Frustrated business owners in Pooley Bridge have released a video urging drivers not to bypass the village while the A592 is closed.
Colin Hindle, who runs Granny Dowbekins and Darren Todd, of Chestnut House, wanted people to know that there is an alternative to the official diversion put in place by the county council while work is carried out.
The A592 will remain closed to traffic Mondays to Fridays while resurfacing takes place and the official diversion is via Matterdale and Aira Force.
A bid by Barton and Pooley Bridge Parish Council for diversion signs via the B road to Eamont Bridge and Tirril – which is a much shorter route – was rejected by the county authority due to regulations not allowing diversions onto a lesser category of road.
Colin said: “We’re not blaming anyone – we just want people to know there is another option available. We have released a video encouraging car users to save time and fuel to go via Eamont Bridge.”