A Parton road is now expected to be closed for up to 18 months following a landslip overnight.
Around 12 homes were evacuated and roads closed at around 11pm last night after it was reported that the bank behind St Bridget’s School in the village near Whitehaven was starting to collapse.
Police, fire and other agencies have been dealing with the incident and an emergency road closure order has been put in place for Main Street by Cumbria County Council because of the danger to the public.
An initial emergency road closure order was issued about an hour ago, saying the road would be closed for six months but in the last few minutes, a new order has been signed.
It said: “This notice will be in force or a period of up to 21 days from July 28.
“It is likely after this time we will issue a second 21-day notice and then follow that with a temporary 18-month order.”
An alternative route will be available for traffic via the unrestricted sections of Main Street, Parton Brow, the A595 and Brewery Brow.
It is understood that buses are still running along Foundry Road.
