WHITEHAVEN's mayor has said that 'the town is on the up', despite recent concerns over struggling businesses and empty shop units in the town centre.

Councillor Graham Roberts, mayor of Whitehaven, has welcomed the establishment of new businesses on the town's high street.

Cllr Roberts said he was happy to see new cafes opening at the top of King Street.

One business, Enjoy Coffee, was opened by a Bulgarian couple Remzie Marinova and Todor Martinov, on May 6 of this year. 

Another neighbouring business, Abby's Cafe, was opened by the then 19-year-old Abby Roper in May 2022. 

He has also welcomed the regeneration work on the former Whitehaven News building on Queen Street and the Whittles building on Duke Street. 

Work started earlier this month on developing the former news building into offices that can be used by Whitehaven Town Council. 

Cllr Roberts said: "On behalf of our historic town I am proud to announce that the regeneration of Whitehaven has begun. 

"The renovation work of the town council offices has begun and work on the former Whittles store is underway shortly.

"This process has taken longer than anticipated due to the lack of a development corporation. But despite this more projects are in the pipeline."

Cllr Roberts hailed Whitehaven's seaside position as being ideal to draw more tourists, and added that the town's history and heritage, which dates back to the 1700s, is another enticing feature.

He continued: "It's the number one place according to The Sunday Times to retire to, transportation is reasonably good, and there's a lovely, relaxed, way of life.

"The whole place is absolutely marvellous and we wouldn't want anything better.

"The landscaping is so appealing, and it really is a lovely town to be in.

"We're trying to promote it as best and as fast as we can because it's a come to the destination. 

"The Rum Story has been a success, The Beacon is now a success, and I'd definitely say that Whitehaven's on the up. It's one of the two gem towns in West Cumbria, along with Cockermouth. 

"Gem towns are places with great history, that can expand. I think that this place has a great future."

Cllr Roberts' comments come amid broad recognition that regeneration is essential for Whitehaven. In May, the area's new Labour MP Josh MacAlister said the town was 'on its knees'.

“I want to see a bold and ambitious masterplan laying out an exciting future for the town, but we need everybody working together and pulling in the same direction to make it happen," Ms MacAlister said.