A one-way system has been introduced on a key route into Whitehaven as work begins on a £220,000 road repair scheme.

Cumbria County Council began a five-week programme of repairs on the A5094 Inkerman Terrace today.

Footway reconstruction work will include replacements to damaged sections of kerb and to renew the worn footpath on the busy pedestrian route.

The works have been scheduled to take place during the school summer, to try and minimise disruption.

To accommodate equipment and machinery, and ensure works can be safely carried out, a temporary one-way system has been put in place.

Permit and disc parking spaces have also been suspended.

There is no access to Inkerman Terrace from the A595, but traffic leaving town will be able to exit via Inkerman Terrace onto the A595.

Diversions will be clearly signed, with restrictions to try and prevent other small routes becoming "rat runs".

Ccarriageway resurfacing works will then place on Inkerman Terrace from Monday September, 12.

This is expected to last for a week and the road will be completely closed.

Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for highways, said: “The council is investing £220,000 in this essential maintenance work on a key arterial route into the town.

"For the footway works, we are implementing the temporary one way system to keep traffic flowing through the town, but unfortunately we have no other option but to close the road to carry out the necessary carriageway resurfacing work in September.

"We will be working hard with our contractor to get the job done as soon as possible but there will inevitably be some disruption and we would advise drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys."