Crucial flood defence work in Cockermouth town centre is due to start soon.

Cumbria County Council is holding a public meeting to discuss the next phase of road and drainage works in Main Street and High Sand Lane on Thursday, October 6, from 7.30pm at the United Reformed Church on Main Street. Full plans for the schedule of works will also be on display.

Works at High Sand Lane are due to restart on Monday, October 17.

A spokesman said: "The scope of the work is to complete the installation of a new drainage system in High Sand Lane.

"Works were previously delayed for contractual reasons and due to issues regarding the Party Wall Act process, which have now been fully resolved. Works are expected to be completed by spring 2017."

The initial phase of work will be to complete the installation of the new drainage system using a specialist ‘trenchless’ technique – which will help to avoid excavation of the carriageway, as well as minimise any impact on adjacent buildings.

The work is expected to take approximately six weeks.

Works will then be suspended in the run up to, and throughout the Christmas period to avoid disruption during this busy time.

The second phase of works, commencing after the Christmas break, will be to renew the carriageway and pavements in High Sands Lane.

This phase is expected to start in January and last approximately seven weeks.

For the works in both Main Street and High Sand Lane, there will be a temporary traffic regulation order in place to restrict access for vehicles and pedestrians.

Temporary signage will be used to restrict traffic and pedestrian access when the work requires the closure of High Sand Lane for public safety reasons.

Two-way vehicle access on Main Street will be maintained at all times.

Alternative parking arrangements have been made for residents affected by the temporary road closures and these will be confirmed at the meeting.

Councillor Keith Little, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The county council acknowledges this scheme has been a complex one to deliver but completion of the new drainage system is vital to fully complete the town centre enhancement scheme.

"A lot of hard work and effort has been going on in the background for some considerable time to get to this point and I’m very pleased we can now announce the schedule for completion of the work.

"The phased schedule before and after Christmas is vital to avoid inconvenience to local businesses and residents during the festive period.

"Although there will be some short term disruption, we can all look forward to High Sand Lane being comprehensively improved for the benefit of all residents.”