Council funds community garden and drumming space

St Mary's Church received money to build a community garden that will be home to a drumming circle

A west Cumbria community garden and drumming space are among local projects receiving a cash boost.

St Mary's Church in Westfield, Workington, received £3,050 from Cumberland Council to build the garden.

The space will be used to encourage people to grow and cook their own food, as well as hosting a performance space for a drum circle.

Lisa Brown, deputy council leader, said funding the projects would help improve the "physical and mental wellbeing" of residents.

The money received by the church will also be used to buy drums so the drumming group can be set up.

Drumming improves mental health and helps those suffering from trauma, the council said.

Climbing wall

Seaton Scout Group was awarded £5,000 from the council's Workington Together Community Panel to pay for a climbing wall.

It is hoped that making the wall available to the community will help tackle antisocial behaviour and social isolation.

“By providing a space to get outside - whether to learn to grow food, or scale a challenging climbing wall - we not only improve the physical and mental wellbeing of local residents, but build stronger community networks,” Ms Brown added.

Councillors deferred a decision from Workington Heritage Group for a marquee at the Helena Thompson Museum in order to gather more information.