A £500,000 scheme to resurface a West Cumbrian road is set to start.

Work will be carried out in four phases to replace worn-out sections on B5295, between Keekle and Wath Brow from today, Wednesday.

It is expected to be completed within 20 days.

The work will see over two miles of carriageway resurfaced, along with new ironwork, sections of damaged kerbs being replaced, new road markings and additional road safety measures introduced.

Cumbria County Council says to ensure the works can be safely carried out, sections of the road will be temporarily closed in the following stages: Phase 1: Keekle to Bowthorn

Phase 2: Bowthorn to Co-op roundabout

Phase 3: Co-op roundabout to Birks Road junction

Phase 4: Birks Road junction to Wath Brow junction.

Signed diversions via local roads will be in place and access will be maintained where possible for residents and businesses throughout the closures.

Signs advising that businesses are open as normal will also be displayed.

Keith Little, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for highways, said: "The council is investing over £500,000 in this essential maintenance work.

"Our staff will be liaising with local residents, schools, transport providers and the emergency services to try and minimise disruption as much as possible.

"We will be working hard with our contractor to get the works done as soon as possible but there will inevitably be some disruption and we would advise drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys.

"We have also put in place a phasing plan for the works to avoid the closure of the full stretch of road.”

The council said the work was weather dependant and any inclement weather conditions may delay these dates.