Traffic and trading problems were highlighted when Cumberland Council leader Mark Fryer attended Cockermouth Town Council's latest meeting.

People think Cockermouth is closed, said one town councillor

Traders and residents are desperate for Cocker Bridge to be opened to vehicles, they said.

The town centre bridge was closed, for precautionary measures, following the partial collapse of the neighbouring Old Courthouse earlier this month. 

A covered walkway has now been created for pedestrians.

Cllr Gillian Telford said at the town hall meeting last Wednesday evening: "I appreciate you cannot give a timescale but traders are really concerned that road access is opened as soon as possible.

"That's something they are pushing for. Anything happening in that direction would be appreciated."

Mayor Julie Laidlow said: "The road to school is also a problem."

Cllr Fryer noted that traders have been hit hard in the past following flooding.

"They do not want any more. As soon as we can get it sorted out we will. It's about the footfall, the shops need it," he said.

"Market Place has been weak for some time."

Cllr Laidlow pointed out that the whole town was impacted.

"Trade in the town centre is weak too, even with the tunnel. It's down 25 per cent," she said.

"People think Cockermouth is closed," said Cllr Catherine Bell.

"How long is the Cocker Bridge going to be out of action?" asked Cllr David Malloy, who pointed out emergency services were having to do long detours to get to certain parts of town.

He asked whether half of the the bridge could be opened and added: "The lights on Kirkgate are too far down, forcing people to stop on the narrowest bit of the road."

Cllr Malloy also questioned whether town centre traffic lights could be bagged to keep traffic flowing. This idea was supported by Cllr Laidlow.

Cllr Helen Tucker called for better diversion signs.

"We have to be more proactive about saying the town is open," she said.

Cllr Fryer said: "There's so much negative stuff on Facebook, we are trying to make it clear the town is open for business."

Regarding Cocker Bridge, he said: "The goal is to get it open."