Concerns have been raised about the way a coach company was operating at one of its sites in west Cumbria.

Residents have complained to Copeland Council about activities carried out by Reays Coaches at Egremont’s former county council highways site on Baybarrow Road.

They believe the bus firm is operating outside of what it has permission for.

Chris Reay, managing director, said the company was working with Copeland Borough Council.

Egremont residents said that traffic to and from the Baybarrow site had increased and they were concerned about the consequences.

Mr Reay said: “We’re working with Copeland Council to resolve the matter.

“We’re running a business in difficult times. We’re talking to Copeland Council and we will go from there. I’m happy to work with them and try to secure jobs in the business operating from that yard in this uncertain climate.”

The residents’ concerns came after Reays submitted plans for a bus depot at the Egremont site two years ago.

Reays Coaches’ application was unanimously rejected by Copeland's planners.

It was set to return for a final decision at Copeland’s development panel, but the company pulled the plans.

The Wigton-based firm later submitted a plan to Allerdale Council for a coach park built on land at Lillyhall, Workington.

A spokesman for Copeland Council said: “We are currently in discussions with the owners and residents with a view to resolving the issues raised.”