Cumbria CC is ‘considering its next steps' after losing its second High Court bid for a judicial review of the decision to create two unitary authorities in the county.

The local authority is opposed to the Government's decision to replace the county council and six district councils with two unitaries, branding it ‘unlawful'.

Yesterday, after an oral hearing in the High Court, the Honourable Mr Justice Fordham refused Cumbria's application for permission to apply for a judicial review of the decision.

A spokesperson for the council said: ‘Cumbria CC does have the right to appeal to the Court of Appeal and any such appeal must be submitted within seven days of the High Court's decision.

‘Cumbria CC is now considering its next steps.'