Date set for town revamp decision

A public consultation on the plans has been carried out

Residents in Cumbria will find out in December whether a multi-million pound regeneration scheme will go ahead.

The New Squares development in Penrith has stalled after the original backer, an Australian bank, pulled the plug.

An alternative plan for a Sainsbury's supermarket and affordable homes has been proposed by Eden District Council.

Councillors will decide whether to go ahead with the plans at a special council meeting at North Lakes Hotel on 8 December.

The decision was originally due to be made in November, but was postponed to allow the council to take further advice on a number of legal, financial and technical issues.

Chief executive Kevin Douglas said: "We have confirmed today that the North Lakes Hotel will be the venue for the meeting, it can accommodate 200 people, although parking at the venue will be limited.

"So we would encourage those people who wish to attend the council meeting to car share or walk to the venue if they are Penrith residents."

The meeting is due to start at 1845 GMT.