New cycle lane facing two years of disruption
Westmorland and Furness CouncilParts of a new cycling and walking route which opened in June may be shut for up to two years due to sewage works.
Water firm United Utilities said it was planning to build a three million litre underground tank next to its pumping station near Vickerstown Park in Walney, Cumbria.
The work, which is expected to start in February and finish in 2028, means that parts of a recently opened 1.4 mile (2.2km) path will be shut for various stages during this period.
Westmorland and Furness Labour councillor, Derek Brook, said the council was keen to ensure people could access as much of the "popular" route as possible during the works.
When the £1.8m cycle and footpath, the local authority said it would help locals rely less on cars and contribute to a "healthier, low-carbon transport network".
The council said the route would not be fully shut during the works but that the details were still being confirmed.
A spokesperson said that diversions using existing footpaths would be put in place.
'Essential for water quality'
The underground tank is part of United Utilities' scheme to reduce the number of times that storm overflows discharge sewage into Walney Channel during heavy rainfall.
The firm's regional delivery manager, Fiona Edmondson, said the work was "essential" to improve water quality in the channel.
She said United Utilities would work with the council to minimise disruption.
The bowling club, Ferry Hotel, stables, boating club and allotments will be accessible during the works.
The water firm said the scheme was part of a £100m investment upgrading 21 storm overflows in Barrow.
