A WASTE enforcement officer has made a plea for the Towns Fund to provide better resources for tackling litter.

Following the announcement that Cumbrian towns will benefit from a share of £6.3 billion, the public are being asked to share their views on where funds should go.

Amongst 100 towns and parishes in the country are benefitting from the funds are Workington, Cleator Moor, Millom and Barrow.

Allerdale Borough Council education and enforcement officer for waste Claire McAvoy hopes that some of the money will be spent on environmental issues.

She said: "I need some more bodies on the ground.

"I would like to have a team of about 15 officers. A lot of the time we're dealing with people who don't know about waste and recycling.

"We're dealing with larger instances of dog fouling and litter but we can't deal with it all.

"I need help with environmental campaigns. A lot of the time we're dealing with people

She added that as well as issuing on the spot fines for litter, it is important to educate the community on how to dispose of litter.

"We do what we can with the resources we have got but it's difficult."

The #MyTown campaign is designed to give Cumbrian people a say on where the government funds should be used. Communities and Local Government Secretary, Robert Jenrick MP is behind the campaign.

He said: "Too many towns feel neglected by Westminster politicians. This government is committed to levelling up all parts of the country.

"That’s why we’re investing up to £25 million in 100 towns across the country. And I want local people to determine how that money is spent."

A spokesman for Copeland Borough Council: "As always, we welcome and encourage feedback from residents regarding the future of their towns, and we will be hosting local public consultations when we receive further information from central government regarding the application process.

"These transformations absolutely have to be led by the people of Copeland who no doubt are eager to share their views on the future of two of our principal towns."

Speaking of the government cash injection they said: “The Stronger Towns Funding could enable a transformation of the towns of Cleator Moor and Millom, and we are delighted to be invited to apply for up to £25 million for each town.

“The difference such funding will make to these areas would be remarkable and we encourage all Copeland residents and interested groups to get involved in any consultations over the coming months around the bids.