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Construction of a new youth and community centre in Seascale is under way – marking a significant milestone for a local charity. The Shackles Off Youth and Community Project is delighted to have been awarded over half a million pounds from Nuclear Wastes Services’ Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) programme, through Mid Copeland Community Partnership.  AContinue reading “Shackles Off breaks new ground as work under way on much needed community centre”

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, secured commitments from Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy during a meeting in Westminster this week to drive forward progress on key local projects. At the meeting, Josh led discussions on the urgent repair of the Bransty rail tunnel, the long-term solution to the orange water flowing into WhitehavenContinue reading “MP leads push for rail and harbour renewal in West Cumbria”

The next phase of West Cumbria’s clean energy and technology future has taken a major step forward today, as the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) confirmed £1 million funding for a masterplan for Pioneer Park – the site on land at Moorside adjacent to Sellafield earmarked for new nuclear development and AI-led growth. The funding willContinue reading “£1 million funding boost marks major step forward for Pioneer Park”

This month is National Care Leavers Month – a time to celebrate the strength and potential of young people who have grown up in care, and to shine a light on the work still to be done to support them. The theme this year, “Rising as Me”, feels especially fitting. It speaks of transformation, ofContinue reading “Weekly Column – 12.11.2025 – Standing with care-experienced young people”

My letter for this week’s Whitehaven News and Times & Star As we mark another Remembrance weekend, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone across West Cumbria who played a part in this year’s commemorations – from those who organised parades and services, to the volunteers, standard bearers, youth groups and musicians whoContinue reading “Thank you to all who helped us to remember”

Josh MacAlister MP has visited the newly opened Whitehaven Youth Hub, which runs weekly at Whitehaven Library. The Hub offers young people a welcoming, alternative environment to the traditional Jobcentre setting – designed to help them access support, build confidence, and take positive next steps toward work or training. Open every Friday from 10am toContinue reading “Josh MacAlister MP visits Youth Hub to celebrate new space supporting young people into work”

Cumbria Youth Alliance (CYA) has taken the voices of Cumbrian young people to the heart of government, securing pledges of support from MPs, commissioners, funders, businesses and national policymakers. Last week, a CYA delegation travelled to Westminster to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary and showcase its impact across Cumbria. In two and a half decades,Continue reading “Westminster event wins new support for Cumbria’s 11–25-year-olds”

Mountain Rescue volunteer and MP for Whitehaven & Workington, Josh MacAlister, has joined climbers, mountain rescue volunteers and walkers on the summit of Great Gable to take part in what is believed to be the highest annual Remembrance service in England. Josh made the climb alongside volunteers from the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, taking partContinue reading “West Cumbrian MP joins highest Remembrance service in England”

When I think back to one of my first big challenges after being elected last year, the story that stands out is the eviction of every tenant from the Slipway apartments in Whitehaven. Dozens of residents were told they had just two months to pack up and leave their homes – not because they’d doneContinue reading “Weekly Column – 05.11.2025 – A fairer deal for renters and landlords in West Cumbria”

Plans to revive Whitehaven town centre are gathering pace as the latest progress update on the development of the town’s Masterplan was presented to the Whitehaven Town Centre Board last week. The Board, chaired by Josh MacAlister MP and Cllr Emma Williamson, reviewed the latest version of the emerging Masterplan, which outlines a long-term visionContinue reading “Plan to revive Whitehaven takes shape”