A new way of involving communities around Copeland in local government decision-making got underway last Thursday (26 July) with the first ever North East Copeland Community Board meeting.
Among the first items of business discussed by the new Community Board at its inaugural meeting in Cleator Moor's Phoenix Enterprise Centre were plans to work with Cumbria County Council on the development of local access planning to improve public and community transport in the area, and engagement with the Phoenix Youth Project to improve services for young people in Copeland.
North East Copeland is one of five areas in Cumbria piloting the idea of community boards which are designed to improve on existing local government and other public services such as police and health by devolving decision-making, influence and resources to a truly local level.
At the meeting, local business forum representatives Bob Metcalfe and Richard Mulholland, and Paul Rowe from Phoenix Youth Project were appointed to the Board alongside local parish council representatives.
Following the Government's decision this week not to proceed with plans for a single unitary authority for Cumbria, Copeland Borough Council will be asked to confirm their nominations to the new Board.
The Board is scheduled to meet again on 24 October where its members will look at the possible appointment of a Community Steward for the area with responsibility for a variety of different tasks including highway and rights of way safety inspections, arranging cutting back overgrown hedges with landowners, minor highway repairs and engaging the local community in litter collection initiatives.
Members will also receive a presentation from Cumbria Primary Care Trust on the development of local health care in West Cumbria.
Tim Knowles, a local county, borough and parish councillor who has been elected to chair the Board, said: "This is a ground-breaking opportunity for local people to get directly involved in the decisions that affect them and their communities.
"The clear message from the Government this week is that local government in Cumbria must change. The North East Copeland Community Board is an important part of that chance which, at its centre, must put more power in the hands of local people."
ENDS
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