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HealthWatch Public Transport Survey

Help Shape Public Transport in Westmorland and Furness – Public Transport Survey from HealthWatch

Do you face difficulties getting to GP, hospital or other health appointments using public transport? We want to hear from you.

Transport is a recurring issue we hear about at Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness and your experiences could help improve the system for everyone. Wherever the Healthwatch team goes, we hear how difficult it can be to get to medical appointments if you:

  • Don’t own a car
  • Don’t have friends or family available to give you a lift
  • Aren’t eligible for patient transport services

From poor bus connections to high taxi costs, these barriers stop people from accessing the care they need. With Westmorland and Furness and Cumberland Councils developing a new Cumbria-wide mayoral authority – which will have powers over both public transport and health and wellbeing – this project is more important than ever.

What we’re doing

We’re collecting first-hand experiences of travelling to health appointments by public transport (buses, taxis, trains, community transport schemes, plus volunteer car schemes), whether that’s:

  • Primary care (GPs, dentists)
  • Secondary care (hospital)
  • Follow-on care (physiotherapy, rehabilitation programmes, therapy sessions, support groups)

Your appointment doesn’t have to be in Westmorland and Furness as we’re aware many people travel to Carlisle, Lancaster, Whitehaven, Preston, Newcastle and Northumberland for treatment. We’ll combine survey results with case studies and information from engagement events to create a report to take to public transport commissioners and service providers.

Our aim: to make a positive impact on future service provision.

How to get involved

📝 Take our survey: it takes less than five minutes to complete, depending on how much detail you choose to give. To take the survey, click here. Survey closes 31st October 2025.

📢 Share the survey with friends, family, and community groups.

🗣 Invite us to speak at your organisation or group meeting.

Who we want to hear from: We want to gather experiences from anyone who uses (or tries to use) public, community, or volunteer schemes to reach healthcare. In particular:

  • Disabled people
  • Older residents
  • People with long-term health conditions
  • Anyone without access to a private vehicle

Every voice matters, whether your journey has been smooth or difficult.

Why your voice matters – the information you provide will:

  • Highlight real barriers faced by local people.
  • Give decision-makers the evidence they need to make improvements.
  • Ensure transport planning reflects the needs of patients across Cumbria

This is your chance to help shape how transport services work for healthcare access in the future.

Contact us: 📧 info@healthwatchwestfurn.co.uk

📞 0300 373 2820

Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness is a patient voice organisation, listening to what people have to say about their health and social care.

Millom Court Homes To Let

Homes Available To Let For The Over ’50’s

Independent living for individuals aged 50 and over in Studio Apartments designed for comfort and independence.

Millom Court is centrally located in the lovely village of Arnside, within the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape and with local facilities nearby.

✔ Spacious open-plan bedroom/living area

✔ Fitted kitchen & private shower room

✔ Ample in-flat storage

✔ Lift access & level flooring throughout

✔ Warden call system for peace of mind

Community Features

🌳 Shared Garden & communal lounge

🧺 On-site laundry

🎉 Regular social activities

🚉 Excellent transport links & local amenities

💷 Rent: £158 per week

✅ Those receiving benefits are welcome to apply

For more information or to arrange a viewing, call 0800 917 0092 or drop in and speak with the Scheme Manager.

Westmorland and Furness Council Logo

Westmorland & Furness Council Waste and Recycling Harmonisation

Following a Community Consultation that began in November/December 2024, these are the decisions based on the results of the consultation in which almost 3000 people took part – either by completing a survey and at in-person or online events. Further consultation will be required for the decision on whether or not to charge for garden waste collections. This will be included in the Budget Consultation, and a decision will be made by Full Council in February 2026.

What we want to achieve:

The proposals now agreed for future waste and recycling collections in Westmorland and Furness have been independently assessed against the following key criteria:

  • Reduce waste, increase recycling, and provide an improved service for our residents. To achieve .this, we have said that we want to create a single waste and recycling service for the whole of Westmorland and Furness.
  • Consistent Service – ensuring everyone receives the same services across all areas.
  • Improved Performance – making it easier and simpler for residents to waste less and recycle more.
  • Public perception – aligned with resident feedback from the ‘Community Conversation’ engagement, trial schemes and Options Consultation.
  • Carbon Impact – reducing the carbon impact of the service and contributing to the council’s net zero ambitions.
  • Strategic Fit – complies with Government legislation and Council Plan ambitions.
  • Achievability – difficulty implementing, considering things like costs/savings, available resources, need to buy new vehicles, containers etc. and how long will it take

We want to deliver collection services that make it easier and more convenient for people to recycle more and waste less, and that are more reliable, cost-effective and better for the environment.

