A BUSINESS owner says roadworks on the A5086 which have been going on for more than a month have been a ‘nightmare’.

Mandy McClure made the decision to close K9 Klipz on Main Street in Frizington for a week due to the impact of roadworks being carried out. The dog groomer said it has become ‘impossible’ to work.

The road has been closed to vehicles while Cumberland Council carries out road repairs, footway upgrades, drainage replacement, and refreshing road markings.

Mrs McClure said: “It’s a nightmare. Yesterday I decided to close for the week because the weather and the pavement was full of tar chippings. People aren’t going to pay me to bath dogs to be trailing them through that.

“Most of my customers travel by car so it’s causing a lot of inconvenience. It’s impossible to work, basically. There’s been no communication. If I had known, I could have rescheduled sooner.

“You’re restricted to what you can and can’t do. It’s so difficult. I know other business owners are in the same position.”

Peter Thompson, who owns Thompsons Bakery on Main Street in Frizington, also spoke out about the roadworks earlier this month and said his takings had ‘slashed in half’.

Stephen Irving, who owns F Irving & Sons Funeral Directors on Main Street in Frizington, said despite the inconvenience, the highways workers had been ‘helpful and considerate’.

He said: “The road works are inconvenient at times but these jobs have to be done. The lads on the roads have been really helpful and considerate in assisting us with access when they were able to. Obviously there are certain times when that's not possible.

“The poor road work lads are getting a hard time. At the end of the day, they are only doing a job.”

The improvement works started on July 22 and the first phase is expected to be completed by August 31.

The project has been organised in two phases - the first will cover the area from the edge of the village to just before Yeathouse Road, and the second will extend from Yeathouse Road to beyond the mini roundabout.

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: “We understand that the roadworks in Frizington have been challenging for the local community and apologise for any disruption caused. We are actively working with businesses and residents to support access and deliveries during this period.

“We are particularly keen to support local businesses during this time and encourage them to reach out to us if there are specific needs or challenges, they are facing. We value the vital role that local businesses play in our community and want to ensure they continue to thrive during these necessary improvements.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of the Frizington community as we undertake these essential works to enhance the highways network. We have invested nearly £1 million in Frizington to make highway improvements that will provide long-lasting benefits, reducing the need for future disruptions.

"Our focus remains on minimising the impact on the community while delivering long-term benefits, including a safer and more efficient transport network for everyone.

“We encourage everyone to continue supporting our local businesses, whose resilience and dedication help make Frizington such a vibrant and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.

“We also remind all vehicles to use the designated diversion routes, avoiding heavily trafficked and residential areas such as Coronation Drive, to ensure safety and minimise further disruption.”