THE TOLL of the cost-of-living crisis, cuts to bus routes and anti-social behaviour have been identified as key issues affecting residents in Belle Vue.

Councillor Abdul Harid has been speaking to residents in Belle Vue to understand what challenges they are facing and how they can be supported by the new Cumberland Council.

Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland are set to be governed by the single unitary authority from April 1, 2023 when the existing councils are abolished.

The new council is serving as a Shadow Authority until that date, carrying out work to prepare for Vesting Day.

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Cllr Harid was elected to Cumberland Council on May 5 as its representative for Belle Vue in Carlisle and has been using the time to prepare for when April 2023 arrives.

From speaking to residents about their concerns, he said he has identified cuts to bus services, the cost-of-living crisis and anti-social behaviour as key issues.

Cllr Harid said: “One of the issues I have in my own ward of Belle Vue is the reduced bus services.

"This is one of the areas I’ll be looking at, working with Stagecoach and other partners.”

Anti-social behaviour has also been raised as an issue for residents in Belle Vue.

“People are saying they’ve had missiles thrown at their houses, they feel unsafe in their homes.

“It can be addressed, I did some work while I was a Currock councillor but it takes time and a concerted effort.”

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Cllr Harid previously served the Currock ward on the city council in 2007 and after a period out of politics, returned to local government in May with his election to the new authority. He was subsequently appointed vice chairman for Cumberland Council meetings.

He said: “The cost-of-living is a big concern, people are finding it hard to accommodate their families. A lot of people are finding it difficult with the cost-of-living, it’s causing a lot of hardship for people.”

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