Independent local journalism
Kendal edition
Kendal news, weather and local updates — the southern gateway to the Lake District, covering Burneside, Natland, Oxenholme and South Lakeland.
Missing-person and urgent police appeals for Kendal and the surrounding area — please share.
Have you seen missing teenager Thomas Johnston? Thomas is 17 years old and is missing from Kendal. He was last seen on Thursday morning (6 Aug) at around 9am. Officers are concerned for his welfare and are encouraging anyone who can assist in locating him to…
Read the full story → Share on FacebookPolice are concerned for the welfare of a missing man, who was last seen in the area of Furness General Hospital in Barrow this morning. Robert Parlia, 32, was last seen at about 6am. He is described as white, about 6ft tall, of medium build, with dark,…
Read the full story → Share on FacebookThe stories being talked about on the streets of Kendal.
Local businesses in Kendal have reported significant challenges due to the temporary closure of Nether Bridge, citing a drop in customer traffic and decreased revenue as a result.
Read the full story →Cumbria Police conducted a warrant in Bowness-on-Windermere on October 7 as part of Operation Alliance, targeting serious and organized crime. During this operation, two individuals were charged following the seizure of drugs and cash.
Read the full story →Sean Devaney, a 64-year-old from Knaresborough, has received a sentence of four years and six months for a residential burglary in Kendal. He was also convicted for a second burglary in West Yorkshire while on bail. The sentencing took place at Leeds Crown Court.
Read the full story →Two individuals have been arrested in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred in the Sandylands area of Kendal on September 21. The police responded to the scene after a man suffered non-life-threatening injuries from the attack.
Read the full story →Authorities in Kendal are seeking information regarding an assault that resulted in a man being stabbed and sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. Police are urging witnesses or anyone with relevant details to come forward to aid in their investigation.
Read the full story →Law enforcement officials have shared their reflections on the policing operation during the Kendal Calling festival in 2026. They expressed condolences regarding the tragic death of a teenage girl that occurred over the weekend, stating that their thoughts are with her family and friends as investigations into the incident continue.
Read the full story →Authorities are seeking witnesses after a teenage girl died at the Kendal Calling festival. Emergency services responded to reports of a medical episode at 2:13 AM on August 2, 2026. Officers and the North West Ambulance Service were on the scene, but the girl could not be saved.
Read the full story →Authorities are gearing up for the Kendal Calling Festival, scheduled for 30 July to 2 August 2026 at Lowther Deer Park. This four-day music festival is the largest of its kind in the county, attracting approximately 40,000 attendees.
Read the full story →Two men were sentenced to prison for supplying cocaine and cannabis at the Kendal Calling music festival last year. The individuals, who are from outside the county, received their sentences on June 30 at Carlisle Crown Court after previously pleading guilty to the charges.
Read the full story →Two men have received prison sentences for stealing an electric bike from a 13-year-old in Kendal. Declan Hughes, 23, who has no fixed address, admitted to robbery and was sentenced to two years and four months. Ryan Bond, also 23 and from High Cragg Close, was involved in the incident.
Read the full story →The South Lakes Neighbourhood Policing Team has obtained two closure orders for nuisance properties located on Kirkland View in Kendal. The orders were granted by South Cumbria Magistrates Court on June 16.
Read the full story →Emergency services are responding to a collision on Stramongate in Kendal, reported at 1:26 PM. The road has been closed to facilitate their efforts, and both drivers and pedestrians are advised to find alternative routes.
