Work is still going on to assess the impact of a landslip at a village near Whitehaven.
Parton’s Main Street has been shut and people living in the houses near to St Bridget’s School have been evacuated and moved to Ennerdale Country House Hotel in Cleator.
The landslide, which was spotted on Wednesday, is believed to have been caused by a combination of the long spell of dry weather combined with heavy rain on Tuesday night to cause a split in the landscape.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and mountain rescue teams have been in Parton to assess the landslide so they know what to do if the situation becomes worse.
A statement from Cumbria County Council said: “At the current time the risk to public safety remains and evacuation and road closures remain in place.
“Unfortunately we cannot yet confirm how long these arrangements will remain in place.
“We strongly advise people to avoid the affected area and not return to homes if evacuated. Controlled access to homes can be facilitated if essential.
“Vegetation clearance is underway to allow detailed surveys.
“We anticipate detailed site survey work being able to begin on Monday.
“Regarding St Bridget’s Primary School, we do not currently have enough information to know what the situation means for the school, either immediately or in the longer term.
“There is planning going on now to look at options if school is not able to safely reopen in September.
“We understand people’s concerns, but there are many questions that we simply cannot answer yet. We will keep you updated as the situation develops.”
‘It’s like nothing I’ve seen in 60 years’ – Read the parish council chairman’s reaction here.
