A parish council has objected to making a temporary prohibition of vehicles along a section of the Thirlmere dam road a permanent arrangement.
Members of St John’s Castlerigg & Wythburn Parish Council said they would like to see the dam maintained for traffic at least in a one direction on the U7003 for both historical and access purposes.
They have also raised environmental concerns by pointing out that to access the western road from the north end of Thirlmere is an extra seven to eight miles in terms of carbon emissions.
And councillors felt it was also likely to cause people to do a U-turn at the end of the dual carriageway to be able to access Shoulthwaite Road, which they deemed dangerous.
Cumbria County Council introduced a temporary ban of vehicles along the route as part of a national drive to increase active travel opportunities.
It says the alteration helps to promote an active travel lifestyle and make it a more pleasant, traffic-free environment for cyclists and walkers.
The council is now undertaking a consultation in considering the introduction of permanent arrangements, including:
- Prohibition of motor vehicles, with exceptions for access, along the U7003 Thirlmere (dam road);
- No right turn from the U7003 Western Road on to the A591 dual carriageway;
- Prevent U-turns along the entire length of the dual carriageway on the A591.
Cllr Judy Sutcliffe had raised some concerns in writing due to her inability to be present at the meeting.
She said there are very narrow sections north of the dam road, and all traffic in both directions would be sent on this section as a result of these proposals.
She asked whether width restrictions could be imposed on the western road or could consideration be given to making the dam road one way, linking to the western road.
It was resolved by all present that there are concerns about limiting the right turns in the event of emergencies. It was felt that it would essentially trap people when the A591 is closed.
Meanwhile, United Utilities stakeholder manager Ian McCoy confirmed that the western road at Thirlmere is not going to close permanently. He said the company has held discussions with Cumbria County Council about what measures could be put on the western road to make it safer for cyclists but are not looking to close the road completely.
He said the road is currently closed because of storm damage to trees and other materials on Rough Crag.
It is only currently surveyable from the air and is too dangerous to allow people on site. UU is trying to work out how to resolve the safety issue of clearing the debris.
The western road is now only shut for the section under this dangerous area for around a mile. Options considered and ruled out are dynamiting the area or netting it. UU is looking at options with CCC including potentially the construction of protection for the carriageway to allow it to be reopened.
