Building work for the new Workington Academy has caused a popular footpath to be closed to the public.

The path, which runs along the western boundary of Stainburn School, has been closed as work is due to start on construction of the new school.

Gates providing access had previously been left open during evenings and weekends.

A Cumbria County Council spokesman confirmed that the footpath would revert to that policy once construction is completed.

Workington town councillors Peter McHarry and Frank Johnston had written to the county council to find out why the path was shut.

They wrote: “The path has and does provide a quiet, amenable access to a green space between the busy A66 and A596 routes into Workington town centre.

“It provides pleasure and enjoyment to many elderly and young people alike, especially dog walkers and joggers.”

A county council spokesman said the footpath was not a right of way.

He added: “This temporary closure is being introduced for safety reasons as the path will pass right through the construction compound.

“Once construction work is completed, the school plans to revert to opening the gates and allow access to the path during evenings and weekends, though it will remain closed during the school day.

“We apologise for any inconvenience while the temporary closure is in place.”