A petition against the permanent closure of the Thirlmere west road now has almost 8,000 signatures.
Most people signing believe that the entire road should be re-opened and remain open as a through route to all forms of traffic including walkers, cyclists and motorists in order that all who wish to use this route as an enjoyable, quiet and scenic route should be able to do so.
The matter was discussed at the August meeting of Keswick Town Council and Cllr Markus Campbell-Savours said that Cumberland Council was keen to get the message out that its aim is to get the road opened up again.
“I want to see that that road is re-opened as a safe alternative route for when the A591 gets closed,” he said. “I don’t feel that travelling over mountain top passes and along the M6 is a serious safe route.”
Campaigner Mark Hatton pointed out on the Keep Thirlmere Open Facebook page that Cumberland Highways had announced on Monday that the statutory consultation on closure of part of the road would open on August 25 and close on September 15. The council has also confirmed that all comments, feedback and objections sent in to date do not count in the statutory process. Those who have already commented will be informed by the council of this.
Mr Hatton said that the consultation process to gather comments and feedback on the proposed permanent road closure appears “deeply flawed”.
“The way it was advertised was very poor and the fact that it was not made clear that any comments, feedback or objections sent in at this stage will not count towards the final statutory consultation or decision making process is frankly scandalous,” he said.
The road was shut in the wake of tree falls during Storm Arwen in November 2021. The number having fallen or been damaged was put at more than 1,500.
The former Cumbria County Council issued the emergency TRO because of the risk of danger to the public from rocks and debris falling from Rough Crag.
On the Keep Thirlmere Open Facebook page, Rob Alves said: “There is a balance of risk here, particularly for cyclists. Personally I would much rather accept a very low probability of being hit by a rock on this road than the much higher probability of being struck by a vehicle on the main road.”
Go to www.change.org/ThirlmereRoad to sign the petition.
