By Andrew Clarke

Last updated at 11:27, Thursday, 18 October 2012

RESIDENTS have been urged to “step up and take ownership” of under-threat facilities and services in Copeland.

Left to right: Karl Connor, Stephen Haraldsen and George Clements

Councillors say that at-risk venues, including The Beacon and Whitehaven Civic Hall, might not have to close and services not withdrawn – if residents work together and support themselves.

Speaking at a meeting at which a consultation into the council’s budget cuts was formally agreed, Councillor STEPHEN HARALDSEN said: “When people come together they can deliver good services and achieve fantastic results.”

Councillor KARL CONNOR added: “There has been an explosion of interest in some venues since news emerged that they are under threat.

“If this can be channelled properly, and people get involved in community groups, they can take ownership and make a difference.”

The council must save £2.6million by 2015 after having its budget cut by the Coalition government. It is proposed to close venues including Whitehaven’s Civic Hall, Beacon museum and tourist information centre, cancel Christmas lights and remove public flower displays.

It is also proposed to close public toilets and Cleator Moor Bowls Centre, charge residents to have their garden waste collected and cancel doorstep cardboard and recycling collections. Between 30 and 40 jobs will be lost.

A number of councillors have stressed that the proposals are “not a done deal” . However, the multi-million-pound saving must be made so the community’s help is sought if services and facilities are to be retained once council money is withdrawn.

Copeland’s Conservative group leader DAVID MOORE said: “If people feel strongly we urge them to get involved and tell us what they think. We are looking for ideas.

“It’s not all negative – there are some excellent opportunities in this process. There are groups out there who may take things on and we want to hear from them.”

Councillor GEORGE CLEMENTS added: “We, as councillors, have got to get out there to help people, organise people and help them access funding to take on some of these things that may possibly be lost.”

Councillor KEITH HITCHEN said the people of Whitehaven are “ready to take control of their services”.

He added: “We urge people to speak to us as a council about how to provide their services.”

Council leader ELAINE WOODBURN formally proposed the launch of the consultation. It will last until December 7 and decisions taken in February.

She said: “We can’t save the amount we have to without making radical changes. I understand people’s anger but no amount of criticism that comes our way will stop us having to make these cuts.”

First published at 11:08, Thursday, 18 October 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk