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 Millom Without ward in Copeland have highlighted the main issues they hope to tackle in the area.

Jeff Amos, Liberal Democrat

I‘ve lived in Ravenglass for 36 years, working at Sellafield as a Chemical Engineer. As a Muncaster Microbus company director; I was involved in both driving and maintenance.

• The challenge for this Unitary Authority in the initial year is to draw together our diverse communities. The authority office should be centrally located in Whitehaven or Workington; with branches in Millom and Carlisle. The semi-redundant Copeland Centre could provide an excellent HQ.

• Creating employment is vital. I want to see a safe Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) here in central or south Copeland, which will provide substantial jobs for the foreseeable future.

• We need the best possible health and care provision for west Cumbria. This should involve returning care provision from the private sector, replacing it under Council authority before eventually merging it with the NHS.

I am determined to encourage our unitary authority to deal quickly and efficiently with the many issues which will inevitably arise across this extended area.

Andy Pratt, Conservative

I am currently councillor for Gosforth and Seascale ward on Copeland Council and also sit on the Executive and hold the portfolio for the Environment Place and Inclusive Communities.

I have lived in the Millom Without ward for the last 38 years, I live in Holmrook with my wife and three children where I have run my own milk delivery round business for the last 21 years.

I am Chair of Governors for both Gosforth CofE School and Kirkland Academy. I am also Vice-Chair of Drigg and Carleton Parish Council and a trustee of Drigg Young Farmers Club.

My aims are: • I will seek to address the imbalance between urban and rural areas across Cumberland.

• I will campaign for equal opportunities to access funding and resources such as the NHS, education and connectivity, which includes road, rail and internet.

• I will strive to encourage investment and development in the local area meanwhile ensuring planning is sympathetic and appropriate to our environment.

• I will listen to you, be easily contactable and I will be a strong voice for residents.

Anne Todd, Labour

The new unitary authority of Cumberland requires a strong local voice to speak out for the needs of Millom Without Ward.

If elected I will speak out for a wide range of issues including traffic problems, and road repairs, refuse collection and recycling, care for the environment, services such as education for our children, care for the elderly, mental health, and other medical services, facilities so that new businesses and tourists are welcome without causing inconvenience to local people.

I would work in partnership with the Parish Councils, local communities and organisations to develop a vision for our area, working collaboratively to improve services and quality of life for us all. I would consider it an honour to serve the community of Millom Without Ward.