Read the full story →Police are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision on Windermere Road, Kendal. The collision was reported to police at around 8am today (1 May) involving a van and cyclist. The cyclist, a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with serious…
Read the full story →Officers from Westmorland and Furness’s Community and Serious Organised Crime (CSOC) Unit conducted a search warrant at an address in Kendal yesterday morning (30 April) which led to the arrest of one man. The warrant was executed on Dockray Hall Road and a…
Read the full story →Police in Kendal are currently responding to an incident which was reporting this morning (3 April) at 9:33am in which a man, in his 20s, sustained a stab wound to his hand. The incident occurred on Aspen Close. Injuries are not thought to be serious or…
Read the full story →Thank you for sharing this original missing person appeal. This appeal, with personal details, was originally shared to help find them as soon as possible. Now they have been found, to support them and respect their privacy, please delete any posts shared on…
Read the full story →Emergency services are currently in attendance on the A591 - south of Kendal and north of Sizergh following a single vehicle road traffic collision involving a Mercedes car. He incident was reported at around 1.10pm. Emergency services – including an air…
Read the full story →Police are issuing a warning about QR code fraud in car parks – following reports of scammers targeting a number of sites in south Cumbria. The car parks where fraudulent activity has been reported are: Broad Street car park in Windermere; Low Fold car park…
Read the full story →A man is appearing at court today (Feb 19) after being charged with multiple offences following an incident on 17 February on Windermere Road, Whitehaven. Krys Ritson, 37, no fixed address was charged with: Common assault Resisting a constable in…
Read the full story →Two men were jailed on Friday (13 Feb) after a home in Kendal was burgled and a car stolen in December 2025. Jack Alstead, 20, of Royd Drive, Bradford, and Keegan Thackery-Holmes, 21 of Sandfield Road, Bradford were each sentenced to 30 months in prison at…
Read the full story →Have you seen Ian McDuff? He is wanted in connection with burglary investigations in the Ambleside and Windermere areas. McDuff is 60-years-old. He is described as white, often with a white / grey beard and he is around 5ft 5ins tall. Anyone who has any…
Read the full story →Seven arrests were made and drugs seized following a series of police dawn raids across Cumbria in an operation targeting the sale of ketamine. Officers carried out early morning action at eight properties in Carlisle, Whitehaven, Penrith and Kendal as part…
Read the full story →Police are appealing for people to check doorbell footage following a number of reports of car break-ins and attempted car break-ins in the Kendal area overnight (21-22 Jan). Police have received reports relating to Hallgarth, as well as Kirkbarrow and…
Read the full story →Police are investigating a single vehicle collision which occurred on Kendal Road, Bowness-on-Windermere at around 9:50pm last night (1 Jan). It is reported two people were seen to exit the vehicle, a black Audi, after the collision and leave the scene.…
Read the full story →Four men from Yorkshire have been charged with burglary following a break-in at an address in Kendal in the early hours of Friday morning (12 Dec). Cumbria Police received a report of a break-in - and that a car had been stolen – in Collin Close in Kendal at…
Read the full story →Operation Limit – targeting dangerous drivers, including drink and drug drivers - has so far seen more than 600 vehicles stopped and around 40 arrests made. Last night (9 Dec) we received a report that a black Mercedes was being driven erratically in…
Read the full story →Alerts and announcements from the town and county councils.
One Stop in Market Place Ulverston has been ordered to close for three months after a court heard evidence of persistent sales of illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products.
Read the full story →The organisers of the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027 have given their support for the upcoming Carlisle Fireshow.
Read the full story →Work is now underway on the next phase of the Cumberland Sports Village in Workington, marking another important step forward for the major sports and community development.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council will be carrying out essential carriageway patching and pothole repair works on the B5299 between Buckabank and Welton.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council will be carrying out essential carriageway resurfacing works on the U2903 Station Road, Keswick.
Read the full story →A consultation and engagement exercise asking people for their views on how library services should be delivered in Brampton and Longtown has started.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council is set to carry out essential carriageway resurfacing works on the A69 Warwick Road in Carlisle to help keep the road safe and in good condition for road users.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council has officially celebrated the transformation of Carlisle Library with an opening ceremony, following the library's successful public reopening in August.
Read the full story →As autumn brings shorter days, more challenging weather conditions and increased pressures on households, businesses and communities, Connecting Cumbria is highlighting the vital role that reliable digital connectivity plays in building resilience across the…
Read the full story →Connecting Cumbria is highlighting the vital role that reliable digital connectivity plays in building resilience across the county.
Read the full story →At our recent supplier event for Westmorland and Furness Council's £0.5 billion capital programme, we brought together contractors, consultants and council officers to discuss upcoming projects and the role of social value in creating wider community benefits.
