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 Thursby ward in Allerdale have highlighted the main issues they hope to tackle in the area.
Shane Mccarthy
Labour
It’s time for Thursby, Cumberland and the nation to make a fresh start.
With prices rising their fastest in 30 Years, gas bills soaring and the government’s 1.5% national insurance increases, these have all contributed to worsening the cost of living crisis.
As a businessman I understand the need for greater efficiency to help keep council tax as low as possible.
I think the merger of 2 councils is an opportunity to simplify bureaucracy and deliver local services more effectively, especially focusing on extra support for the police to help keep crimes rates as low as possible and defend our rural areas.
I intend to meet the growing needs for better social care, mend potholes and provide good community services.
As a Cumberland councillor I will put the needs of this area first. It would be an honour and a privilege to serve this wonderful part of the world.
So I respectfully request your vote, whatever your politics.
Mike Johnson
Conservative
One of the key issues in the Thursby division is the standard of the road network. Not only do we have many potholes, but we have poor road signage and markings, and insufficient speed restrictions in rural communities. I will work with officers to ensure our road network gets the improvements it desperately needs after years of Labour neglect.
I will work hard to improve the rural bus service. When we’re encouraging people to consider the environment and make fewer car journeys, we need a more reliable and user-friendly form of public transport as a practical alternative.
My final priority is tackling broadband speeds, which remain a frustration for many in rural areas. With record numbers of people now working from home and a greater than ever reliance on digital infrastructure, I will ensure delivery of the Conservatives ambitious plans to improve connectivity as part of the Government’s Project Gigabit.
Dianne Standen
Green
Planning ..with an integrated Council I would monitor all new developments and ensure they have retail, public transport and education facilities within walking /cycling distance . In addition they would be required to be effectively insulated with renewable energy integrated into the build.
I would support onshore wind and other renewable energy applications especially those linked to community schemes. This would benefit those in fuel poverty and create local employment in the sector.
I would not support nuclear. It will take too long to deliver to be effective in meeting the National and local commitment to zero carbon. I would not support a GDF in the County as the search area has been proved to be geologically unstable. Until the issue of waste has been resolved I believe there should be no further development of nuclear energy.
I would oppose the proposed coal mine in West Cumbria.
I would oppose the Council’s current support of water fluoridation which is medicating the population without consent or consultation.
Roger Peck
Liberal Democrat
Jonathan Graham
Independent
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