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. 

A further £150,000 funding was awarded from Copeland Community Fund, which is administered by Cumberland Council and funded through the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority for hosting the Low Level Waste Repository.

The new centre will continue to offer the charity’s wide range of activities including youth clubs, fun activities, one to one support, informal education, over 50s groups and social action – as well as broaden its opportunities. It will also provide a base for the Seascale & District Royal British Legion and other local groups.

Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister, Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) and members of the Community Partnership were invited along to the site to see the work in progress.

Mandy Taylor, executive officer of Shackles Off, which involves over 350 children and young people, said: “We’re absolutely over the moon that we have received this funding to make our dream a reality and delighted that work is now well under way and we can see fantastic progress being made.

“This new centre means so much for the young people, our staff, volunteers and other local groups who will have a permanent base in the community and one that meets all our needs. We’re very grateful for this funding as we couldn’t have achieved this on our own.” 

Demolition work has taken place and building work has started for the eco-friendly project, which will include a community room, youth space, kitchen and storage. It is hoped the centre, near the Windscale Club, will be finished and ready for use around summer next year.

Shackles Off – which started in 2008 by a small group of volunteers – is proud to have recently won ‘Best Youth Project’ in Cumbria Community Foundation’s Better Tomorrows Awards. It now employs several staff, including operations manager Joanne Pears and many volunteers. 

Mandy explained that not-for-profit organisation SASRA, which provides recreation and sporting activities in the area, has been instrumental in making this project happen.

She said: “SASRA has provided the land which the new facility is being built on and also practical support with two of its directors sitting on the project team, inputting their valuable experience. We would also like to thank retired Sellafield worker Steve Hall who has co-ordinated the project and put hundreds of voluntary hours in, ensuring everything runs smoothly.”

MP Josh MacAlister said: “I’m delighted to see work well under way on this fantastic new youth and community centre for Seascale. Shackles Off has been a cornerstone of local life for years, giving young people opportunities to learn, grow and give back to their community. 

“This new building will help secure that legacy for the future – providing a space where people of all ages can come together, build connections and support one another. It’s great to see local organisations, funders and volunteers working in partnership to make it happen.”

Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership has worked with Shackles Off on a number of projects including GDF information sessions where young people presented their views; work to develop a community vision and writing for the newsletter. The funding was awarded through the GDF programme’s Community Investment Funding.

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 Whitehaven Harbour, and the much-needed upgrade of the Cumbrian Coast Line.

The Rail Minister agreed that repairs to Bransty Tunnel must go ahead and confirmed that the necessary funding will be found, following Josh’s ongoing campaign on the issue.

Josh also secured the Minister’s support to bring together departments across government to discuss funding for the plan to divert the orange water in Whitehaven Harbour out to sea. A meeting with relevant ministers and agencies will take place before the end of the year.

On the future of the Cumbrian Coast Line, the Minister reaffirmed his commitment to work with Josh and Cumbria’s MPs and local authorities to develop a long-term upgrade plan, beginning with replacing the Victorian-era signalling system. This follows months of cross-party work led by Josh with Cumbria’s political and business leaders, who continue to support improvements to the line as a shared regional priority.

Cumberland Council is convening a workshop this month with officials from across government to develop options. A further cross-government meeting will be arranged in January, involving transport, energy and defence ministers alongside Cumbria’s political leaders, to agree next steps.

Josh MacAlister MP said:

“I’m pleased to have secured clear commitments from the Rail Minister on all three of these vital issues. West Cumbria deserves modern, reliable infrastructure and a long-term solution for Whitehaven Harbour.

“I will keep driving this work forward. Progress is happening because of strong cross-party support across Cumbria to upgrade our railway and improve the resilience of the Cumbrian Coast Line.”

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 will enable local development company BEC to produce a detailed masterplan for the Pioneer Park site, setting out how Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and AI and data centre infrastructure could come together to drive long-term regeneration and jobs.

This announcement follows months of co-ordinated work through the Cumberland Nuclear Futures Board, chaired by Josh MacAlister MP, and involving the NDA, Cumberland Council, Sellafield Ltd., and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

The masterplan will form the foundation for planning, investment and infrastructure decisions through 2026 – moving the project from concept to delivery.

Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister said:

“This is a significant milestone in the plan to bring new nuclear to West Cumbria. The masterplan will give us a clear route to deliver clean energy, new technology and long-term jobs for our community.

“West Cumbria led the world in nuclear innovation once before – and with this next step, we’re getting closer to doing it again.”

Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, said:

“Pioneer Park has the potential to be a flagship project for Britain’s clean energy future.

“This funding is a key step in turning ambition into action – helping local and national partners work together to produce clean energy, deliver new industries, and new opportunities for West Cumbria.”

Michael Pemberton, Chief Executive of BEC, said:

“We are delighted to be leading the Pioneer Park development on behalf of the NDA, Council and MP. The funding being provided by the NDA for the Masterplan will allow us to make early tangible progress.

“The Pioneer Park nuclear development coupled with AI and technology led growth will ultimately be transformational for West Cumbria and will be key to the diversification of our economy, providing a wide range of jobs in our community for many decades to come. BEC will be working tirelessly to make this a reality.”

David Peattie, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, said:

“The NDA is proud to support this next stage of work at Pioneer Park.

“The project builds on West Cumbria’s unrivalled nuclear expertise while looking firmly to the future – creating opportunities for new technologies, skills and investment that will benefit the local community for generations.”

The Pioneer Park masterplan will build on the findings of the Market Engagement process, which showed strong industry interest in the site as a location for Small Modular Reactors, AI and data centres, and other advanced technology developments. It will also align with Cumberland’s proposal for Pioneer Park to become the UK’s first Nuclear-Powered AI Growth Zone.

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, of finding your place in the world, and of the importance of being recognised for who you are – not just where you’ve come from.

In my recent speech in Parliament, I described the disadvantage faced by care-experienced people as one of the greatest social-justice challenges of our time. Too many young people leaving care step out into adulthood without the safety net that most of us take for granted. I have met young people here in West Cumbria who have shown immense courage – navigating housing, education and work, often without family to fall back on. Their resilience is inspiring, but our system should not depend on resilience alone.

That’s why this government has been taking practical steps to make life fairer for care leavers. We’ve scrapped outdated housing rules that made it harder for care leavers to get a secure home, and we’ve extended corporate-parenting responsibilities across public bodies, so that the NHS for example, must play their part in supporting care-experienced people. We’ve also removed the cruel requirement for some care leavers to declare themselves “intentionally homeless” before getting help – because no young person should be put through that. And for those who want to study, we’ve increased financial support so that higher education can be a genuine option, not an impossible dream.

But change can’t come only from Westminster. It must be felt in places like West Cumbria – in our schools, colleges, housing associations, and workplaces. I’m working closely with local partners to make sure national policies translate into real improvements here. I want every care-experienced young person in this community to have a strong foundation: a home they can rely on, a trusted adult in their corner, and a fair chance to build the future they choose.

We are also confronting deeper injustices. I have commissioned work to understand the unacceptably high number of early deaths among care-experienced adults, and we are investing in recruiting and retaining more foster carers and supported-lodgings hosts, because stable, loving relationships matter more than anything else.

To every care-experienced young person in West Cumbria: I see you, and I believe in you. Your past does not define your future. You bring strength, creativity and courage to our communities – and my commitment, both as your MP and as Minister for Children & Families, is to keep breaking down barriers so you can rise as yourself, and thrive.

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 who make these moments of reflection possible.

In the weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday, I was proud to join volunteers from Bransty Royal British Legion and Workington Royal British Legion for shifts selling poppies. It’s always humbling to see how generously local people continue to give and to share their own stories of service and remembrance. Thanks to all the RBL volunteers who took part.

Last year, I attended services in Whitehaven and Workington. This year, I joined members of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team and the Fell & Rock Climbing Club for the annual Remembrance service on the summit of Great Gable – the country’s highest act of remembrance, held in memory of climbers who lost their lives in the First World War and subsequent conflicts. Standing nearly 3,000 feet above the valleys, it was a truly moving way to honour the sacrifice of all those who gave up their tomorrows for our today.

