A NEW vision for the future governance of Cumbria could see Eden split in half.

Under a unique model unveiled by five district councils in Cumbria last week the county would be split into four smaller authorities and overseen by a federal committee, reports Caroline Beamish.

The model, unlike any other suggested as an alternative to the two-tier approach to local government across the country, is being touted as a rival to Cumbria County Council's bid for a unitary status - where all power and services would be provided by one authority.

While Eden District Council chose not to take part in the creation of the scheme for Cumbria - put forward instead by the remaining five districts - it has been included fully in the county-wide plan.

Although the boundaries of the four areas, each governed by a Most Purpose Authority (MPA), have not yet been drawn in detail, the southern part of Eden, including Penrith, would form a Lakeland district with part of South Lakeland.

And the northern half, including Alston, would become part of Greater Carlisle, along with Carlisle and north Allerdale.

Services would be provided and decisions made within each area to reflect local concerns and maintain residents' identity with their communities.

If approved, the model will be sent to minister Ruth Kelly, in the Department for Communities and Local Government, whose Strong and Prosperous Communities white paper invited local authorities to propose new and more efficient ways of working.