About

Welcome to Longtown Ward

Longtown Ward is one of 46 wards which make up Cumberland Council.

The ward is the most northerly ward in North West England. It stretches from the Solway Firth to the edge of Keilder Forest, comprising the seven parishes of Arthuret, Bewcastle, Kirkandrews on Esk, Nicholforest, Rockcliffe, Solport and Westlinton.

Just over 5,000 people live in Longtown Ward. We have eight churches, five schools, five pubs and some great local businesses. At 150 square miles we’re one of the largest wards in England, with the bulk of the land used for farming (mostly livestock) and forestry. The western end of the ward, around Rockcliffe, is part of the Solway Cost Natural Landscape.

Because of our border location the area is steeped in history. The Romans built defensive forts north of Hardrian’s Wall at what is now Netherby Hall and at Bewcastle. The Bewcastle Cross is an 8th Century Anglo-Saxon cross, still in its original position.

The battle of Solway Moss, between England and Scotland, took place just south of Longtown in 1542. Border reivers were active on both sides of the border from the middle ages and part of the ward were the ‘debatable lands’ between England and Scotland. Reiver surnames, from both sides of the border, are still prevalent today.

Councillor Tim Pickstone

In 2022 local government re-organisation took place across Cumbria with the new Cumberland Council taking on all local services from 1 April 2023.

Each of the 46 wards in Cumberland elects one councillor. The first elections to Cumberland Council took place in May 2022. Councillor Tim Pickstone was elected to represent Longtown Ward . Tim lives in the ward (in Penton) and he is also a Nicholforest Parish Councillor. Prior to moving to the area Tim was a councillor on Bury Metropolitan Borough Council for 22 years, including two years as Mayor.

Current committee appointments and other responsibilities:

• Standards and Governance Committee (Vice-Chair)
• Border, Fellside and North Carlisle Community Panel
• Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Panel (Vice-Chair)

• Longtown Memorial Hall and Community Centre (Trustee)
• Blackford Church of England Primary School (Governor)
• Beckburn Windfarm Community Fund Grants Committee
• Hallburn Windfarm Community Fund Grants Committee