TAXPAYERS have criticised a scheme to install a bike lane on a busy road after temporary roadworks caused chaos.

Cumbria County Council is continuing its work on the new cycle paths in Barrow which will result in two new cycle lanes.

The project is ahead of schedule and will be completed by the end of July 2022.

The new direct cycle paths along Bridge Road and Michaelson Road will offer innovative light separation, the first of its kind in Cumbria, which will improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

Temporary roadworks have been set up along Bridge Road and Michaelson Road to minimise disruption.

However, the county council is aware of traffic congestion issues at this junction and is working to resolve them as soon as possible.

Sam Standish said: "Spend all that money putting in a filter lane, cordon it off for the millions of cyclists who could use a section of the pavement. 

"Glad my tax contributions are being well spent."

Andy Burniston said: "Where do we park? 

"Same as the cycle lanes on Roose Road like all the rest, pointless and a waste of money."

Tracy Clarke said: "All this money being spent for Barrow's ten cyclists!"

Melissa Jane said: "Someone ramped the curb with a car this afternoon they were fed up of waiting. Great use of a cycle lane there."

Jack Walker said: "Put two lanes on Bridge Road to go to Walney or straight on to Tesco to ease traffic building up - then reduce to one lane until the last 50 yards."

It appears that the traffic signals are not detecting when vehicles are approaching the junction, resulting in too little green light time and some hold-ups, said the county council.

"Our technical team will be on site this week to resolve the issue," said a spokesman.

"The county council would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation during this time and apologises for any inconvenience caused."