Three new town councillors have been appointed in Maryport.

The men will serve the Ewanrigg ward, filling long-time vacancies.

Peter Mallyon, 56, is chairman of the Allerdale Disability Association and a long-time member and former chairman of Allerdale COSC.

Mr Mallyon said he would like to see Maryport made more disability friendly.

“I confess I don’t really know much about how the council works but I am willing to learn and hope that I can contribute to making it easier for people with disabilities to get around,” he said.

Michael Messenger, 28, of Ewanrigg Road, works as a volunteer for a number of organisations.

He said: “I was brought up in Maryport and I am eager to represent the community in which I live and which I value. I will strive to make a positive difference and improve the lives of local people.

“I am particularly interested in environmental issues and have a keen interest in reducing plastic waste.”

Mark Hayhurst, 54, also of Ewanrigg Road, is a secondary school teacher who has lived in Maryport for 13 years.

He is a public governor of Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

He said: “I have campaigned for some time locally on a range of issues and I am keen to ensure that the interests of our local community are well represented. At a time when local services are changing against a background of funding cuts, I feel that Maryport needs councillors who will speak up for the town.”