Imogen Barber

The Old School House, a former school building on Joss Lane in Sedbergh dating to 1843, is being marketed by DM Hall for offers around £785,000. The 4,810-square-foot property combines retail and showroom areas, workshop space, and a three-bedroom residential unit, along with a garage, car park and gardens. It is promoted as a potential live-work space or redevelopment opportunity, subject to planning consent.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is urging people to stay at least 100 metres away from grey seals and their pups at South Walney Nature Reserve. Human disturbance can cause agitation, injury, death or abandonment, so visitors are advised to use binoculars or scopes and move away if seals show signs of distress. The reserve recorded a record 14 pups last year, with the pupping season generally running from late August to November.

Vue Barrow will screen all eight Harry Potter films in weekly anniversary showings from August 28 through October 16, marking 25 years since the franchise’s cinematic debut. The programme begins with The Philosopher’s Stone and concludes with The Deathly Hallows – Part 2. Vue will also sell exclusive Harry Potter merchandise, while audiences can book the cinema’s Ultra Lux seats.

Students at Barrow Sixth Form and Furness College achieved strong A-level and T-level results, with pass rates of 89% and 87% respectively and several courses recording 100% success. Graduates are progressing to universities, apprenticeships and employment, including local nursing and teacher-training pathways at the University of Cumbria’s new Barrow campus. One A-level student is also heading to Newcastle University to study architecture.

Barrow-in-Furness has a long record of observing and reporting solar eclipses. Archived Mail reports describe public viewing practices during the 1921 eclipse, a successful British Government expedition reported in 1926, and safety warnings from Fight for Sight ahead of the 1999 eclipse. The 1999 event was obscured by cloud in Cornwall but clearly visible in Furness, while the United Kingdom prepared for another major eclipse expected to cover up to 96% of the Sun, with the next total solar eclipse not due until 2090.

Refurbishment of the Fell Street public toilets in Barrow has been completed and the facilities are now open. The project upgraded the male, female and accessible facilities with new windows and doors, improved cubicles, electrical work and redecoration. Funded through Westmorland and Furness Council’s capital programme, the work forms part of efforts to improve town centre amenities and support Barrow’s regeneration. Toilets at Barrow Town Hall, opened during the refurbishment, will remain available during normal building hours.

Visiting remains suspended on ward six at Furness General Hospital in Barrow because of a rotavirus outbreak affecting patients and staff. The restriction, first introduced on August 4, is under review by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust. End-of-life visits and visits supported under John’s Campaign are continuing.

Furness Coastguard and Barrow RNLI assisted in recovering a casualty and bringing them ashore at the pontoons on Walney Channel. The casualty was then handed over to the North West Ambulance Service, with Furness Coastguard thanking Orsted and Port Security staff for their assistance.

Westmorland and Furness Council has received plans for a covered cycle hub in the courtyard of Grade II* listed Barrow Town Hall. Designed with Falco Ltd, the reinforced-glass and steel structure would replace six Sheffield stands with seven secure cycle spaces while preserving views of the historic building. The proposal avoids integrated lighting and is intended to minimize heritage impact, while improving access, cycling infrastructure and sustainable travel without materially reducing disabled parking.

Two people narrowly avoided being stranded beneath Arnside Viaduct when the incoming tide threatened to cut them off shortly before a tidal bore. Bay Search & Rescue and the Arnside & South Lakes Coastguard Rescue Team were alerted during a routine pre-tide patrol, but the pair escaped before rescuers arrived. An Arnside siren operator called 999 after seeing one person become stuck in the channel; the relatively calm, low-wind conditions and a sedate tide helped them get clear safely.

A major fire engulfed a large building at Sinkfall Skip Hire and Recycling on Rakesmoor Lane in Barrow shortly before 10pm on Friday, July 31. The building contained farm machinery, cardboard waste bales and offices. Ten fire engines, around 60 firefighters and additional specialist equipment attended, working through the night to contain and extinguish the blaze. Park Road was closed between the Abbey Road and Dalton bypass roundabouts during the response and reopened overnight before Sunday morning. The cause of the fire remained unknown.

