The contract between Cumberland Council and a construction company hired to restore a listed church has been terminated.

Aura Heritage Ltd was hired to restore the Grade II-listed Christ Church in Maryport ahead of reopening as a new maritime museum.

But for undisclosed reasons, Aura Heritage Ltd is 'no longer able to complete the works'.

While it remains incomplete, Cumberland Council said they're in the process of getting a new contractor.

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"We will soon be appointing a new contractor to complete the works which have already significantly progressed and are only a few months away from completion.

“We are confident that it will be completed within the timeframes set by the funding agreement," a council spokesperson said.

Cumberland Council stated last year that the museum would be open by spring this year, and have not disclosed why they terminated the contract with Aura Heritage Ltd.

Aura Heritage Ltd, based in Greater Manchester, has been approached for a comment.