Mass participation events are to come under another layer of scrutiny before they are allowed to go ahead in Keswick.
It follows complaints made to Keswick Town Council about the Lakesman Triathlon that took place in June from members of the public.
They claimed that the event caused widespread disruption around the town with traffic on the A66 at “crawling speed”, cyclists “all over the road” and rubbish being thrown into the verges.
The issue was discussed at the July meeting of the town council and it was agreed to accept a recommendation that the council’s Visitor Management Working Group – a liaison group that has primarily been looking at the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail – expand its remit to work with the Keswick Tourism Association, Lake District National Park Authority and Cumberland Council to look at mass participation events.
Town council clerk Vivien Little also suggested that the authority encourages event organisers to have a liaison group to which the council could contribute.
“When you see the full spectrum of events for the next 12 months, we are going to have to start planning for these otherwise there is going to be overload,” said Cllr Chris Houghton. “If they keep coming, how can a small town like Keswick cope?”
Keswick mayor Steve Harwood said: “We don’t want to be seen as spoilsports because these events are well supported by people in the town.”
Ry Beardsworth, who has competed in the event four times, said: “The traffic on the A66 is always bad coming into Keswick, don’t blame the race.
“This year we spent over £600 over two days, not including the race fee, so times that by I don’t know, 1,500 people.”
Graeme Rundle said: “Bring something as fabulous as this event to the area and people moan about it.”
And Mike Heavens said: “I live in Keswick and planned my weekend around this – no problem!”
Aidan Ellis said: “We live in the most amazing part of the country, it attracts holidaymakers, walkers, sight-seers, paragliders, runners, swimmers, cyclists, triathletes etc and they do bring a huge amount to the economy.
“Accommodation during the weekend of the Lakesman is always sold out months in advance, and many visit before to swim, run and cycle with their families.”