A former Salvation Army hall on Nelson Street in Millom has been listed for £60,000. The centrally located commercial property includes a main hall, kitchen, offices, storage rooms, toilets and disabled access, and is being marketed as suitable for community groups, charities, clubs, businesses and educational organizations. Estate agent Corrie and Co cautions that title-deed restrictions may apply and advises prospective buyers to obtain independent legal advice and check planning requirements.

A fully developed fire at Sinkfall Skip Hire and Recycling in Barrow prompted the deployment of ten fire engines, around 60 firefighters, two water bowsers and a turntable ladder. Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said the cause remained unknown and that crews stayed on site to extinguish the fire fully. Cumbria Police assisted, while Park Road was closed between Abbey Road and the Dalton bypass, potentially until 9pm on Saturday.

Bill and Phyllis Kitchin, both 83, are celebrating 60 years of marriage. They met while working for the Inland Revenue in London, married in 1966, returned to Belfast, raised three children and later moved to Barrow-in-Furness in 2001. The couple recently celebrated with family in Belfast and plan a quieter anniversary gathering in Barrow, including a park run with their children. Phyllis credits patience, church and good friends for the longevity of their relationship.

Chloe Walsh, founder of Clomana Beauty and Cmfrt, has expanded Clomana into major UK retailers including Selfridges, Sephora, Boots, John Lewis and Space NK after the Marshmallow Sponge went viral on TikTok. She has also launched Cmfrt loungewear, collaborated with influencer Yana Lina on the My Something Blue collection, travelled internationally for business and appeared on the Forbes 30 Under 30 shortlist and FEBE Growth 100 list. Alongside the business achievements, Walsh discussed the death of her father on May 18 and the difficulty of processing her grief. She plans to pursue further retail expansion, including Harrods, and aims for global growth of the Marshmallow Sponge.

Dave Bell’s appeal for 100 birthday cards for his mother Dorothy’s 100th birthday generated more than 460 cards from across the UK and countries including Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Housebound for several years, Dorothy opened the cards with help from her great-grandson Jude and also received an official centenary letter from the King. Her family thanked readers for the overwhelming response, highlighting her long connection to the local community and her later passion for crown green bowling.

Vue Barrow is promoting a summer holiday programme featuring family films including Toy Story 5, Minions & Monsters, Disney’s live-action Moana, Spider-Man: Brand New Day and PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie. The cinema is offering a Summer Family Passport Book, discounted children’s tickets, £2.49 Mighty Mornings screenings and relaxed Big Shorts sessions for young children, alongside premium Ultra Lux seating. Research by University College London and Vue is cited as finding that cinema screenings produce greater improvements in mood, recall, attention and perceived intensity than watching films at home.

The Lake District National Park Authority approved plans by Mr and Mrs Bath to convert the former Post Office at 11 Princes Street in Broughton-in-Furness into a single dwelling. The scheme will retain the historic shopfront while replacing single-glazed windows with slimline double glazing. Officers concluded that the loss of the retail unit would not harm the local shopping area or neighbouring residents, and imposed conditions protecting the building’s historic character, including restrictions on future changes to its north elevation.

A three‑bedroom semi‑detached home at 7 Old Moor Gardens in Millom sold for £116,000, slightly above its £115,000 guide price, during an Auction House Cumbria event held at The Halston Hotel in Carlisle. The listing highlighted the property’s layout, garage, and gardens, noting its location near local amenities.

A two‑bedroom semi‑detached home at 39 Highlands Avenue in Barrow‑in‑Furness sold for £110,000, exceeding its £100,000 guide price at an Auction House Cumbria event held in Carlisle. The property features gardens, a detached garage, and proximity to local amenities.

A farmhouse near Millom on the edge of the Lake District exceeded expectations at an Auction House Cumbria sale, achieving £257,000 against a guide of £150,000 to £200,000. The property, needing full modernisation and including more than four acres of land and outbuildings, was sold during an auction event held in Carlisle.

