Imogen Barber

Three-year-old Border Collie/Husky cross Otis escaped from his foster home in Allithwaite near Grange-over-Sands after opening a window latch. He was last seen around 9am near Nutwood Medical Practice heading towards Grange-over-Sands. Dogs Trust Cumbria has notified the dog warden and is searching for him, warning the public not to approach because he may be frightened and unfamiliar with the area. Anyone who sees Otis or has information is asked to call 07917 926 893.

Ford Park in Ulverston says increased rubbish from summer picnics is raising waste-collection costs and creating extra work for volunteers. The local charity has asked visitors to take their litter home, noting that seagulls often tear open bin bags and scatter waste, while thanking people who help keep the park clean.

Manchester Airport is preparing for a record summer rush after more than 3.3 million passengers travelled through the airport in July. Passengers are advised to arrive two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul flights, allow extra time for traffic or public transport delays, and avoid packing prohibited items that could slow security queues. The airport says additional staff and its upgraded Terminal 2 are helping manage demand; most passengers cleared security within 10 minutes in July. Terminal 2 now handles departures for all airlines except Ryanair, while Terminal 1 has closed and improvement work continues at Terminal 3.

The Lake District Tea Co.’s Kendal Mint Brew has been shortlisted in the tea category of the Great British Food Awards, following its first Great Taste Award from the Guild of Fine Food. Josh Sale described the nomination as excellent news and hoped the team would secure another award for the Lake District. Winners will be announced at the awards’ first ceremony in London on October 6, 2026.

Judah Hicks proposed to his girlfriend Lana at Brewery Arts in Kendal by secretly creating and screening a personal film in place of their planned showing of The Odyssey. The couple met through Manchester Metropolitan University’s Christian Union, developed their relationship from friendship, and became engaged shortly before Lana returned to Canada. They plan to continue their relationship long-distance and marry the following summer.

A routine seatbelt check in Kendal led South Lakes Police to discover cannabis and arrest a van driver on suspicion of drug driving after the driver failed a roadside drugs test. The van’s passenger, who was the registered keeper and was disqualified from driving, was dealt with for cannabis possession. The driver was released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Betfred will close 132 UK betting shops in September, resulting in the loss of more than 600 jobs and reducing its national estate to about 1,100 branches. Chief executive Jo Whittaker attributed the decision to higher employer National Insurance contributions, wage inflation, increased gambling duties and broader economic uncertainty. The company has not yet identified the affected locations, so it remains unclear whether any of its betting shops in Cumbria will close.

A driver stopped in Milnthorpe for not wearing a seatbelt allegedly failed a saliva test and was arrested. South Lakes Police said officers were awaiting blood-test results; if the results confirm the driver was over the legal limit, the case will go to court and the driver could lose their licence.

Windermere Park B&B, a 17-bedroom Victorian boutique hotel in Windermere, Cumbria, has been listed for sale at a guide price of £1.35 million. The year-round business reportedly generates more than £330,000 in annual turnover and includes en-suite guest rooms, dining facilities, staff accommodation, a commercial kitchen, terrace and an 18-space car park. Christie & Co says the property benefits from its central location and strong tourism market, while suggesting a new owner could switch from bed-and-breakfast operations to room-only stays and repurpose dining space for additional accommodation.

The Sedbergh Walking and Wellbeing Festival will run from September 14 to 20 in Cumbria, combining guided walks, outdoor workshops, wellbeing therapies and evening talks. The festival will launch the 120-mile Westmorland & Furness Way, which runs from Alston to Furness Abbey through several protected landscapes and is divided into six sections for different abilities. Organizers and local businesses say the event will showcase the Howgill Fells and Upper Lune Valley while promoting the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors.

A historic five‑bedroom Georgian hall in Lambrigg near Kendal has been listed for £1.25 million by Ashdown Jones. The property features period architecture blended with modern upgrades, including a new roof, solar panels and biomass heating. Interior highlights include multiple reception rooms, a country kitchen with a new AGA and a redesigned principal suite, while the grounds offer mature gardens, woodland, patios and additional outbuildings with parking for over six cars.

