Independent local journalism
Kendal edition
Kendal, Cumbria — the stories that matter on your street
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 FacebookThank 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 → 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 FacebookUpdate 10pm 7 April - We can confirm that a body has been recovered following a multi-agency search for a missing 17-year-old male at High Dam Tarn. This follows a multi-agency rescue operation with teams deploying from Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria Fire and…
Read the full story → Share on FacebookThank 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 → Share on FacebookThe stories being talked about on the streets of Kendal.
Police have expressed their condolences following the tragic death of a teenage girl during the Kendal Calling festival. They are currently investigating the circumstances related to her passing while also reviewing this year's festival policing operation.
Read the full story →Authorities are seeking witnesses after a teenage girl died at the Kendal Calling festival on August 2, 2026. Emergency services responded to reports of a medical episode at 2:13 AM. Despite efforts from officers and the North West Ambulance Service, the girl could not be saved.
Read the full story →Authorities are gearing up for the Kendal Calling Festival, set to occur from July 30 to August 2, 2026, at Lowther Deer Park. This four-day event is the largest music festival in the county, attracting approximately 40,000 attendees.
Read the full story →Two men have been sentenced to prison for supplying cocaine and cannabis at the Kendal Calling music festival last year. The individuals, who are not from the area, received their sentences today at Carlisle Crown Court after pleading guilty in a prior hearing.
Read the full story →Two men have received prison sentences for the theft of an electric bike from a 13-year-old in Kendal. Declan Hughes, 23, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty 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 obtained two closure orders for nuisance properties on Kirkland View in Kendal. The orders were granted by the 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 work, and both drivers and pedestrians are advised to find alternative routes.
Read the full story →Authorities are seeking witnesses to a road traffic incident on Windermere Road in Kendal, which occurred around 8 a.m. today, May 1. The collision involved a van and a 14-year-old male cyclist, who was subsequently transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
Read the full story →A man was arrested following a search warrant executed by the Community and Serious Organised Crime Unit in Kendal on April 30. The operation took place on Dockray Hall Road.
Read the full story →Authorities in Kendal are addressing an incident reported at 9:33 AM on April 3, where a man in his twenties suffered a stab wound to his hand on Aspen Close. The injuries are not believed to be serious.
Read the full story →Emergency services are responding to a single vehicle collision involving a Mercedes car on the A591, located between Kendal and Sizergh. The incident was reported at approximately 1:10 PM.
Read the full story →Two men were sentenced to 30 months in prison on February 13 for their involvement in a burglary in Kendal, which occurred in December 2025. Jack Alstead, 20, and Keegan Thackery-Holmes, 21, both from Bradford, were convicted for stealing a car during the incident.
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 →UPDATE: A man who died following a collision on the A591, near Winter Lane, on Saturday (Oct 11) has been identified as Mr Derek Swarbrick, from Kendal, Cumbria. Previous Release - 13/10/25 Police were called to a two-vehicle collision on the A591, near…
Read the full story →Officers arrested three on suspicion of offences including drug driving and shoplifting yesterday (8 Oct) in Kendal. Police stopped a vehicle at Sainsbury’s in Shap Road at around 9.40pm. Inside the vehicle they recovered a large amount of meat and other…
Read the full story →Detectives from Westmorland and Furness’s Community and Serious Organised Crime (CSOC) Unit have charged a man with burglary following an incident in Kendal this summer. Sean Devaney, aged 63, of Boroughbridge Road, North Yorkshire has been charged with…
Read the full story →Alerts and announcements from the town and county councils.
Cumberland Council is reminding young people and families that anti-social behaviour on public transport will not be tolerated following recent incidents on bus services across the area.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council is thanking everyone who attended last Friday's drop-in session for the Carlisle Market Hall Bus Hub improvement project and reminding bus users of the temporary arrangements that will be in place when works begin on Tuesday 1 September.
Read the full story →Westmorland and Furness Council is holding a forum to support private landlords and managing agents to stay up to date with changes in housing law and provide guidance on maintaining good-quality homes.
Read the full story →Residents and visitors are being encouraged to make the most of the August Bank Holiday weekend as the Carlisle International Market returns to the city centre.
Read the full story →We are encouraging families to check whether they are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), following changes to national eligibility rules, which mean that from September 2026 all households receiving Universal Credit can apply, regardless of income.…
Read the full story →Business owners and operators have just a few days left to take part in the council's annual business survey.
Read the full story →Westmorland and Furness Council will continue to provide key services over the Summer Bank Holiday but some of its offices will be closed on Monday 31 August 2026.