Approval was granted to demolish the disused Ormsgill Library in Barrow and replace it with a new playground. Westmorland and Furness Council confirmed that prior approval was not required, allowing the project to proceed under permitted development rules. Plans include installing a permeable rubber play surface, landscaping, and new fencing to improve the site’s appearance. No public comments were submitted, and construction is scheduled for September to October 2026.

Twenty-three NHS roles within five miles of Barrow are currently advertised, offering salaries up to £150,569. Positions range from general practitioners and specialist consultants to nurses, therapists and clinical support staff across multiple regional NHS trusts and healthcare providers. Job types include full-time, part-time and flexible roles, each with specified salary bands and closing dates.

A long-empty terraced home at 62 Greengate Street in Barrow-in-Furness sold for £57,000, more than double its £25,000 guide price, during an Auction House Cumbria sale held at The Halston Hotel in Carlisle. The property, vacant for years and requiring modernisation, was promoted as having strong potential.

Reports of violence against wild birds in the UK have nearly doubled, with RSPCA data showing 359 cruelty incidents in July and August 2025 and 474 cases already recorded in 2026. The charity attributes the rise to factors such as weapon misuse, copycat behaviour and harmful online content, and stresses the importance of early intervention. Incidents in Cumbria, including shootings of pigeons and a swan, reflect the national trend. The RSPCA is working with police and conservation groups through initiatives like Operation Lakeshot and encourages the public to report cruelty and seek early support for concerning behaviour.

Historic photographs by Edward, Raymond, and Eric Sankey document the roles of women in Barrow-in-Furness from the early 1900s through wartime, showing their involvement in paper mills, rope works, shell production at Vickers, and community life around shops and post offices. The images highlight women’s participation in industrial and wartime labour as the town underwent industrial expansion.

A long‑established Lake District hotel, the Burn How Garden Hotel in Bowness, has been placed on the market for £1.995 million. Marketed by Christie & Co, the property includes a Victorian country house with hospitality facilities, an extension with guest rooms, and ten detached garden lodges. After around fifty years of ownership, the current operators are retiring, presenting opportunities for expanded food, drink, events, and potential acquisition of an adjoining building offering additional rooms and staff accommodation. The 1.5‑acre site features Thomas Mawson‑designed gardens, strong transport links, and a steady year‑round leisure trade.

A mid-terrace property at 8 Anchor Road in Barrow-in-Furness, requiring full refurbishment, sold for £40,000, exceeding its £35,000 guide price at an Auction House Cumbria event held at The Halston Hotel in Carlisle. The home was marketed as offering potential for developers or investors, with ground-floor living areas and two first-floor bedrooms.

A detached farmhouse at High Corney Farm near Millom is going to auction with a guide price of £150,000 to £200,000. The property includes more than four acres, several outbuildings and requires full modernisation. The auction will be held on July 16 at The Halston Hotel in Carlisle.

A planning application seeks to convert a former shop on Cavendish Street in Barrow into a late-night hot food takeaway with a manager’s flat above. Applicant Lisa Clark proposes opening hours extending to 3 a.m. on most days and employing six people. A part‑retrospective element reflects work already begun in June 2025. An acoustic report indicates the ventilation system would remain below existing noise levels with mitigation measures, including silenced fans and improved insulation. Public consultation runs from July 9 to 30.

McDonald’s has submitted plans to Westmorland and Furness Council to upgrade its Barrow drive‑thru at Hollywood Park by introducing dual side‑by‑side ordering lanes, camera‑based vehicle matching and an additional fast‑forward booth. The changes aim to shorten queue times, improve traffic flow and enhance staff safety. The proposal includes kerb alterations, new signage, redecorated elevations and relocation of digital menu boards, with a loss of ten parking spaces that the accompanying transport statement says will not affect overall capacity. Public consultation runs from July 10 to 31.

Jess Dandy will perform a fundraising recital at Cartmel Priory on July 24, featuring a wide‑ranging musical programme accompanied by David Pipe. All proceeds will support the upkeep of the historic church. The article highlights Dandy’s professional achievements, her ongoing projects including SongPath and her residency at Brantwood, and her recent international performances. The priory’s reliance on donations and events for its continued preservation is also emphasized.

