A WHITEHAVEN town councillor has welcomed the refurbishment of part of the cycle path. 

Edwin Dinsdale has praised the development of the cycle path starting at Esk Avenue and leading into central Mirehouse. 

He says that this refurbishment will help to bring more people to the area, particularly those looking to do the Coast-to-Coast route. 

Mr Dinsdale said: "The cycle path is 100 per cent better than it used to be, there were safety issues before the refurbishment due to so much overgrowth. 

"The width of the path has been extended and they have also relayed a skim of tarmac over the top of it, the difference is unbelievable."

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At a recent town council meeting, Eric Taylor of St Bees Parish Council spoke of his hopes to have a cycle path running from Whitehaven to St Bees. 

The councillors were in favour of the idea of connecting Whitehaven with the village through a cycle path running through the valley near the train line. 

Mr Dinsdale then proposed the idea of a sub-committee comprising four councillors who would focus on the cycle path, which was agreed upon. 

A before and after shot of the refurbishment work A before and after shot of the refurbishment work (Image: Edwin Dinsdale)

He continued: "The Coast to Coast brings hundreds of thousands of pounds into the local economy every year. 

"Many cyclists may spend a night or two at a bed and breakfast in Whitehaven, so this is worth a fortune to our town. 

"For a lot of people who visit Whitehaven, this will be all they'll see, and I've consistently said at town council meetings that the cycle path should be showcased. 

"Whether they decide to come back or recommend visiting the town to others could be based on how good this cycle path is."

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Mr Dinsdale is also hoping to tackle antisocial behaviour on the cycle path in Mirehouse. 

There have been ongoing incidents involving people using scrambler bikes on the track. 

This type of activity could potentially pose a risk to the riders and the wider public.