The people of Cleator Moor have spoken about how they would like to see a share of government funding spent.

Copeland Council is holding a public information event in the town today (Thursday) to give people more information on its bid for the Towns Fund.

The cash is to provide investment in transport, digital, skills and culture to help transform the towns, boost productivity and raise living standards.

Both Cleator Moor and Millom have been included in the shortlist to receive funding and each town will benefit from up to £25 million of investment.

Dave Farrell, chair of Cleator Moor Chamber of Trade, said he would like to see sustainable projects that will boost the economy of the town.

He said: "There is a lot of scope in Cleator Moor for projects that will fulfill some, if not all of the criteria.

"The challenge is to come up with some projects that are sustainable and will bring employment opportunities.

"There's scope for lots of things in the town centre and elsewhere in the town.

"One of the things Mike Starkie has been pushing for in Copeland is to become a more visitor focused area.

"We are looking at a post-nuclear era. Re-processing is coming to an end. It's time to look at economic alternatives that would use the skills there in a different way.

"The key to it is working together across all sectors, as well as involving the community."

Joan Hulley, chair of Cleator Moor Town Council, said: "I think it should be used for what businesses and people need.

"The high street could do with being done up. We need more employment. It would be nice to see the town be lively again.

"We need all parts of the community to come together for the good of the town."

Oliver Dorgan, who represents Cleator Moor South on the town council, said: "For me the top priority is to make sure the money is used for opportunities that will maximise jobs and employment for local people, and make sure the town can develop sustainably."

Copeland Council is in the process of creating local boards for Cleator Moor and Millom to help steer the bid process for each town.

The meeting in Cleator Moor, is taking place at the town's Civic Hall today (Thursday), starting at 5.30pm.

The meeting in Millom will be held in the Pensioners' Hall on Wednesday, also starting at 5.30pm.