By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 12:18, Saturday, 09 February 2013

Major sewerage works which would have closed a busy road in the centre of Workington for three weeks have been delayed.

One lane of Washington Street, the loading bay and taxi rank were due to close yesterday while United Utilities carried out vital work.

But a United Utilities spokeswoman said this work has been postponed until May at the earliest.

“This is because we need more time to arrange the road closure and talk to local people,” she added. “We will be back in touch in April to talk to traders about the scheme.”

When it was revealed that the works were to be carried out last month, drivers and businesses were warned of three weeks of chaos.

Drivers were faced with lengthy delays and detours and businesses along the stretch of road, between Ramsay Brow and Jane Street, said they would struggle as deliveries would be unable to pull up outside their premises.

Debbie Holmes, manager of Flavour tapas bar and restaurant, said that although trade wouldn’t be hit, the business would be disrupted when the loading bay closed.

Ms Holmes added that she was angry that United Utilities had not been in touch with her about the closure, so that she could make alternative arrangements for deliveries.

United Utilities said that the work is essential to re-furbish one of the town’s main sewers.

The work we plan to do will extend its life by some 40 to 50 years,” she added. “It’s part of an £18.5m programme of sewer maintenance across the region this year to alleviate potential problems such as sewer flooding.”

First published at 12:12, Saturday, 09 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk