The Carlisle West Community Panel met to discuss local investments, broadband connectivity, and community updates. The panel approved funding for Spiral, Cumbria Cricket, and Carlisle Key, and noted updates on broadband coverage and council activities. Members also discussed a new policy on land and property disposals.

Neighbourhood Investment Fund

The panel approved several investments from the Neighbourhood Investment Fund, after reviewing applications against locally agreed priorities: environment, crime and anti-social behaviour, housing, community facilities and support, and the town and city centre.

• Spiral: A grant of £6,750 was approved for Spiral's Stepping Stones project, which supports young people aged 8 to 25 affected by bullying. The project aims to develop skills to support re-engagement into education, with sessions running 3-4 days a week for young people aged 11-16. Spiral is an organisation that works with young people and their guardians to address and prevent the harmful effects of bullying.
• Cumbria Cricket: £466 was granted to Cumbria Cricket to pilot their Cumbria Cricket Pathway Early Engagement Plan. The plan aims to expand access to cricket for boys and girls aged 9–12, offering a structured and inclusive introduction to the game. Cumbria Cricket aims to create an environment where cricket is open, welcoming, and accessible to all.
• Carlisle Key: A grant of £5,592 was approved for Carlisle Key towards the cost of creating a boardroom space and promotional activities. The recommendation was for 80% of the funding requested, and that the organisation seek match funding for the additional 20%. Carlisle Key is a charity that provides a drop-in centre for young people aged 16 to 25 who find themselves homeless in the Carlisle area.

Broadband and Mobile Connectivity

The panel received a report from Connecting Cumbria on fixed line broadband and mobile connectivity coverage in the Carlisle West area.

Key statistics for the Carlisle West Community Panel area:

• 87.5% gigabit capable broadband coverage
• 98.7% superfast broadband coverage (greater than 30Mbps)
• 1.1% sub-Universal Service Obligation¹ (USO) coverage (less than 10Mbps)
• 100% 4G coverage from at least one Mobile Network Operator
• 100% 4G coverage from all Mobile Network Operators

The report also compared these figures with those for the wider Cumberland area, Cumbria as a whole, and the UK. Connecting Cumbria's website is www.connectingcumbria.org.uk, and they can be contacted at info@connectingcumbria.org.uk.

Community Panel Update

The Area Planning Manager provided an update on recent activities by Cumberland Council within the Carlisle West Community Panel area.

Raffles Community Plan

The council, in partnership with Riverside Housing Association² and consultants Genecon, are developing a long-term vision and plans for the Raffles area.

Genecon has been engaging with local residents, including teenagers from Richard Rose Academy, and key stakeholders to gather views on the area and identify priorities for change. The completed plan is expected in September 2025, and funding committed by the panel in 2024-2025 will be used to deliver initial projects.

Operation Respect Morton Manor

Following the success of last year's event in Raffles, Operation Respect was held at Morton Manor Community Centre on 31 July. The event, hosted by Riverside Housing, provided large skips for residents to dispose of unwanted items free of charge. Sixteen organisations, including Cumbria Fire, Cumbria Police, and Cumberland Council teams, were in attendance to provide advice and guidance.

Belle Vue Community Group

The Belle Vue Community Group meets bi-monthly and is chaired by the Carlisle West Community Development Officer. The group aims to transition into a Raffles Steering Group to support the implementation of the Raffles Community Plan and is seeking new members.

Carlisle Resilience Network Event

A resilience and community planning event was held on 4 September at Foxes Lounge, Carlisle United, Brunton Park. The event focused on educating the community on how to support themselves and their community during emergencies.

Baton of Hope

Cumberland Council supported the Baton of Hope initiative on 7 September, which aimed to raise awareness of suicide prevention and reduce stigma. The Community Development Team was present at Carlisle Castle.

Land and Property Disposals Policy

The panel noted the new Land and Property Disposals Policy, which was agreed by the Executive on 15 July 2025. The policy aims to ensure that disposals are undertaken lawfully and that the council fulfils its duties in relation to best value.

The policy states that local councillors will be informed where a property or piece of land is subject to disposal within the community panel area, though Community Panels will not make decisions regarding the disposal of assets.

The following assets within the Carlisle West Community Panel area have been identified as surplus to requirements and are scheduled to be disposed of within the financial year:

• Residential and commercial properties at Warwick Street and adjoining land, Carlisle, CA3 8QW.
• Land at West Tower Street, Carlisle, CA3 8QT.

Cumbria Local Plan Consultation

The council has begun work on a new Local Plan for Cumberland (excluding areas within the Lake District National Park and St. Cuthbert's Garden Village). The first public consultation stage, the 'Issues and Options' consultation, will run from 1 September to 31 October 2025.