DESIGNS for a multi-million pound emergency services base in Ulverston have been branded as "ugly beyond belief".

Councillors spoke out against the proposed look of the Blue Light Hub at a town council meeting on Monday, comparing it to a Second World War munitions factory.

Cumbria County Council has applied to construct a combined emergency services building on land to the south west of the junction of Daltongate and the A590.

The project is expected to cost £4.6 million and will see firefighters, ambulance crews and police officers share the facilities with the community.

However, members of Ulverston Town Council are against the proposed look of the building after the artist impressions were revealed.

Councillor Colin Pickthall said: "The building is ugly beyond belief. It looks like something thrown up in the Second World War as quick as possible to store munitions.

"We should accept it but we should say it should be inkeeping with the splendid buildings on the other side of the road."

'Unsuitable'

Councillor Lister, member for East Ulverston, said the design in its current state was unacceptable for a key route into Ulverston.

He said: "The design is not suitable. It's going to degrade the appearance of a major gateway into and out of the town.

"There must surely be something more acceptable with the same amount of money."

Members criticised the choice of materials, colour scheme and the design looking out of place amongst many grade two listed buildings in the area.

Councillors put forward a proposal to welcome the development of the Blue Light Hub but stated they regretted the design. The proposal was voted in favour by 10 members, with one abstention.

As part of the development a planning application for a 170m long access road has also been submitted.