The News & Star readers have responded to news that Carlisle is on its way to developing a 'bright and prosperous future for itself.'

Through years of hard work and determination, many of the city's projects in and out of the pipeline could help fortify Carlisle as the 'Great Border City' for many years to come - perfectly matched with an increasing population as latest census figures show a growth of 2 per cent over the last decade. 

Suzanne Caldwell, managing director for the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: "We've been through the doom and gloom of Debenhams is closed, the disrepair of the House of Fraser, look at this and look at that, but all that work that has been going on to actually make things that are coming through now fruition is bearing fruit and it'll spiral - things are looking really positive and it'll make up for a really bright future."

Here's what you had to say. 

Peter Blakemore said: "I think it could be the start of good things for Carlisle, I just hope they have a Local History and Archeology department so we can finally learn the real history of Cumbria.

"On a side note, there will be a massive influx of students, their friends and family visiting, especially in holidays. It's a good opportunity for the business minded, to have a think about what they want and need and like and deliver it and you could be made."

Jon Davies argued: "The strategy for the airport is frankly laughable - Esken have been saying the same thing for ages now and yet nothing has actually happened. Granted the pandemic has had an impact, but given how busy other airports have been in the last few months, they've really missed out on a great opportunity to re-open the site."