An update on the proposed extension of the hugely popular Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail was given to members of St John’s and Castlerigg Parish Council at their January meeting.
Parish clerk Becx Carter said that she had attended a briefing meeting hosted by the Lake District National Park Authority about the trail link from the existing railway line track, under the A66 on the opposite side of the river to the footpath currently up to Burns Road. She said this stretch would be resurfaced with asphalt and the funding for this is secured via National Highways.
The remaining extension would be along the old track bed from Burns Road to the crossing of Station Road where the LDNPA is proposing to work with Cumberland Council to put a bridge back in, and then over this bridge, alongside the LDNPA depot, and in front of the houses at Threlkeld Quarry and along to the Newsham Road. This stretch would not be resurfaced and the funding for this part of the trail is still to be confirmed.
Suggestions from Threlkeld parish councillors have included the need for there to be public toilet provision and for appropriate safety measures to be put in place for the walkers that are discharged from the K2T on to the road at Threlkeld, along with the need for additional/improved parking facilities being required.
The clerk confirmed that the LNDPA will be hosting a full consultation on the proposed extension but are seeking initial input from both parish councils. The clerk confirmed that the route of the existing footpath from Burns Road to Newsham is not currently a public right of way and is subject to landowner consents.
If the project proceeded the LDNPA would look to make the route some form of public right of way, which would mean it would be responsible for maintenance/liabilities.
A member of the public raised concerns about the impacts of the proposed ‘extension’ and the lack of public consultation so far.
Parish councillors noted they would like to know more about the intentions of the LDNPA and whether it had intentions to create a commercial enterprise, such as a cafe, at the Threlkeld depot.
The parish council fully supported the installation of a replacement bridge and the safety improvement this would bring.
