An MP has called for urgent action after erosion forced the closure of a coast road which had been left dangerously close to the sea.
Workington MP Sue Hayman is seeking an urgent meeting with DEFRA minister Thérèse Coffey over the problem on the B5300 between Maryport and Silloth.
The 1.9km closure at Dubmill Point comes just over a week after Bill James, owner of Bankmill Visitor Centre at Beckfoot, warned urgent action was needed to stop the road washing away. That came after Storm Erik washed away more of the beach close to the carriageway.
The road was shut after an inspection showed the width of land between the road and the sea had reduced to 2.9m. Just before Christmas it was 4.8m.
The council was already awaiting permission from the Marine Management Organisation to install rock armour along the coast at the affected point, providing 20 to 30 years of protection to the road.
A council spokesman said: “The council is working closely with a range of partners, including the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to begin strengthening works as soon as possible.
“This requires a licence from the Marine Management Organisation, which is expected within the next two to three weeks. Works to strengthen and reinstate the bank and reopen the road will begin as soon as possible following receipt of the licence. In this interim period, the council will be preparing the site compound in preparation for the licence being issued.
“Funding in the region of £281,000 has already been set aside to carry out these urgent works.”
An MMO spokesman said: “The MMO are aware of the urgency of the works and will endeavour to provide a determination on the marine licence application as soon as possible. We are in regular contact with the applicant and the case is currently being reviewed prior to a shortened consultation.”
RELATED: Bank Mill Visitor Centre owner fears erosion could wash away B5300 Maryport to Silloth road
But Mrs Hayman fears the current situation could worsen in two to three weeks, potentially undermining the road before defences can be installed. She will urge the minister to press for urgent permission to be given for the work.
She also wants to see all the authorities involved in coastal protection get together to work on a long-term solution, and wants the Government to commit to providing funding for the problem.
She said: "We can't just leave communities to cope with coastal erosion without any financial support from the Government. This has been going on for years but nothing seems to have been happening to support coastal communities.
"There has to be come Government responsibility when the problem is out of the community's hands.
"The council believes the rock armour would provide 20 to 30 years of protection. That time will disappear quicker than we think and there's no guarantee, if we have rougher storms, it will last that long."
A 1.9km stretch of road is currently closed from the C2013 Mawbray junction to the Salta turn.
Drivers are asked to follow a diversion along the B5301 and A596, taking traffic via Aspatria.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here