Simon Armstrong

The Biccies and Banter group in Maryport, Cumbria, has been bringing up to 30 people together each Friday for tea, biscuits, breakfast and conversation since its launch a year ago. Run by The Centre West Cumbria, the informal sessions aim to reduce social isolation and help attendees build confidence and friendships. Occasional advice from Citizens Advice and health teams adds practical support, while participants can also join related activities such as dinners and chair yoga.

Carlisle Library has reopened after a £3.3m refurbishment at The Lanes shopping centre. The renovated venue includes a children’s zone, study space, adult learning classrooms, meeting areas and digital services. Celebration events, including story sessions, crafts and face painting, are taking place throughout the reopening week.

Safety and security have become the main concern among members of passenger campaign group Sort Out the Metro, overtaking reliability for the first time. Members report vandalism, graffiti, rowdy behaviour and a perception that staff do not respond effectively, prompting calls for increased security on trains after 19:00. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said she was working to make the network safer and discussed giving staff more training and powers. Operator Nexus cited daily security patrols and investment in CCTV and body-worn cameras, while the campaign group remained cautiously optimistic but unconvinced that the new trains and existing measures adequately address passengers’ concerns.

Fire crews spent nearly two hours extinguishing a wildfire at Waldridge Fell that was sparked by a disposable barbecue amid extremely dry conditions in the North East. County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service urged the public to avoid barbecues and campfires, ensure any flames are fully extinguished, and remove reflective litter to reduce fire risks. Drivers were also warned not to park on dry grass. A separate large wildfire near Durham University last weekend remains under investigation.

Campaigners warn that closing the High Borrans outdoor education centre in Cumbria will deprive young people of valuable life skills gained through activities such as mountain climbing and canoeing. Alumni of the Young Leaders programme describe the centre as transformative for confidence, resilience and career development. Former head Jo Barnett argues the closure reflects wider financial pressures on councils and urges consideration of alternative operating models involving charities or private providers. North Tyneside Council cites significant budget constraints and declining school participation as reasons behind the proposal. A petition aims to prompt a council debate on keeping the centre open.

Northern continues broadcasting classical-style music at 48 stations in northern England after reporting reductions in loitering and improved passenger safety, though the tactic has been suspended at Maryport due to ongoing vandalism. The firm says the music deters groups of young people, while Railfuture supports its use as part of broader measures including patrols and incident reporting. The company is working with British Transport Police and local communities to address persistent anti-social behaviour at affected stations.

Residents in the Lake District’s Wasdale Valley report increasing problems with illegal parking and camping, causing road blockages and antisocial behaviour along Wastwater. Local groups and authorities have introduced measures such as double yellow lines, boulders to block access and a shuttle bus service, though some visitors continue to ignore restrictions. Officials are exploring stronger enforcement powers and long‑term vehicle‑control measures while urging visitors to respect the landscape and use designated facilities.