Senhouse Street in Maryport is to be closed for six weeks while work is done on its parking and public realm.

The closure affects the stretch from Curzon Street to Crosby Street, and limits access to Furnace Lane.

The work, which starts on Monday, January 29, is part of a larger scheme aimed at improving the signage and streetscape throughout Maryport.

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It also involves an upgrade of the public realm, as it is an important gateway to the town centre and its main shopping street.

All businesses will remain open as normal.

Motorists are reassured that they can still park at Mill Street Car Park for easy access to the lower end of Senhouse Street, where parking is free for two hours with a disc.

The scheduled improvements will change the existing parking spaces to parallel parking along the roadside.

With the support of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, Cumberland Council plans to declutter the streets by removing unnecessary bollards.

Additionally, new signage will be installed to direct residents and visitors to various regeneration projects in the town..

Council 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."

He added: "We want to make the very best first impression."

Arrangements for deliveries during the closure period have been planned, hence business owners need not worry.

Parking discs to allow free parking for two hours are readily available from numerous locations including Maryport Town Hall, Maryport Library, Maryport News, Maryport Banking Hub, and Heron Foods.