Last updated 16:27, Thursday, 14 August 2008

A RENT-a-bike scheme could link two Copeland villages.

By Sam Walker

A three-mile cycle lane would be built to connect the racks allowing users to move between the sites.

Users would have to “book a bike” online before making a journey.

County council cycling development officer Mark Brierley is set to visit the villages tomorrow to discuss the plans, which form part of a regeneration scheme for the area.

Parish councillor and Bootle Station resident Trudy Harrison is spearheading the project.

She said: “I approached the Lake District National Park Authority with the idea who thought it had some merit. They recommended I speak to Mark Brierley who is coming down from Carlisle. We are discussing having a safe cycling route between Bootle and Bootle Station and then the rent-a-bike scheme to accompany it.

“Hopefully people will be able to book a bike via the parish council website and then make the journey.

“In the age of eco-tourism this would be something that would help.

“Many issues need to be addressed and hopefully meeting with Mark will bring us closer to a solution.”

Similar rent-a-bike schemes were planned for London and have been deemed a success in Paris.

The cycle path is in line with a parish council campaign to revitalise the village. Fears have been expressed about falling pupil numbers at the village school and the doctor’s surgery has also been threatened with closure.

Before the plans can go ahead they have to be approved by Cumbria County Council’s Planning Department.

It is not known how much the scheme will cost but the LDNPA has been put forward as a potential investor.

Mr Brierley said: “I haven’t seen what they are proposing yet. We will start looking at the plan from this visit and look at what the options are.

“As far as I’m aware the project is about connecting Bootle Station with Bootle village.

“Northern Rail may also be interested in becoming a partner in this. The LPNPA may also be interested as it is in their area.”