Whitehaven's first Taste Cumbria Summer Festival will go ahead as planned this weekend, despite a burst sewer on the harbourside.

Crowds are expected to enjoy food, drinks, cookery demonstrations and entertainment at the two-day event, which coincides with the popular annual motorshow on the harbourside.

Last night a sewer burst on West Strand and resulted in polluted water gushing into the harbour. It also caused some damage to the road and resulted in temporary access arrangements while works were carried out.

The coastguard, police and water company all attended the scene and managed to get the flow of water under control.

Following concerns from the public that the much anticipated Taste Cumbria event would be affected, organisers have made reassurances that everything is on track.

Marie Whitehead, of organisers CN Events, said: "I've spoken with United Utilities engineers who said the work is confined to a small space. There is no impact on the festival and we're really looking forward to a great weekend."

Initial repair work in the early hours of this morning revealed that the pipe, which normally carries wastewater from the local pumping station up to Whitehaven treatment works, is encased in concrete.

Andrew Kendall, from UU, said work stopped at 3am in the morning and carried on a few hours later, as it would have been noisy and disruptive for local residents.

"We'll continue to liaise with Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners and Copeland Council to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and minimise any disruption in the harbour area over the weekend," he added.

Copeland mayor Mike Starkie said: "While there may be some changes to parking in these areas over the weekend, the Taste Cumbria festival will go ahead as expected and we are looking forward to the big event.

"We would like to thank United Utilities for their quick response and assure the public that the matter will be dealt with as quickly as possible."

It is still possible to use West Strand car park, the West Strand marina, Old New Quay car park and the Beacon Museum.

Drivers and pedestrians are asked to take care and observe the signs showing the new access route.