Candidates standing in the upcoming Cumberland Council election have shared their top priorities for the ward they hope to represent.
Voters will take to the polls on May 5 to elect Unitary councillors for the new authority.
Candidates standing for the Dearham and Broughton Ward in Allerdale have highlighted the main issues they hope to tackle in the area.
Nicky Cockburn
Independent
I am Nicky Cockburn, honoured to be an Allerdale Borough and Parish Councillor. Locally known as “the bin lady” for my weekly bin calendar posts. On that theme, the new Cumberland should move up to Allerdale’s standard and keep weekly rubbish collections and recycle more.
The cost of living crisis has hit hard, vehicles are a necessity; add fuel to the food and energy crisis and we are all hurting. Energy from ground source heat-pumps are a priority to be investigated/invested in locally as a sustainable non-weather reliant renewable that doesn’t strain the national grid or landscape. The result, cheaper energy without reliance on imports.
Another problem is the lack of affordable housing. Real eco-housing with mandatory micro-renewables is the way forward. Let’s discourage homes for investment or holiday lets by stopping small business rates relief and imposing penalties via the rates alongside a local plan demanding new builds use micro-renewables to reduce energy use and bills.
Martin Harris
Labour
I am the Labour Candidate for Dearham and Broughton, I am a retired local doctor, I have lived in Dearham for over 20 years; I have worked across West Cumbria in various medical roles. More recently I have been working as a contact tracer during the Covid Pandemic. I have also volunteered for the North Lakes Foodbank and am a member of the local credit union.
I believe the most important issues for Dearham and Broughton are:
The cost of living crisis – anything the council can do to help residents as bills go up and wages do not.
Roads Transport and Road Safety – From pot holes, speeding in the villages, better bus services and improving the wider infrastructure all areas need attention. I am a supporter of getting the long awaited Broughton roundabout on the A66 built.
The environment – From litter picking and preventing dog fouling to reducing our carbon footprint and creating green jobs.
Neil Rumbold
Conservative
I have lobbied hard for a number of years, including appealing to have the The Green in Little Broughton, which was in terrible condition and had been neglected for 40 years, resurfaced and I’m pleased that this has now been done.
I am determined to drive for results. In other areas where I have lived, I have been successful in starting tree planting initiatives, having speed monitoring carried out in hazardous areas and engaging with highways to fix drainage issues on my road.
I have a background in property and housing management, covering a wide range of issues including anti-social behaviour, social welfare, safety, maintenance and repairs and parking.
I have a particular interest locally in improving the conditions and usability of public spaces, such as our excellent network of footpaths and bridle ways. I will champion our area and be a representative for all of the villages in the ward.
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