ROAD improvement work is to be carried out on a section of the A684 - attracting criticism from a local MP.

The work, at a cost of £100,000, will be carried out by Cumbria County Council on a ‘worn-out’ section of road covering, close to Firbank Road and Ghyll House.

But South Lakes MP, Tim Farron, has spoken out to say a different stretch - branded ‘dangerous’ by residents - needs attention more urgently.

“I’m grateful to the council for carrying out this work on the A684, but in the light of residents concerns about the road surface further up the hill, it’s a bit rich for the council to talk about everyone ‘benefiting from a much improved road surface’,” he said.

“Residents will be rightly puzzled by the council’s decision to resurface the road at the bottom of the hill, but not do anything about the surface further up.”

The work, set to start on Monday, will take place at night in order to minimise the impact on road users.

The road is due to be closed from 6.30pm until 6am for five nights and the resurfacing is scheduled to be completed by February 21.

But a section further up has seen several accidents, prompting residents to start a petition calling for it to be resurfaced.

However, a Cumbria County Council spokesman said the work being carried out next week can be done in any weather - whereas the work on the section further along, at Lily Mere, can only be carried out in warmer weather.

“We’ve deliberately timed the work to take place at night and during the half term break in order to minimise the impact on road users,” said Councillor Keith Little.

“The closure will start at 6.30pm each night to allow most commuters time to get home and we expect there will be very few HGVs using the route overnight.

“Some short term disruption will be unavoidable and we apologise for any inconvenience, but once the work is completed everyone will benefit from a much improved road surface.”

A diversion will be in place via the A683, A65 and A591 and the council also anticipates increased traffic along back roads via the B6257.

The contractor has been instructed to make the road safe at the end of each night shift so it can be reopened to traffic during the day.

Signs will be in place giving drivers advanced warning when the closure is in place.