Work will start today on a new pedestrian crossing that is hoped will play a key role in linking Carlisle's castle to the city centre.

The plan for Castle Way has proved controversial, with arguments raised about potential delays.

But experts say any hold-ups to motorists will be minimal - and the work to put it in place is taking place between 7pm and 7am.

The new overground link will connect the heart of the city centre and attractions including Tullie House Museum with the existing castle keep, which dates back to between 1122 and 1135.

It is going ahead after plans were approved by Carlisle City Council, despite a petition against the development attracting 1,300 signatures.

Organisers of this said that the crossing would cause congestion on the road - and that the route is already a source of "misery on a daily basis for commuters".

They also pointed to the fact that there are already three existing crossings on that particular stretch.

But Joanna Coleman, Labour councillor for Castle ward, said that the new crossing will play a vital role in connecting the city.

"It'll be well used by people with disabilities and cyclists," she told the News & Star.

"It'll bring together two different areas - the castle and the city centre and will make it easier for people to get between the two.

"Hopefully it'll also encourage more people to visit the castle as well."

The Highways Authority said that, once completed, drivers would face a delay on average of 10 seconds and a maximum of 27 seconds.

The overall work also involves building a raised speed bump on neighbouring Finkle Street and Annetwell Street - and repaving a section of Castle Way to match stones previously laid in Caldewgate.

The scheme is being funded by supermarket giant Sainsbury's as part of an agreement which allowed them to build their Caldewgate store.

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council, which will resurface the road, spoke about the arrangements.

He said: "On the A595 Castle Way, the work will be carried out under lane closures and with a contraflow system in place.

"Due to the contraflow system it will be necessary to close some of the junctions adjoining Castle Way.

"The closures will only apply at night."