Within the Furness area is the important Market Town of Ulverston, famous for its Hoad Monument, the Ulverston Canal and being the birthplace of Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy fame. The town’s market charter was granted in 1280 by Edward I. The Furness area also encompasses the small town of Dalton, historically the capital of Furness. Dalton is home to the historic Dalton Castle and the world famous South Lakes Wild Animal Park.

Furness Enterprise in conjunction with a range of partners such as South Lakeland District Council, Ulverston Town Council, the Federation of Small Businesses and committed local people and independent retailers has worked intensively to try to ensure the vitality and viability of Ulverston Town Centre through a range of initiatives. This approach has been successful and Ulverston’s character is considerably enhanced by its range of independent retailers.

In conjunction with a local group of concerned residents, and independent retailers, called Keep Ulverston Special, and the Federation of Small Businesses we are currently campaigning against the threat of further large supermarket chains wishing to locate edge of town centre or out of town centre, thereby destroying the vitality and viability of Ulverston Town Centre and its unique character.

We welcome learning from other organisations as to how to deal with large supermarket threats to the viability and vitality of Ulverston Town Centre.