17/09/03 - Pedestrian priority in Kendal Town Centre - cheaper and sooner

At a meeting of Cumbria County Council’s South Lakeland Local Committee today, Councillors agreed in principle to support a Kendal Traffic option that reaches the goal of pedestrian priority in Kendal Town Centre cheaper and sooner than previous scheme options envisaged.  The move negates the need to work through the remaining phases of the original plan which included a proposal to build a second bridge over the river.  Councillors will attend a workshop in December to monitor progress and discuss the scheme’s implementation in detail.

County Councillor Ian Stewart, Chair of South Lakeland Local Committee says,

“This option comes after the completion of a new study aiming to achieve the pedestrian priority of the town centre as cost-effectively as possible, building on the success of phase one of the scheme and modifications made in response to community and key stakeholder consultation.   Pedestrian priority means that the area will be pedestrianised but with limited access allowed for public transport, blue-badge holders, businesses and residents. 

I am delighted that the scheme has been approved in principle today enabling us to achieve a safer environment for pedestrians and mitigate some of the traffic congestion experienced recently.  It increases the viability of public transport services and is supported by Stagecoach as well as a majority of the town’s traders.  This option achieves pedestrian priority, reaching that goal faster than previously envisaged and at a lower cost.  The scheme is estimated to cost £1.1M and is likely to be completed by July 2004.  This compares with the original scheme, likely to have cost in excess of £3.5M and due for completion in 2005/06.

Pedestrian priority will happen on the section of Stricklandgate between Library Road and Lowther Street.  There will be a reversal of traffic flow and traffic that currently travels northbound on Stricklandgate will be signed into Lowther Street.  The section of Stricklandgate between Windermere Road and Library Road will become two-way.

There was a great deal of debate about the scheme and there are still a whole range of detailed options to look at relating to the timing and nature of restrictions for access.  These things along with other detailed implementation matters will be discussed at a special workshop in December and the scheme’s progress will be closely monitored.   I am delighted that this scheme is now approved in principle and we can move ahead with the plan, achieving the goals set out in the Local Traffic Plan to ensure a safer environment and better quality of life for the people of South Lakeland.”