Read the full story →The doors of The Carlton, one of Maryport’s most prominent buildings will soon open to the public as an entertainment and events venue with office and workshop space also available to rent.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council is set to carry out carriageway resurfacing works on the U4106 Hinnings Road, Distington, helping to improve the condition of the highway and provide safer, smoother journeys for residents, businesses and visitors.
Read the full story →The transformation of the Cleator Moor Activity Centre has been completed, marking a significant milestone for the Cleator Moor Town Deal programme.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council will begin essential maintenance works on the C1041 at Cammock Cottage Bridge on Tuesday 1 September 2026, with works expected to take approximately four weeks, subject to weather and site conditions.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council has successfully completed the Dow Beck (Caldewgate) Culvert strengthening scheme in Carlisle, marking an important milestone in improving the long-term resilience of this key infrastructure asset.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council will begin a bridge deck replacement on the U2093 at Bridekirk Bridge, Bridekirk, Cockermouth on Tuesday 1 September 2026, with works expected to take approximately three weeks, subject to weather and site conditions.
Read the full story →Westmorland and Furness Council is pleased to be able to announce the continuation of the post-16 transport bursary scheme given the financial sustainability challenges the Council is facing, helping young people access post-16 education and training.
Read the full story →Thousands of spectators gathered across Cumberland on Wednesday 19 August to watch the opening stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, enjoying a day of world-class cycling as the race passed through communities across the area.
Read the full story →The results for the Cumberland Council Harraby South ward by-election held on Thursday August 20 have been announced.
Read the full story →Construction is underway on an Enterprise Campus based in Leconfield Industrial Estate in Cleator Moor.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council is reminding residents; businesses and visitors of upcoming road closures and traffic management arrangements associated with the Workington Gateway Project and other planned highway improvements. Some dates have been revised following…
Read the full story →Council and Cumbria Wildlife Trust recognised by DEFRA as Bees’ Needs Champion 2026.
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 →After months of hard work, revision and preparation, young people across Cumberland are receiving their GCSE results today. The results will help shape their next steps into sixth form, college, apprenticeships, training or employment.
Read the full story →Schools across Westmorland and Furness are today welcoming their young people back to receive their GCSE results. The day marks an important milestone for pupils as they take their next step in their education, training or employment journey.
Read the full story →On the build up to the bank holiday on Monday 31 August, Cumberland Council is reminding residents how to access its services.
Read the full story →A review is underway of the Learn to Swim programme offered by Penrith Swimming Club.
Read the full story →A new community rail project is helping people with disabilities gain the confidence and skills to travel independently by train while promoting some of the outstanding attractions along the Cumbrian Coast Line.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council's zero-tolerance approach to littering has led to a Carlisle man being ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling £460 after he ignored a Fixed Penalty Notice issued for dropping a cigarette end in the city centre.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council is advising passengers of temporary changes to some bus services in Cumberland on Wednesday 19 August as the Tour of Britain Women cycle race passes through the area.
Read the full story →Cumberland Council is inviting residents, businesses and road users to have their say on a series of proposed speed limit changes across North Cumberland as part of its ongoing commitment to improving road safety across the area.
Read the full story →A new pocket park is set to be created in Dalton with funding from the Borderlands programme, transforming a vacant town-centre site into a new space for residents for everyday use and community events.
Read the full story →Young people across Westmorland and Furness are celebrating today as they receive their A-Level, BTEC and T Level results and take the next step towards higher education, apprenticeships, training and employment.
Read the full story →Work is progressing well on a significant extension at Beaconside CofE Primary School, which will create additional school places and expand specialist provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Read the full story →It is now easier than ever for families in Westmorland and Furness to start their child’s reading journey from birth. Parents registering the birth of their baby are now being offered the opportunity to get their baby’s first library card at the same time.
Read the full story →The refurbishment of the public toilet facilities on Fell Street in Barrow has now been successfully completed, delivering improved, modern amenities for residents and visitors.
Read the full story →Have your say in a statutory consultation on proposals for 17 community-backed 20mph speed limit schemes across Westmorland and Furness.
Read the full story →Cumbria Local Government Pension Fund colleagues joined charity cyclist Ewan McCulloch at Carlisle Castle this week as he set off on a 1,300km journey across England to raise money for charities and community projects.
Read the full story →For the 2026-27 academic year, Cumbria Adult Learning is offering a wide range of courses designed to help learners gain qualifications, enhance their employment skills, explore new hobbies and interests, and improve their health and wellbeing.
Read the full story →The Westmorland and Furness Community Safety Partnership is launching a Community Conversation to support the development of the new Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2027-30.
Read the full story →A brand-new road that bypasses one of the worst bottlenecks in the area is set to be opened this weekend.
