News Focus

Jubilations – we all want the world to be as happy as can be

Getting back to how things used to be – people pulling together and celebrating together, that’s what it’s all about says Helen Fisher, manager of Botcherby community centre in Carlisle.

Last updated 26 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Coeliac disease: 'I have to bring my own food to parties'

Sophie Brimble photo ‘Croissants,” 11-year-old Sophie Brimble says immediately when she’s asked if there are any foods she misses.

Last updated 14 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

The bedtime story is safe - for the time being

There are many arguments about the value of an e-book versus the ‘real thing’, but none so convincing as Steve Matthews’.

Last updated 7 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Cash machine security: Who’s watching while you take out money?

Cash machine photo Alison Bernard, her husband Andrew and her sister Andrea Greenup were taking their children for a day out and stopped off at their nearest cash machine to withdraw some money.

Last updated 1 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Carlisle woman's vital fund-raising in memory of her sister

Ruth Wallace photo Stephanie Wallace may not have been able to talk, but her bubbly personality was clear for all to see. Born with severe autism, it didn’t stop her loving life and her family ensured she made the most of her 19 years.

Last updated 30 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Carlisle: Weathering the economic crisis better than most?

One hundred new jobs at Stead McAlpin, 450 posts at Sainsbury’s, 30 new positions at the Turf pub.

Last updated 28 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Diabetes: ‘People must get the right care early on’

Britain is facing a diabetes “car crash”. That’s the view expressed in a new report, called Impact Diabetes which predicts almost a fifth of the country’s NHS budget will be spent treating the condition by 2035.

Last updated 26 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

What turns us into twits on Twitter and fools on Facebook?

Social media has offered great advances to the world. It has also thrown up more than its fair share of controversies. (4 comments)

Last updated 25 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Has Cumbria run out of room for more windfarms?

Cumbria is home to more wind turbines than the combined total of 22 other counties in Britain and the steady spread of them across the landscape is eroding the character of the region. (22 comments)

Last updated 23 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Ovarian cancer: Time to make a noise about the silent killer

Emma Gyles photo Popular, intelligent and dedicated, Emma Gyles had completed her degree, landed herself a job in the criminal justice department and had a bright future ahead.

Last updated 21 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Which way next for Cumbria's listed buildings?

Carlisle cathedral photo Plans announced in the Budget last month would add 20 per cent to the cost of rebuilding and alterations on listed buildings and have sparked a wave of outrage among clergy up and down the country.

Last updated 18 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

How Cumbrian butcher, 72, made a robber squeal like a pig

Flett photo "I knifed him three times in the stomach and he squealed like a pig," says butcher Rodney Flett without a hint of irony.

Last updated 14 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Government should rethink caravan tax levy, says Cumbria association chief

Caravan owners photo Holiday parks in Cumbria are preparing to fight government plans to introduce VAT on static caravans.

Last updated 4 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Fish shops have been caught in VAT net for years

John Morrison photo George Osborne’s plans to add a 20 per cent sales tax on pasties and hot food has left a bitter taste in the mouths of bakers. (8 comments)

Last updated 31 March 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Multi-Use Games Areas aiming to get Carlisle kids back into sport

Tony Elliott photo It’s a sunny day in Chance’s Park in Morton and former Carlisle United goalkeeper Tony Elliott is putting boys through their paces.

Last updated 29 March 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Are new planning aims putting Cumbria's countryside at risk?

plan1pearse Planning is one of the most contentious issues that local authorities deal with – witness the outrage every time a windfarm is proposed, not to mention the lengthy legal battle surrounding Stobart’s plans to redevelop Carlisle Airport.

Last updated 28 March 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

We rely on the public’s trust to do our jobs

Leveson inquiry photo No one in Cumbria will ever forget the dreadful day when taxi driver Derrick Bird gunned down 12 people in a murderous killing spree.

Last updated 27 March 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Clare Short: ‘A life of selfishness and shopping doesn’t satisfy anyone’

Clare Short photo Tomorrow night Clare Short will be telling a Cumbrian audience how she thinks Britain could play a better role in the world.

Last updated 22 March 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

So proud to be carrying Olympic torch in Cumbria

Suzanne Day photo More than 50 north and west Cumbrians will have the honour of carrying the Olympic flame when it passes through the county this summer.