I would like to record my sincere thanks to Lady Anne Cunningham and Councillor Joe Ghayouba, who kindly laid Parliamentary wreaths on my behalf at the services in Workington and Whitehaven. I am grateful to them, and to everyone who took part in dozens of ceremonies across all our towns, villages and mountain tops.

Whether in a packed town square, a quiet churchyard, or on a windswept fell, West Cumbria came together this weekend to remember those who gave everything for our freedom. We will remember them.

Josh MacAlister

MP for Whitehaven & Workington

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 to 4pm, the Whitehaven Youth Hub provides a relaxed space where young people can meet with a Jobcentre Work Coach and seamlessly connect with key partners such as The Kings Trust, Better Bodies, and local employers – without the need for appointments or delays.

Alongside one-to-one support, the Hub also hosts a range of engaging group activities, including employer roundtables bringing together local businesses and young jobseekers, inspirational speaker sessions and workshops and drop-ins delivered by third-sector organisations and employers.

Hosted by Inspira, the Hub represents a strong partnership between local organisations working together to support young people in West Cumbria. Plans are underway to open one in Workington.

During his visit, Josh MacAlister MP praised the initiative, saying:

“The Youth Hub is about breaking down barriers, building confidence, and creating real opportunities for young people. This is exactly the kind of partnership working our community needs.

“I am pleased to hear that Jobcentre plans to open another in Workington and look forward to visiting when it opens. Having spoken to young people using the service, it’s clearly making a difference and I’d like to see more support like this to help people get into work.”

The Whitehaven Youth Hub aims to become a cornerstone of youth employment support in the area – offering a space where young people feel welcomed, heard, and empowered to achieve their goals.

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, CYA has supported more than 100,000 young people aged 11-25, (30,000 in the last five years) opening pathways to brighter futures.

“Last Tuesday, Cumbrian young people were front and centre of the Westminster agenda,” said Mark Libby, Chair of CYA. “Alongside politicians and leading figures from across the country, our team and young people shared CYA’s proven, innovative solutions. The event was also about looking forward, informing best practice and ensuring every young person in Cumbria can thrive.”

Becky Wolstenholme, CYA’s CEO, said highlights of the event included inspiring speeches from four young people and an impromptu juggling display from Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale. “It was fantastic to see the youth voice shining through,” said Becky. “We received offers to help with capital funding to complete internal works at our Workington buildings, pledges of ongoing financial support, and invitations to develop new partnership programmes. Both Tim Farron and Josh MacAlister, Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, spoke very highly of CYA and our impact. It was a phenomenal experience and a brilliant way to celebrate our milestone.”

One of Cumbria’s youngest accredited youth workers, Lizzie Hudspith-Spence, represented young people and the wider youth sector. “I spoke with Julie Minns, MP for Carlisle, about my journey into youth work and third sector leadership,” she said. “I also met Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, to discuss leisure and recreational opportunities like Penrith’s skatepark and pump track, which keep young people active and connected.”

Lizzie added: “Attending Westminster was truly inspiring. Having my voice heard among MPs and sector leaders reinforced how vital it is for young people to be represented in national discussions about the future of our communities. Continuing to spotlight youth work and partnership in Cumbria will help build stronger networks and lasting, positive change for young people across the county.”

Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister said:

“It was a real pleasure to welcome Cumbria Youth Alliance and a fantastic group of young Cumbrians to Westminster. The energy, ideas and ambition they brought were inspiring. 

“For 25 years, CYA has been helping young people across Cumbria find their voice and their purpose – often when they’ve needed it most. Their work makes a genuine difference in our towns and communities, and I’m proud to support what they do to give every young person the best chance to thrive.”

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 part in the annual ceremony organised by the Fell & Rock Climbing Club (FRCC).

Held at 899 metres (2,949 feet) above sea level, the Great Gable service brings together hundreds of people each year to honour those who gave their lives in conflict – including members of the FRCC who fell during the First World War.

Standing at the memorial plaque near the summit cairn, Josh joined fellow climbers and rescuers in a two-minute silence at 11am, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Lake District.

Josh MacAlister MP said:

“It was a real privilege to take part in the highest Remembrance service in the country. The walk up Great Gable is a challenge, especially with the Cumbrian weather, but it’s an incredibly special way to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice – including the climbers remembered on the summit plaque.

