Readers have been sharing their views on Carlisle after its MP said the city needs to ‘see itself as the region’s capital’.

With plans in motion to resuscitate Carlisle's high street as the city competes against ever-changing shopping trends, Carlisle's MP says the city is headed in the right direction. 

Such plans include the reimagining of the Greenmarket/Market Square project, and promoting full occupancy rates for retail parks like Gateway 44.

Carlisle's MP John Stevenson said the full occupancy rate at Junction 44 is a 'positive sign' as it demonstrates interest in the city. 

He said developments show promise not just for the city, but going forward, how it’s perceived in the Borderlands region.

Readers had their own views on the matter.

Wendy Campbell said: “Carlisle is an historic city, leave it as such, cut your business taxes, more retail shops are needed.

“Prefer shopping in West Cumbria these days.”

John Welsh said: “Having a vision is one thing but persuading Carlisle people to support any change is quite something else!”

Tracy Graham said: “Words are wonderful now let’s see some action that the people of the city actually want and need not shoddy tin shacks raking away valuable parking spaces.”

Colin May thinks similarly to Mr Stevenson: “Carlisle stands out as a cultural hub, and there are many reasons why it should be considered the cultural capital of Cumbria.”

READ MORE: 'Carlisle needs to see itself as the region's capital', says MP