COFFEE fans in Carlisle will be able to grab a cup on the go in a matter of weeks.

It comes as Costa Coffee becomes the latest big name chain preparing to open on London Road, in the city.

The coffee house has confirmed it will open its new drive-thru branch - the first of its kind in the city - in the summer.

The chain hopes to be a new pit stop destination for drivers heading in and out of the city.

A Costa Coffee spokesman told the News & Star: “We’re excited to confirm the opening of a brand new Costa Coffee drive-thru on London Road Retail Park in Carlisle – coming mid-July 2019.

“We are looking forward to being an active part of the local community.”

Once open, the coffee-house will also offer a new range of refreshments from its summer menu, which launched earlier this month.

Construction started on the new pod-style cafe at the London Road Retail Park in January, and will create up to 20 jobs at the branch.

The opening date announcement comes just weeks after the opening of Carlisle’s first KFC drive-thru branch further along London Road.

Residents have already complained about users parking in neighbouring streets, littering and blocking driveways. Huge congestion has also been reported along London Road, as chicken fans queue for the drive-thru.

It is feared the Costa Coffee plus the planned opening of a McDonald’s drive-thru, also on London Road, will only add to the traffic chaos.

Former city councillor Abdul Harid yesterday called for consideration to be given to creating a new slip road on London Road to accommodate the fast food traffic.

Highways officials at Cumbria County Council confirmed they are aware of the issues, but believe congestion will ease once the “initial excitement” is over.