16/02/04 - Kendal Traffic Package Set to Move Ahead

South Lakeland Local Committee today strongly endorsed a recommendation to pedestrianise Stricklandgate and adopt a package of improvements to Kendal's traffic system .

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

            “This is being proposed as part of a commitment to make sure that Kendal is fit for the 21stcentury.  With the major job losses experienced in the past few years, it is doubly important that we all work together to build a sound foundation for a strong Kendal” “The County Council has been working with and will continue to work with all its partners to deliver that package. The principal partners are the residents of Kendal and South Lakeland, Kendal businesses, Stagecoach, Kendal Town Council and South Lakeland District Council.

            It is essential that we implement this package to create the foundation for a strong economic future whilst protecting a high quality physical environment. Traffic circulation and access has been a major constraint on the town centre for some time.  We want to protect the attractive environment whilst allowing as many people as possible to make their way to the town centre to shop and use the other facilities and resources in the town”.

Tom Clare, vice chair of the Kendal Traffic Steering Group and Chair of the Town Council’s Highways Committee says,

            “This requires a package of improvements.  The changes to traffic flows made in 2002 were the first elements.  Stricklandgate is now to be pedestrianised although access will be given for buses and plans are now being put in hand to build on the facilities for cyclists, walkers and those using public transport.  We are also actively working on practical Park and Ride schemes.  The Committee has been told of predicted future growth in vehicle numbers and that without these measures the town centre will not be able to cope.” 

            Throughout this process the County Council has been listening closely to users of the traffic system, traders and its other partners to make sure that the most sensible design is put in place and the inevitable problems of detail are corrected quickly as they arise.  This was the approach adopted for Phase 1 and will be applied in future.

            County Councillor Jim Bland acknowledged the concerns around the timetabling of the work saying,

            “We need to recognise that timetabling the work cannot suite everyone. The traders want the main work to occur after Christmas, Stagecoach want the work as soon as possible.”