Motorists are putting lives in danger by moving road closed signs to drive their vehicles through.
The road from the end of Dalzell Street, at a bridge, to the crossroads just before Padstow near Keekle was completely closed by Cumbria County Council on Monday until at least March 20, while pothole repairs and subsidence work is carried out.
There is no access from Moor Row to Galemire and Keekle during this time, though there is a pedestrian access route and cyclists can dismount and walk through.
Some people are ignoring the road closure signs and continuing to drive through, endangering residents and Highways workers.
Copeland borough and Egremont town Councillor Graham Calvin, for Moor Row and Bigrigg, is concerned there is going to be a serious accident.
He said the route is commonly used as a rat run for Sellafield traffic, especially at about 5pm, and motorists have still been pouring through the village, even moving road closed signs out of the way to continue their journey.
The Moor Row road runs parallel to the A595 and is a popular alternative route for motorists.
He said: “When people see a sign that has been put there for the safety of people working on the road and for the safety of residents, can they please think of other residents and Highways staff and use an alternative route.
“If anyone has an accident and they have been warned the road is closed they would not be insured.”
He urged people to use the alternative signed routes: “There are two alternative routes to head north – around Woodend Road by Cleator Moor or the A595. Please use these and stay safe.”
Mr Calvin added: “I know the police force is stretched, but if there was a police presence there at about 5pm I think it would make a difference.
“People are not prepared to wait. It is dangerous to those working and as there is a right to still walk through, it’s very dangerous for pedestrians.”
He said on Monday a woman walking her dog on the way to a nearby vets was narrowly missed as a car sped past her at 60mph. She was not expecting traffic to be on the road, as it was supposed to be closed.
Other Dalzell Street residents have voiced their concerns.
Kay Todd said: “I’d like them to be made aware it’s shut for three weeks, can they not read? The road is closed. Somebody is going to be seriously injured.”
Elizabeth Wilkinson said: “They go flying down the road knowing nothing is coming in the other direction. I am fearing for the lives of children and animals.”
“Cars come speeding past, usually from Sellafield traffic. I stood here this morning and there was three went over the bridge and had to turn around, they got so far and had to turn around and come back.
“Yesterday they actually moved the barriers at about 3.15pm.”
Dawn Blacklock said she also feared for her children’s safety and claims someone almost took off her wing mirror when they were forced to turn around.
Bill Hodgson said: “If it says closed it should mean closed.”
Pat and Roger Fletcher said: “It affects everybody, that barrier should be all across the road to stop people.
Roger added: “They speed down the road and they are virtually taking off going over that bridge.”
A Cumbria County Council spokesman said: “Advisory signage is a legal requirement for the traffic management of any and all works on the highway. Drivers can be prosecuted by police for failing to comply with road signage.
“We would like to remind motorists that road closures are in place for the safety of motorists as well as the team working on the highway.”
