Candidates standing for the Egremont 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 Egremont ward in Copeland have highlighted the main issues they hope to tackle in the area.

Shane Branthwaite, Independent

My three priorities would be youth anti-social behaviour, flooding issues and improvement of the Egremont Main Street.

1. There are some residents that believe some amount of the youth in Egremont tend to present themselves rather anti-socialistic around public areas. I’d like to explore this insight and improve it by introducing some new, fun and engaging activities suitable for all ages so anti-social behaviour can stop being an everyday occurrence and be left in the past.

2. As we know, flood protection has had improvement but is it enough for the matter? Floods are a contingency and it’s much better to be completely prepared for such possibilities. I will request the Environmental Agency to risk assess all high flood risk areas within the Egremont area. Floods have caused much hardship for families over the years for something that could be avoided. The residents of Egremont deserve better than to deal with occurrences like that.

3. The Main Street. The most walked, used and vital part of any form of tourism in the Egremont area. Residents are concerned that it doesn’t look as good as it should, considering it was once a great market town. It’s time we improved the appearance of this street so people can properly notice the care and history of this town and not just drive through it. Another vital part is to help small businesses in the area so they can thrive and to also create opportunities for people that wish to create their own business in the area to fill up the buildings that are unoccupied.

Jeff Hailes, Conservative

I'm married with three children and have lived in Moor Row for nearly 25 years. I work at Sellafield.

I completed eight years service working for the HM coastguard Agency in search and rescue.

I've been Copeland Borough Councillor for St Bees for the last three years. I'm also Egremont Rangers' Vice-Chairman.

As Copeland Young People's Champion, I understand the work we need to do to improve mental health and wellbeing in our young people.

My aims are: • Work hard to get funding for Egremont, putting a credible case together to move the town forward, working with the Copeland MP Trudy Harrison.

• As vice-chair of Egremont Rangers, we will further develop the club and opportunities for young people in the town, and take forward our Tar Pot training facility to make more opportunities.

• Working with providers to ensure people's mental health and wellbeing is improved post COVID-19. As Copeland young people's champion, I know how important this is!

Sam Pollen, Labour

I’m the Labour candidate for Egremont. We can all see that Egremont, is in need of regeneration.

Through the Borderlands project we have the opportunity to make some much needed improvements.

As a member of the Egremont Town Team working with Cumbria County Council we have succeeded in accessing up to £3 million for projects. The funding is welcome, but we all know it's nowhere near enough to make the improvements required. I will continue to work with the Town Team to secure match funding.

Throughout the pandemic and cost of living crisis I've worked with volunteers to make sure people received help and support, and will continue to do so. I will also continue to work with the numerous community groups, including the Crab Fair and Christmas Event groups that are so important to our town.

I will continue to give my very best for my community and be a strong voice for our town.