Duncan Hodgson

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board expects to stop covering north Cumbria within the next three years, with responsibility likely transferring to the Lancashire and South Cumbria board as part of plans to align NHS boundaries with local government areas. The government says no final decision has been made and that local views will be considered. Carlisle MP Julie Minns opposes the change, warning it could undermine progress at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, which remains under a national recovery scheme. The trust and the current board say patient care and staff are not expected to be adversely affected and that they will work toward an effective transition.

A Whitehaven veterinary nurse is attempting to return several pairs of swimming goggles her cat Sett has stolen from around the neighbourhood. Cat behaviour experts say such thefts are uncommon but not unusual and suggest the goggles’ smell or novelty may be attracting the cat. They advise minimal reaction and increased playtime to curb the behaviour. The owner continues trying to reunite the items with their owners, concerned that children might be left without goggles for swimming.

A sapling grown from the illegally felled Sycamore Gap tree has been stolen from the grounds of Wray Castle in Cumbria, prompting an investigation by Cumbria Police. The National Trust, which manages the site, said the loss is significant and urged the perpetrators to return the tree. The sapling was part of a joint initiative supporting people affected by illness and bereavement. Authorities believe the theft occurred between 9 and 16 June, while the two men responsible for cutting down the original tree remain jailed.