For an online edition of the magazine Your Cumbria, which apparently costs 18p per copy to produce on sustainable paper and deliver to your door, visit www.yourcumbria.org.uk.  There are a few articles that you may find to be quite interesting.  Audio copy available from 01229 894401.

The Winter 2007 edition also includes a recipe for Cumberland Rum Nicky. No doubt, there are many among you who would prefer Westmorland Parkin.

Your local county councillor for the Kirkby Stephen ward is Tim Stoddard who is also currently the Leader of the County Council.  He can be contacted via the above number. He also holds regular surgeries at our Council and Community Centre.

You can also make your voice heard at Neighbourhood Forum meetings held locally. Everyone is welcome and you can even set the agenda yourself. Here again, our Council and Community Centre hold details or you can visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/neighbourhoodforums or telephone 01768 242358.  Transport to meetings is available if you have difficulty getting there.

Another way to have your say is by telephoning their Compliments, Comments and Complaints helpline on 088 121 8800, a free number - wonder how many compliments they receive? But if you prefer pen and paper, write to the Communications Department, Cumbria County Council, The Courts, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 8NA, or e-mail information@cumbriacc.gov.uk

There you have it, lots of ways to connect to your County Council and no excuse not to put forward your suggestions and try to influence policies.