“As a Mountain Rescue member, it was especially meaningful to climb alongside volunteers from the Wasdale team and share this moment of reflection together. From the top, with the fells stretching in every direction, it’s impossible not to feel humbled by their courage and the peace they fought to protect.”

The Great Gable service has been held every year since 1924, when the Fell & Rock Climbing Club gifted 3,000 acres of the surrounding land to the National Trust in memory of their fallen members.

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 done anything wrong, but because the law allowed it. Many had lived there for years, one woman in her 80s for decades. It was a devastating experience for the people involved, and it placed real pressure on already-stretched local housing services.

That injustice has stayed with me ever since, and last week I’m proud that we finally took the action needed to stop it happening again. The government’s Renters’ Rights Act has now become law – banning so-called “no-fault” evictions and giving renters more security in their homes.

Across England, around 11 million people rent privately. Here in West Cumbria, thousands of families and individuals do the same – and they’ll now be protected from being forced out of their homes without good reason.

The new law doesn’t just ban unfair evictions. It’s the biggest shake-up of the private rented sector in more than 40 years. It extends the Decent Homes Standard to private rented properties, so tenants can expect safer, better-maintained homes. It introduces an independent Ombudsman to deal with complaints quickly and fairly. It stops landlords and agents from driving up prices through rental bidding wars. And it gives tenants new rights to request a pet, which landlords can only refuse on reasonable grounds.

These are fair, practical measures – good news for renters, but also for good landlords. The vast majority of landlords here in West Cumbria already do the right thing: they look after their properties, charge fair rents, and treat tenants with respect. For them, this Act simply levels the playing field, driving out rogue operators who undercut responsible landlords by cutting corners or exploiting loopholes.

Of course, the Act won’t fix every issue in our local housing market. We still face a serious shortage of homes for rent and for sale. That’s why the government’s commitment to build 1.5 million new homes – including affordable and social housing – is so vital. I’ll be working with the government and the council to ensure we get our fair share of those here.

Everyone deserves a safe, secure home – whether they rent or own. The Renters’ Rights Act is an important step toward that goal, and I’m determined to make sure it delivers real results for people here 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 vision to revitalise Whitehaven as a living, prosperous and vibrant town centre – a place where people choose to live, work, visit and invest.

The Whitehaven Masterplan aims to co-ordinate public and private investment, celebrate the town’s heritage and natural assets, and strengthen its role as a key centre within West Cumbria’s economy.

The presentation detailed the findings from the first phase of consultation and engagement, which involved residents, businesses, landowners and community groups across the town. Feedback revealed strong local ambition for a more connected, attractive and welcoming Whitehaven, with a thriving mix of shops, leisure spaces, and community facilities.

A second round of public consultation is planned for December, including targeted engagement with local businesses and young people, whose voices are key to shaping the final plan.

Work is now underway to come up with some specific deliverable projects and a Strategic Outline Business Case to guide future investment and delivery. Ideas received from the public so far include better celebrating the town’s maritime heritage, a new food market, more independent shops, new housing to rent and a wider cultural offer for the town’s residents and visitors.

Josh MacAlister MP said:

“We’re making real progress in setting out an ambitious yet achievable vision for Whitehaven’s future. The Masterplan will help us unlock investment and ensure Whitehaven is a place people are proud to call home and excited to visit.

“I’m grateful to all the residents, businesses, and partners who have shared their ideas so far – your input is shaping a future where Whitehaven can thrive as a vibrant, well-connected town at the heart of West Cumbria. A town proud of its heritage yet looking to the future.”

Cllr Emma Williamson, Deputy Leader of Cumberland Council, added:

“This Masterplan is about building confidence and pride in Whitehaven’s future. It brings together our shared priorities – more good-quality homes, better spaces for people to meet, and stronger links to our coastline and heritage.

“The feedback we’ve received so far shows a real sense of local ownership, and I’d encourage everyone to stay involved as we move into the next stage of consultation later this year.”

Residents can still share their views in Josh’s survey at joshmacalister.uk/whitehaven