IT is important that Cockermouth's need are considered when drawing up a transport policy for the county, town councillors agreed.

A consultation is being held into the Cumbria Transport Infrastructure Plan which has been developed by the county council and Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership to set the policy framework for the role of transport and connectivity for the period 2022–2037.

At a town council meeting on Wednesday, Coun Andy Semple said: "It's like a consultant's dream. I think no-one can disagree with everything that's in the there but the devil is in the detail.

"When it comes to Cockermouth we have a number of challenges, including the lack of public transport.

"This is too high level, with no details."

Coun Grace Bennion said: "What concerns me is that the voice of Cockermouth Town Council is heard.

"I think we should form a committee, the council needs to be seen to be having a voice. Individual councillors can also do it themselves."

Councillors agreed to delegate powers to complete and return the draft transport plan consultation. Coun Alan Tyson will join councillors Bennion and Semple in doing so.

The plan replaces the current Local Transport Plan 2011–2026.

It states: "It sets a vision for improving transport and infrastructure which provides for the needs of residents, businesses and visitors as well as respecting as well as respecting our special environment.

"This plan is also about how Cumbria supports recovery from the pandemic and seeks to respond to the challenges of climate change.

"These two key challenges are creating a seismic shift in the way we live and work that will have significant implications for years to come."