Battle lines drawn over zip wire plans

Battle lines are being drawn over plans to create an “activity hub” at Thirlmere that would include two zip wires across the lake.

Cumbrian firm Treetop Trek has begun local consultation to discuss and review a potential scheme, dubbed the Thirlmere Activity Hub, which it has billed as a "world class family attraction".

Cumbrian firm Treetop Trek has unveiled its vision to create a new "activity hub" in nearby fore

But the move comes just weeks after the Lake District was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status, adding to the scrutiny such schemes will face;.

Laura Fiske, from Friends of the Lake District, said the group supported the cycleway development, but could not support the zip wire.

“The siting of the two zip wires across Thirlmere we consider to be wholly inappropriate in this location.”

Mountaineer Chris Bonington has also urged caution over the plans.

“United Utilities has been very careful in the way they have reforested the area so it feels wholly natural,

“So I would urge caution. We definitely don’t want to turn the Lake District into a theme park.”

Treetop Trek managing director Mike Turner said: “We have been very carefully considering locations within the Lake District for the last three to four years and are confident that Thirlmere would provide the perfect site for an exceptional family activity hub.

“We are now looking forward to consulting with local bodies and the local community on the viability of our proposal.”

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