Read the full story →Council joins national campaign warning residents about criminal waste traders who pose as legitimate businesses.
Read the full story →Plans for a project to explore the historic connections between part of Kendal Museum's collection and the Nandi community of western Kenya have been approved, to help shape how they are understood and presented in the future.
Read the full story →Works to strengthen resilience at South Walney former landfill site have completed.
Read the full story →The future of adult social care is firmly in the national spotlight following the launch of the Big Conversation on Care, which is giving people across England a say on how care and support should work in the future.
Read the full story →Residents in Whitehaven and Egremont are being invited to have their say on plans to replace play equipment at two local play areas.
Read the full story →Businesses across Westmorland and Furness are being encouraged to help tackle hate crime by supporting staff, promoting reporting routes and helping create safe and inclusive workplaces, in a project by Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria Police to…
Read the full story →Westmorland and Furness Council has expressed disappointment in the government's decision that the Kendal Northern Access Route will not be part of its road and rail investment programme.
Read the full story →Ben Holliday has been appointed as the council's new Chief Innovation, Technology and Digital Officer.
Read the full story →Have your say on proposed Hackney Carriage taxi fares
Read the full story →Cumberland Council has carried out Operation Impact in Whitehaven, bringing together officers from Environmental Crime, Trading Standards, Licensing and Planning to engage with local businesses and promote high standards across the town centre.
Read the full story →Work is set to begin on a new play area in Bransty, Whitehaven, as part of Cumberland Council’s commitment to improving play facilities for children and families across the area.
Read the full story →Residents, businesses and road users are being advised that urgent carriageway resurfacing works will take place on the A594 at Dovenby from Monday 12 October.
Read the full story →The first-ever South Lakes Youth Work Summit, hosted by the South Lakes Youth Work Network (SLYWN) on 5 September, brought together youth workers, volunteers, trustees, community organisations and partners from across South Lakeland for a day of learning,…
Read the full story →Children, families and the wider Alston community are set to benefit from major investment in local education, as the Department for Education (DfE) are now in a position to formally confirm, working in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council and the…
Read the full story →Changes to the way planning decisions are made will come in to force at the end of October.
Read the full story →Westmorland and Furness Council is promoting an enhanced Pass Plus scheme aimed at developing young drivers' skills and confidence, while helping to reduce casualties on our roads.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council is making good progress on repair works to Cumwhinton Ex-Railway Bridge, with the improvements helping to ensure the structure remains safe and reliable for years to come.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council has been shortlisted in the Campaign of the Year – Health and Safety or Educational Outreach category at the 2026 MRW National Recycling Awards, one of the UK's most respected celebrations of excellence in waste, recycling and resource…
Read the full story →People who are passionate about their local community and want to make a real difference to local people's lives are being encouraged to consider becoming a councillor.
Read the full story →People are being invited to share their views on proposals to improve walking and cycling access to the Sandgate area of Penrith town centre.
Read the full story →Visitors to this year’s Carlisle Fireshow are being asked to dig into the bottom of their pockets and support local charities.
Read the full story →Cumbria Fostering is urging more people across the county to consider fostering as it launches its latest recruitment campaign to find safe, stable and loving homes for local children.
Read the full story →Applications for next round of Council’s Greening Businesses Scheme are still open.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council is asking residents to share their views on possible changes to post-16 home-to-school transport for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Read the full story →Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council are inviting residents, passengers, businesses and community groups to take part in the next phase of the Cumbria Bus Reform Pilot Study.
Read the full story →Parkside Residential Care Home in Maryport achieved Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status.
Read the full story →Westmorland and Furness Council is continuing to deliver its most ambitious school maintenance programme to date, following a packed schedule of repairs and upgrades over the summer months.
Read the full story →A new heating solution will soon be in place at Ulverston Market Hall as part of Westmorland and Furness Council’s commitment to maintaining buildings and supporting the local economy in the town.
Read the full story →The Barrow Brilliant Futures Education Conference marked the beginning of the delivery phase of the Brilliant Futures programme, delivered by Westmorland and Furness Council and part of the work of Team Barrow under the Barrow Rising banner.
Read the full story →Broader local and regional coverage from trusted sources.
