CALLS have been made to extend the National Park boundaries to bring a host of benefits to south Copeland towns and villages.

The proposals, recommended by Millom councillors as part of the Lake District National Park Authority's Local Plan, would see greater environmental protection and better businesses for the area.

The consultation on the Local Plan ran from May 8 until June 29 earlier this year, with residents, businesses and visitors offered the opportunity to have their say in shaping the future of the Lake District.

Millom Town and Copeland Borough Councillor Bob Kelly acknowledged Millom is unlikely to fall inside because of its history, but the possibility could be a "catalyst" for change.

He said: "This could be an asset to the whole area which makes it more of a tourist attraction and safeguards the local environment.

"Millom would not fall inside the boundaries because of its industrial past and the big need for investment.

"Maybe Haverigg could form part of it, as well as the area around the Duddon Estuary.

"I would like to see this area become an entry point for people going to the National Park.

"It could be a catalyst for huge change in this town. It would bring a lot more people in, with a lot of business, especially for hotels, and it would benefit from the added environmental protection."

Following the conclusion of the consultation, the authority will review the feedback received and share changes next year, before the policy is adopted in 2020.

Cllr Kelly said: ""It is very early stages, and most parishes would certainly be interested if they were to extend.

"We do stand to gain from it by offering people an inroad to the National Park but whether it all goes ahead we do not know yet.

"We will keep involved and we will have an important interest in how it all progresses."

Speaking at the monthly meeting of Millom Town Council on Wednesday July 25, town mayor Jane Micklethwaite said: "We need to make sure we get something out of this.

"We could provide a railway station inside the boundary and we will need to see if we can put the necessary improvements in place to bring part of the national park to Millom.

"It will certainly help businesses and revenues in Millom and Haverigg, not to mention the general standard of living for residents here."

Deputy mayor of Millom, Angela Dixon, highlighted the benefits the changes could bring, including for the proposed eco-village plans.

She said: "It can only be a good thing for our area.

"We are on the outskirts of the National Park so why can't we be in it?

"We know Millom will not be, but it would be great to have the boundary closer, especially with the plans for the eco-village.

"The benefits of it will be great, and we might get a few more shops too because we could do with an Aldi or a Lidl."

The LDNP authority's local plan includes matters on affordable housing, agriculture and farming, business and investment, local communities and landscape, wildlife and heritage among others.