First Whitehaven and Coastal Community Panel held

The community panel, which is one of eight to be launched by Cumberland Council, is designed to put residents at the heart of decision making in their communities.

Made up of ward councillors, the panel will liaise with a network of local partners and residents to ensure effective investment.

Each panel has an amount of funding, but can also support projects with lobbying, signposting and leveraging further help.

Speaking at the launch of the Whitehaven and Coastal Community Panel on Thursday evening, Emma Williamson, deputy leader of Cumberland Council, said: “Community panels are about you and understanding what is important to you.

“It frustrates me when people say, ‘it’s the council’s responsibility’. It’s all of our responsibilities. We all live in the community together.”

Mike Hawkins, who represents Mirehouse on Cumberland Council, said: “We are looking at a new council. We have got a fresh start. We have got a new way of doing things.

“This is all about listening to the public. We are a listening council. Health and wellbeing is at the heart of all we do.”

Speaking after the event, Graham Minshaw, chair of the Whitehaven and Coastal Community Panel, said: "We had a great kick-off meeting for Whitehaven and Coastal Community Panel's Network event.

"A big turnout of differing groups from many sectors of the community all came together to draw up aims, ambitions and aspirations for setting the direction of the community panel.

"All the ideas generated will feed in to the decisions to follow and the Community panel is confident we can reflect the needs of the community going forward.

"Everyone taking part left feeling positive and looking forward to future network events and all councillors present wish to thank everyone who came along to take part. "

To find out more about Community Panels, how to apply for support, and the deadlines, visit www.cumberland.gov.uk/your-council/community-panels/what-are-community-panels-and-how-do-i-apply