SOME of the most isolated communities in Cumbria will be transformed into the “power behind the Northern Powerhouse”, Copeland's mayor has claimed. 

Mike Starkie told the audience at Millom Rugby League Club that the town has a major role to play in the future of Copeland's economy. He argued that NuGen’s major investment at Moorside would benefit the whole of Copeland and that he will work to ensure that Millom shares in the benefits. 

In the first in a series of public meetings, Mr Starkie said: “I did sense right through the election campaign that there was a feeling of isolation and that Millom is an isolated community. 

“I can tell you that with the things we’ve got planned for the next four years that certainly won't be the case going forward. 

“The government is talking about the Northern Powerhouse that’s planned in Manchester and Leeds. But even if Manchester grows as a powerhouse beyond all expectations it still won't match the investment that’s guaranteed to be made in this area.

“We are on the cusp of the greatest time Copeland have ever had. West Cumbria is going to power the powerhouse because all the electricity they use in Manchester and Leeds is going to come from here. 

“Investment like this has happened before but we didn’t get a sustainable legacy from it the last time. “We need to put ourselves on a position where towns like Millom can get a bigger share of the supply chain.” 

Mr Starkie also had praise for community groups in the town which he believes have set an example for how Copeland can tackle some of its biggest challenges. 

He said: “We can’t just say ‘we’ve got a crap transport network, make it better’ - that’s not going to get us anywhere. 

“What we’ve got to do is get together a business case and take it down to Westminster and say ‘this is how an improve network in Copeland will improve the bottom line for UK PLC’. 

“Down here you’ve got things like the health action group and the community action group and there are lessons there for the whole of Copeland. You’ve got issues which you’ve sorted out yourselves and you’ve not waited for other people to do it for you.”