COFFEE giant Costa has revealed an opening date for its new drive-thru branch in Carlisle.

It will open on Sunday, July 7 on the London Road Retail Park. It will be the first of its kind in the city.

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

Construction on the new pod-style cafe started in January. It is expected to create up to 20 jobs at the branch.

The firm has also announced that it is closing its outlet within Waterstones book shop on Scotch Street.

This Costa, on the first floor of the book store, will close its doors next week.

A Costa Coffee spokesman said: “Costa Coffee can confirm the closure of the Waterstones branch in Carlisle at the beginning of July.

“All staff will be redeployed to other stores in the local area, including the new drive thru store which is set to open on Sunday, July 7 on London Road Retail Park.

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

Fast food chicken chain KFC recently opened a drive-thru further along London Road in May.

Residents complained about parking in neighbouring streets, littering and blocking driveways.

It has been feared that the new branch of Costa, KFC and a planned McDonald’s drive-thru further down the street, will only add to the traffic chaos.

Costa currently has branches at the Old Town Hall, Court Square, The Lanes Shopping Centre as well as outlets at service stations.