11/8/2004 - Kendal town centre pedestrian priority moves towards completion

Cumbria County Council is proposing to introduce the final phase of the pedestrian priority scheme on an experimental basis. The scheme strikes a balance between attractiveness and safety for shoppers and the need for maintaining necessary vehicle access. The pedestrian priority zone will create a more pleasant and pedestrian friendly environment that will help to attract more visitors to the town. 

It has been accepted for a long time that there were significant environmental problems associated with traffic congestion in the town centre area of Kendal. A multi phased scheme to introduce a traffic free zone on Stricklandgate between the Town Hall and Library Road was conceived. In 2002, Phase 1 of the Kendal Town Centre traffic management scheme made the first step towards providing this.

Councillor Oliver Pearson, Chair of Cumbria County Council’s South Lakeland Local Committee, says, 

"The introduction of a pedestrian priority zone in the town centre will provide an attractive and traffic free environment for shoppers and residents and will help make Kendal a key shopping destination."

It is proposed to implement the changes for a period of at least 6 months starting early in 2005. Following evaluation of the trial by Cumbria County Council a decision will then be made whether to make the scheme permanent. 

Leaflets giving more details of the proposal have been sent to all properties directly affected within the town centre area, and are currently available in reception at Kendal Library and County Offices, Kendal.