A £2m project to protect more than 100 homes in Keswick from flooding will get underway in four weeks’ time.

However, in order to complete the work, a major road closure will be needed.

It will see part of Penrith Road shut for up to 14 weeks, with traffic diverted along the A66.

However contractors have agreed to work at weekends to try and speed it up.

After speaking to residents and business owners, Cumbria County Council has also agreed to delay the start of the work until September 2 - until the town’s peak tourist period is over and schools are back.

The flood alleviation scheme focuses on the build up of surface water on Penrith Road, near to the River Greta.

It aims to protect properties in this area from flooding and has several different strands.

They include an upstream storage basin that retains water in times of heavy rain and releases it into the river as it can cope; an improved drainage pipe from Penrith Road into the River Greta to prevent surface water build up; and a new pumping station to push extra water through at times of pressure. Some high-risk homes may also get targeted flood protection measures.

Although it is being led by the county council, the plans have been drawn up alongside the Keswick Flood Action Group and other agencies.

In total it will protect 118 properties from flooding.

James Daplyn, programme lead, said the project has the backing of the community.

The only downside is the lengthy road closure, but he said that could not be avoided.

“We can’t do the work without the road closure. We tried looking at various options to get round it, but we can’t,” he explained.

The 14-week road closure will apply to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Traffic that would usually use Penrith Road will be diverted into Keswick via the A66 and Crosthwaite Road.

Although contractors VBA Joint Venture will move onto site on August 27, the road will remain open for an extra week.

“Really Keswick would prefer us to start after the bank holiday week so we have listened to the community and knocked it back a week,” said Mr Daplyn.

“The road closure will be up to 14 weeks which would take us to December 10, but we are going to aim for removal by November 28 by working a combination of six and seven day weeks.”

Keith Little, county council cabinet member responsible for roads and flooding, said the scheme was delayed due to problems purchasing land for the water storage basin, but that has now been fully resolved.

“The water storage is key. It is a big opportunity to keep that volume of water from getting into the stream and river where it is causing problems,” he said.

“We can then let it down at a more reasonable pace as the water level drops naturally.

“Nobody likes road closures but this is an important piece of work that we need to get on with as soon as possible to protect homes in Keswick.”