Traders and residents in Cockermouth are furious at the ongoing roadworks in the town centre.

They say they have taken far longer than expected and are incensed by the lack of information and effect on shops and residents.

Work to complete the final stages of flood defence work which started three years ago in Cockermouth town centre began on Monday.

An outflow pipe in High Sand Lane is an integral part of the £1.7 million improvement scheme, because it takes water from the Main Street and into the River Derwent.

Work on the installation of the drainage system started on October 17 and went on until early December.

County councillor Eric Nicholson, who is also on the town council, said: “They did not fully complete the culvert work at the bottom end of High Sand Lane because they came across electric cables which were obstructing their way. So those contractors will have to complete that. It’s a short job.”

The second phase of works, which was due to start on Monday and was expected to last seven weeks, will be to renew the carriageway and pavements in High Sand Lane and a small section of Main Street.

This work has not started yet.

Darren Ward lives in Cockton’s Yard, off Waterloo Street. Like many other residents he is having to leave his car in Wakefield Road car park, which is a long walk from his house.

“People are so worn down by it all, they feel used and of no importance, the council seems to have no regard for any of us,” he said.

“It’s a real pain having to walk so far to my car every time I want to use it. And I’m having to leave my car on a public car park at night, unsupervised.

“It’s utterly appalling that this is taking so long and there’s no acceptable excuse for it.”

Jonty Chippendale, owner of The Toy Shop, on Main Street, said he is frustrated by the length of time everything is taking and lack of information regarding how work is proceeding.

An area of Main Street at the end of High Sand Lane is sectioned off for material storage and a lay-down area.

Two-way vehicle access is being maintained on Main Street, restricting parking.

“Every parking space they occupy is a small family of shoppers coming to Cockermouth, which represents money for the town,” said Mr Chippendale.

“The county council treat us like mushrooms, keeping us in the dark. We weren’t told the work before Christmas had not been completed.”

Catherine Hetherington, owner of The New Bookshop, on the corner of Main Street and High Sand Lane, said: “I know the work has to be done but it’s really disruptive for the whole town, and so frustrating.”

A county council spokesman said the work was still scheduled to finish on March 3.