Three jobs have been scrapped at the Port of Workington as bosses cut costs amid a downturn in trade.

Business development manager Colin Sharpe has left his post by mutual agreement in a restructure.

A crane driver and a maintenance worker have been made redundant.

About £100,000 has been saved under plans approved by Workington Harbour Board.

Eighteen workers remain at the port, which is owned by Cumbria County Council.

A spokesman said the port had experienced a dip in trade in the last year, caused in part by the loss of the town's Eastman Chemical factory.

Councillor David Southward, cabinet member responsible for economic development, said: "The council is committed to the Port of Workington and firmly believes it has an important role to play in the Cumbrian economy.

"We are now pursuing a number of different avenues and have the flexibility to bring in more staff as and when required.

"This is about ensuring the Port of Workington is best placed to exploit future opportunities."

Coun Keith Little, cabinet member for transport, said the port had retained sufficient staff to continue with its projects.

He added that Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership was now taking the lead on economic development.

Coun Little: "The port is an integral part of the Cumbria coast.

"There's a huge opportunity going forward with the potential NuGen development."