Liberal Democrat candidate Sarah Wills has pledged to protect critical funding for the local community centre in the upcoming Harraby North by-election. 

The by-election follows the death of long-serving councillor Cyril Weber (Harraby North, Labour) who died last month at the age of 78.

Other candidates running include Peri Conner (Greens), Rob Currie (Conservatives), and Justin McDermott (Labour).

The by-election will be held on June 27. 

Sarah Wills has accused Cumberland Council, led by Labour, of diverting funds that were historically granted to community centres.

“The Labour-led Cumberland Council has taken away grant funding that councils previously gave to our community centres.

"If I’m voted in as Harraby North councillor, I’ll be fighting for our community centre to receive the money it needs to continue to deliver key services," she said. 

The previous city council provided annual grants to community centres in the Carlisle district.

Now, Cumberland Council is diverting the funding into community panel funding pots, an issue which Sarah believes may lead to a competition for resources with other local causes.

The Carlisle resident wants community centres to be able to increase their support for local services including health provision.

"To an extent, this is already happening with stimulating activities and people coming together. But there is lots of scope to give residents more health-related support at our community centres and they make ideal mental health hubs.”