Three new businesses are setting up in Cockermouth’s Market Place.

Fellow traders are delighted and hope new signs will soon be in place to send visitors their way.

A licensed cafe opened a few weeks ago, an artist has recently opened a studio and shop, and this week, a language school was given the go-ahead by Allerdale council.

Dawn Balmer, of Indigo Lounge, said: “These brand new businesses are just what we need, it’s fantastic. The more people we can encourage here the better.

“Signs are absolutely essential, we have been fighting for them for years. We are the forgotten part of the town but also one of the most beautiful parts.”

Debbie Taylor, of The Shining Tree, said: “It’s wonderful to have these new businesses, Market Place is much busier than it used to be be, which is great.

“It’s tremendously important to get people over Cocker Bridge from Main Street. I’m really keen that the signage is in place.

“I have stood on that bridge and heard people saying ‘There’s nothing on beyond here’.”

Funding is in place for signage but Allerdale’s town centre manager Joe Broomfield said they were struggling to find a sign writer.

“Two sites have been identified, we have consent from the business owners, the money is there, the will is there, the stumbling block is finding someone to do it. I have rung various sign manufacturers and artists.”

The two sites identified for signage/artwork are the gable ends of The Art and Craft Shop on Main Street and Happy Dogs, Market Place.

“People see Cocker Bridge as a bit of a physical barrier, there’s no line of sight between Main Street and Market Place so people do not realise what’s there. I’m keen on something like the painted Jennings sign near Gote Bridge,” said Mr Broomfield.

The Last Unicorn cafe opened in March. Handcrafted, a live casting studio and Fairtrade shop, opened last week. Allerdale council this week gave the go-ahead to Becky Henderson to open Sunflower Languages, a language school, which she has been running from her Cockermouth home.

Andy Walsh, of The Coffee Kitchen Bakery, said: “It’s great that shops which have been empty are being taken up by people doing a range of different things.

“Market Place is getting better all the time. It’s busy at night and catching up during the day too.”

Jan Mansergh, of Jacy’s, said: “It’s great to have more businesses. Anything that draws more people over the bridge is a good thing.”

A design brief for the signs/ artwork is available from joe.broomfield@allerdale.gov

Proposals need to be submitted by the end of May.