My weekly column for the Times & Star – 02.09.2026
Parliament returns this week, and as we head into the autumn I want to set out some of the things I’ll be focusing on for Workington and the surrounding area – both here at home and in Westminster.
At the top of the list is the future of the Port of Workington. The port is one of our biggest economic assets, with huge potential to bring new investment, industry and well-paid jobs to West Cumbria. I’ve been working with Cumberland Council and government to build the case for a major upgrade. The next step is to get the plan agreed and secure the funding needed to deliver it. I hope we are able to make substantial progress on that before the end of the year.
Just up the road, I am also working closely with the developers behind plans for a new sustainable aviation fuel production facility. I helped secure £6 million of government backing for the project last year and it is now moving into the pre-planning stage. Projects like this can help make Workington a centre for the clean industries of the future.
Another priority is Cumberland Sports Village. The council team that are driving this have my full support to get this major project delivered as quickly as possible. The final £4.5 million needed to complete the scheme in full was secured from this Labour government, and I want to see that investment turned into a first-class facility for local people.
Improving local health services will also be a major focus. I’m working with our NHS and local partners on better neighbourhood health services in Workington, making it easier for people to access primary care, get help earlier and avoid unnecessary trips to hospital.
Transport matters too. The continuing disruption on the Cumbrian Coast Line is simply not good enough. I will keep pressing for the railway to be fully reopened as quickly as possible, while making the case for the longer-term investment needed so people in Workington finally have the reliable railway service they deserve.
Alongside these bigger projects, the everyday work goes on. Over the last two years, around 4,000 cases have been brought to me by Workington residents, from housing and benefits to health, roads and anti-social behaviour. My team and I have worked to resolve them wherever we can.
I’ve also held more than 100 surgeries, coffee mornings, drop-ins and public meetings across Workington and the surrounding villages. Those conversations help me understand what is working, what is not, and what needs fighting for.
There is a lot more to do. This autumn I’ll be focused on getting these projects moving, securing investment and making sure Workington gets its fair share of attention and opportunity.
You can find dates for upcoming surgeries, coffee mornings and public events on my website at joshmacalister.uk/meetjosh. Please come along, raise an issue or tell me what you think should be next for Workington.