'No plans' to alter notorious junction - council

Businesses said it was "not the first time" vehicles had hit the corner at Kirkgate, Cockermouth

A council said it has "no plans to alter" a notorious road junction after a building was damaged by a crane.

A house on the corner of Kirkgate, Cockermouth, was left with "substantial structural damage" on Wednesday.

Cumbria Police said the driver of the vehicle has been identified, spoken to and reported for driving without due care and attention.

Cumberland Council has temporary closed the road on Kirkgate for 21 days to allow structural engineers to assess the damage.

Large vehicles have been seen struggling to get through the tight gap between a house and Seth's Bar, at the junction of Market Place and Kirkgate.

Local businesses previously said it was not the first time vehicles had hit the corner, and the spot is notorious among locals for catching out lorries and large vehicles, which struggle to get through the tight gap at the junction.

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: "We have no plans to alter the junction at this time, and the road will remain closed for the time being."

They added that, during the three-week road closure, structural engineers will complete an assessment of the damaged property and determine if there are any necessary actions.

"If the structure is deemed safe, and we can reopen the road before this time frame, we will inform the public," the spokesperson said.

The Labour-run local authority said businesses in the area were open as usual and encouraged the community to "continue supporting them".