A COUNCILLOR has welcomed news that a road which has been in a state of disrepair for nearly four years is set to re-open in the coming months.

Ben Shirley, Barrow Borough Councillor for Dalton North, has met with contractors working on Moor Road, which runs from the villages of Ireleth to Marton.

Cllr Shirley said he had been told the work will be completes in 10 weeks time.

Moor Road was damaged as a result of the adverse weather during Storm Desmond in 2015 and the aftermath which followed.

The road has remained in disrepair for the last couple of years but now work is under way to repair and re-open it.

Cllr Shirley explained contractors have had to remove the old retaining wall as it was no longer fit for purpose.

He said: “The contractors told me that if left, the wall would have been washed away and taken the road with it.

“It was essential that this work was carried out.

“They’ve now excavated around a 15 foot whole in the road and have started building the road back up.

“Once completed, the works are guaranteed for at least 50 years and will provide a secure, fit for the future retaining wall and structure to safe guard against future acts of God.”

The road was affected by the heavy downpours of Storm Desmond and funding was made available in the aftermath through the Infrastructure Recovery Programme. The government approved £123.6m for Cumbria County Council to compete extensive repair work.

Widespread flooding was also experienced after heavy rains on Boxing Day as a result of Storm Eva.

“It’s taken years to have finally been done,” said Cllr Shirley. “I’ve worked hard to get some money made available for the repairs.

“Now thanks to the network manager and myself, this money has been provided.”

Cllr Shirley explained the road closure had been a ‘great sense of frustration’ for residents in the area.

He said: “It’s a huge relief for residents that this work will be completed soon.

“I’ve been talking to a lot of residents about it.

“It is a great sense of frustration.

“A lot of people use the road to commute off the coast.

“It also provides access to Ireleth Village School.

“The reservoir is on the Moor Road with a number of fisheries.”