Dalston Road is still set to reopen in December despite a major breakthrough in the construction of the Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR)

Dalston Road is closed between Peter Lane and Brow Nelson to enable construction of the new Cummersdale roundabout and footbridge for the Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR).

Electricity North West have completed essential works this week meaning that efforts to complete the footbridge foundations and drainage for the roundabout can go ahead.

The closure of Dalston Road has angered business owners in Dalston and Stephen Hickson, owner of Garden House Nursery in Dalston said that the closure has ‘massively’ affected his business.

“Some days now we are only seeing one or two customers through the door,” said Stephen.

“Dalston in general is just quiet really. Any passing through traffic is just not happening and so every shop's really not getting the passing trade.

“In the winter we do Christmas trees and we’re in the dark at the moment as we don't know what to get in because will people bother coming round or will they just call it somewhere on the way here when they're having to do the big detour.

“We just can't work out what to get because we could easily get stuck with a lot that we can’t sell but I just don’t know what to do.”

A spokesperson for the CSLR said: “We are pleased to announce that our partner Electricity North West have confirmed the completion of their service diversion this week, which means we can continue with the work we need to complete in this area.

“In the next few weeks, we can now begin the footbridge foundations and the drainage for the roundabout, activities we couldn’t begin due to the presence of the electricity cable.

“The Dalston Road closure still remains in effect, and our plans are to reopen in December. We will continue to provide regular updates.

“Businesses in Dalston are open as usual.

“We understand the inconvenience the closure is causing and appreciate your patience as we work to complete these essential infrastructure improvements.”

READ MORE: Dalston Road closure for CSLR works 'crucifying' business

The CSLR will connect Junction 42 of the M6 with the A595 to the west. The route will include new junctions linking existing radial routes into Carlisle and the proposed Garden Village.

The 8km long road will provide infrastructure to relieve congestion in Carlisle and the access and network capacity to enable the successful delivery of St Cuthbert's Garden Village.