A COUNCIL report on climate change has been criticised because there was no mention of the issue of coastal erosion.

Members of Cumberland Council's place overview and scrutiny committee met at the Civic Centre in Carlisle met on Wednesday (April 17) to consider the climate and nature strategy report.

Councillor Carni McCarron-Holmes (Maryport North, Labour) said that, while she found the report interesting and it linked with the direction in which the council was heading, she was disappointed that there was no mention of the issue and added: "It was scant on coastal erosion."

She said that it was important because 'the coastline is receding at a rate of half a metre every year' – which she said equated to a total of 2m during the life of the current council.

Cllr McCarron-Holmes said that rising tides were "speeding erosion" and added: "It's quite frightening."

Councillor Tony Markley (Solway Coast, Conservative) said it was a concern in his area but added: "I don't know how we can alleviate it."

He suggested that the issue could be investigated and a report brought back to the committee at some point in the future.

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Steven O'Keefe, the council's interim climate and natural environment manager and author of the report, agreed with the suggestion. He added: "The National Flood Risk assessment is due to be published this year. That could be a game changer. We are starting to get the new data through. The strategy does need to be strengthened."

Cllr Markley suggested that a task and finish group could be formed to look into the issue and Mr O'Keefe said: "That would be welcomed."

Councillor Joe Ghayouba (Bransty, Labour) said members' training needed to be better relating to the "climate emergency" and he said that "even the sceptics” should be included.

Councillor Chris Wills (Upperby, Lib Dems) said that at the former Carlisle City Council they had completed online modular training and Cllr Ghayouba said it would be good if they could get accreditation showing they were 'climate literate'.