A town council is appealing to residents to share their views on short-term holiday letting.

The Government's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is calling for evidence on the benefits and challenges of short-term lets across the UK.

After being approached for their views by Workington MP Mark Jenkinson, Cockermouth Town Council decided it was a contentious issue and they should appeal to people to share their views.

At the council meeting on Wednesday, Mayor Andrew Semple said: "I have only recently realised that there are so many holiday lets on Kirkgate. This can cause problems with parking.

"The town has a surprisingly big number of short-term lets. Parents and grandparents want their children to be able to live in town and this can be an issue."

Cllr Alan Tyson said: "It's an area I'm concerned with and I think we should definitely contribute. There's a big caravan park on Simonscales Lane and they're not paying rates to Allerdale. People are getting away with not paying proper rateable values."

Cllr Grace Bennion said: "It would be interesting to hear the responses of people with short-term lets next to them."

Cllr Alan Smith said: "I would rather see short-term lets than have houses boarded up. Some of these properties are being auctioned off because because people do not want them.

"It comes in fits and starts, at the moment many people want to holiday in the UK.

"There are pluses and minuses regarding short-term lets."

"Both my children have holiday lets on Kirkgate, because they could not let them long term as they are too small," said Cllr Isabel Burns.

"They're employing cleaners so bringing in some employment.

"But yes, I think these people should be paying council tax."

Cllr Richard Watson said: "We want a range of holiday lets but if young people are being priced out then you end up with an imbalance.

"People should pay council tax on second homes and lettings. We also need to make sure there's an amount of social and council housing for people who need it.

"It's important to get the balance right."

Cllr David Malloy said: "There are a lot of properties for let here, rather than for sale.

"It seems the Keswick drift has come to Cockermouth. I do not know how we can change this."

Cllr Stephen Barnes added: "People no longer need to be based in cities for their work so that puts pressure on housing here. Holiday lets should be treated as businesses and pay rates."

It was decided to appeal to residents to share their views on the council's Facebook page. The council would then pass them on to the Government.

Council opposition: https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/20294609.cockermouth-council-opposed-festival-plans-town-park/