A long-awaited pedestrian crossing for students attending the university technical college at Lillyhall should be working by the start of the new school year.

The crossing, on the A596 near Dobies roundabout, was built last year but has been inactive since then.

In January county councillors voted to reduce the speed limit on a section of the road, which would enable the crossing to be brought into use.

Because of an error in the report considered by councillors, the decision had to be retaken in May.

A 28-day consultation period then followed, during which no objections were raised.

Work now needs to be done to bring in the 40mph speed limit and amend lighting on the stretch of road so the toucan crossing can be switched on.

The change will see a 250m of road from Dobies roundabout towards Workington dropped from 50mph to 40mph.

The crossing was put in place for the safety of students travelling between the Energy Coast UTC and Lakes College, where they use the construction skills centre and sports facilities.

The UTC has been forced to buses to access the Lakes College site while the crossing has been out of use.

A council spokesman said: "Our intention is to have the works completed before the start of the academic term.

"We are aware of the safety issues."

John Ferguson, interim principal of the UTC, said: "We are delighted that Cumbria County Council hopes to have the crossing fully operational for the start of the new academic year.

"The safety and welfare of students is our prime concern. This is fantastic news."