Copeland councillors have slammed the borough's new budget saying it is "too focused'' on Whitehaven.

Plans to offer £500,000 to local businesses for shop improvements were criticised for neglecting outlying areas.

The move, which is part of Copeland Council's 2017 to 2020 proposed capital programme, is designed to revamp the town centre.

Copeland mayor Mike Starkie believes putting money into the town will encourage investors to do the same.

However, Coun Jackie Bowman, who represents Distington, believed the half a million scheme would upset residents. "People will see a 1.95 per cent council tax rise and £500k spent on businesses," she said. "All they will see is the council giving money to businesses when there is people struggling to pay their council tax."

While Cleator Moor councillor Joan Hully said: "It's ok doing shops up but we've got to have footfall. We need CCTV cameras and better bus services. I have no problem with us spending money but feel it could be better spent for the people."

And Sam Pollen, an Egremont councillor, said: "We need to give more support and power to parishes. They are at the front-end and know what is required in their area."

Mr Starkie told councillors, at a full council meeting this week, that the investment will "transform" the area.

He said: "We are a borough with ambition. We are prepared to invest in our own borough, if we are not then we can't expect private companies to invest here.

"We're prepared to work hand in hand with town councils. If you always do what you've always done then you'll always get what you've always had.

"These initiatives are what will transform this borough around for everyone. This can go a long way to affecting a turnaround. We are working hard to address deprivation issues as well."

And Egremont councillor Mike McVeigh said: "Egremont's Main Street is in a terrible state and has been for a long time. It's a constant battle.

"We have had little successes but a lot of hard work has gone into regeneration. But now, alongside the mayor, we've had contact with landlords. From our perspective in Egremont, we have to go for it and hopefully others will benefit too."

While Brian O'Kane, a Whitehaven councillor, said: "The alternative is to sit and do as little as possible. The bottom line is Whitehaven is a disgrace, at the end of the day Whitehaven has to be rescued then everywhere else will benefit."