THE historic cobbles on Alston’s Front Street are set to undergo refurbishment.

The steep cobbled road is one of the most recognisable features of the town.

But the road has shown signs of deterioration and Cumbria County Council wants to preserve it for the future and to ensure it is suitable to cope with high volumes of traffic.

The council said temporary repairs would initially be carried out, before a more permanent, extensive refurbishment programme is rolled out.

County councillor for Alston, Coun. Claire Driver, said scheme leaders would work closely alongside local businesses, residents, bus operators and the Alston Moor Partnership.

She said: “As well as being a major part of the road infrastructure of the county and a major route between the Lake District and the North-East, Front Street is the centre of our community and a key part of what draws tourists here and makes those travelling through actually stop.

“All parties recognise that this project is more than a simple engineering job, and are committed to preserving the heritage of the town and its sense of place.

“We are putting in the resources to get this right and it will take time. When work does start, Alston town must stay open for business and we are looking at ways of making this happen.”

Coun. Driver added that the scheme would also look at ways of maximising on-street activities, such as markets, street theatre, and exhibitions.