TOWN criers will be loudly proclaiming the beginning of a new era this weekend as a huge reorganisation of local government in Cumbria takes effect.

Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council are to take on the duties currently performed by the county council and the six existing district councils.

The Westmorland and Furness authority is to cover the areas of South Lakeland, Barrow and Eden.

On Saturday, town criers will 'proclaim the vesting' of the new council at 1pm in Market Place, Kendal, at Barrow Town Hall, and at the bandstand in Penrith town centre.

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Sam Plum, who is to be chief executive of Westmorland and Furness Council, said April 1 would be a 'significant day'.

“We have worked very hard over the last 18 months to prepare for this moment and to ensure that the key services our communities rely on will continue unaffected," she said.

“We have ambitious plans for the future and we are looking forward to starting the work to improve and transform services so that we can deliver the very best outcomes for our residents, customers and communities.’’

Westmorland and Furness Council is to be England's third-largest unitary authority by area and will provide services to around 225,000 residents.

The proclamation read out by the town criers will refer to a 'caring council' that will 'place people at the heart of everything they do'.

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"An inclusive council which will work to improve diversity and eliminate all forms of discrimination and, through local leadership, increase participation in local decision-making within underrepresented communities," it will say.

"A collaborative council which will work with partners, communities and residents to deliver the best possible outcomes for all.

"An outcome-focused council which will focus on identifying and leading the delivery of the changes our communities want to see.

"A council committed to working to ensure that Westmorland and Furness is a great place to live, work and thrive for all."

The town criers will then proclaim the new council area has 'an immense sense of identity, unity and community' and that 'together, we are Westmorland and Furness'.