News Focus

What the VAT rise means for Cumbria

vatttttt2 Another year, another VAT rise. Like the Sound of Music and The Great Escape, increases in sales tax have become a festive fixture.

Last updated 30 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

GPs helping out on Cumbria’s big crimes

LG focus291210c When Derrick Bird went on his shooting rampage across west Cumbria, the emergency services launched into action, watched across the world.

Last updated 29 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Setting our children a bad example

teendrinking2812 At face value, the answer to stopping underage drinkers downing alcohol is easy – cut off their supply. Stop them from being served.

Last updated 28 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Cumbria slimmers change their lives

andy slimmingxx Having lived with ovarian cancer for nine years, former headteacher Heather Askew has faced both ups and downs. (1 comment)

Last updated 27 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Cumbrian mum hoping Government will restore legal battle funding

Samantha Scott photo For most, the new year brings fresh resolutions and fresh starts. But Samantha Scott and her daughter, Faith, are holding out for fresh hope in their six-year fight for compensation from global drug firm Sanofi-aventis.

Last updated 23 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Carlisle xmas shoppers hunt for bargains

shopping1312 Time is running out. There’s just 48 hours to finish your Christmas shopping. And by this time the money can be running out too. You’re unlikely to get a Christmas bonus this year unless you’re a banker.

Last updated 22 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

What do your Christmas cards say about you?

Xmas card graphic Post is so rarely exciting these days. When the usual highlight is a Tesco Clubcard statement, it’s hardly surprising we look forward to December.

Last updated 21 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Cumbrian volunteers will bring Xmas cheer to the lonely

Volunteer Xmas photo It’s almost Christmas and most of us will be spending the day with family and friends. But if your nearest and dearest were no longer here, what would you do?

Last updated 20 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Are weekly collections a waste of money?

bins0023 Imagine a world that never produced any waste. Soggy tea bags, packaging and cat litter would all disappear on command, leaving nothing but a puff of pine-scented air.

Last updated 17 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Cumbrian posties pushing the envelope to deliver Christmas mail

Paul Griffiths photo As temperatures plummeted in the last few weeks postmen and women wrapped up in extra clothing, put on their special snow shoes and headed out onto the streets to make deliveries and collections.

Last updated 15 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Removals men set to get move underway into Carlisle's new academy school

Denise Richardson photo Picture the scene. You’re playing a key role in developing what is set to become a symbol of the changing face of secondary education in Carlisle following one of the most controversial shake-ups in the last 50 years.

Last updated 13 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

‘Sad and desperate existence’ for Cumbria's heroin addicts

Heroin dealers do not tend to lead lavish lifestyles. The money they make is more often than not used to fund their next fix rather than an array of bling.

Last updated 11 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Coronation Street set for more dramatic Lake District adventures

Phil McKay photo Whether they’re plunging from the fells or retiring to open up littles shops, the cast of Coronation Street have always found ways to liven up their lives in Cumbria.

Last updated 9 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Solway tidal barrage could become world leader

Peter Roberts photo Supporters believe a bid to turn the Solway Firth’s tide into electricity could be about to take on significant international importance.

Last updated 8 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Government shake-up would give people more say in planning matters

Bananas have replaced NIMBY in the world of planning. BANANA stands for (Don’t) Build Anything Near Anyone or Anything, instead of NIMBY’s Not In My Backyard.

Last updated 7 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Talks must start soon over future of Cumbria DNA bank

Professor John Burn photo From 2012, thousands of west Cumbrian-born children will have a pretty big decision to make as they blow out the candles on their 16th birthday cakes.

Last updated 6 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Big freeze: Cumbria County Council 'has learned lessons from last year'

Tony Markley photo Tony Markley takes to the roads while most people are sleeping when severe weather strikes.

Last updated 4 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Tricks to catch the drugged-up drivers this Christmas

drunk003 As well as being breathalysed, drivers stopped by police in Cumbria this Christmas will be asked to shut their eyes, tilt their head, touch their nose, stand on one leg, count out loud and walk in a straight line.

Last updated 1 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Why internet shopping isn’t hitting Cumbria's stores this Christmas

Claire Driver photo A glance down Cumbria’s shopping streets is enough to confirm your suspicions. It’s starting to look merry, not to mention conspicuously bright.

Last updated 30 November 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Proposal to axe Cumbria's specialist teachers under fire

Rachael Davies photo Cumbria has 60 teachers, employed by the county council as education authority, whose job it is to go into schools to work with pupils with special needs.