Candidates standing in the upcoming Cumberland Council election have shared their top priorities for the ward they hope to represent.
Voters will take to the polls on May 5 to elect Unitary councillors for the new authority.
Candidates standing for the Solway Coast Ward in Allerdale have highlighted the main issues they hope to tackle in the area.
Sharon Watson
Green
My interest in politics has grown naturally out of my experiences as a community activist. Most recently, I campaigned to protect the hours and services at my local library and for a local beauty spot to be kept in public hands. I run a 'green' catering business and last month I led community courses in avoiding food waste and sustainable eating.
- Affordable housing and a wider range of employment opportunities, particularly for young people so that they are no longer forced to leave the area.
- Better public transport, more cycle lanes, safe walking routes and a rapid increase in the availability of electric charging points for the benefit of locals and visitors alike.
- More support from the new Cumberland authority will be essential for the area to benefit from the huge potential offered by 'green' tourism.
Tony Markley
Conservative
The main issues I have highlighted by constituents is the roads and the coastal defences. Our roads are plagued by potholes which are not repaired quickly enough, and those which are repaired are done to such a poor standard that sometimes they may as well not have bothered.
Bringing together the councils means that now flood defences and roads are under the same authority – so no more can the buck be passed between councils on the flood defences on the coast road to Silloth. My focus will be to get our roads improved and to keep main roads open all year round, despite the weather.
My other priorities are improving services and amenities in rural areas, especially local bus services which are vital for people getting to work and giving good connection service for visitors coming to the Solway Coast area which helps local business to survive and employ local people.
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