Cockermouth Cittaslow

In early 2008 Cockermouth was awarded Cittaslow status. In doing so Cockermouth has become the first town in the North West and the seventh in the country to receive the Cittaslow award.

The award recognises the town as one that has a good quality of life at a relaxed pace. Cittaslow, which is Italian for "slow city" or "slow town" is an international network of towns. A Cittaslow signs up to working towards a set of goals that aim to improve quality of life, and needs to pass an assessment before being admitted as a member of the Cittaslow network.

The assessors visited the town in November and were impressed by what they found. They judged it against 60 criteria. The award looks in particular at the environment, high quality local goods and produce and the town’s uniqueness, particularly heritage and culture.

Margaret Jackson, Deputy Leader of Allerdale Borough Council and regeneration portfolio holder, greeted the news warmly and said: “We are delighted with this award. It highlights the qualities of Cockermouth for those who live, work and visit there. The quality and pace of life there have long attracted people. This is very special for the town.”

Sam Standage, Chairman of the Cockermouth Partnership and Mayor of Cockermouth, said: “This is great news. It recognises what we have long known, that Cockermouth is a jewel of a town, and this award marks those very qualities that make it so.”

Many local residents and businesses have joined the local Cittaslow organisation and further members are welcome.

For further information, contact Debbie Keir on 01900 702772 or email regeneration@allerdale.gov.uk