With its impressive history, connections across the world and some of the friendliest townsfolk around, Whitehaven is certainly a place to visit – and fall head over heels in love with.

Copeland Borough Council’s Shop Local campaign encourages everyone to see what goodies their high street has to offer - and this week it’s time to shine a light on the marvellous former mining town.

Whitehaven already has lots to shout about - the impressive harbour and Georgian architecture for example – but the dedication of its town councillors and supportive residents should get everyone singing its praises.

“What makes Whitehaven really great is 100 per cent the people,” Mayor of Whitehaven, Brian O’Kane, said.

“They are full of town support, and they recognise the struggle traders are going through during the pandemic. Everyone has really wanted to support all our businesses and keep them going.

“Despite the slight decline we’ve seen on the high street recently, It’s still such a wonderful experience to be in the town – it really is a Georgian gem.”

And while the town is already a special place to be, there are plenty of plans to improve it. The Buzz Station will feature a restaurant, accommodation, office space and more, and a makeover for the train station, to provide a more welcoming gateway to the town, is planned, along with work to make the harbour an even more magical place to wander and enjoy.

Fingers are collectively crossed that the town’s ambitious and transformative Future High Streets Fund bid will be successful later this year.

But where would any town be without its hard-working traders, fabulous stores and loyal customers?

Councillor O’Kane said: “Copeland’s support for shops and services has been absolutely phenomenal.

“Shop Local has been one thing, but the support across the borough with grants, and people visiting local shops, has been incredible.

“The next thing to focus on is getting tourists in from the Lake District - getting them to extend their stay by visiting Whitehaven and the surrounding areas because they are attracted by what we can offer here.”

He continued: “At the town council, we’re trying to increase marketing for the town, and really promote what Whitehaven has to offer before businesses are forced to close.”

And after a month in lockdown, Whitehaven Town Councillor, Chamber of Trade chairman and business owner, Charles Maudling, hopes to see many friendly faces back on the high street.

"It's a pleasure to be part of the town council, to help all the businesses in the town, and to see other people doing the same," he said.

"With lockdown coming to an end, all us traders are really looking forward to welcoming our customers back like long lost friends, with open arms and our biggest smiles!

"Whitehaven is a great town with so much community spirit, so let's hope that really shines through in the run-up to Christmas, and we see a lot more footfall and happy faces coming into all the shops on the high street."

And with Christmas just round the corner, Coun O'Kane is urging everyone to really make these next few weeks count.

“If you don’t use it, you lose it,” he said. “Businesses make about 30 to 35 per cent of their money at this time of year, so it’s crucial that people visit their high street shops and buy their Christmas presents and little gifts from them now.

“It’s a two-way street for everyone – traders rely on locals, but locals also rely on traders.

“That has been made so clear during Covid, with so many businesses doing amazing things for the community, so everyone really does need to play their part in keeping the town alive.”

He added: “It’s such a beautiful place to be, it’s important that people know that – and come and enjoy it!”