Published at 13:35, Tuesday, 12 June 2012

PART of the A595 is due to close for repairs.

And Cumbria County Council’s proposed diversion routes are causing concern for residents and businesses.

The Evening Mail understands the work is due to start in early July on two stretches of the road running through Bootle.

The first phase will see drivers diverted down Chapel Lane and back up Church Lane.

But motorists face a six-mile detour along Stockbridge to Eskmeals Viaduct and back to the A595 for the second phase. The road under the viaduct has a height restriction and is tidal, therefore impassable at certain times of the day.

Bootle Parish Council clerk, James Thomas, said the diversion routes were not acceptable for the volume and type of traffic that uses the A595.

He said: “We would like to ban HGVs. But the county council refused to do so last time (there was a diversion). The result was the pot holes were so bad that people couldn’t get up the road without going over the edges where it had broken away. The county council has carried out some minor repairs since but the route is not suitable for HGVs or coaches.”

On the route via Eskmeals Viaduct, he added: “There are plenty of people who have had to be rescued from under the viaduct before now.”

Rachel Curry, owner of Millstones Farm Shop, Bootle, said: “We haven’t had chance to plan for it as we don’t know when it is due to take place. We won’t have anyone coming in unless they’re local. We more or less depend on passing trade. And if they’re not going to pass, then we won’t have any custom.

“We want as much footfall as we can and anything that stops that is not good.”

Linda Leece, owner of the Byre café and restaurant, said: “People are going to think twice about coming if the road is closed. We get a lot of passing trade, people stopping on their way through, especially at this time of year. It is bad news for us.”

Councillor Sue Brown, who represents Bootle on Cumbria County Council, said the county’s highways team had advised her the diversion routes were the most suitable.

She said: “I have asked that warning signs be put in place on the road, to warn about flooding with the tide. I know how frustrating it is for motorists but unfortunately we have to try and do what we can with the roads as there are health and safety issues with pot holes and things. A compromise has to be made. It is a shame but it’s got to be done.

“I’ve been advised it will only be for one day.”

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