Town disruption as crash causes 'extensive damage'

Police said substantial structural damage has been caused to the building on Kirkgate in Cockermouth

A town's businesses faced disruption after a crane severely damaged a building.

Cumbria Police said it reported a motorist for driving without due care and attention after it was forced to shut the road at Kirkgate in Cockermouth on Wednesday.

The vehicle caused "substantial structural damage" to a house at Kirkgate Corner, police said.

The spot is notorious among locals for catching out lorries and large vehicles, which struggle to get through the tight gap between a house and Seth's Bar, at the junction of Market Place and Kirkgate.

Following the crash, Seth's bar had to close for the evening.

Barmaid Charlotte Winfindale said: "Wednesday is usually a busy day, as we have a pizza deal, so it was a bit of an inconvenience for the business."

She added their building suffered no damage and they were due to reopen on Thursday afternoon.

Seth's bar had to close on Wednesday

The Coffee Kitchen, a bakery a few doors down, was also evacuated due to fears of a gas leak following the incident.

Owner Andy Walsh said they were back inside the building within an hour, but it was not the first time vehicles had hit that corner.

"I feel for the people whose building it is," he said.

He was not expecting his business to be affected too much by the road closure, as he has regulars going to buy bread and other goods from the shop each morning, however he was concerned for those relying more heavily on passing traffic.

It is understood a crane caused the damage to the building at Kirkgate

One such business is Dachsund Vintage Interiors Homeware, which was already seeing an impact from temporary traffic lights on nearby Cocker Bridge.

Owner Susan Seekings said she wanted people to know that Market Place businesses were very much open for business.

Susan Seekings said she wanted people to know Market Place shops were open for business

"I feel a bit frustrated, it just seems to be one thing after another," she said.

"Footfall isn't great at this end of town anyway, so it can really affect small businesses, so we just want to remind people we are here and we are open."

She added she believed more restrictions and signs to warn large vehicles should be placed at the Kirkgate junction to avoid future issues.

Cumberland Council said it did not know when it would be in a position to reopen the road.

Elaine Denham, who works at Alana's Laundry Basket, said she had been contacted by customers to ask whether they would be able to reach the shop and she was concerned about the long-term impact it could have on Market Place.

"Market Place can be quiet anyway, not a lot of people will come up to Market Place - they forget about it."