Footfall up on town's main route during revamp

The number of people walking along a town's main route has increased since regeneration work began.

Cumberland Council said footfall was up 35% in March on Senhouse Street in Maryport, Cumbria, compared to the same time last year - rising from an average of 7,900 per week to 10,700.

The town is undergoing £12m, government-funded regeneration, including turning Christ Church into the maritime museum, a new cafe on the promenade and the revamp of shopfronts.

Michelle Mayman, who runs two clothes shop in premises revamped by the Shopfront Scheme, said it was "wonderful" that people were realising what Maryport had to offer.

She said: "We have definitely noticed more custom from locals, visitors from surrounding towns and tourists."

The plans also include turning the old Carlton cinema into an arts venue, with additional funding from Sellafield, replacing the Shiver Me Timbers play area with a new one, including a splash park, and the creation of the Shipping Brow Gallery.

The council said it measured the increased footfall with an automatic sensor at the town hall, which links the harbour area to the town centre.

Council leader Mark Fryer said he was pleased that visitor numbers had increased before the start of the summer season.

Aquarium owner Mark Vollers said: "An optimistic air was detectable as soon as regeneration funding was confirmed and this has grown as projects take shape."

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