Latest news with #Workington
BBC News
21 hours ago
- BBC News
Tributes to mum-of-three Abby Storey after A66 Workington crash
The family of a mother-of-three who died in a car crash has paid tribute to her, saying she "brought laughter and joy wherever she went".Abby Storey, 35, from Workington, and another man in his 30s, died in a collision between two cars on the A66 near the Cumbrian town, on Saturday 12 front-seat passengers of both cars, including Ms Storey, were pronounced dead at the scene while both drivers were taken to hospital with serious family said she was a "proud and adoring mother to her three beautiful children, in whom her memory will live on every day". "Her energy was unmatched, from her wild dance moves to her passion for karaoke, she brought laughter and joy wherever she went," a statement released through Cumbria Police added."Though her life was cut short, she lived it with incredible spirit, ambition and love."The crash between the Audi A3 and Ford Focus saw the road at Twenty Row closed for several hours. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
West Cumbrian mental health facility should be fully open by autumn
A NEW west Cumbrian mental health facility should be fully open by the autumn this year at the latest according to health chiefs. Members of Cumberland Council's health overview and scrutiny committee were given an update from Cumbria, Northumbria, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust at Allerdale House in Workington on Thursday (July 17). Ramona Duguid, the trust's chief operating officer, told members extensive arrangements were in place at Hope Haven, in Whitehaven, and it was hoped that the main building fully open and operational by September or October at the latest. She said that recovery and well-being drop-in sessions had been established and added that they had a 'huge impact on access to services'. Ms Duguid suggested that they could bring back a progress report to the committee in six to 12 months. James Duncan, the trust's chief executive, stressed that it was not a pilot scheme and added: 'This is something that will be sustained.' The report states: 'By the end of July Everyturn will be operating our Virtual Safe Haven Offer, telephone and online support. 'We will also be going live with our 'team of the day' which consists of staff from each of the partners CNTW, Home Group, Everyturn, The Well, Cumbria Health and iCan along with peer support being available to support all new referrals and wrap around existing service users who require immediate crisis support. 'The four short stay beds which will provide a robust alternative to admission will open at the beginning of August 2025. They will have 24/7 staff support from Home Group and Intensive Home-Based Treatment from the CNTW crisis team. 'The team will continue to work closely with the CNTW inpatient bed management team and also Lowther Street crisis beds to ensure the most appropriate bed is used to meet the individual needs.' According to the report there is also a Hope Haven on Wheels initiative which currently focusses on rural isolated areas within Copeland. The report states: 'This is a 15-week rolling programme which has reached into four areas of Copeland thus far with rural community venues booked and scheduled until October. 'iCan Wellbeing Group is working in collaboration with system partners to co-work/co-deliver sessions, as recruited staff come into post, Everyturn and Cumbria Health have joined thus far.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Councillors could have given support over proposed ward closure
COUNCILLORS could have offered support over the proposed closure of a west Cumbrian hospital ward if they had been 'kept in the loop', it has been claimed. Members of Cumberland Council's health overview and scrutiny committee were given a progress report from Cumbria, Northumbria, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust at Allerdale House in Workington on Thursday (July 18). In October 2024 it was reported that North-East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) announced that it was considering closing an adult mental health ward. Yewdale Ward, part of West Cumberland Hospital, was deemed too isolated from other mental health services and no longer fit for purpose, as it was a mixed sex ward. Councillor Carni McCarron-Holmes (Maryport North, Labour) said the matter was brought before scrutiny too late and it would have been better if they had been 'kept in the loop' sooner. She added: 'I feel very sad about this and the community feels sad about this.' She said she hoped the situation worked out for the best but added: 'Because I will coming back to you.' Ramona Duguid, the chief operating officer with the trust, said there had not been a focus on mental health or disabilities and added: 'We do need to change that. We want to work together.' Councillor Martin Harris (Dearham and Broughton, Labour) asked what demand there was on the service and James Duncan, the trust's chief executive, it was 16 at any one time and it had remained constant over the years. He said that, if it was created as two wards, with eight male beds and eight female beds, it would be too difficult to staff. Councillor Jeanette Forster (Hillcrest and Hensingham, Labour) said she was not convinced by the new Hope Haven facility, which is due to open later this year, but accepted that Yewdale was not fit for purpose. She added: 'We will just have to go with it and see how it pans out.' Councillor John Mallinson (Houghton and Irthington, Conservative) said lessons had to be learned from what had happened but added that they would support the trust. Cllr McCarron-Holmes proposed that they write to the ICB highlighting that they were not involved sooner and the whole process could have been handled better. Councillor Helen Davison (Belah, Green Party) said it should be formalised with a letter and there should be proper engagement 'right from the start'. When it was put to the vote members agreed that they should write a letter to the ICB raising their concerns. According to the report in January 2025 the trust updated the committee on the position and next steps in relation to changes to service provision in west Cumbria. This included the development and investment in community and crisis services, Hope Haven, as well as the proposed changes to adult inpatient care, which had been subject to public engagement since November 2024. In April 2025 the board of directors reviewed the final Strategic Case for Change and: Approved that the engagement process completed on the proposals has been robust with the local community and staff; Agreed the case for change proposal for the re-provision of services from Yewdale Ward to Carlton Clinic in Carlisle; Agreed that further consultation on the proposals was not required.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Cumbria free school buses reinstated amid safety concerns