What has been agreed

At a meeting of Cabinet on 9th September, councillors agreed new harmonised waste and recycling service arrangements for the whole of Westmorland and Furness. The following was approved:

  • Collections – The roll-out of an in-house waste and recycling collection service. This means that in the future, all collections will be delivered by council teams.
  • General Waste – Fortnightly residual (general) waste collections, using a 240-litre wheelie bin. Collections would be the alternate fortnight to recycling collections.
  • Recycling – Fortnightly recycling collection service using 2 x 180-litre wheeled bins. One wheelie bin will be for plastic, cans and glass and one will be for card and paper. Collections would be the alternate fortnight to residual waste collections.
  • Bespoke service arrangements will be looked at for any residents/communities that cannot adopt wheelie bins
  • Green Waste – No decision has been made on charges for garden waste and all options (no charging, partial charging and full charging) are still being considered. Any charges that are introduced for garden waste would be harmonised for the 2026/27 financial year and any proposed changes to fees and charges will be presented for approval, as part of the budget report, to Full Council early in 2026.

The first changes to collection services are expected to begin rolling out in the next few months, but the full implementation will take some time to complete.

Dallam School Year 7 lay the foundation for future success

Over 100 Year 7 pupils spent the last Friday in September gaining skills and cementing friendships to support their transition to secondary school at Dallam School.

Head of Year 7, Paul Ainsworth said: “We work really hard to support our Year 7s, and this team-building day gives them dedicated time and space to develop friendships and get to know their form tutor. Making the step up from primary to secondary school can be a massive adjustment for students. We want them to feel a part of the school community right from the start. They also need to get used to a more diverse curriculum, different teaching styles, and an increased responsibility to manage their time and work more independently. Plus, it’s a critical period for finding friends, developing resilience, responsibility, confidence and their personalities,” added Mr Ainsworth.

The team-building day took place at the Heversham site, home of Dallam boarding, which pupils walked to from school. Four team-building events challenged them to work together, communicate, and use their problem-solving skills. Teaching staff supervised them and sixth-form students, many of whom started with us as Year 7 pupils, supported them. The event was the first of others planned for Year 7.

Mr Ainsworth shares his thoughts on how the two age ranges in school worked together so well: “I’m incredibly proud of our Sixth Formers and the leadership they demonstrated. Every Sixth Former threw themselves into the day with energy and enthusiasm. It was genuinely heartening to watch the way they interacted with the Year 7s, who clearly looked up to them. It’s moments like these that show how valuable student leadership is. I’ve also been particularly pleased to see how seamlessly our new boarders have integrated into the Dallam community – they’ve quickly become valued and respected members of the team. Our Sixth Formers have set a high standard of community spirit, personal excellence, and leadership – something for our Year 7s to aspire to.”

The application deadline for children coming to secondary school next September (2026) is Friday, 31 October. For more information and how to apply, click here.

Fundraiser for 'Walks For All' Walks Coast-to-Coast

Cumbrian Volunteer walks Coast-to-Coast Route to Raise Funds For ‘Walks For All’

A Cumbrian volunteer has walked a unique Coast to Coast route to raise money for an accessible walks program.

Fenella Tratt set off from her home in Silverdale on Thursday, August 28th, making her way to Saltburn-by-the-Sea, to fundraise for the Dementia Friendly ‘Walks for All’ programme.

Completing the walk in ten days, Fenella is one of a team of volunteers at Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape who guide the walks for people living with dementia, and their carers.

Fenella said: “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me, because I’d probably have given up halfway if they hadn’t!​ I think we’ll have raised nearly £2,000 by the time I’ve added it all up! Everyone seems to have been following my blog and enjoying coming with me along the way, which has been the best thing.”

Fenella was supported along her 120-mile route by partner, Den, who drove their campervan ahead to the next campsite on each leg of the journey, as well as dogs, Bobbi and Roxy.

The Dementia Friendly ‘Walks for All’ programme was launched in 2019, led by Feleena Taylor, offering weekly routes for different mobility levels from March to mid-December with monthly meetings in January and February.

Feleena said: “Fenella has been a long serving volunteer for ‘Walks for All’ since 2019 and has witnessed the huge impact it has made to members and their carers. What she’s enjoyed the most is seeing how the walks provide a challenge, and I think this inspiration led to her own fantastic walking fundraising challenge! She’s a star volunteer, and now long distance walker and fundraiser!”

Fenella was inspired to become a volunteer to honour the memory of her father who was a volunteer warden in the Lake District National Park, and lived with Alzheimer’s in later life.

She said: “I know that he would have loved these Tuesday mornings, walking and chatting.”

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Winter at Sizergh 2025

Winter at Sizergh 2025

‘Winter at Sizergh’ is back this year with new elements, self-led crafts, festive food and drink. The house will be decorated for Christmas and the shop will be stocking locally-made gifts and stocking fillers.

