DRIVERS in a Cumbrian town are facing up to five days of delays after an emergency road closure was put in place following a gas leak.

Victoria Road in Whitehaven closed today because of the "likelihood of danger to the public as a result of a gas leak."

The road is closed from its junction with Rosemary Close to the junction with Rannerdale Drive, a total distance of around 30 metres.  

It is expected that the road will be closed for five days, although the closure order lasts for three weeks.

A way for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be maintained, while an alternative route has been put in place via the unrestricted section of Victoria Road, Rannerdale Road, Aikbank Road and Loop Road North.