Following a launch event recently, four further workshops are planned to discuss community needs and opportunities to make Longtown a sustainable place. 

A community-led Place Plan will be drawn together and will cover a wide range of ideas.

It is supported by the availability of up to £3 million of Borderlands funding to be spent within Longtown on to support development and renewal to help boost the local economy.

The residents and businesses of the Longtown district are being asked for their opinions on what is good about Longtown and how it could be improved.

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Leader of Carlisle City Council, Councillor John Mallinson, said: "We’d like to thank all those who attended the first Longtown Place Plan event. It’s important that the residents and businesses in Longtown have their say on how they want the town improved in the future.

"The Borderlands funding will provide welcomed investment in the area and how it should be spent should be determined by the local communities."

The workshop sessions will result in the production of a ‘Place Plan’ by the end of the year.

A ‘Place Plan’ is a document which will outline the 10–20-year vision for Longtown, identifying a range of projects, activities and funding sources, as well as outline projects that are eligible for Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal funding.

The Place Plan will be tailored to the unique features of Longtown, outlining how the town will build upon its assets and strengths to address its challenges.

As a community led process, the development of the Place Plan will involve extensive community involvement to ensure that the eventual project programme matches the needs and ambitions of the local community.

A Town Team will be set up to help promote, manage and deliver the Place Plan. Community volunteers are invited to join to help make this initiative successful.

READ MORE: Penrith's plans ahead of the Borderlands Place Programme

As part of the Borderlands Growth Deal, funding has been allocated to the Place Programme with 21 places receiving up to £3 million each. These towns were selected using an established prioritisation approach.

The Place Programme recognises how important smaller rural market and coastal towns are to the Borderlands economy by revitalising these places.

The next four workshops will take place throughout June and July, for more information visit: https://www.borderlandsgrowth.com/place-programme