Cumberland Council has responded to Cockermouth traders' concerns.

“We fully appreciate the impact the bridge closure to vehicles has on the traders within Cockermouth and will reopen it as soon as we are able to do so," said a spokesman.

“We are working closely with festive event organisers and offering free parking in the majority of our Cockermouth car parks to coincide with the Christmas lights switch on this Sunday and from 2.30pm on November 23 for late night shopping."

Although the Old Courthouse is in private ownership, council officers have been working hard to put in place options which would allow the bridge to reopen, said the spokesman.

“Alongside partners, we are exploring all possible options for the site. As it is a Listed Building, adjacent to a river course and land locked, there are complex issues to resolve to ensure all parties are in agreement.

“Partner agencies have been extremely supportive and collectively, we are doing all we can to move this work forward as quickly as we can, within the constraints we have to tackle.”