AFTER a number of years adrift, Abdul Harid made a triumphant return to Northern politics on Thursday night.

Mr Harid has tried three times to return to Carlisle City Council after being elected as the council’s representative for Currock in 2007.

After falling short in three previous elections, Mr Harid was elected to Cumberland Council on Thursday night as the new authority’s councillor for Belle Vue.

In 2007 he made history as the first elected Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) city councillor.

He received 788 votes in this week’s election and will make history again serving on the new Cumberland Council which will govern in Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland.

READ MORE: Cumberland Conservatives suffer a rout in historic 2022 elections

The new unitary authority will carry all of the decision-making powers and responsibilities of both a county and district council.

Councillors who were elected on May 5 will serve as a Shadow Authority for the first 12 months, carrying out transition work while the existing county, city and borough councils continue to handle the day-to-day services.

But in 2023, the existing councils will be abolished and Cumberland Council will take full control. Councillor Harid told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that anti-social behaviour and youth engagement will be key issues in his five year term.

Cllr Harid said: “There isn’t a community centre in Belle Vue. One of my main concerns is getting young people involved in community projects. I’m looking at something to get the young ones involved, off the street and out of trouble.”

News and Star: Abdul Harid was presented with a portrait by the Mayor of Carlisle last year during Black History MonthAbdul Harid was presented with a portrait by the Mayor of Carlisle last year during Black History Month

Residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour and even arson to Cllr Harid on the door-step during his concern and he has made a pledge to address the issues head-on.

“The other issues are potholes, there’s a lot of roads with potholes, dog fouling – it’s not safe for young people and children.”

Belle Vue residents have also asked Cllr Harid to raise speeding concerns to the new Cumberland Council.

“I’ve said to them I’ll hold surgeries so I can pick up more views and concerns.”