Cumbria County Council has responded to criticisms over its planned road works for Whitehaven's Coach Road.

Resurfacing improvements costing £100,000 will see it closed, weather permitting, from Monday.

The work, said to be "essential carriageway reconstruction'' is being carried out to replace a section of worn surface between Back Corkickle and the Ginns.

However, members of the public had questioned whether the road works could have been carried out during the school holidays.

A county council spokesman said: "Half-term working was considered but following a robust planning procedure, and factoring other planned improvements elsewhere on the network, we were comfortable undertaking the work during this period, with alternative access maintained throughout at peak school times.

"Affected schools and local residents have also been informed in advance.”

Criticisms had also been aimed at the state of the road leading to the West Cumberland Hospital.

The council spokesman said: "The council is aware of the deterioration of Homewood Road and teams are closely monitoring its condition, carrying out regular repair works and inspections.

"Additional funding is required to facilitate a full reconstruction of the carriageway surface. When additional funding is identified, Homewood Road will be considered for improvement.”