Salute spirit of young people

WE need something to smile about amid the rain and floods of this wash-out of a summer.

And the young people of Furness, South Lakes and Copeland certainly provided that in abundance at the Cumbria School Games.

The achievements of everyone who took part, all the teachers who inspire them, and the young volunteers who set such a... [more]

Cure needed to help region

THERE is cause for concern today, following the publication of health indicators for the region.

On the first hand because it is clear that, in Barrow and Copeland, far too many of the 32 indicators used to measure an area’s health are above the England average.

But also because the findings of the survey can vary so... [more]

True Olympic legacy today

CYNICS say what has the Olympics coming to Britain done for Barrow? They point to the fact the nearest the Olympic Torch came to Furness was Bowness and Kendal.

They also highlight the corporate nature of the Olympic celebration, namely sponsors Samsung, Coca-Cola and Lloyds TSB.

But the cultural event around the torch coming to... [more]

Area’s MPs on right track

THE trainline between South Cumbria and Manchester may not be the most heavily used in the country.

But so far as its importance to the local community and commerce is concerned, it must surely be among the most important.

While the geographical isolation of South Cumbrian communities is one of the things which makes them so... [more]

Flagging up an important issue

HEALTH and safety of workers is of paramount importance and Barrow Borough Council is right to exercise caution over flying the union flag on very windy days.

But let’s get one thing straight from the outset – as a town, we expect our most iconic building to proudly fly the symbol of our nation on days of national... [more]

Torch visit our big moment

CUMBRIA kicked off the London 2012 Festival in style last night.

The Olympic torch arriving at Bowness from Ambleside on board the MV Tern was always going to provide a stunning spectacle.

The combination of such a historic moment in such a well-loved, well-known, and picturesque setting was always destined to conjure up images that... [more]

Taxi fare rise appears fair

TAXI drivers are likely to come in for a bit of a bashing today, as we make public plans to increase fares for hackney carriages by up to 21 per cent.

The rise in pure statistical terms sounds enormous. And in real terms it will lead to some pretty heavy hikes in the cost of a journey.

But as with all things in life, price cannot... [more]

Violent teen thug should be named

THERE is something wrong with a legal system which puts power into the hands of a violent thug.

We today carry an article about a 17-year-old who beat his grandmother to the degree she feared she would die.

This was not a one-off. The young man had offended before – in fact he had only been released from her majesty’s... [more]

Who would hit child and run?

WHAT sort of person hits a young child at speed with a car, then leaves the scene without stopping?

It is almost incomprehensible that people like this exist.

But they do, and one of them is driving around the streets of Barrow and South Cumbria.

There is a small – minute, in fact – chance the person behind the wheel... [more]

It’s time to do the right thing

IT has taken some time for Jamie Elliot to summon the courage to speak about the fateful night he was attacked in the street.

It is perfectly understandable the 20-year-old has found it hard to relive the moment he was set upon by a street thug.

The effect on his life has been far reaching – while in the meantime, the person... [more]

We salute Big Clean helpers

DAY in, day out, we all live, work and play in the towns and villages of Cumbria.

The vast majority of people want them to look as splendid as possible and to that end, put litter in the bin, or take it home.

There are however, as with many things in life, a minority who buck the trend; who choose to toss their rubbish to the ground... [more]

Compromise is to be welcomed

IT takes a strong man to stick to his guns in the face of overwhelming opposition.

It arguably takes an even stronger man to back down and say “maybe we got it wrong”.

But that is what Nigel Winter, the regional managing director of Stagecoach, has done.

He sat and listened to parents. He took note of their concerns... [more]

Playground in need of action

DISCUSSIONS are all well and good. But only one thing will tackle issues with anti-social behaviour at a Dalton playground – and that is direct action.

For a £275,000 facility to be dogged with so much controversy in its first 12 months of opening is of concern – not to mention a real shame.

Adults and children were... [more]

Hovercraft plan to be welcomed

THE Furness peninsula has plenty going for it – but if there is one thing which throws a spanner in the works, its geographical isolation is it.

So news there are plans in the pipeline for a daily hovercraft service, linking Furness with Fleetwood and the Fylde Coast, is to be welcomed.

The key here will be ensuring the service is... [more]

School will be more inclusive

ONE of the main criticisms directed at private schools by those opposed to a two-tier education system is their purported “elitist” nature.

The fact that “normal” families simply cannot afford to send their children to them is a bone of contention.

In reality though, many of the children at Chetwynde come from what would... [more]

A move in right direction at FGH

WE all hope, of course, that we or our loved ones will never have cause to use the new facilities at Furness General Hospital for symptomatic breast cancer patients.

But what fantastic news to have the right equipment and staff back in the area and finally open to the wider public in a new £250k unit.

There was widespread... [more]

Idea has disaster written all over it

THE idea of a single council – or unitary authority – for the whole of Cumbria has disaster written all over it.

It should be a non-starter; an idea which is thrown out from the outset.

There are few counties in England which are as diverse, in geography, industry and social make-up, as Cumbria.

From nuclear and wind power in... [more]

Lives saved by mum after death

IN the most tragic of circumstances, difficult decisions often have to be made.

Things were a little easier for the devastated family of Helen Hipkiss, though.

For, through their upset and tears shone the selfless spirit of the teaching assistant, who had made it clear that in death, she wanted to give the gift of life to others.... [more]

Celebrate our proud heritage

WHAT better way to mark and celebrate the rich shipbuilding history of Barrow than by creating a submarine heritage centre?

The long-held dream of a group of enthusiasts has, for many years, been just that.

Now there appears to be a prospect of it becoming a reality.

The heritage centre charitable trust is in talks with the... [more]

At FGH things are looking up

PROGRESS is being made at Furness General Hospital, it appears – if the latest round robin is to be believed, in any case.

Such letters will always put a positive spin on events – but reading between the lines in this case, it appears genuine improvements are is being made.

“We are on a journey,” Sir David Henshaw... [more]

Stay safe this bank holiday

WITH the bank holiday weekend now in full swing, there is a timely reminder of the dangers on our shores from the Coastguard.

Let’s not have a repeat of last week when 11 people needed to be rescued on Sunday and five more had to be brought off the sands on Monday.

With many people having a four-day break this weekend thanks... [more]

Chance to make a huge difference

THE Jubilee festivities have provided the perfect excuse for family and friends to get together and celebrate.

Over the weekend, street parties and special events have been held across Furness, the South Lakes and South Copeland, with many more set to continue today and tomorrow.

As the young and old unite to mark the Queen’s... [more]

Take a step to a healthier life

THE Energy For Life Walney Fun Run is a tremendous community event.

The beauty of the run is that it is designed for all ages, and all shapes, sizes and abilities.

And thanks to the dedication of people like Ian Jones and Sonja Foster from Barrow’s Park Leisure Centre twice-weekly training sessions are taking competitors from... [more]