AN UPSET councillor has responded to claims he ignored a colleague's appeal for help in tackling a dangerous ice-covered path.

Allerdale Borough Councillor Peter Little last week shared his concerns about a stream of water coating paths on Hillside Close, in Maryport, which had created a sheet of ice.

Coun Little, who represents Maryport South ward on the council, said that despite contacting Cumbria County Council and Castles and Coasts Housing Association (CCHA) six weeks ago, nothing had been done.

A spokesman for the county council said the issue lies with United Utilities, as it appears to be a burst pipe causing the issue.

Coun Little added that he wrote directly to Councillor Keith Little, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Cumbria County Council, and still saw no results.

And now Coun Keith Little has responded, sharing his hurt at being called out despite taking action.

"Even though it wasn't my problem to fix, as the housing association confirmed it was their issue to resolve, I visited the area, contacted the relevant people and did what I could," he said.

"I've been a councillor for 20 years, and I always do my best to help everyone and do the right thing for the town.

"I was shocked and annoyed to be called out, and have everybody told I didn't do my job, because it's simply untrue."

He continued: "All I can do if a resident comes to me with an issue is find out who is responsible and do what what I can about it, which is what I did in this situation.

"I'm a well-respected councillor, and I simply want people to know that I always do, and always have done, my best for the community."

CCHA director of property services, Rob Brittain, said: “CCHA was made aware of the issue and immediately despatched a maintenance team to investigate.

"We brought it to the attention of the utilities supplier, in order to ensure that the situation is resolved by the appropriate party as soon as possible.

“We are also currently working with the local authority and meeting the utilities company to help rectify the problem.”

A spokesperson for United Utilities confirmed an engineer was sent out on January 6 to investigate the issue, and said the company apologises for any inconvenience caused to the public.

The engineer has since found a burst pipe on Buchanan Terrace, which is now being resolved by the company.