Fears that small town and parish councils could become responsible for the cost of their own footpath lighting have been allayed - at least for now.

Allerdale council planned to transfer the cost of this lighting to town and parish councils.

But a spokesman said new proposals would be discussed this month which would delay the implementation of that scheme. But it seems that this is only a delay and that councils were likely to take over the costs from April 2021.

Maryport Town Council has opposed the move.

"Allerdale calls it asset transfer but it is liability transfer," said Maryport mayor, Peter Kendall.

Councillors sitting on Maryport Town Council agreed that a small council could not afford the extra burden of cost that the plan would bring.

Councillor Angela Kendall added: "Allerdale seems to be shedding all its responsibilities."

There was also questions raised about who owned what lamps.

The Allerdale spokesman added: "Discussions will start early in the new year with town and parish councils regarding associated energy costs for the lights and we will work with the those authorities to implement the proposal as smoothly as possible."