Copeland has been ignored in a multi-million-pound road upgrade, it has been claimed.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has announced £2.6million improvements to two West Cumbrian roundabouts, both of which are in Allerdale.

Tim Knowles, a Cumbria county councillor and long-time campaigner for funding for Copeland’s roads, said: “Although I welcome these investments, once again it looks as though Copeland has been ignored by this government.

“Our highway network is in desperate need of investment and I will be looking to our new MP to join the county council’s fight for better roads.”

Mr Grayling revealed that £1.6 million will be spent improving the Melbreak roundabout at Great Clifton, with another £1 million spent on the Fitz roundabout at Cockermouth. Work is expected to start next spring.

Copeland mayor Mike Starkie said he hopes the newly-announced projects “will be the start of much-needed investment”.

He added: “When we consider the impending investment in the nuclear industry then we must have road infrastructure that is fit for purpose.

“These new monies are, I trust, a first step and the start of things to come.

“I would like to see a clear plan of action and a timeline attached to that plan that addresses the priority areas and major pinch points, for example Calderbridge and Bootle.”

Copeland MP Trudy Harrison said: “This project is essential for the new nuclear build at Moorside. We need to do more but this is a step in the right direction.”

Mr Grayling added: “This is the start of what I think needs to be a whole series of improvements.

“These junctions are congested at all times of the day and, especially at rush hour, the traffic builds up.

“When you think about the new nuclear build at Moorside, no improvement is not an option.”

Workington MP Sue Hayman said: “Any amount of investment into our roads in West Cumbria is welcome, though £2.6 million barely begins to scratch the surface when it comes to the major improvements we need – right the way along the A595 from Carlisle to Barrow.”