We need to make sure that we are consistent in the way we refer to places and areas, so that readers can easily identify the places we are talking about.
There is some complexity about place names in our area that can make this difficult.
Westmorland and Furness
Westmorland and Furness is always written in full, never abbreviated. Don't use WAF or W&F.
Local name variations
There are many towns and villages in our areas that are known by local names, that may be different from the ‘official’ name. Somebody from Kent might look for Barrow-in-Furness, but most locals would say Barrow.
Other examples are:
- Kirkby, for Kirkby Stephen or Kirkby Lonsdale or Kirkby-in-Furness
- Dalton, for Dalton-in-Furness
- Grange, for Grange-over-Sands
- Bowness, for Bowness-on-Windermere
In these cases use the full name at first. Then after that use the local name. For example, ‘The main road to Bowness-on-Windermere can get really busy on bank holidays. Try alternative routes to Bowness’.
Some names are repeated across our area and the county of Cumbria. There are two villages called Newbiggin. In that case give more information so; Newbiggin-on-Lune (locally just called Newbiggin) near Kirkby Stephen or Newbiggin, close to Penrith. Or you could use the full postal address or specify a post code.
There are other examples and lots of variations. So always take care to be sure the reader can identify the place from your description.