West Cumbria is to get its first ever Burger King next month.

A new service station with a drive-through cafe and restaurant is being built near the Distington ambulance station.

It has now been revealed that Euro Garages, the firm behind the plans, has secured a presence for Burger King, Greggs and Starbucks to open branches at the site.

Jobs are currently being advertised for all the businesses.

A spokesman for Burger King said: “We are using a new design for this Burger King and it will be only the third of its kind in the UK.

“We just opened one with the same design last month, and we’re opening one in August in Preston.

“We’re hoping to open the Workington site on about August 24 - we were hoping to open it a bit sooner but the lockdown has put things back a little bit.”

Burger King is hiring about 20 people for its restaurant, which the company hopes to be able to fully open for sit-in meals as well as drive-through and take away, depending on Government guidance.

The spokesman added: “The building isn’t finished, the shell is being put up now and the shop fitters are going in on July 20, it usually takes about four to five weeks to get things done.”

Mike Johnson, leader of Allerdale Council, said: “It’s great to see a large national business wanting to come and open up in west Cumbria, providing jobs and a boost to our local economy. The economic aspects of this proposal will certainly be welcomed in the post-Covid-19 climate where we know new investment will be key to helping our area recover and thrive.

“However, in our 10-year council strategy we also committed to promote healthy, active lifestyles to help combat inactivity and help to reduce obesity levels. So while this development is welcomed, as a community we must be mindful to strike the right balance between economic growth and the health of our residents.”

Herbert Briggs, who represents Harrington on the town and district council, said he also had concerns about a fast-food being so close to Lakes College.

“The college does smashing healthy food, but the temptation will always be there for the students to get a Burger King.

“I’m also concerned about the traffic, it’s going to be an issue because you come right off that roundabout and hit a junction and queues are going to be big, I think.”

The development is being built on the site of the former Woodlands Residential Care Home.