Reviving the Reivers’ Route coast to coast and ending it in Maryport is just one of the plans being looked at for a £3 million redevelopment of Maryport.

Allerdale council is showing its commitment to the development plan by appointing an officer in charge and is currently advertising for an assistant.

Graeme Wilson, the appointed lead on the project, said Maryport has the potential to become a perfect seaside town.

He has already moved into the Maryport town hall and will be here two to three days a week.

“It is important to be here when we are talking about regeneration, rather than sitting in Workington,” he said.

"If I am here I am more accessible. I am trying to speak to as many relevant people as I can and then bring together the relevant groups.It is about working together to develop ideas."."

He said the council is in the process of writing bids, including one to the RPA for some of the work around the harbour and cycleway.

Mr Wilson was head of housing and health at Allerdale council before taking on the role of co-ordinating the Maryport development plan.

"I was really interested in this job because of my belief that Maryport has all the ingredients for a really successful seaside town.

I was really interested in this job. Maryport has all the ingredients for a really successful seaside town.

I aim to be in town two to three days a week. I could sit in Workington but I think it is important to be here when we are looking at this regeneration.

It’s about working with the townspeople and businesses to bring ideas to life. If I am here I am more accessible.I am trying to speak to as many relevant people as I can and then bring together the relevant groups.

He said there was no timescale for the project yet but work had already begun: "We are in the process of writing bids including one from the RPA for some of the works around the harbour and cycleway.

"We have put in an expression of interest and that has been accepted which means we have passed the first hurdle.

“We also have a new opportunity through the Future High Street fund announced by the Government last year. It has been set up to resurrect high streets. Maryport fits perfectly into the criteria.

"We need to take a cold look at the town centre. Is the design right? How do we deal with empty properties? We need to consult with retailers and the people in the town centre to see what is best."

This week the town council has contacted Mr Wilson about parking issues in the town centre.

One of the earliest signs of development could be the siting of retail "pods" on the harbour side.

Upgrading the promenade and creating sustainable festivals are on the list of suggestions for redevelopment.

Mr Wilson said he would also like to see some use being made of the town's iconic buildings including Christ Church and the Carlton.

Allerdale council, who commissioned the development plan