A TRAIL highlighting Carlisle's industrial heritage could be created in the city.

Factories, railways and the canal basin could all be included in this celebration of Carlisle's industry, past and present.

Discussions within the city council are at an early stage.

Suggestions include a sculpture or part of a crane to be placed at the former Cowans Sheldon engineering site, now occupied by St Nicholas Gate Retail Park.

The Cracker Packers sculpture unveiled in Caldewgate last month to celebrate women workers at the nearby McVitie's biscuit factory is a catalyst for the idea of an industrial trail.

Former city council deputy leader Elsie Martlew had the idea for the Cracker Packers sculpture.

She told The Cumberland News : "I see that as the first part of a trail. Just in Caldewgate there's also the canal basin, Theakston's brewery, Shaddon Mill.

"Elsewhere there's Cowans Sheldon. They sent cranes around the world. I would like to see a statue of a Cowans Sheldon crane at the site. Former workers would be keen to give information.

"There's also the tram sheds, the railways - we are a railway city. But we don't celebrate our achievements."

Councillor Anne Quilter is the city council's culture, heritage and leisure portfolio holder.

She said: "There's obviously a lot of history in the city that we'd like to celebrate. Railway history, the State Management Scheme, printing, food and drink.

"The council aims to draw together an action plan. We know some things have been done with State Management and the railways. We can identify what stage projects are at, who's involved, work with partners such as Tullie House, Cumbria Archive Service and businesses.

"With budgets as they are, the council could not deliver this alone. We could identify funding streams and make applications.

"If you go to local history talks you see there's a massive appetite in the city for local history. And fairly modern history - the last 50 years or so. A trail could attract visitors as well as residents."

Anne believes the trail could potentially include industrial sites which still exist, such as textile factories Linton Tweeds and Stead McAlpin, and have something to mark those which have gone.

"I like the idea of a blue plaque-type scheme. The council could in theory do its own version. At Cowans Sheldon there could be part of a crane and something that explains the history.

"It could be widened out to people who worked in these places to get their input. Hazel Reeves, the Cracker Packers artist, wasn't in an ivory tower. She worked with people who worked at McVitie's."

People could be guided around the trail by leaflets and online apps.

Anne said: "As well as celebrating the city as it stands, I think we should also be shouting about what the city has done and saying 'This is where we came from.'"

Local historian John Huggon has researched Cowans Sheldon. On the subject of an industrial heritage trail he said: "Anything to promote the city is a good idea. The city's industrial heritage hasn't really been covered in any depth before.

"It would all be part of promoting tourism. You go to some cities and there are leaflets with industrial trails for people to walk round. [These include Leeds and Salford.]

"Such a lot of Carlisle's history is represented at Cowans Sheldon. The factory was there from 1857 until 1987. Their cranes and other products went around the world.

"It's a great shame that there's nothing to commemorate that. It shouldn't be too difficult to put something up in the form of a crane, with information to show people what used to happen there."

To contribute ideas about an industrial heritage trail, email Councillor Anne Quilter at customerservices@carlisle.gov.uk or write to her at Civic Centre, Carlisle, CA3 8QG.

Locations on an industrial heritage trail could include:

The Cracker Packers sculpture at Caldewgate, designed by Hazel Reeves and unveiled last month.

The Cowans Sheldon site at St Nicholas. For 130 years cranes were built here and sent around the world.

Linton Tweeds at Shaddongate. Since 1912 the company's mill has produced high-quality fabrics which continue to be sold to international fashion houses.

Linton Tweeds' looms are next to Shaddon Mill. When built by Peter Dixon in 1836, this was the largest cotton mill in England. Its chimney, Dixon's Chimney, was one of the tallest in the world at 305ft. It was built so high to keep its smoke away from the rest of the city. Most of Shaddon Mill has been converted into apartments.

Carlisle canal basin. The canal to Port Carlisle opened in 1823 and closed in 1853. The basin is on the site of Port Road Industrial Estate.

London Road Railway Station. This was Carlisle's first station, opening in 1836. Passenger trains to Newcastle ran from there until 1863.