Climate change, housing, and transport are among the key issues council candidates in Eden are focusing on in the local elections.

The fight for the Eden district will pitch 86 candidates from across the area against each other for 38 ward seats.

This election marks the first for the newly formed Putting Cumbria First party, which will be running in three of the wards.

Jonathan Davies, Putting Cumbria First candidate for Eamont, outlined the key issues facing the area and how the new party plans to tackle them.

Mr Davies describes the party as the “voice of local people” across Cumbria and the Eden District. They will seek to introduce multi-mode transport that works for the rural areas along with developing high streets so they “deliver local services for local people”.

They would also call for councillors to “put party politics aside and address climate change” by declaring a climate emergency in the district.

“We will be pushing for action on climate change from day one of the council meetings.”

The Conservative Party, which has held a majority for nine years, has a focus on housing and working with the community.

Gordon Nicolson, who is seeking re-election in Lazonby, spoke about “solid plans for housing. They include ensuring that 30 per cent of homes built will be affordable.

The Conservatives will work with the community to choose the local services that are developed and to boost employment and opportunities for new and existing local businesses.

The main concern for independents, Cumbria First, the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats is the Penrith Masterplan - which would introduce more homes and jobs in the area.

“We’re worried about the cost of another masterplan because so much money has already gone into the current one,” said Deb Holden, Liberal Democrat candidate for Penrith North.

The Liberal Democrats are focusing on affordable housing, sustainable solutions, and infrastructure.

They are concerned by the lack of adherence to government guidelines by property developers, keeping housing affordable and sustainable is another way forward.

“There’s a need for it,” commented Mrs Holden.

The Green Party would scrap the masterplan. They would also promote a range of policies aimed at addressing climate change, such as: the use of planning powers to encourage energy efficient development and the promotion of zero carbon public and private transport, and safer cycling routes.

“Attracting economic investment in environmentally progressive enterprises must be a priority both to encourage uptake of green technologies,” he said.

Dave Knaggs, Labour candidate for Penrith West, set out similar policies of opposing the Penrith Masterplan and declaring a climate emergency in the district.

Building up local business has been highlighted by all candidates, Labour would seek to create “an innovative plan to combat the decline of local retail outlets and high streets”.

He also said that Labour would “consult on the idea of a ‘tourist tax’ that will benefit the whole of the district”.

Margaret Clark, an indepedent candidate for Penrith South, is campaigning for a revised masterplan, greater access for disabled people, and a multi-agency approach to antisocial behaviour.

She said: “The present housing strategy has resulted in the provision of too many upmarket dwellings being built by developers to the detriment of more affordable and rentable properties”.

The News & Star attempted to contact representatives from UKIP but were unable to reach them yesterday.