Senhouse Street in Maryport is to close to traffic while improvements are made to its parking and public realm.
The closure begins on Monday 29 January 2024 and is due to last for up to six weeks.
It affects the stretch of Senhouse Street which runs from Curzon Street to Crosby Street, and will also limit access to Furnace Lane, the road at the side of Greggs. All businesses will be open as usual, arrangements will be made for deliveries, and a diversion will be signposted.
Motorists are recommended to park in Mill Street Car Park for easy access to the lower end of Senhouse Street. Parking there is free for two hours with a disc.
The road is being closed so that improvements can be made to the public realm at this important gateway to the town centre and its main shopping street. It is part of a wide scheme which aims to improve the signage and the streetscape throughout Maryport, with a particular focus on the journey from the railway station.
Cluttered street furniture like bollards will be removed and parking spaces will be changed so that motorists parallel park on the roadside. In addition, new signage will be installed around the town, with a strong emphasis on directing people to the £12 million of regeneration projects taking place there.
The public realm improvements have been made possible by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
The public realm work is being managed by Cumberland Council and its Leader, Councillor Mark Fryer, said:
“I would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused by this temporary road closure but I hope the people of Maryport will quickly see the benefits of the work we are carrying out, and will continue to support their local businesses.
“In particular, this should sort out the sometimes chaotic parking at this end of Senhouse Street.
“We are spending £12 million on regenerating Maryport and this public realm work is just a small part of that. However, I think it is significant as it focuses on two really important areas - the main shopping street and the railway station. They are what people see first when they visit Maryport, or come into town to eat, drink and shop.
“We want to make the very best first impression.”
Parking discs are available from Maryport Town Hall, Maryport Library, Maryport News, the temporary Maritime Museum at the junction of Curzon Street and Senhouse Street, Maryport Banking Hub and Heron Foods.