Local residents, businesses and users of the A595 are being asked to have their say on the latest proposals to improve the A595 within the vicinity of Bothel.

The roadworks are proposed as part of a multi million pound project, part of which would be used for preliminary works to enable a larger project that will deliver climbing lanes and broader route alignment on the A595 at Bothel.

Cumbria County Council is launching a public consultation to seek people’s views on the scheme ahead of submitting a planning application in the summer.

The consultation opens today for six weeks, closing on Monday 24 May 2021.

This fourth and final consultation includes all proposed improvements under the A595 Bothel Strategic Improvement scheme, which extends over 5 kms from Cock Bridge to the Threapland Junction.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions it is not possible to hold face-to-face meetings during this consultation. Instead key stakeholders and the public are invited to attend free virtual events during which, there will be the opportunity to provide feedback on the latest designs, as well as ask the project team any specific questions relating to the proposals.

Virtual events will be held online on:Wednesday April 28 from 2pm to 3.30pm, Wednesday May 5, 6pm to 7.30pm and Saturday May 8,1pm to 2.30pm

Feedback received will be reviewed and changes made to the scheme where possible before the planning application is submitted.

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “The proposed improvements to the A595 here are really important. They will not only improve journey times and help boost the county’s economy but also create a safer and more resilient road network. This is the fourth time that county council has sought views from local people and at each stage proposals have been tweaked and changed based on feedback.

“This final round of consultation shows the full extent of the scheme on a fly through video and on plans with computer generated images to really bring it to life. I’d strongly encourage people to take the time to get involved, read the consultation document, look at all the information and give us your feedback - it’s important that local people have their say, so we can develop the best possible scheme.”

Construction of the scheme is dependent on Cumbria County Council obtaining the necessary planning and statutory approvals and securing the funding from the Department for Transport.

Details on how to join these free online events can be found on the project website at www.cumbria.gov.uk/A595Bothel

People can give their feedback by going online at www.cumbria.gov.uk/A595Bothel. Printed feedback forms have also been distributed to local residents and can be returned free of charge to: FREEPOST CUMBRIA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Details of previous consultations can be found online at www.cumbria.gov.uk/A595Bothel.