A NEW chairman and vice chairman have been appointed to lead a local committee for Eden.

The Cumbria County Council committee held its first ever remote meeting on Tuesday, at which Councillor Phil Dew, Kirkby Stephen, was elected chairman, with Councillor David Whipp, Penrith Rural, elected vice chairman.

The new way of working for all members and officers was adopted in response to the Covid-19 emergency.

During the last 12 months, Eden Local Committee agreed more than £82,000 of funding to support a range of community projects and services across the Eden district between April 2019 and March 2020.

A total of 25 community projects were supported, including: improvements to village halls, parish directory of services, heritage display and signage, equipment for community emergency response group, tree planting projects across the district and activities around Tour of Britain 2019.

Sixteen Eden-based youth activities benefitted from funds, including new play and outdoor recreation facilities, fitness equipment, tennis court refurbishment, a flight simulator, youth volunteering development opportunities, a very successful mental health project and circus skills activities.

Eden Local Committee also continued to support existing youth clubs in Alston and Appleby, and is working with others to develop youth club provision in Kirkby Stephen and Penrith.

Mr Dew, said: “I’m very happy to have been elected chairman. Over the past year I have taken my role as vice chairman very seriously and have done my best to support our chairman and committee in order to achieve key priorities for Eden.”

“I’m pleased with the progress the committee has made in contributing towards its objectives around supporting the people of Eden with access to services, and building up our communities to become more resilient.

"I very much look forward to working with members and officers to continue this work, and supporting our communities, which have all been faced with such unprecedented circumstances in recent times.”

He continued: “The local committee is an important part of the democratic process as the forum where local Councillors discuss the issues that matter the most in our area, and make decisions that best serve local people.”

“I will act in the best interests of Eden and look forward to even more local engagement with the people of Eden and our partners throughout the coming year.”