Published at 11:18, Wednesday, 12 March 2008

BIG changes to the way Carlisle Renaissance is run have won the backing of Cumbria County Council.

The Renaissance proposals were drawn up in response to the 2005 floods.

They involve major redevelopments of Rickergate and Viaduct Estate and improvements to the so-called “historic quarter”.

Carlisle city council, which is leading the scheme, wants to hand over day-to-day control to a Renaissance board.

This will have two representatives each from the city and county councils, one each from the Northwest Development Agency and Cumbria Vision, and six – including the chairman – from the private sector.

the city council backed the change last week and yesterday the county council’s cabinet approved it too.

Councillor Tony Markley, the cabinet member responsible, said: “This will provide an effective framework with which we can all move forward and provide more opportunity for the private sector to shape the projects to suit their needs.”

Opposition Labour councillors on both local authorities have doubts about handing control to a board dominated by business interests.

Councillor Michael Boaden, Labour leader of the city council, has promised a rethink of the Renaissance plans if he becomes council leader after the May 1 elections.

He said: “We are anxious that the membership of the board reflects the community.

“We need to ensure proper representation from public organisations in Carlisle and, most importantly, from residents.”

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk