THE General Election has been called and others will debate whether a broken commitment from Theresa May will backfire at the polls.

But first, we have our county council election in just a week's time, on Thursday, May 4. Unlike Prime Ministers, Council Leaders cannot choose their time of election and this polling day has been planned for the last four years. It would be wrong for its significance to be lost among the non-stop coverage of the Westminster election.

Next week is about our local services. Our roads, schools, social services, social care, libraries, recycling and the economy of Cumbria. Please take a moment to consider carefully where you place your vote.

Cumbria is a long way from Westminster and our concerns and needs deserve a strong local voice to stand up against the Westminster-based politicians who just don’t understand how things work in our county.

The councillor you elect will be the person you will turn to when something needs fixing. They will be there for you over the next four years and representing you as they take decisions on how to serve your community while balancing the books.

It’s clear where my vote will be going, please think carefully about yours.

Peter Thornton

Liberal Democrat candidate for Kendal Strickland and Fell