A parish council has voiced strong opposition to the proposed extension of the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail due to the “significant lack” of supporting infrastructure.
Members of St John’s Castlerigg and Wythburn Parish Council say that the absence of adequate car parking, toilet facilities, and overall visitor management measures have not been addressed.
The council further notes the disproportionate response to a public consultation supporting the planned new extension pointing out that only 19.8per cent of respondents were from the local area. They shared the concerns of local residents and businesses regarding the potential negative impacts of the proposed route, including environmental degradation such as the loss of mature trees and valued natural amenities.
It was felt by councillors that priority should be given to sorting out the pedestrian provision from the existing Keswick to Threlkeld railway footpath up into the village before any extensions are considered.
But the parish council did acknowledge the potential safety benefits of reinstating a pedestrian bridge over Station Road, particularly in providing safer connectivity between the quarry and Threlkeld village.
The project is a partnership between the Lake District National Park Authority, National Highways and both Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness unitary authorities.
Phase one of the extension is from the bottom of the zig-zags on the existing route under the overpass and up to Burns Road (on the opposite side of the river to the current footpath). This is being funded by National Highways who want to see a reduction in the number of people crossing the A66.
The second phase is from Burns Road along to Station Road, then the final stage is to create a bridleway from Station Road through to Threlkeld Cricket Club on Newsham Road.
