Safety is to be improved at the entrance to a popular Keswick green which currently poses a danger to its users.
Townsfield, on the banks of the River Greta, is regularly used by families and dog walkers as well as for informal games and sport.
Last year Keswick town councillor Louise Dunn approached the parks manager to discuss the safety of the two gates that lead directly onto Penrith Road from the green. It followed several incidents of children running towards the busy road and animals running onto it, with one dog being fatally injured after being spooked by another pet. There is no barrier on the two exits between the park and the road and it was reported to members of Keswick Town Council that some people had stopped using the green after incidents of dogs escaping.
Monies had been allocated to rectify the issue and make the area safer in the 2023 budget, but had been removed due to concerns about the council tax precept. Town councillors also wanted to see more evidence of public support and in response, Cllr Dunn asked people for their views and experiences and there was overwhelming support from the 40 individuals who made their views known for improving the gates onto Penrith Road.
“I would very much welcome safer entry and exit points,” said one respondent. “I have a two-year-old and on many an occasion have had to frantically run after her so she doesn’t run directly into the main road.”
Another said: “If these improvements are done, it would make a huge difference to the safety of children, peace of mind for parents and dog owners whose dogs need to run off lead.
“Townsfield is a lovely park for local people. Let’s make it a safe place for local people.”
A site visit has taken place and users were spoken to and since then the council’s parks manager has suggested a number of solutions to improve safety which include:
- Putting in a low fence and shrubs at the low wall section where railings have been removed;
- Create railings and a small gate area for a section of the park just up from the low wall;
- Replace the gate next to Travis Perkins with a double wooden gate and pedestrian gate;
- Add signs asking people to ‘please shut the gate’.
It was agreed that £3,500 be taken from the town council’s reserves to pay for the work and materials with a view to making the safety improvements in six months’ time. An approach is also to be made to Friends of the Lake District to see if it would be willing to provide financial backing.
