Residents are invited to two information events in Longtown to learn about the latest plans for the town’s Borderlands developments.
The events will take place on Tuesday 21 April and Tuesday 28 April, from 2pm until 7pm in Longtown Community Centre.
These drop‑in sessions will allow the public to view the most up‑to‑date plans and drawings, and speak directly with those involved in developing the projects.
The bid for £3 million from the government’s Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal programme is led by Cumberland Council and Longtown’s Town Team. Proposals aim to upgrade the town’s community centre, and improve the safety and appearance of the A7 corridor.
Cumberland Council Leader Mark Fryer said: “These projects have the potential to really improve life in Longtown. Investing in the Community Centre and improving the A7 will make it a more attractive proposition for businesses, and provide a place where more sectors of the community can easily access high-quality services and activities.”
At Longtown Community Centre, proposals would strengthen the centre’s role as a community hub and support its long-term financial viability. They include:
- upgrades to the gym
- Improvements to the kitchen
- New office space and meeting rooms
- Flexible spaces to support a wider range of activities and users
- External landscaping
Improvements planned under the 'Safe and Attractive A7' project could include:
- Junction improvements at Bank Street/Netherby Street and Esk Street/Swan Street
- Traffic calming measures, a clearer street layout, and improved public spaces on English Street
- Better pedestrian crossings
Cllr Fryer added: “Longtown is already a great place to live, work and visit and this will build on that. I would encourage as many people as possible to come along to the drop‑in events, see the exciting plans for themselves, and find out more about the positive changes being planned for Longtown.”
Members of the Town Team and the council’s regeneration team will be available throughout the events to answer questions and talk through the plans in detail.
Everyone is welcome to attend either, or both, events and there is no need to book.
Background:
The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is a £350 million investment programme designed to unlock economic potential across Cumbria, Northumberland, and the Scottish Borders. Longtown is one of several areas in Cumberland to benefit. The funding is aimed at driving inclusive growth and improving connectivity across the region.
It is made up of £150 million for Scotland (£85 million from the Scottish Government and £65m from the UK Government) and up to £200m for England from the UK Government. This will be supported by more than £100m of funding from local partners.
The Borderlands Partnership is made up of Cumberland Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, and Westmorland and Furness Council.
For more information on the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and the programmes and projects the deal aims to deliver, visit www.borderlandsgrowth.com