MOTORISTS are having to mount the pavement to squeeze through repair works being carried out in Dalton.

The narrow roads of Dalton just got even narrower as part of Market Street has been dug up to fix underground electricity cables.

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The affected route is just opposite the Co-op and traffic lights have been put in place to filter traffic through in one direction at a time.

However, due to the repairs taking place in the road itself, which some residents have said was already narrow to begin with, the diversion around them means cars have to climb the kerb and travel some distance along the pedestrian walkway.

The repair work, which is being carried out by Electricity North West following a recent power cut, is expected to last around a week.

Congestion fears

Councillor Wendy Maddox, member on Barrow Borough Council for Dalton South, said she expects the repair work to be a "nightmare" during peak times but understood why they were necessary.

She said: "In one respect I'm glad it's getting repaired because I'm one of the ones whose electricity goes off.

"Unfortunately it's going to be a nightmare for people coming through the town but if it's got to be done, it's got to be done.

"People will soon moan if their electricity keeps going off.

"We are just going to have to put up with it and live with it.

"I feel sorry for the people of Dalton but if it's vital work then it's got to be done.

"I hope that they put the road back to how it should be.

"I think we are just going to have to grin and bear it."

Problems with electricity

Residents in the streets and neighbourhoods around Dalton Railway Station have reported suffering power cuts in recent weeks.

Investigation work by Electricity North West, the operator responsible for the administration and maintenance of the region's network, has isolated the problem to cables under Market Street.

The temporary traffic lights and barriers were set up on Saturday, and the worst congestion is expected to occur during the travel to and from work on weekdays.

One pavement was closed yesterday and the other side was narrower than usual but still gave access to residential properties along the affected part of Market Street.

'Significant repair'

A spokesperson from the electricity firm said: "This is a repair we need to make following a power cut on August 16 where local homes temporarily lost power.

"We expect the work will continue for the majority of the week.

"This is a significant repair we need to make and we apologise to motorists for any inconvenience but this is important repair work that needs to be done."

Evening Mail Facebook users gave news of the repairs a mixed response, with some glad it was being done during the school holidays.