Carlisle councillor Cyril Weber dies after over 40 years of service

Cyril Weber, who most recently represented the Harraby North ward, died yesterday (April 4, 2024) after a long career as a local council member in north Cumbria.

He spent his life in Carlisle, representing the city and its people for decades at various levels.

He served as the mayor of Carlisle from 1988-89, and later, as the chair of Cumbria County Council’s local committee for Carlisle, played a pivotal role in organising the City of Lights event, which comes by each year.

He was also a representative for the social welfare charity Mary Hannah Almshouses, and the Lowther Street Trust – a Carlisle charity which provides financial support to help educate people aged under 25.

He fulfilled a senior role as a trustee on the Harraby Community Centre management committee, since 2014, as well, a well-used venue for film screenings, gatherings, and art exhibitions.

He was well known as an accessible councillor who would often lend a listening ear to local concerns, who championed local causes, the environment, and social work.

A spokesperson from Cumberland Council said his election in May 2022 for the Harraby North ward followed a more than 40-year career in local politics, having served as an elected member for both the former Carlisle City Council since May 1979 and Cumbria County Council since 2001.

Cyril Weber, then mayor of Carlisle, on Shrove Tuesday, 1989 (Image: NQ)

Cllr Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said in a tribute: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, Cllr Cyril Weber.

"Cyril was a veteran of local politics and hugely well respected across all political persuasions.

“He was a passionate local politician who dedicated more than 40 years working to improve the lives of people across not just Carlisle but the wider area too.

"He leaves a lasting legacy on the communities he served throughout his long political career and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

“I first met Cyril when I was a young man.

"His passion for his city was unbelievable.

"It was Carlisle first, Carlisle second and if there were any crumbs on the table they were for Carlisle. What a man he was, and if anyone wants to know how to measure success, go to Harraby and see how Harraby Community Centre looks, it has Cyril Weber’s fibre running right through it.

"I wish I had another 20 people just like Cyril.

“On behalf of the entire council, I would like to express my deepest and sincere condolences to Cyril’s family and friends.

"Our thoughts are with them all at this difficult time.

“Our flags will be flown at half-mast until after the funeral as a mark of respect.”

Cllr Abdul Harid, the current mayor of Carlisle, paid his respects. He said he was a friend of Mr Weber for 30 years from as soon as he moved to Carlisle.

"I became friends with him, and bought a house a few doors down from him," he said.

"Cyril has always been very keen on local issues, and with me as a friend, he's helped me in many ways during election times."

Cllr Harid said he helped him move into his new home, and was there to lend a hand whenever he needed it.

In return, Cllr Harid would provide lifts back home from meetings as Cyril didn't drive, during which they would often share valuable conversations.

"As a newcomer to a city, you ask people for help, and Cyril was the first person who came to support me," he added.

On mayoral issues, one of his most striking actions was to insist that the city retained its status as such, including a 'proper mayor with the full regalia', Cllr Harid said.

"He always insisted that we continue the mayoral duties," he added, something of deep importance to the city that reflects a centuries-long heritage.

Julie Minns, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Carlisle, said: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and Labour councillor, Cyril Weber.

"Cyril was a good man, an excellent local councillor and a longstanding and dedicated member of our party. Few in public life can claim to have delivered real positive change, but Cyril is one of those few.

"For over 40 years Cyril was unstinting in his service to our city and its residents, and he leaves a huge gap in the Harraby community and in the lives of everyone who knew him.

"I will greatly miss Cyril’s wise counsel and my deep felt condolences go out to his wife and family at this very sad time”.