A Moorclose county councillor on a mission to “rebuild” his community has used his annual allowance to repair two damaged bus shelters on a “lifeline” route though Workington.

Stephen Stoddart has used the other half of the cash to help children with learning difficulties.

Every councillor is awarded £2,000 a year to spend on projects within their own ward.

Councillor Stoddart said: “The bus shelters are on the 51 circular bus route which goes from the bus station to Moorclose and Morrisons. It goes through Ashfield and Westfield and is a very important lifeline to the people of Mossbay and Moorclose whom I represent on Cumbria County Council.”

The work to replace the damaged glass with metal sheets cost £1,000.

Councillor Stoddart has donated the remaining £1,000 to the South Workington Youth Partnership.

Some of the money will be used to pay for two tricycles for children with autism and learning difficulties who attend the Moorclose Community Centre.

Last year councillor Stoddart gave the £2,000 to the Workington Town Boys and Girls Boxing club for some flooring to cushion the impact of the children’s bodies and joints during training.

Councillor Stoddart previously helped the South Workington Youth Partnership get a £9,996 grant to build storage units and provide fridges to store food and other items that local supermarkets give to to help disadvantaged families and elderly vulnerable people from all over Workington.

“There are a lot issues and problems in my Moss Bay and Moorclose ward but these projects that I am involved with will hopefully help a lot of people that need help and support and I will continue to push for more investment to rebuild my community,” he added.