A man has been charged with rape in connection with an incident that occurred at a holiday park in South Cumbria.
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TJ Hughes is set to open a new store in Egremont, which will create up to 15 jobs in the area.
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A Cartmel architectural firm has been appointed to oversee significant conservation efforts at two churches in Cumbria, with the project estimated to cost £3.8 million.
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Five individuals have been appointed as Deputy Lieutenants in Cumbria. Their roles will involve supporting civic activities and representing the King throughout the region.
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A man was sentenced to jail for his involvement in a cannabis farm in Cumbria, where the crop was valued at nearly £440,000. The judge expressed regret for delivering the sentence on the man's birthday.
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Jean Scott-Smith, who faced a ban on using her 79-year-old Cumbrian dialect in school, is now dedicated to preserving the language.
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Bright Horizons Nursery in Barrow-in-Furness will remain closed for an additional six weeks following a decision by Ofsted.
Read the full story →A man has been charged following the execution of a warrant by police in Barrow on October 14. This action was part of Operation Alliance, which is Cumbria Police's initiative addressing serious and organized crime. The operation involved officers from the Westmorland and Furness Community Serious and Organised Crime team.
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Ford has confirmed its decision to relocate its headquarters back to Cumbria as part of its participation in the World Rally Championship.
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Cumbria Constabulary is enhancing its presence in the community by assigning officers back to frontline positions. This initiative aims to address and reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area.
Read the full story →Neighbourhood policing across Cumbria has been strengthened following a significant investment in Community Beat Officers (CBO’s), providing communities with a greater local policing presence. Through Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee funding, Cumbria…
Read the full story →Police in Cumbria are urging people to check with vulnerable and older family and friends - following a number of reported frauds in recent days. People were targeted by phone in Workington, the Penrith area and in the south of the county this weekend by…
Read the full story →Cumbria Police is supporting Hate Crime Awareness Week, taking place from 10 to 17 October 2026, to raise awareness of hate crime, encourage reporting, and reassure communities that hate crime will not be tolerated. A hate crime is any criminal offence which…
Read the full story →Cumbria Police took part in a national three-week road safety operation focusing on young drivers, in an effort to improve road safety on Cumbria’s roads. Operation Spotlight is a national road safety operation which focuses on the Fatal…
Read the full story →Cumbria Police executed warrants at addresses in Cumbria on Wednesday morning (30 Sept) as part of Operation Alliance – the Constabulary’s dedicated operation protecting the county against serious and organised crime. Officers carried out early morning action…
Read the full story →Cumbria Police utilised a specially-equipped HGV cab as part of its road safety efforts on Cumbria’s roads last week. The latest deployment of Operation Tramline in the county took place last week between 22 Sept and 25 Sept as part of the Constabulary’s work…
Read the full story →Officers are urging people to look out for a wanted sex offender with links to Cumbria, Hampshire, Edinburgh and Glasgow Michal Rygielski is wanted by Cumbria Police. The 38-year-old is wanted after failing to comply with a sex offenders notification order…
Read the full story →Emergency services are responding to a property fire reported at 7:04 AM on September 22 near Coast Road in Barrow. Authorities on the scene include Cumbria Police, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, and North West Ambulance Service.
Read the full story →A 22-year-old man from Oaklands Drive, Carlisle, named Jordan Burgess, is scheduled to appear in North Cumbria Magistrates’ Court today, September 21. He faces multiple charges related to an incident in which three individuals were assaulted.
