Cumbria County Council has appointed a new project manager to hear concerns about the improvement of pedestrian facilities at Stricklandgate in Kendal.
From this morning, project manager Gary Clubbs has been patrolling Stricklandgate to deal with any problems on the ground such as disrupted trade deliveries and residents wanting to know more about the scheme.
Mr Clubbs will manage the implementation process of the scheme and has the authority to make minor variations to ensure its best possible outcome.
From next Tuesday March 21st there will also be a two-hour weekly 'surgery', where Kendal residents, traders, or anyone with concerns, can discuss the scheme with the new project manager.
"Changes to the traffic system have caused some resentment and anger locally. I'm here to listen to people's frustrations, take on board their concerns and find solutions on how the temporary disruption can be kept to a minimum, " said Gary Clubbs.
Work on the 11-week scheme began on February 13th. Last week representatives of Cumbria County Council including Chief Executive Peter Stybelski and Councillor Jack Richardson, cabinet member responsible for the environment, attended a meeting with local traders. At the meeting it was stressed that:
- The County Council has made every effort to ensure a robust and proper process in reaching the decision to change Stricklandgate. It was accepted that further improvements can be made in future consultations.
- There is a wish to move forward and find positive sustainable and long-term solutions to Kendal’s traffic problems. Improving pedestrian facilities is seen as part of the long-term answer within a wider strategic approach. The design of these facilities will ensure flexibility for the future to ensure that long-term access can be provided for alternative uses.
- As the contract for the works has been let and the contractor is on site, termination of the contract would incur high cost at this stage and is not a viable option. The works should proceed and be concluded in the minimum amount of time and with a minimum of further disruption to the town centre.
- Cumbria County Council is committed to supporting the future development of Kendal. It has proposed to set up a joint body with partners in South Lakeland District Council, Kendal Town Council, traders and other interested groups to look forward and prepare a future development plan addressing concerns over the vitality and viability of Kendal town centre. The council will encourage North West Development Agency to support such an approach, which will include the commissioning of a movement study to look at accessibility issues in Kendal and its approaches from a new perspective.
The current scheme will be discussed further at a South Lakeland Local Committee meeting tomorrow in Kendal at 10.30am.