Member Article

Improvement works supporting business in Cockermouth

Work will start in January on a programme of major improvements on Main Street, Cockermouth - the business hub of the popular Cumbrian town.

Cumbria County Council is investing nearly £1.7 million in the enhancement works, which have been timed to take place after the busy Christmas and New Year period.

The works, which will be carried out between Sullart Street and Cocker Bridge, include:

Resurfacing the carriageway Renewing the existing drainage system Repaving the north footway Renewing the lighting columns throughout Main Street

The improvement work will start on Monday 6 January 2014 and is expected to be completed in July, subject to adverse weather affecting progress. Aggregate Industries - Contracting has been appointed to carry out the works on behalf of the county council.

Temporary traffic controls will be in place on Main Street throughout the works for safety and operational reasons, and every effort will be made to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

Some sections of the north footway will be closed at times and a temporary footway with access to all properties and shops will be maintained. Signs will also be in place advising Cockermouth is open for business during the works.

In addition, improvement work will be carried out on High Sand Lane, Cockermouth, including installing a replacement drainage system, resurfacing the carriageway and reconstructing both footways with sandstone setts.

This work will start on Monday 13 January and is expected to take three weeks to complete. High Sand Lane will be closed to traffic while work takes place from 9am to 3.30pm during this period and there will be no access for vehicles between these times.

Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We are investing nearly £1.7 million in this essential scheme which will bring major improvements to the centre of Cockermouth.

“We have timed the works to avoid the busy period leading up to Christmas and will do all we can to ensure traffic flows smoothly. Some disruption will be unavoidable and we apologise for any inconvenience, but once the scheme is completed, everyone will benefit from a much improved town centre.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .