A "hazardous" Sellafield rat-run which blocks up a village will be tackled by new access rules.

Motorists using roads through Beckermet to avoid traffic build-ups on the A595 are regularly causing congestion in the village.

Now new entry restrictions will be introduced with vehicles no longer able to enter the village from Morass Road and Nursery Road, but Mill Lane will remain two-way.

Concerns were initially raised by members of Beckermet with Thornhill Parish Council, which hoped to introduce traffic-calming measures.

At a meeting yesterday of Copeland's Local Committee, Cumbria County Council officers favoured blocking the movement of vehicles into the village, and councillors backed this suggestion.

However, Norman Clarkson, who represents Beckermet on the county council, said it was a difficult decision which many people - particularly local businesses - would oppose.

David Southward, who represents Egremont but has lived at Beckermet for 36 years, said: "It is a delicate matter. For more than an hour in the morning and night it is difficult to move around the village because of Sellafield traffic.

"It is hazardous for road users and pedestrians. There's no footpath and there's no possibility of one."

He said although he did not want to denigrate the parish council he wanted to solve the village's congestion issues.

The decision means a temporary traffic regulation order will come into place - which can last a maximum of 18 months. During this time the county council will be in "continuous dialogue" with Beckermet residents.

"Some businesses may feel their business will be jeopardised," said Coun Southward, speaking before the decision.

"I propose we support the original scheme with a temporary traffic regulation order. As part of that we will do what we can to monitor the scheme and particularly the effects on those businesses. We will see how it works for the people of Beckermet."

He added that he hopes the businesses will come forward with any issues.