Your voice can transform Allonby—but only if you speak up. Cumberland Council is calling on residents to shape the future of their village, and this is your chance to make a difference. But here's where it gets interesting: while many surveys focus on specific issues, this one is a deep dive into every aspect of life in Allonby. From the ease of getting around to the appeal of green spaces, and from local amenities like doctors and shops to the overall sense of community safety—nothing is off the table. And this is the part most people miss: your input isn’t just a formality; it’s the foundation for real, tangible changes that could redefine everyday life in the village.
Following a recent engagement workshop and walkabout, the council has launched an online questionnaire designed to capture the thoughts of everyone who lives and works in Allonby. The survey, available until midnight on Monday, 12 January, asks what you love about the village and what you think could be improved. You can access it here: Improving Allonby | Let's Talk Cumberland.
Cllr Tony Markley, Chair of the Fells and Solway Community Panel, emphasizes the importance of this initiative: “We’ve already received valuable feedback from our recent engagement event, but we want to hear from even more people through this online survey. Whether it’s about accessibility, local facilities, or the village’s economy, every opinion counts. This is your opportunity to highlight what you value most about Allonby and suggest ways to make it even better.”
But here’s a point that might spark debate: how much weight should be given to individual opinions when shaping community-wide decisions? While the council’s approach is commendable, some might argue that not all voices carry the same impact. For instance, long-time residents may have different priorities than newcomers. Should their perspectives hold more sway? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Cllr Justin McDermott, Executive Member for Public Health and Communities, adds: “At Cumberland Council, we’re committed to putting local voices at the heart of our decision-making. Initiatives like this aren’t just about gathering feedback—they’re about empowering communities to take ownership of their future. By listening to residents and acting on their ideas, we can create solutions that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who call Allonby home.”
The results of the survey, along with insights from the engagement event, will be shared at a drop-in session on Saturday, 24 January, from 10am to noon at Allonby Village Hall. This informal gathering will allow residents to review the findings, provide additional feedback, and ask questions directly to council staff. No formal presentations are planned, so feel free to drop in at any time during the session.
Here’s the big question for you: If you could change one thing about Allonby, what would it be, and why? Is it the lack of certain amenities, the state of public spaces, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts below—let’s start a conversation that could shape the future of this village.