A long‑standing Grasmere Rushbearing parade proceeded despite the withdrawal of Cumbria Police from routine traffic management, after volunteers completed specialist training supported by Westmorland and Furness Council. The change, defended by police as a shift to align with national legislation and priorities, led to Ambleside’s event being cancelled but strengthened community involvement in Grasmere. Local councillor Will Clark criticised the policing decision but praised the successful volunteer‑run parade, while organisers appealed for more residents to help sustain future events.

Planning approval allows the Meadfoot guest house in Windermere to operate either as a permanent residence or a managed holiday let under strict conditions. The Lake District National Park Authority found the proposal consistent with housing and sustainable tourism policies, and local officials raised no objections. Restrictions include minimum periods of primary residence, limits on guest stay duration and requirements for on‑site management. Planners concluded the arrangement would not affect local amenity or visitor accommodation supply while helping balance housing needs and tourism demands.

Queen Elizabeth Studio School in Kirkby Lonsdale received a positive Ofsted report, with the sixth form rated as strong and other areas meeting expected standards. Inspectors highlighted effective teaching, personalised programmes, strong pastoral support, and a well‑developed careers offer. They noted some inconsistency in identifying gaps in learning and called for more work on reducing persistent absence. Leadership and governance were praised, and the school’s inclusive approach and calm environment were recognised. Headteacher David Waugh welcomed the findings and emphasised ongoing improvement efforts.

A litter of newborn kune kune piglets was born at Greenlands Farm Village in Tewitfield, with their mother Patricia delivering her first litter. The farm highlights the breed’s calm temperament and popularity with visitors. This is the third litter in six weeks, with another expected soon. The piglets will stay with their mother for about eight weeks before being rehomed. Greenlands Farm Village features over 50 species and offers hands‑on experiences for visitors throughout the year.

Greg Jackson, a clockmaker from Furness, shared details of three elaborate clocks he created for his daughters, including a 20‑year astronomical piece accurate to within fractions of a second, a family‑history clock tracing ancestry back to the 17th century, and a woodland‑themed timepiece still under construction featuring animated birds, flowers and elves. Members of the Rotary Club of Furness praised the craftsmanship and detail showcased in his presentation.

A planning application has been submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority to convert Sun Cottage Cafe in Hawkshead into a purely takeaway fish and chip business. Applicant Paul McLoughlin states the site has served takeaway food since 1952 and now includes an upgraded extraction system to meet current standards.

Planners approved a new non‑illuminated fascia sign for Grosvenor House on Compston Road in Ambleside after an application from Brook Taverner & Co Ltd. The Lake District National Park Authority determined the sign met conservation area requirements, would not harm visual amenity, and aligned with neighbouring traditional shopfronts. An initial proposal for an additional projecting sign was withdrawn before approval was granted on July 7.

Aphrodites Hotel in Bowness obtained planning approval to replace three roadside timber cabins with larger, modern lodge-style units featuring updated design and landscaping. Planning officers concluded the scheme would preserve the character of the Windermere Villas Conservation Area, with conditions requiring tree protection, enhanced planting, controlled lighting and bat‑mitigation measures following the identification of pipistrelle roosts. Local councils supported the proposal, while a neighbour’s objections regarding scale and visual impact were ruled insufficient to block the development due to limited effects on landscape character and residential amenity.

Approval was granted for two affordable homes in Ayside after a detailed planning review by the Lake District National Park Authority. The development, proposed by Edward Stephenson, includes a new bridge, energy‑efficiency requirements and extensive construction conditions to address flooding, traffic and landscape concerns. Despite local objections, the project met policy exceptions through a Section 106 agreement securing the homes as affordable units, allowing construction to proceed under strict safeguards.

Engineers have identified severe structural instability in the 19th‑century extension of Kitty Hall, a Grade II listed cottage in Elterwater, prompting a planning application for substantial rebuilding. Reports indicate significant wall movement, vertical cracking and separation of masonry, with temporary shoring already advised. The proposed work involves dismantling and reconstructing major sections of the south‑west and south‑east walls, including the chimney stack, along with window replacements, internal repairs and possible roof work. The project requires regulatory approval and compliance with construction safety rules, and the tenant will need to vacate affected rooms during the repairs.

