Our readers have shared their views on claims Copeland Borough Council is heading for Government intervention due to its "severe" financial picture.

Mayor of Copeland Mike Starkie has argued that although the council has experienced huge financial challenges in recent years, its is "absolutely not the case" that a Section 114 notice will be needed.

The Whitehaven News readers were unhappy with these claims and shared their views on the matter. Here's what you had to say.

Sarah Marsh said: "If they didn't let our town go to ruin they would have money, because people would be here in Whitehaven spending and would business paying rates. Instead they have left it to go to nothing."

Tony Hackett said: "They say this idea they have for Cleator Moor will bring jobs. But they own the site but have gone begging to Cleator moor regeneration for £25 million. So they can kick people off land and build units and other stuff and then claim the rent money, no benefit for the moor except extra traffic clogging up local roads."

Lorraine Mary Alfaro said: "12 years of conservative austerity and cuts to local authorities. I voted for this Mayor as an independent candidate because I believed his campaign promises that as an independent he could get a better deal for Copeland. Once elected he joined the conservatives because he said that would get us a better deal. Can someone out there regardless of party politics please just present the facts and tell us the truth because we the people of Copeland will be the ones who end up paying the cost."

Ian Parker said: "Cannot believe people think it's the current administration that's responsible. We had 80 odd years of Labour mismanagement and rot. So many missed opportunities, Asda, Whitehaven RLFC stadium, Tesco and a transport hub. The pit closed, Labour did nothing, Marchon closed Labour did nothing! Wake up and smell the coffee."

Mr Starkie said that a cyber attack in 2017 and a successful business rate appeal from Sellafield in 2015 were amongst the biggest factors leading to Copeland's financial situation.

For a number of years, Copeland's leadership has been lobbying the UK Government for support.