A Grade II listed former pub, the Britannia Inn in Barrow, is being auctioned by Auction House Cumbria with a guide price of £75,000. The property includes two bar areas, living accommodation across multiple floors, and external storage. The auction will take place on July 16 at The Halston Hotel in Carlisle, with bidding registration available online.

A 37‑square‑metre freehold plot at Lowick Green in the South Lakes is listed for around £40,000 through Corrie and Co. The land, situated behind Lane Head Cottages and opposite the Farmers Arms pub, includes a small stone store and has access from an adopted lane. No planning permissions are in place, but the agent notes potential for parking or amenity use.

A historic four‑bedroom property in the Rusland Valley is listed for £1.1m, offering woodland grounds, original architectural features and modern comforts. Marketed by Ashdown Jones, the home includes multiple reception rooms, an AGA‑equipped kitchen, an art studio, outbuildings and private woodland with a viewpoint. The estate agent highlights the property’s blend of centuries‑old character and contemporary practicality.

Honor Morton, an 18-year-old athlete from Cumbria, has been selected to represent Deaf Team GB at the European Deaf Youth Games in Hannover. Inspired by her twin sister Gretta and by Mo Farah’s Olympic success, she has competed across multiple distances and currently holds the Hoad Hill 10K under-18 course record and the Welsh Athletics U20 steeplechase title. She credits her family and school support staff for helping her navigate growing up deaf and advocates for improved recognition and funding for deaf athletes. Morton is fundraising to cover her competition costs and continues to use social media to promote deaf awareness and equal opportunities in sport.

A long-lost Victorian lecture by Barrow-born historian William Barrow Kendall has been rediscovered in the Barrow archives, providing new insight into how the English Civil War affected Furness, including local skirmishes and physical evidence of conflict. The Millom and District Local History Society located the manuscript, secured publication permission from a surviving descendant, and released it in booklet form. Local finds such as musket balls and a cannonball further illuminate the region’s wartime past.

A fisherman who became disoriented in fog two miles southwest of Walney Lighthouse was rescued by Barrow RNLI after being located by the crew of the windfarm vessel Windcat 38. The RNLI lifeboat Grace Dixon recovered the man and towed his small boat back to Roa Island. The operation was led by Coxswain Shaun Charnley with support from six volunteers, with RNLI representatives praising both the assisting vessel and crew performance during the rescue.

A 44-foot sailing vessel grounded between Walney and Piel Islands and was assisted by Furness Coastguard and Barrow ILB. A rising tide refloated the vessel, allowing crews to guide it into deeper water, and the Coastguard monitored its progress until it safely cleared Walney Channel and reached open water.

Pupils at Chetwynde School in Barrow watched England’s World Cup last‑16 victory over Mexico on a big screen after staff arranged a morning screening due to the 2am kickoff. The event created an energetic atmosphere and allowed students to experience the match they would otherwise have missed. The school is part of the South Cumbria Multi‑Academy Trust.

A man was taken to hospital after being assaulted with a baseball bat in Askam, leading to five arrests for grievous bodily harm and assisting an offender. All suspects have been released on bail, and Cumbria Police thanked residents for assistance while requesting further information or CCTV relevant to the investigation.

A 19th‑century country house, Bankfield Hall in Askam‑in‑Furness, has been listed for £2.25 million, offering panoramic coastal and fell views along with eight acres of grounds. The property features period architecture, spacious reception areas, family‑oriented living spaces, and multiple outbuildings with potential for various uses. Its location provides access to nearby towns and the Lake District, with agents highlighting its blend of historical character, rural setting, and flexibility for future owners.

Chetwynde School’s new student leadership team has launched a fundraiser to help former pupil Honor Morton cover the costs of representing Great Britain at the first European Deaf Youth Games in Hanover. Morton, an award‑winning young athlete, receives no government or British Athletics funding, prompting the students to organise a themed non‑uniform day to raise money and awareness. School leaders praised the initiative as an example of community spirit, while the student team emphasised inclusion, respect and supporting others as their goals for the year.