A council accused of putting money before children's safety by scrapping free school buses is to reinstate all Council was due to end services on four routes in Cumbria from September having said it was following national guidance by identifying a "safe walking route" that pupils could use, while paid-for public transport was also hit out at the move and warned many youngsters would face long and potentially unsafe authority said it was now acknowledging "the concerns raised by families" and all services would remain in place. Among those set to have been affected were children from Great Clifton who attended Workington Academy two miles (3.2km) route put forward by the council for walking was next to a busy road and had little or no lighting, opponents Fox said her daughter Connie faced a 45-minute walk."I don't see how the council can deem it safe," she told the councillor Peter Gaston said: "Are they putting money before the safety of school children? The answer is yes." 'Rash' decision Youngsters in the Kells area of Whitehaven were also going to lose free bus Madrick said her son Flynn would either have had to catch two paid-for buses to get to St Benedict's Catholic High School or face a walk of more than three miles (4.8km), which was "impossible" due to health branded the council's original decision to scrap the service "rash"."We're relieved they've changed their mind," Ms Madrick said, adding: "It would've had a huge impact."Both secondary schools - St Benedict's and Whitehaven Academy - are on the other side of town to the Kells and Bransty areas, and the public buses aren't reliable."Expecting children from the age of 11 to walk six miles to school and back every day is too much and it wouldn't have been safe crossing the A595." 'Priority is safety' The council provides free travel on just over 600 routes, with the figure including services for coaches for dozens of pupils as well as vehicles for single a statement, it said it had undertaken a review of walking routes to schools to "ensure our free school transport provision remains fair, consistent, and based on current criteria for need and entitlement, in line with national guidance".However, it added: "We acknowledge the concerns raised by families regarding the outcomes of the reassessment of walking routes."As a result, current provision will remain in place on all [four] affected routes at this time."Our priority continues to be the safety of children and young people, and we are committed to working openly with families and community representatives." Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Former vicarage with seven bedrooms for sale in Workington
A restored former vicarage in Workington, spread over four floors and featuring seven bedrooms, has been listed for offers over £375,000. According to the listing, the property has undergone a "full modern makeover" while retaining period features such as the original staircase and coving. The house is described as being suitable for "a bigger-than-average family, a blended household generations," with space for everyone to "live comfortably without getting under each other's feet." Front-facing living room with bay window and period coving, located on the ground floor (Image: Zoopla) The ground floor includes two reception rooms. One is described as a living room with a bay window, and the other is suggested as suitable for more formal dining. The kitchen and dining area have been reconfigured and fitted with cream shaker-style units and a new integrated oven and hob, according to the listing. Reconfigured kitchen and dining area with cream shaker units, integrated oven, and hob (Image: Zoopla) A separate utility room and a ground floor shower room are also present. Five double bedrooms are located on the first floor, along with a family bathroom, with modern freestanding bath. The listing notes that this arrangement means "no queuing before work or school." Hallway with wood-panelled staircase (Image: Zoopla) On the second floor, there are two further bedrooms, a WC, and an additional room described as suitable for use as a walk-in wardrobe, playroom, or study. The cellar spans three rooms, one of which has external access from the front of the property. The listing suggests the cellar could be used as a games room, gym, home office, or creative space, and highlights its potential for teenagers to come and go without passing through the rest of the house. Modern bathroom with freestanding tub, shared by the first-floor bedrooms (Image: Zoopla) Outside, the property has a small lawned front garden, a courtyard with three stone outbuildings, and a raised rear lawn that backs onto the grounds of Holy Trinity. According to the listing, the church next door closed around ten years ago and is now a house, so buyers are told not to expect church bells on Sunday mornings. Solar panels have been installed on the roof, which the listing describes as being "in great order." The property has an unofficial gated gravel driveway to the side. One of the property's seven bedrooms (Image: Zoopla) The listing notes that buyers "may want to contact the council to explore the possibility of making it official by dropping the kerb." Located on a no-through road just off the A596, the house is described as having "plenty of parking out front." For families, the listing highlights the proximity of Workington Primary School, which is "literally two doors down." Amenities in the area include an Asda superstore, Costa, and Subway at the nearby Dunmail retail park, as well as a cinema. The town centre is described as being a ten-minute walk away, passing a Tesco. The property is described as "a character-filled home that's been brought up to modern standards, offering flexible space for family life, work and everything in between." The listing suggests the home is ready for immediate occupation, with no remedial work required. Interested parties are urged to call Mark Buchanan Property Group on 01900 378574.
