An online survey about proposals for new, or improved, paths linking the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail to Burns Road and Threlkeld Quarry, show there is good support for the plans.
There were 344 responses with 75 per cent supporting all of the proposed changes, 13 per cent agreeing to most and 12 per cent not in agreement to any of the suggestions.
The proposals have been put forward by the Lake District National Park Authority, Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumberland Council and National Highways.
They propose extending the Keswick to Threlkeld route to go under the A66 to Burns Road, then on past the LDNPA’s Threlkeld office and Threlkeld Quarry ending at the Recreation Field car park at Threlkeld Cricket Club.
The aim is to improve the safety and the enjoyment of the route for locals and visitors and to reduce traffic pressure on communities. The proposal will also improve accessibility for disabled people and families with pushchairs and fill in a missing link in the National Cycle Network.
The survey, which ran between July 15 and September 30 included responses from people who use the current route regularly as well as those who use it occasionally. Most respondents use the route for walking and cycling.
The top three benefits respondents valued were to re-instate the bridge (188 responses), improving drainage (170 responses) and tree planting and nature initiatives (158 responses).
Surveys were filled in by a wide range of ages, the highest number coming from people aged between 50 to 69. With 108 from Keswick and Threlkeld and 152 responses from people living in Cumbria. The rest were from other parts of the UK.
Those filling in the anonymous online survey were also asked for comments and ideas to improve the proposals. Responses included encouraging responsible use of the paths and keeping the surfaces leaf, mud and ice free.
Others wanted the route to be accessible for horse riders, include gates that can be opened by multiple users and have safe disabled parking where an adult trike can be unloaded.
A wide range of views was expressed in the comments too, including: “Just make it happen!” to “Leave it as it is”. Concerns were also raised about alleviating pressures from visitors on the local community with parking and toilet provision, and there was a full range of views on a tarmac or crushed-stone surface.
Emma Moody, lead strategy adviser for sustainable transport at the Lake District National Park Authority, said: “It’s been great to get so many people feeding back on the proposals for which there is good support. The comments and face-to-face sessions have been very valuable too. We’ll be considering all responses and publishing our final feedback on the consultation in mid-November and updating parish councils.
‘’People will then see how what they’ve said is shaping the project’s direction and the next steps. It’s highlighted important local and wider user considerations around accessibility, who the path is for, toilets, parking, safety, signage and maintenance.”
“Alongside this we will preparing planning applications for section one and section two, taking into account comments received and landowner views. We will also be carrying out minor works to improve drainage and put a crushed stone surface on the path alongside Setmabanning,” added Emma.
For more information please visit https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/caringfor/projects/keswick-to-threlkeld-link
