A NEW town councillor is following in his dads’ footsteps by getting involved in local politics.

Mike Armstrong this year became a member of Wigton town council after many years of seeing his late father Binky Armstrong being both a town and borough councillor during his decades of service.

He also served as Wigton and Allerdale’s mayor.

Mike’s decision to become a councillor came close to the nomination period and he is looking forward to taking on his new role.

He said: “It had been on my mind for about a year or so, the decision to stand for the town council was made about a month before the close of nominations.

“I guess I’m filled full of trepidation, it’s a very public role, but I’m also looking forward to the challenges life as a town councillor will bring.

“Dad was involved with numerous projects in and around the town and I see his influence all round.

“I’m proud of the service he gave to our community and hope in some small way I can continue his good work.”

Mike’s dad, Binky was involved with the council from the early nineties and he was mayor of Wigton twice in 1995 and 1998 as well as mayor of Allerdale in 2009, all of which played a role in his decision to become councillor.

“Over the many years he served his community, he co-opted me into helping him on numerous occasions, on those occasions, inspiring me with his attitude of selflessness,” added Mike.

A goal for Mike is to open a museum in the town and deal with community issues.

In 2009 the internationally-renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy completed his Cumbrian Sheepfold Project by constructing his 46th and only urban sheepfold (or pinfold) at South End, a project that was one of the many projects Binky took to heart.

Binky asked artist Derek Ridley to create a picture board depicting a possible medieval Wigton landscape to place inside the Pinfold.

Financed out of a 2018 Allerdale Town Team grant the board was unveiled last week by Binky’s family and is inscribed with a memorial to Binky, stating he was “a great friend to Wigton”.

Mike said: “It was a very proud and emotional moment for all the family to unveil the plaque on the pinfold.

“This was Binky’s last project that he presented to council just the week before going away.”

The pinfold is located on the junction of South End and Lowmoor Road, outside the Hills petrol station.