Last updated 19:40, Thursday, 15 May 2008

THIS is the first look at the £1.2 million revamp of Cockermouth’s Market Place.

After seven months of building work and road closures, the area reopened in time for the town’s Georgian Fair.

Artwork, seating and some lights still need to be installed.

Some Market Place traders claim that the promised boost to their business has not yet happened but Cockermouth Partnership, which was behind the scheme, urged them to give it time.

Steve Hamilton, owner of the Fruit Market, claimed it was quieter now than before the regeneration started.

He said: “The big plan just hasn’t happened. People have had to go elsewhere for six months and they won’t come back straight away.

“It was not worth the money. It is just a matter of waiting and seeing.”

Judith Jarman, of Cottage Gardens, said trade had picked up slightly. But, she added: “It hasn’t been worth it business-wise, for the loss of business and the length of time it has taken.”

Beryl Elsam, of Beryl’s Hairstylist said: “Most of my clients can’t see what has been done. We are all pleased it is finished and is back to normal.

“Trade has picked up, but not the way they were talking about - we were going to have droves and droves of customers.”

Sue Hannah, of Cockermouth Partnership, said that it was too early for trade to pick up.

She added: “It is not an instant thing. When the car parking sorts itself out, things should return to normal and after that it will gradually build up again.”

Most of the lighting is now in place, but suppliers failed to deliver the seating earlier this week, so this will not be put in until June.

Work will finish today for two weeks, before contractors return to finish the job, which should be complete next month.

Kirkgate will be closed for the day on Sunday June 1, Castlegate will be closed on Monday June 2 and for the remainder of the work there will be traffic lights on Cocker Bridge.