MAJOR changes in the age of people living in South Lakeland need to be addressed, MP Tim Farron has warned.

He said figures for the decade between 2001 and 2011 underline the need for changes in health, care and community services.

The Office of National Statistics has released information which show there has been a 16.6 per cent increase in the population over 65 since 2001, and a 22.9 per cent increase in those over 85. Figures also show that the number of people living in a care home has fallen. Mr Farron says health and care services 'must change' to meet the demographic challenges that Cumbria faces.

He says services must be more localised and more ‘people focused’.

“These figures are very welcome, people living longer, in the communities they live in and close to friends and family. This really is good news," said Mr Farron. “These figures do show the demographical challenge that a county like ours faces and show how we must start changing our public services and bringing them closer to residents and into their communities."