Clean-up underway at New Road common land

The land was previously used as a parking space by up to 180 motorists Credit: South Lakeland District Council

Work is underway at New Road in Kendal to tidy the common land which has been closed to vehicles.

The land was previously used as a parking space by up to 180 motorists in the area.

South Lakeland District Council’s (SLDC’s) cleaning team have been removing litter as part of a clean-up of the area.

Stone boulders are set to be put in place next week to prevent vehicles from being parked on the site.

SLDC closed the land to vehicles on Monday 18 September following a Cabinet decision based on safety, legal and insurance risks.

Initial works will focus on making the land safe and accessible for pedestrians.

The long-term future use of and design of the site will be subject to public consultation.

Full Council will be asked to consider a revised budget for the initial works on the site next month.

A number of new parking options are now available:

  • Westmorland Shopping Centre car park closing time extended from 7pm until 9pm.

  • South Lakeland House car park to open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

  • Sunday tariffs on all levels at South Lakeland House car park adjusted to 20p per hour, up to a maximum of £1 for over 4 hours.

  • Charging hours on South Lakeland House car park to change from current 8am to 6pm to 8.30am to 5.30pm.

  • £1 a day parking on Blackhall Road car park if ticket purchased before 7am, seven days a week.

  • Sandes Avenue car park be designated for blue badge holders and permit parking for market traders only on Wednesday and Saturday.

  • Sandes Avenue car park to be made 20p per hour, up to a maximum of £1 for over 4 hours on non-market days.

  • Visitor parking bays removed at South Lakeland House car park, to increase parking capacity.

  • Library Road car park changed from long-stay to multi-tariff.

These measures are in addition to a new ‘early-bird’ tariff at the Westmorland Shopping Centre car park.

The tariff is reduced from £2.20 to £1 per day for drivers arriving before 9am, seven days a week.

Many of the new parking options would be subject to a trial period, up to 2 January 2018.

It is the Leader of the council’s wish that the alternative parking options would continue until a new long-term parking space is developed.