Candidates standing for the Cleator Moor East and Frizington ward in the upcoming Cumberland Council election

Voters will take to the polls on May 5 to elect Unitary councillors for the new authority.

Candidates standing for the Cleator Moor East and Frizington ward in Copeland have highlighted the main issues they hope to tackle in the area.

Linda Jones-Bulman, Labour

Having lived in my ward for many years I have witnessed the decline in our rural area due to government cuts and under investment. We are now also facing one of the biggest drops in living standards in years and rural areas will be the worst affected - this is why I chose to stand and be a strong voice for local people.

Currently I am vice chair of Copeland Borough Council and a representative on the Cumberland Joint Committee which will be creating policy and the constitution to take us forward in 2023.

Some of my priorities are: adult social care, mental health and keeping our local NHS services local and fit for purpose. Retaining Frizington Fire station, regular police presence. Speeding, parking issues, local bus service, dog fouling, fly tipping and litter. Skills to deliver low carbon energy mix creating well paid jobs.

Paul Turner, Conservative

I am fully aware there are concerns over traffic problems on the A5086. As a member of the Collision Reduction Team, I worked to get the camera van site in place, and while I have extensive knowledge of the problems and potential solutions, I do also appreciate there are still issues and concerns to address.

It is also important that as a representative of all residents, that the new Town Fund is used to the benefit of all in Cleator Moor.

My aims are: • Although not under threat, I will support the retention of the fire station in Frizington and keeping the appliance it has.

• Speak regularly with the Police about all issues in the area from speeding to anti-social behaviour as well as ensuring data is correctly used.

• Ensure that where funding is available and needed to speak out to get this funding

Aliscia Wood, Independent

As a young candidate who has spent all of her life living in the ward, my focus is quite simple, the community. At the minute my main concerns are: The proposal for the beaver sanctuary at Ennerdale and the knock on effects it will have on the valley’s environment and residents.

Supporting Frizington Tip any way it’s needed, including campaigning for better access and egress of the site.

And finally working with the campaigners at Bowthorn Park Farm to stop the council from forcibly buying it to make an industrial estate.