WORK is underway on the Solway Coaster project which will see a 14.1km route between Allonby and Silloth adding to the cycleway from Maryport to Allonby.

The new link between the Solway Coast towns will form part of the National Cycle Network Route 72 from Ravenglass Cumbria to South Shields in Tyne and Wear.

Eric Wright Civil Engineering is carrying out the work and it is hoped the works will be complete by the end of the financial year.

Councillor John Cook, Allerdale's Executive member for leisure and tourism said: "Cycling has always been a popular activity in this part of the world with people coming from far and wide to sample what we have to offer.

He said: "But now more than ever as people are increasingly looking to get active outdoors in plenty of space, areas like Allerdale are well-placed to cater for these types of visitors."