Inspired by Sizergh’s wildlife and estate, visitors can immerse themselves in nature-themed light and sound installations and make memories with loved ones.

Starts on 21st November through to Christmas Eve. 12 noon to 8pm every day.

To book tickets, click here.

Temporary Closure Church Hill 4-10-25

Temporary Road Closure: Church Hill, Arnside – 04/10/25

A temporary road closure has been put in place to allow Fibrus to carry out utility works which are expected to commence 4th October 2025 and anticipated to take 2 days to complete.

Please see below details of the extents of the restriction(s) and any alternative route(s) which may be in place, the relevant legal notice can be viewed here and a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found here.

Location: Church Hill, from its junction with Silverdale Road, extending in a north easterly direction for approx. 105 metres.

Alternative Route: There is no suitable alternative route available for vehicles. A way for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be maintained at all times.

N.B Passage for Emergency Vehicles will be maintained where required for the duration of this restriction.

Should you have any queries in relation to this temporary Order please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 373 3306 or via the Westmorland & Furness Council website, quoting the reference TTROW/15742

W.I. & Village Hall

W.I. & Village Hall Fundraising – Phase 1 Completed, Now For Phase 2

Thanks to the amazing generosity of the people of Arnside and beyond, phase one of the urgent ​works needed on the Hall roof are now completed and is now watertight. All the support received is very much appreciated by the Hall Trustees.

Funds are now needed to start Phase 2 which includes works strongly advised by a recent ‘Condition and Greening’ report. These aim to make the Hall a more energy-efficient, sustainable space while also reducing operating costs and the environmental impact, ensuring that the Hall continues to be a vital community hub for the people of Arnside – meeting today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges, and a sustainable space for generations to come. The Hall is now almost 100 years old, and, as with all older buildings, there comes a time where work is needed to make it viable for the future. For the Hall, that time is now!

Project Objectives:

  • Cut energy costs by minimising heat escape through doors and windows
  • Enhance the comfort and usability of the Hall for the community
  • Reduce the building’s carbon footprint, aligning with sustainability goals
  • Preserve and respect the Hall’s heritage while implementing modern solutions

This will be achieved by:

  • Upgrading insulation in the ceiling
  • Installing internal insulation
  • Replacing badly fitting external and internal doors
  • Reduce heat loss through windows by installing thermal blinds
  • Upgrade the lighting

The overall costs of these improvements is estimated at £35,000 to £40,000.

So please continue to help and support us while we try to future proof the W.I. and Village Hall and ensure the Hall continues to be a vital community hub for the people of Arnside and for generations to come.

Penguin Little Book Stop, Arnside

A ‘Penguin Little Book Stop’ comes to Arnside!

Update: ‘The Little Book Stop’ is going on a temporary break in the next couple of days for an installation quality control check, as one of the first ones installed. Penguin are making sure we can love our Little Book Stop for years to come, with some care and upkeep along the way. Please be patient and hold onto your books for now. No return date has been advised at the time of writing.

📚 Something special has arrived on Silverdale Road in Arnside.

Welcome to the Penguin Little Book Stop – a free mini library filled with books for all ages, gifted by @penguinukbooks to celebrate their 90th anniversary.

Local resident, Janice Owen, entered a competition to be part of this national project alongside over 2,000 communities to be one of just 90 locations chosen across the UK as a tribute dedicated to her dear mother, Jean Wilson – an avid reader who inspired a love of books in her children, grandchildren, forever friends and generations to follow.

Here’s how it works:

�📕 Simply borrow a book and return, leave a book.�

📍 You’ll find it on Silverdale Road, on the edge of Coles Drive facing the public pavement on Silverdale Road.

🧡 A space for residents to remember their loved ones when borrowing a book, or gifting one.

With much love and books to share.’

“Si hortum in bibliotheca habes, nihil deerit”

Such a fabulous thing for the village and a wonderful tribute to her mum. Thank you, Janice!

#90LittleBookStops

Burton-in- Kendal Educational Foundation – Small Grants

The Burton-in-Kendal Educational Foundation provides small grants to Sixth Form, College, University Students and Apprentices

To qualify you need to have lived in one of the following Civil Parishes for at least 2 years and be under 25 years of age:

  • Arnside.
  • Burton in Kendal
  • Holme
  • Preston Patrick
  • Dalton
  • The Hamlet of Holmescales
  • Beetham
  • Meathop
  • Ulpha
  • Witherslack

For an application form or further information please contact Mrs Marion Robinson on mvrob23@gmail.com or call 01524 784918 or 07531 575663

The deadline for the return of grant application forms for the 2025/2026 academic year is 31st October 2025.