Read the full story →A further man has been sentenced for his role in a large-scale cannabis factory uncovered in Carlisle in 2023, which is believed to be the largest find of its kind in Cumbria. The operation, valued at an estimated £4.5 million, was discovered at a unit on…
Read the full story →A hearing was held on Friday (4 Sept) following a Class A drug supply conviction in December 2025. John Michael Ward aged 60 was convicted in December 2025 of possession with intent to supply cocaine. Man jailed for drug supply - Cumbria Constabulary A…
Read the full story →Cumbria Police is marking national Rural Crime Week of Action by recognising the vital work carried out every day by our Rural Crime Team to protect communities, tackle crime and support those living and working in rural areas across the county. Throughout…
Read the full story →Cumbria Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of two individuals who are wanted. The following two individuals are all wanted on recall to prison: Krys Ritson, 38 years old from Whitehaven. He also has links to Workington and Lancashire. Zoe…
Read the full story →Cumbria Police are using a new national AI-powered call routing system designed to help members of the public reach the right service more quickly, while reducing pressure on police call handlers. The new technology, introduced today (18 August), will…
Read the full story →A man from Barrow has been convicted after an incident involving an off-road bike in September 2024. Harrison Ainsbury, 20, of Watergarth, Barrow appeared before Barrow-in-Furness Magistrates' Court yesterday (12 August) after pleading guilty to driving a…
Read the full story →Cumbria Police is appealing for information after a report that a child was approached by a man in Rawlinson Street yesterday evening (12 Aug). The approach is believed to have occurred at around 7.45pm. Whilst there was no physical contact with the…
Read the full story →The incident this morning (10 Aug) involving a man on a roof in Warwick Square in Carlisle has been safely resolved. The man safely came down at around 8.20pm. He is now in police custody, having been arrested. Cumbria Police would like to thank the public…
Read the full story →Cumbria Police is appealing for witnesses and video footage as part of an investigation into a series of burglaries and thefts in rural areas. On Friday evening (7 Aug), into the early hours of Saturday (8 Aug), police received a number of reports of groups…
Read the full story →Drink and drug drivers were among those targeted in Cumbria during a national month-long road safety campaign targeting the Fatal Four. Operation Spotlight is a national road safety operation which focuses on the Fatal Four: Speeding Using a mobile phone at…
Read the full story →Furness Neighbourhood Policing Team, alongside partners from Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, HMRC, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Westmorland and Furness Council, made four arrests and seized a number of illicit goods during a large-scale…
Read the full story →A Carlisle man will appear at court charged with rape and sexual assault following a police investigation. Matthew Stewart, aged 31, will appear at North Cumbria Magistrates’ Court on 24 August 2026. Stewart has been charged with: Rape Sexual…
Read the full story →A week-long countywide operation targeting wanted individuals resulted in arrests for offences including Class A drug supply, sexual offences and violence. Operation Merlin is Cumbria Constabulary���s on-going operation seeking out wanted individuals,…
Read the full story →A new multi-agency way of helping people suffering domestic abuse in Cumbria has been officially launched with an event near Penrith. High-risk offenders are being targeted – and their victims protected – through the Drive Project in Cumbria. This sees…
Read the full story →A dedicated road safety operation using a specially equipped HGV cab has identified several motorists putting themselves and others at risk on Cumbria's roads. The latest deployment of Operation Tramline, which took place week between 13th and 20th July,…
Read the full story →Police are appealing for information following two incidents of exposure in the West Cumbria area. The first incident took place on the evening of 11 July on Parton Beach, at approximately 7:30pm. The second took place around 3.30pm on 22 July in the area…
Read the full story →A man has been charged after officers stopped his vehicle and located 1kg of cocaine. Njazi Altini, 37, of Golders Green Road, London was charged by detectives from Westmorland and Furness’ CID with possession with intent to supply cocaine and was remanded…
Read the full story →A drug dealer who was caught with 39kg of cocaine in his car, worth almost £4 million, has been jailed at Carlisle Crown Court today (21 July). The seizure is one of the most significant drugs seizures in Cumbria to date. Courtney Gaston-Hird, 34, of London…
Read the full story →Cumbria Constabulary has secured the top grading under a new national police performance framework, reinforcing its reputation as one of the highest-performing forces in the country HMICFRS has graded the Constabulary with a Level One in the new Policing…
Read the full story →Two Cumbria police officers have been honoured at the National Police Bravery Awards after displaying extraordinary courage, professionalism and dedication to protecting the public during a violent knife attack in Carlisle. PCs Heather Watson and Matthew…
Read the full story →Digital experts at Cumbria Police have reached out to offer advice to hundreds of schools, businesses and charities to warn them about cyber crime during a week-long campaign. Officers and staff from the county’s Cyber and Digital Crime Unit have offered…
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