Read the full story →Westmorland and Furness Council is proud to launch its new Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme across its public-facing council buildings as part of celebrations for World Breastfeeding Week 2026.
Read the full story →The UK’s newest long-distance walking route, the Westmorland and Furness Way, will be officially launched on 15 September 2026.
Read the full story →Broader local and regional coverage from trusted sources.
A man has passed away after collapsing close to the summit of Scafell Pike in the Lake District. Despite rescue attempts, he could not be saved.
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A man has been taken into custody in Cumbria following incidents where pedestrians and vehicles were hit with eggs.
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Mountain rescue teams were deployed in the Lake District following an alert from an Apple Watch, which indicated that the user had experienced a significant fall. Volunteers responded to the situation to assist in the search and ensure the individual's safety.
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Mobile speed camera vans are deployed today in various locations across Cumbria.
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A walking festival will be held in the Lake District, offering 10 free guided events for participants. The festival aims to promote outdoor activities and encourage community engagement in the scenic region.
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Cumberland Council has intensified enforcement efforts to safeguard the natural beauty of the Lake District. As part of this initiative, ten illegal campsites have been removed to address issues related to irresponsible behavior in the area.
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The reopening of the fire-damaged crematorium in Westmorland and Furness has been postponed, with the council stating that a specific date has not yet been established.
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Gleeson Homes has proposed the construction of 165 houses near the A65, which serves as a primary access route to the Lake District National Park.
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Cumbria Fire Service is advising residents to delay any planned controlled burns due to persistently dry land conditions. The warning comes as the number of fire-related calls has increased in the area.
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Fans from the North East and Cumbria are honoring Dolly Parton, highlighting the theme of acceptance in her lyrics. Among them is James Barker, who has written a thesis focusing on her work.
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Drivers in Cumbria should prepare for travel disruptions as two bridges will be closed for maintenance work.
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…
Read the full story →Neighbourhood policing teams across Cumbria delivered a week of proactive activity last week to tackle crime, address anti-social behaviour and strengthen community relationships as part of national Neighbourhood Policing Week (15-19 June). Officers and…
Read the full story →Copeland Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), alongside Cumbria Police’s Tactical Support Group and the Constabulary Nuclear Estates Team, have been carrying out warrant activity in West Cumbria this week as part of Neighbourhood Policing Week. A warrant…
Read the full story →Cumbria Police’s dedicated road safety operation, Operation Colossus, was in Cleator Moor, South Whitehaven and St Bees on Friday 12 June, as part of ongoing efforts to keep roads safe across the county. Officers were out throughout the afternoon, stopping a…
Read the full story →Copeland Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Local Focus Hub welcomed a number of guests on 15 June 2026, including the Mayor of Whitehaven, Councillor Raymond Gill, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Cumbria, Gerard Richardson, and Whitehaven Town Council Clerk,…
Read the full story →Police in Cumbria are urging people to help them protect the vulnerable from “heartless, cold and ruthless” fraudsters targeting victims by phone. Officers have also enlisted the help of pharmacists, taxi drivers and businesses to assist them in warning the…
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The Royal Air Force base at Spadeadam in Cumbria is currently hosting an exercise for the Dutch Air Force. The challenging local landscape is being utilized to assess the operational readiness of allied forces.
Read the full story →Police in Cumbria are stressing there is no excuse for domestic abuse ahead of the World Cup – as officers continue to enhance measures to tackle offenders and protect potential victims. In previous years, there has been an increase in reports of domestic…
Read the full story →Dedicated volunteers attended a ceremony on 2 June which celebrated their incredible contributions to their communities. The Citizens in Policing awards evening was held at the North Lakes Hotel on Tuesday, honouring the exceptional efforts and achievements…
Read the full story →A man has been charged by officers from Westmorland & Furness’ Neighbourhood Support Team following a vehicle stop which uncovered 39kg of cocaine near Penrith on Wednesday (3 June). Courtney Gaston-Hird, 34, of Sandholme Lane, Lincoln, has been charged with…
Read the full story →A specialist-led inspection has rated Cumbria Constabulary “Good” for its leadership and partnership approach to protecting children. The inspection, carried out by HMICFRS, recognises the Constabulary’s clear commitment to child-centred policing, strong…
Read the full story →Cumbria Police is marking National Volunteers’ Week by recognising the invaluable contribution of its volunteers, including Police Support Volunteers (PSVs), Special Constables (volunteer police officers), cadets and cadet leaders. Together, they generously…
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Andrew Carter explores a lesser-known emergency service operating in Cumbria. This organization plays a vital role in the region's emergency response efforts, yet remains largely unfamiliar to the public.
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