COUNCIL bosses have u-turned the decision to resurface a main street in Barrow after residents and businesses were left 'frustrated' by a lack of time to prepare.

Yesterday, Cumbria County Council informed residents, who live on Oxford Street, roadworks would occur covering a half-mile stretch, which was set to start on Monday 13th May for 18 days.

The decision was made yesterday evening to postpone the resurfacing between Ainslie Street and Furness Park Road, due to not providing time for residents to prepare for the roadworks.

Highways and transport member, Keith Little said: "We advertised these roadworks would occur six months ago.

"However, we forgot to remind the residents and businesses on Oxford Street to prepare for the much-needed roadworks.

"We apologise if this decision has caused any inconvenience."

The u-turn decision came after a physically impaired 82-year-old woman was left ‘frustrated’ after discovering resurfacing was set to start with only three days notice.

Patricia Worton, who is partially paralysed on one side of her body after a previous injury, discovered Oxford Street was set to close for 18 days after reading a post at a bus stop yesterday afternoon.

Mrs Worton said: “I’m frustrated that I wasn’t informed sooner.

“I’m not exactly able-bodied and walking far distances can leave me very tired.

“I could have seen it causing a lot of problems for people on the street, especially my friends who are also elderly.”

The stretch of road, which was set for imminent resurfacing is also home to Becky Lewis MCSP, a local physiotherapist.

A spokesman from the physiotherapist said: “We help clients every 45 minutes suffering from a whole host of physical problems.

“So to ask them to find a parking spot and walk to us will be a difficult conversation to have, especially at short notice.”

Mr Little added: "Going forward, we will advertise a new date for the resurfacing work."

Cumbria County Council are funding the roadworks through a £175,000 package.