RESIDENTS living in the Lake District could soon be without democratic representation on the national park's governing body, MP Tim Farron has warned.

The Glover Review of the operation of Uk national parks and AONBs, which has been led by writer Julian Glover, has among its recommendations a reduction in board members from 20 to 12, with all being centrally appointed.

This differs from the present position where 15 of the 20 members are from locally elected bodies such as parish councils, and Mr Farron said if the recommendation was implemented it would be a worrying development for residents.

"This is dangerous," said the Westmorland and Lonsdale MP.

"People living in the Lake District National Park would be denied democratic representation on the body overseeing their area."