People are being given the chance to have their say about improvement plans for the A595.

Cumbria County Council is launching a consultation today to seek views on its latest designs for a stretch of the road at Bothel.

The council previously sought views on the plans late last year, and feedback received then prompted amendments to the proposals.

Residents and businesses based near the site of the planned changes are invited to a drop-in, along with road users, at Bothel Village Hall on Thursday, June 20 from 4pm to 8pm.

Feedback can also be given online at cumbria.gov.uk/A595Bothel.

The consultation closes on Monday, July 1.

The council says it is essential for economic growth in Cumbria that the A595 is reliable and resilient, but at the moment there are problems with congestion in places, unreliable journey times and road safety concerns.

Changing the road layout at Bothel seeks to help rectify these problems by providing safe overtaking opportunities and better views ahead.

The plans include climbing lanes in both directions on the Cockermouth side of the village.

A council spokesman said: “The scheme also provides for a number of redesigned junctions which will improve visibility and layouts.”

Feedback from the latest round of consultation will be used to help the council produce a business case for the proposed improvement to demonstrate why the scheme is needed and the benefits it will bring.

The business case will then be used to help secure the government funding needed to pay for the work.

Councillor Keith Little, cabinet member responsible for highways and transport, said: “The county council is working hard to secure improvements to the A595 in the Bothel area because we believe it’s a really important scheme. The improvements will not only improve journey times and help boost the county’s economy but also create a safer and more resilient road network.

“We asked for people’s views on the improvements late last year and we’re now consulting on updated designs in response to feedback from the initial consultation held in November/December 2018.

“I’d strongly encourage people to take the time to get involved and give us their feedback. It’s important that local people have their say, so we can develop the best possible scheme.”