THE deputy mayor of Whitehaven has questioned the outgoing borough council's decision to elect new aldermen and women - saying 'now is not the time to throw medals about like confetti at a wedding'.

With just two weeks to go until Copeland Council ceases to exist and is absorbed into the new Cumberland authority, Edwin Dinsdale made the criticism in a letter to the Whitehaven News.

Last month, on February 27, Copeland Council held a meeting to vote for 12 new aldermen and alderwomen - a process which the council said is a way of recognising 'outstanding hard work'.

Mr Dinsdale said: "In my opinion, Copeland Borough Council are rewarding failure. 

"This medal/badge grab is out of touch with what is going on within our community.

"Cost of living crises, shops closing within Whitehaven town centre by the month...

"Now is not the time to throw medals/badges about like confetti at a wedding."

Mr Dinsdale added: ""Why does Copeland Borough Council need to go out with a fanfare?"

A Copeland Council spokesperson said: “The aldermen and alderwomen process is a way of recognising outstanding hard work for the borough and its residents.

"The nominations were made by a range of councillors from across the political spectrum, collectively recognising more than 300 years’ service.

"They were voted for at a meeting of the full council. There is no particular limit to the number of aldermen/women.”