I am very pleased that the relaunch of the Whitehaven Market was successful, with thousands of people shopping and visiting a very successful event which

included a continental market, street entertainment and brand new stalls.

The atmosphere was great and it was good to see that people from a very wide area were enjoying the occasion.

The relaunch has been well received with many positive messages and encouragement.

What I see working in one area is surely worth replicating if the

necessary criteria is in place. With that in mind I am trying to organise a Christmas market in Millom and would very much appreciate ideas and of course support.

Town centre regeneration applies to all areas across the borough. People often think it is just about dilapidated buildings but it is far more than

that. Events like markets can breathe economic life and energy into the commercial parts of our towns and be a catalyst for new ideas and economic growth which is badly needed.

Copeland councillors were briefed by Stephen Eames, chief executive of the North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust recently on the future of health care at West Cumberland Hospital.

Copeland councillors took the opportunity to ask Mr Eames a series of questions which were based around the future provision of healthcare in Copeland and west Cumbria as a whole.

There is currently a consultation process going on which is called the Future of Healthcare in West, North and East Cumbria. I would urge you to respond to this document by accessing the website: wnecumbria.nhs.uk. The consultation period runs until Monday December 19.

My own views remain the same in that I am opposed to the removal of

consultant-led maternity care at the West Cumberland Hospital and we must retain all existing services and work towards providing additional ones.

We must have high-quality healthcare which is accessible to everyone.

The on-then-off public consultation regarding the proposed National Grid

project to connect the Moorside nuclear power station is back on and

commences on Friday October 28, running until January 6 2017.

Residents can register online now for project updates. Further information on how to participate in the consultation is available on the website: www.northwestcoastconnections.com.

You will also be able to view the consultation event programme detailing a list of dates and venues.

Please make every effort to participate.