PEOPLE connected to Cleator Moor have shown strong support for four projects designed to ensure the town enjoys a vibrant and prosperous future.

Cleator Moor secured a Town Deal worth £40.9m from the Government last year for the projects that will bring forward new opportunities for employment, improved health outcomes for residents and a long-term boost to the local economy.

Now, the results of the most recent survey launched to help capture views on the Town Deal has shown the majority of respondents either strongly support or support each of its projects.

Bob Metcalfe, chair of the Cleator Moor Town Deal Board, said: “This really is positive news.

“These projects are designed to harness significant and longstanding benefits for the community so it’s wonderful to see that residents and other people connected with Cleator Moor are supportive of them.

“We were very pleased to see such a good turnout at the drop-in event at the Civic Hall last month.

“The results of the survey launched at that event now also show that the community is very much in favour of each of the projects individually and of the Town Deal programme itself.

“My thanks go to everyone who took the time to complete the survey. The feedback they have provided is invaluable and will help to inform the teams working on the projects as they move closer to delivery.”

The Cleator Moor Town Deal Board is working alongside the newly-formed Cumberland Council to ready each of the projects for completion before March 2026.

In addition to £22.5m from the Government's Towns Fund, a further £18.4m was secured from match funders.

The survey showed:

  • 62.5 per cent of respondents strongly support or support Enterprising Town, a project which will see the redevelopment of the existing Leconfield Industrial Estate to provide employment and training opportunities for residents in Cleator Moor as well as helping to diversify the local economy. The proposal will also create new buildings on site including an Enterprise Campus Hub, the refurbishment of existing units and extensive landscaping.
  • 68.74 per cent of respondents strongly support or support Revitalised Town - a project to increase activity and footfall around the Town Square by bringing vacant and under-utilised buildings back into active use to include a new public services and cultural community hub in refurbished and reconfigured Town Hall and library buildings. There would also be an attractive new public realm featuring planting and a public events space.
  • 75 per cent of respondents strongly support or support Healthy Town. This project will enhance existing sports and leisure provision to create a modern multi-purpose centre including an indoor sports hall, flexible studio space, gym and café and outdoor running track, alongside wider health and well-being provision. This will improve population health and generate more reasons for people to visit and spend time in Cleator Moor.
  • 75 per cent of respondents strongly support or support Connected Town, a scheme that will deliver a high-quality integrated and sustainable transport network which improves connections between employment, education, amenities and leisure and transforms the accessibility and attractiveness of Cleator Moor. It will also add planting and waymarkers to create a welcoming entrance to the town.

Over 90 per cent of respondents live in Cleator Moor.

Councillor Mark Fryer, the leader of Cumberland Council, said: “So much work has gone into developing the projects to meet the very strict criteria set out by the Government and a great deal has been achieved already.

“I would like to add my own thanks to everyone who has engaged in the process so far, at every stage.

“Feedback is always very important and it is great to see that the majority of people in the community feel positively about the projects and the benefits they can bring for the future.”