CUMBRIA could be divided in half as senior council officials investigate a complete restructure of local government in the county.

Bosses within Cumbria County Council and the six district level authorities - South Lakeland District Council, Eden District Council, Barrow Borough Council, Carlisle City Council, Allerdale Borough Council and Copeland Borough Council- have pledged to investigate a new unitary system for the area.

It is thought the move - which would see fewer councils rolling out services to residents - could improve efficiency and save vital cash.

The options under consideration are thought to include the reinstatement of the traditional Cumberland and Westmorland boundaries abandoned in 1974 - with Barrow and Furness ideally placed to join the south.

It is understood another possible model could see the creation of two new authorities - with one overseeing services in North Cumbria and the other in charge of a newly created "footprint" covering Morecambe Bay.

Councillor Ian Stewart, deputy leader of Cumbria County Council, said investigations into the issue were at an early stage.

"There are advantages for moving towards a reduction in the number of councils and the view is that with a footfall of half a million people Cumbria is a suitable case for a unitary authority," he added.

Counties that operate under a unitary system, including Northumberland and Durham, have one council that provides all front line services.

Cumbria has a three tier system - with CCC providing highways, education and social care, and six district councils each providing services including planning and refuse and recycling collection.

The third tier, town and parish councils, are responsible for community concerns.

Previous proposals to consider moving to a unitary structure in Cumbria failed because not all councils agreed to consider a potential change in the way the county is run.

But now, members of the Cumbria Leaders Board - a group made up of chief executives of councils across the county - have agreed to look into a series of options for a unitary system once more.

Councillor James Airey, leader of CCC's Conservative opposition group, said the move would save money and give Cumbria a 'stronger voice at national level'.

"We would welcome this, it's been talked about for 20 years and we just need to get on with it now.

"A unitary system of government would provide greater transparency, more focus on front line services and save large amounts of money and it would crucially give us a stronger voice nationally."

Cllr Airey added: "This is an opportunity for Cumbria and we shouldn't miss it."