Councillors in Silloth are proposing a new way of keeping in contact with residents and helping to get their word out.

Various means of communication are offered to the residents of Silloth but many still do not use email and are uncomfortable with telephone conversations and a one to one is still the most effective communication.

A rota base of 12 would mean each councillor would give a minimum of one per year.

A spokesman for the council said: “This could be structured as a one hour duration and two weeks prior to a Council meeting enabling anything urgent to be put to the Council swiftly.

“This would offer a further way to build valuable relations with the people of Silloth and promotes approachability with availability.

“Contact information is available on the website and a drop-in service would be worth trying. The Town Clerk has offered to attend the sessions and include a regular item on the agenda.

“We are lucky to have two councillors on the Town Council who represent the Borough Council and County Council. Also Councillor Owen Martin who represents Silloth at Allerdale Borough Council who should also be offered the opportunity to attend the drop-in sessions.

“Some minor issues can be dealt with straight away and others will need to be brought back to the full council.

“Councillor. Cook held a number of surgeries at the Community Hall when he became a Borough Councillor but very few people attended.

“It was questioned whether it was worthwhile doing when there are so many other ways to contact the council.”