The long-awaited confirmation of plans to demolish a city centre building has been welcomed. The Dias Building on Botchergate – formerly a musical instrument retailer – has stood empty for more than 30 years, and current owners Persimmon Homes have now confirmed plans to demolish the building. Both local authorities - the county and city councils - have been encouraging the current and former owners of the property to develop a plan for the site for several years, with demolition considered the preferred option to enable the site to be redeveloped for the benefit of the local community. The permanent future of the site – located on Botchergate near Carlisle city centre – has yet to be determined, although potential options include residential property development.
PUBLIC leaders in Cumbria have implored the public to stay local in an open letter to the county s residents. The letter, signed by MPs, council chief executives and other figureheads, says: All authorities and partners in Cumbria are appealing to residents and visitors to adhere to the new lockdown guidance which is in place to protect the NHS and save lives. Whilst it may be tempting to go out for a scenic drive in the Lake District, now is the time to stay home, look after one another and play your part to make sure that Cumbria is ready for the return of visitors when it is safe to do so.
CIVIC leaders and key figures from across Cumbria have issued a direct and unprecedented appeal to local residents, urging them to follow lockdown and so save lives. In a show of unity which aims to give the county s hospital services their best chance of not being overwhelmed as covid cases surge, more than 24 senior Cumbrians have put their names to an open letter underlining the need to stay local . The unified plea underlines just how serious the pandemic has now become - both in Cumbria and across the country. The signatories include all of Cumbria s MPs, the county s Chief Constable Michelle Skeer, Cumbria Tourism Chief Executive Gill Haigh, Richard Leafe, Chief Executive of Lake District National Park, and Lyn Simpson, Chief Executive at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, which runs The Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital.
Residents are being given the chance to share their thoughts on the draft council budget.
Carlisle City Council s Executive Committee is now consulting with city residents, businesses and organisations about next year s budget. In the past decade, the council has achieved or identified more than £9 million in transformational savings, with a revised savings requirement being calculated for the next two years. It suggests an increase from £1 million to £1.2 million in 2021/22, with a further increase to £2.05 million in 2023/24. Leader of Carlisle City Council, Councillor John Mallinson, said: “I would like to thank all the officers and Members who have contributed to the development of the draft 2021/2022 budget.