothy Leeson and Denny Derbyshire have established 'Cumbria Outsiders,' an art group aimed at promoting Outsider art in Cumbria. The group, which started in Ulverston and now includes 890 members from Kendal, Barrow, and Ulverston, seeks to support artists who may not fit into conventional art forums. The initiative aims to showcase raw and honest art, often created by marginalized artists, and to foster a supportive community through group exhibitions and idea sharing.

The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs released data showing that 366 days' worth of untreated sewage was discharged into Windermere's catchment area in 2023. United Utilities, responsible for the outlets, attributed the spills to one of the wettest years on record. The campaign group Save Windermere criticized both the water companies and the Environment Agency for permitting spills after minimal rainfall. United Utilities plans a £3 billion investment to reduce storm overflow operations by 2030. The Environment Agency is conducting a large-scale investigation into potential non-compliance by water companies.

Jane Martin, while on the school run, went into labor and was unable to reach Furness General Hospital in Barrow. Her husband Aidan drove her down the A590, but they had to stop at the Blue Light Hub in Ulverston. A midwife named Sarah, who was shopping at Aldi, noticed them and helped deliver their baby, Audra. Despite the unexpected circumstances, both mother and baby were healthy. Jane expressed gratitude towards Sarah, who continued to care for them at the hospital.

The ongoing Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry revisited the 2011 fraud case of Katherine Jane McQue, who managed Rinkfield Post Office. McQue admitted to falsifying records to cover a £25,000 shortfall, initially blaming the flawed Horizon IT System by Fujitsu. The inquiry scrutinized the Post Office's practice of accepting pleas only if defendants did not blame Horizon, with Stephen Bradshaw, a former investigator, acknowledging this was inappropriate by today's standards. The case highlights systemic issues within the Post Office's handling of fraud allegations based on faulty IT data.

In 2023, significant sewage spills occurred in Morecambe Bay, with the Cark in Cartmel pumping station alone spilling for 6471.57 hours. Other notable spills were recorded in the Walney Channel, Duddon Estuary, and various wastewater treatment works. United Utilities attributed the increased spills to one of the wettest years on record and is investing millions to upgrade infrastructure and reduce storm overflow operations. The company aims to make substantial improvements by 2030, including a £3 billion investment program.

Mark Howarth, a former Ulverston Victoria High School student, has released a new single titled 'Bend and Break' with his band Fuzz Skyler. The band, influenced by Muse, Queen, and others, includes lead vocalist and keyboard player Farzard (Fuzz) Marand and bassist Arnie Daunys. The single, part of their second EP, is available on YouTube and Spotify. The band has partnered with TikTok's SoundOn and Headliner Magazine. The song, written during lockdown, marks a shift towards a more upbeat sound and addresses themes of abusive relationships.

A 2011 fraud case involving Katherine Jane McQue, former operator of Rinkfield Post Office, was discussed in the ongoing Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry. The Horizon IT system, installed by Fujitsu, led to numerous wrongful prosecutions for fraud. McQue admitted to a £25,000 fraud to cover up cash shortfalls, initially blaming the flawed IT system. The inquiry questioned the appropriateness of the Post Office's condition that defendants not blame Horizon in their pleas. The case highlights systemic issues within the Post Office's handling of IT-related fraud accusations.

George Hastwell School Special Academy received a 'requires improvement' rating from OFSTED in 2022 and a subsequent monitoring visit in November. The report, published on January 15, highlighted progress made by the school but noted that further work is needed. Recommendations included supporting leaders in implementing the new curriculum and improving assessment recording systems. The school has made significant changes, including overhauling the curriculum and collaborating with another academy trust, which has boosted staff and leader confidence in delivering quality education.

South Lakes Police arrested a suspected drink driver at Bannerigg near Windermere after the motorist disregarded a road closure. The driver was found to be over the legal alcohol limit and was taken to Kendal custody suite.

South Lakes Police arrested a suspected drink driver at Bannerigg near Windermere after the motorist disregarded a road closure. The driver was found to be over the legal alcohol limit and was taken to Kendal custody suite.

The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry discussed the 2011 case of Katherine Jane McQue, former operator of Rinkfield Post Office, who was prosecuted for fraud based on incorrect shortfalls reported by the Horizon IT System. The system, installed by Fujitsu, led to thousands of wrongful prosecutions between 1999 and 2015. McQue, who initially denied wrongdoing, later admitted to falsifying records to cover losses. She received a suspended prison sentence and community service. The inquiry highlighted a memo indicating the Post Office's condition for accepting McQue's plea was her acknowledgment of responsibility and not blaming the Horizon system. Stephen Bradshaw, a former Post Office investigator, conceded that such a condition was probably inappropriate.

The article discusses the jadeite trade in Myanmar, highlighting the harsh conditions of local miners and the high value of the jadeite, particularly to Chinese buyers. It details the findings of Global Witness, which reported massive revenues from jadeite smuggling to China and significant corruption within the industry. The report suggests that much of the trade is controlled by Chinese-owned front companies and military officials, with little benefit to the local economy. The article also touches on the social and environmental impacts of the jade trade, including addiction and landslides. Despite Myanmar's membership in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and a civilian-led government, transparency issues persist. The lifting of US economic sanctions and the need for reform in mining legislation are also discussed.