A family business claims a road closure has left it struggling for custom.

The A5086 through Rowrah is set to be closed for three weeks while Cumbria Highways completes carriageway repairs.

Doreen Roberts, manager of the Brewery Tap cafe, claimed the closure has left staff and customers unable to access the Ennerdale Brewery, which employs 14 people in a mixture of full-time and part-time roles.

She said: “We are a small business who employ local people.

“We were informed three days prior to road closures that the work would be starting, however we were reassured that our business could carry on as usual as entry to premises would not be obscured.

“First day customers reported by phone, email and Facebook that the entry to our lane was blocked by heavy vehicles. Staff could not get out of the road end and traffic was coming from all directions with noone taking control of safety.

“The works are due to take 15 days; first day loss of business, what’s to come?”

A spokesman for the county council said it had liaised with residents and businesses affected and tried to maintain access when safe to do so.

They added: “There is a running lane through the site to accommodate access requirements.

“We must ensure the safety of the workforce and the general public.

“We acknowledge that there have been some minor issues during initial stages of the works and these have been addressed with our contractors.

“Signs placed along the full diversion route advise that there is access to businesses and for residents.”