A popular Cockermouth footbridge has closed unexpectedly because it is unsafe.

Millers Bridge, which goes over the River Derwent and links Main Street with Memorial Gardens and Wakefield Road, was closed on Monday without warning.

It is not yet known how long repairs will take.

The bridge was fenced off and signs put up reading 'Dangerous structure keep off'.

It was one of the bridges ripped apart by the 2009 floods and had £80,000-worth of repairs carried out. 

It reopened in 2010.

A county council spokesman said it was closed this week following the findings of a survey.

He said: "Millers footbridge has been closed for safety reasons to protect the public after a bridge maintenance survey identified some damage which we believe is undermining part of the foundations of the bridge’s central pier."

This type of damage usually happens when water finds or causes a weak spot below the stone foundations which is then gradually eroded.

He added: "We are now carrying out a full assessment to determine the most suitable way to repair the pier so that the footbridge can be reopened as soon as possible. 

"We apologise for any inconvenience while the bridge is temporarily closed."

People wanting to walk into town will have to go over Gote Road bridge.

Catherine Smith, of Culgarth Avenue, said: "I had an appointment at Millcrofts vets and had no idea the bridge was closed so had to go all the way round.

"There was no information about the closure.

"Going over Gote Road bridge is not ideal, the pavements are narrow and it's full of traffic all the time. There was a lady on an electric scooter and I had to go on the road to let her by."

Muriel Segar, of Braithwaite, walks with a stick and was not up to the long walk into town.

"I always park here and was not expecting this.

"A kind lady has taken my letter to post but I won't be able to get the shopping I was planning."