War memorial to be moved in square revamp

Cumberland Council say it wants to create a "welcoming, lively space"

A war memorial will be relocated to a "more prominent space" as part of plans to regenerate a city centre square.

Cumberland Council started ground investigation work at Market Square and Greenmarket in Carlisle city centre this week.

It said it had reached agreement with the British Legion to move the memorial and its benches to a more prominent space in the square.

Some trees will also be removed before the bird nesting season, the council added.

The council said it will inspect all trees in the city centre for ash dieback

Council bosses say they want to make the area a "vibrant focal point that encourages community gatherings and increases footfall".

The authority said two trees are affected by ash dieback and require removal for safety reasons.

Additionally, two trees situated within the planning area will be taken down.

However, in a statement the council said not every tree bearing orange paint will undergo removal, with some "unintentionally marked" during survey work.

The authority has committed to plant new trees and shrubs in and around the area.

Leader of Cumberland Council Mark Fryer said: "Presently, the area poses challenges with numerous cars congesting the space, resulting in potential hazards

"It can feel like a real-life dodgem track."

The works are in collaboration with nearby regeneration projects on Devonshire Street and English Street, Carlisle Station and the University of Cumbria's new Citadels Campus.

The Market Square and Greenmarket scheme will receive £4 million from the Future High Street Fund.