Tributes paid after death of former mayor

Cyril Weber was mayor of Carlisle in 1988

Tributes have been paid to a "veteran" Cumbria politician and former Carlisle mayor who has died after a 40-year career in local politics.

Councillor Cyril Weber, who represented the Harraby North area of Carlisle since May 2022, died on Thursday, Cumberland Council said.

He had previously served as an elected member for the former Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council and was Mayor of Carlisle from 1988 to 1989.

Cumberland Council's leader Mark Fryer said Mr Weber left a "lasting legacy" and would be "dearly missed".

“Cyril was a veteran of local politics and hugely well respected across all political persuasions," Mr Fryer said.

'Carlisle first'

Mr Weber's passion for his city had been "unbelievable", Mr Fryer said.

"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."

He added the council's thoughts were with Mr Weber's family and friends.