Westmorland and Furness households face one of the highest garden waste collection charges in the North West at £60 a year, ranking third behind Cheshire East and Wirral. The council says the fee reflects financial pressures and the need to fund non‑statutory services fairly. Waste firm Divert highlights wide regional disparities and advises residents to review their needs before subscribing. Westmorland and Furness and neighbouring Cumberland Council will delay mandatory weekly food waste collections until 2034 due to a long-term contract with Biffa, though alternative options are being explored. Current food waste continues to be processed at Barrow’s MBT plant and converted into refuse-derived fuel, keeping most non-recyclable waste out of landfill.

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in Windermere was named Large Hotel of the Year at the 2026 Cumbria Tourism Awards, reflecting its strong reputation in the region’s hospitality sector. General manager Chris Cooper and owners Barney and Zoë Cunliffe highlighted the dedication of the hotel’s team and support from guests and partners. The hotel has earned multiple recent accolades, including AA Five Red Stars, a Michelin star for its restaurant SOURCE, recognition from the Good Hotel Guide, The Telegraph, and The Times, and top-tier Tripadvisor honours. The awards celebrate businesses contributing significantly to Cumbria’s visitor economy.

A proposal has been submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council for a 120m² ground-mounted solar panel array at the Grade II listed Marton Hall near Ulverston. The plan includes levelling the site, installing panels, and rebuilding part of a stone boundary wall, with underground cabling routed to the property’s electrical system. A heritage statement argues the works have minimal impact on the historic setting and are justified by the renewable energy benefits. The application is open for consultation until 31 July.

Pupils from St Mark’s CofE Primary School in Natland staged a lively performance of the comedic musical Grossbusters, with strong acting, confident singing and enthusiastic participation from children in Years 4 to 6. Year 6 pupils were highlighted for their leadership and maturity, and headteacher Louise Hinton praised the cast’s talent and dedication. Staff, families and volunteers were thanked for contributing to a successful production that helped pupils build confidence and key life skills.

The Cross Bay Half Marathon returned after a decade-long hiatus, gathering 250 runners and raising over £55,000 for CancerCare. The race followed a demanding tidal bay route from Arnside Promenade to Cark Airfield. Kat Micheals of CancerCare praised participants for their effort in supporting individuals and families affected by cancer and bereavement. Michael Wilson, the King’s Guide to the Sands, safely led the course. Peter Harrison and Annie Dickinson were the top male and female finishers. Funds will support CancerCare’s local services.

Manchester Airport promotes flights to five Norwegian destinations ahead of England’s World Cup match against Norway, outlining travel options, prices and key attractions in Oslo, Sandefjord, Bergen, Tromso and Stavanger, highlighting cultural sites, natural scenery and seasonal activities.

Seasonal in‑river construction work has begun at three River Kent sites in Kendal as part of the Environment Agency’s flood risk management scheme. Activities include gravel management, structural removals and scour protection, timed to protect sensitive wildlife in the protected SSSI and SAC area. The wider project aims to protect thousands of homes and businesses while enhancing habitats through landscaping and planting. Public access will be restricted during works, and updates are available through the Flood Scheme Information Hub and online resources.

Several pubs and bars across south Cumbria will stay open late due to eased licensing rules, allowing fans to watch the 1am England versus Mexico World Cup 2026 match. A list of participating venues includes locations in Barrow, Ulverston, Flookburgh, Bouth and Cartmel, with Barrow Raiders also opening a fan zone. The extended hours are part of a UK-wide scheme enabling venues to show the full match.

Manchester Airport has introduced The Executive, a new premium lounge in Terminal 2 offering chef‑led dining, live cooking stations and what is believed to be the UK’s first airport lounge carvery. Developed by CAVU under Manchester Airports Group, the space features five themed food zones and showcases products from local Greater Manchester suppliers. Designed to reflect the city’s cultural and industrial heritage, the lounge provides both buffet and seated dining options, with prices starting at £57.99. Leadership describes the addition as part of ongoing investment to enhance passenger experience, with advance booking and walk‑in options available.

easyJet is launching a new twice-weekly route from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Budapest starting November 19, 2026, expanding its Liverpool network to 41 routes across 18 countries. Company leaders highlight strong demand and the route’s appeal as a popular winter city-break destination. Liverpool Airport officials note improved regional connectivity, while easyJet continues to grow capacity and offer flexible holiday packages with price guarantees. Seats are available from £25.99.