A person became trapped in quicksand on the Haverigg foreshore near a moored vessel in an area known for hazardous soft blue clay, prompting a safety warning from the Millom Coastguard Rescue Team. The Coastguard urged the public to avoid crossing mud, highlighted risks from rising tides, and advised calling emergency services rather than attempting self-rescue or helping others who may also become stuck.

Dhaba Restaurant on Dalton Road in Barrow has temporarily closed for essential maintenance, announcing the shutdown through a social media post that thanked customers and promised a reopening soon.

A £1,000 Daily Prize was awarded to players in twenty UK postcodes, including LA18 5HP in Hallthwaites, Millom. The piece explains how the subscription‑based Postcode Lottery operates and highlights that players contribute to a fund that has raised more than £1.7 billion for charities in the UK and abroad, supporting major organisations and local community projects.

A planning application has been submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council seeking approval to install metal security shutters on a property at 196-200 Dalton Road in Barrow. Applicants Michael and Marie Elliot cite rising vandalism as the reason for the proposed addition, which would protect the building’s large ground-floor windows. The site, a former pair of retail units currently being developed into a café-bar with holiday-let rooms, previously received approval for change of use in 2025. Consultation on the new application runs from July 2 to July 23.

A locally written 10,000‑word book on Cartmel’s two‑thousand‑year history has raised £500 for Cartmel Priory C of E School and additional funds for other community projects through village sales outlets. Written by historian Colin Burke, the book covers events from early Christianity to the arrival of the railway. Local businesses and the Cartmel Village Society contributed to fundraising efforts, with all profits directed to community causes.

Historical photographs by Edward, Raymond and Eric Sankey capture early‑20th‑century life in Barrow‑in‑Furness, depicting long‑gone streets, family‑run shops, shipyard workers and notable local landmarks. The images highlight major changes over time, including demolished buildings, renamed businesses and shifts in industry and community life, offering a detailed visual record of the town’s past.

A community cycling event in Furness attracted nearly 120 participants who rode various distances to raise funds for St Mary’s Hospice and other charities. Organised by the Rotary Club of Furness and sponsored by Vattenfall, the event featured a new starting point at Furness Academy and was praised for its strong volunteer support and smooth execution. Organisers and hospice representatives highlighted the importance of the fundraiser and expressed gratitude to participants, volunteers and partner organisations.

Triple A Project has opened a new office at Hindpool Community Centre in Barrow to expand autism support services in the Furness area, enabling greater collaboration and community-led initiatives. CEO Susan Prior highlighted the benefits of having a dedicated base, including the ability to build partnerships and support user-led groups. Nicola Brockbank has been appointed Furness area manager, bringing extensive experience in autism and SEND law. Additional staff appointments and upcoming youth services are planned, with confirmed programmes including Navigator mentoring, an autistic adult group and the Connect to Work partnership with Inspira.

A family-run ice cream business in Ulverston, Cumbrian Cow Ice Cream, will close after its final season ends in August 2026. The Stable family announced the decision in an emotional message thanking staff and loyal customers who supported the venture since its launch in 2016. The business plans to offer a nostalgic finale by reintroducing all archived flavours before shutting down permanently and has invited enquiries regarding the sale of equipment.

A development site on Millom Road in Millom has been listed for sale with planning permission for 33 homes of various sizes. Corrie and Co promoted the location as a strong residential development opportunity. The site includes permissions under two planning applications with extended consent and is offered at around £600,000.

Ofsted inspectors found strong behaviour, inclusion, safeguarding and SEND support at Cambridge Primary School in Barrow but identified weaknesses in writing achievement and early years curriculum sequencing. Attendance is improving and personal development opportunities were praised. Leaders were urged to strengthen writing instruction, improve early years planning and sharpen evaluation processes. School leaders and governors welcomed the findings, highlighting staff commitment, community relationships and ongoing improvements in phonics, reading and maths.