Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has today announced plans for a Whitehaven bypass to improve journeys and boost the economy in the area.

Residents in and around the town will be invited to have their say over plans for the Whitehaven Relief Road, which will take vehicles out of the town and relieve congestion on the A595.

The consultation will take place in 2018.

A relief road could also help stop drivers rat-running through neighbouring villages as well as support the proposed growth in the area, including the new Moorside nuclear site.

Mr Grayling said: “The A595 is a vital road for the Cumbrian economy, providing key connections to large employment hubs in Sellafield, Whitehaven and the Port of Workington, but drivers are regularly held up by congestion.

“We are making the biggest investment since the 1970s on improving our roads, and the A595 is no exception.

“I urge the residents of Whitehaven to show their support for this scheme, which could make journey times shorter as well as boost the area’s economy.”

The Department for Transport is also funding £2.6 million of improvements elsewhere on the A595 – to cut congestion at the A66 Fitz Roundabout and at Great Clifton.

More than £33 million has also been given to Cumbria to support road schemes in 2017/18, including £2.1 million of Pothole Action funding to improve the quality of roads in the region.