Maryport's Senhouse Street reopens after work to end 'chaotic' parking

The council says the street serves as a "gateway to Maryport"

A main shopping street has reopened to traffic after almost eight weeks, following parking changes and the ruins of fire-hit bakery being pulled down.

The work on Maryport's Senhouse Street means vehicles will now park parallel to the roadside.

Cumberland Council had called the previous layout "chaotic".

It said demolishing the Bakehouse, which was gutted by fire in 2023, turned into a "big project" after the full extent of damage was uncovered.

Props have been put in place to shore the adjoining walls up.

The section of pavement in front of the building will remain closed for a few more weeks while the site is cleared.

Parking on that section of the street is temporarily suspended to ensure traffic can flow while contractors' cabins remain on site.

'Hole in the High Street'

In February, it was announced the authority would oversee the demolition as the building's owners had "failed to comply" with a court order instructing them to arrange it themselves.

It will seek to recover its costs from them.

The demolition of the Bakehouse, pictured earlier this week, uncovered the full extent of fire damage, the council said

Council leader Mark Fryer said the Labour-led authority was already exploring options for what could happen on the Bakehouse site, "to ensure this hole in the High Street is filled".

"We will do our best to make it look as tidy and attractive as possible in the meantime," he added.

Planters and signs are to be put in place on the street in the coming weeks.

Money came from the government's Future High Streets Fund.

In all, the council says the town will benefit from £12m in regeneration projects, with the former Carlton Cinema being transformed into a cultural hub.

The old Christ Church building will reopen as a maritime museum and the Wave Centre will be renamed Maryport Activity Centre.