Meet the candidates standing for election to Cumberland Council in Belle Vue this week.

Elections taking place on May 5 will appoint members to the new Cumberland Council unitary authority.

Cumberland Council will serve in Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland carrying the decision making abilities and responsibilities currently split between the county and district councils.

Successful candidates elected this week will form a Shadow Authority. This means that the forerunner to Cumberland Council will serve alongside the existing city, county and borough councils for one year before the taking over as the single responsible authority from April 1 2023.

James Bainbridge, who is currently a member of Carlisle City Council, is standing for the Conservatives in Belle Vue.

Councillor Bainbridge said: “I’m delighted to stand for election to the new Cumberland Council. If elected, I know that there is a lot of work that needs to be done for residents.”

He pledged to campaign for improvements to Heysham Park, road surfacing and a cleaner, tidier environment in Belle Vue.

Cllr Bainbridge also pledged to launch a five year plan for the area setting out where the new council wants it to be by 2027.

Labour’s candidate for Belle Vue is Abdul Harid, a former member of the city council.

Mr Harid said: “There is a lack of affordable housing in Belle Vue including a lack of houses to rent. As a Labour councillor I will be willing to be committed to building high quality affordable and social housing on land owned by the council in Belle Vue.”

The Labour candidate believes that the biggest issues facing residents in Belle Vue are increases in National Insurance, energy and food costs as well as inflation.

He wants to work with the community on these challenges as well as difficulties finding an NHS dentist and doctor in Belle Vue.”