WE shared the news that Cumberland is at the forefront of delivering the country's 'garden village' vision, according to a government department.

Jane Meek, Cumberland Council's assistant director of thriving place and investment, was speaking to members of the place overview and scrutiny committee at the Copeland Centre in Whitehaven on Wednesday (June 12).

They had heard an update on the proposed St Cuthbert's Garden Village project in the Carlisle area.

Report author Neil Cole, the council's head of planning policy, said it was the largest such development north of Manchester. It would be the size of Penrith and include 10,000 new homes as well as commercial, retail and employment space with five new primary schools and a secondary school.

Here's what readers said.

Carole Caulfield said: "Get all the derelict buildings put back into use, Carlisle is crumbling around our ears as are other towns."

Mark Owen agreed, commenting: "Get the derelict city centre and brownfield sites sorted first."

Richard Nutt added: "No mention of new doctors, dentists or a hospital," while Sarah Jackson asked: "Great that schools are planned, if they can staff them. But will there be doctors, dentists and a hospital as well?"

Rachel Sharp said: "I feel really sad about all that green land being concreted over. It's not really a 'garden village', more continuing massive expansion of the city boundaries swallowing up surrounding villages."

Will Bowman said: "There are so many places within spitting distance of the train station that could be turned to housing without spoiling a single hedge."