Cumberland Council has successfully completed essential slope repair works along the B5289 near Ashness Bridge, Keswick, helping to protect this much-loved route around Derwent Water and ensure its long-term safety and resilience.
The work, delivered by Metcalfe’s Plant Hire on behalf of the council, involved rebuilding the slope from the carriageway using specialist equipment. The repairs were necessary following damage caused by Storm Desmond and are a key part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the area for residents, businesses and visitors.
Listening to feedback from the local community, the council worked closely with its contractor to adapt the approach for the final phase of the scheme. Plans were revised to allow the use of temporary traffic lights rather than a full road closure, meaning the B5289 could remain open while the work was completed. This approach focused on what matters most to residents, keeping people moving while essential repairs were carried out.
Smaller machinery was then used to safely complete the works from both the shoreline and the road, helping to minimise disruption while maintaining steady progress on site.
Cllr Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
"Our priority is always to keep people safe and keep our communities moving. These repairs were essential to protecting this well-used route around Derwent Water, and I’m pleased we were able to work with residents and our contractor to find a solution that kept the work on track while allowing traffic to continue using the B5289.
“We take responsibility for our people and our places, and while we can’t take this approach on every scheme, where we can adapt and reduce disruption, we will. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and for sharing their feedback, it helps us deliver services that truly work for our communities.”
If anyone would like to report an issue on the highway network, they can visit www.cumberland.gov.uk/roads or contact the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736.
