WORK is due to start on a major upgrade to a popular Lake District tourist destination.

Contractor the Casey Group Ltd  is  due on site  on Monday to begin the improvement project at Waterhead, on the northern shore of Windermere.

The area was affected by the recent flooding and the work will now include repairs to surface damage caused by floodwater.

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Waterhead includes an extensive lake frontage, with a ferry pier and a mix of hotels, guesthouses, a youth hostel, pub, shops and cafes. 

It forms a gateway to Ambleside and the rest of the northern Lakes and its stunning views attract visitors from all over the world every year.

South Lakeland District Council is investing £280,000 to fund the improvements and Lakes Parish Council is also committing at least £20,000 to the scheme.

Plans were drawn up for the improvements following an extensive public consultation last year and a planning application was approved by the Lake District National Park Authority in October.

The upgrade will include widening the promenade and resurfacing walkways, repairing walls and installing a "panorama" board, developed with Ambleside Civic Trust, to identify key Lakeland landmarks that can be seen from the shore.

There will also be new dry stone walls to protect planting beds and provide informal seating, as well as cycle stands and better landscaping, along with railings and litter bins more in keeping with the location and surroundings.

Thanks to the co-operation of Windermere Lake Cruises the scheme also includes the installation of a disabled access ramp to the Waterhead Information Centre.

The work is scheduled to last 10-12 weeks, subject to any unforeseen circumstances.

Measures will be in place to keep disruption to a minimum during the work. 

The contractors are aiming to complete the bulk of the works before the Easter season and work will begin at the southern end of the promenade first, where the majority of the businesses are located. 

Access will be maintained for the public to shops and businesses along the promenade and there will be regular liaison between the contractors and surrounding businesses and residents.

SLDC’s cabinet approved the award of the contract last year and the work was scheduled to start in January.

Councillor Giles Archibald, SLDC portfolio holder for economic growth, town centres and small businesses, said: “These plans have been shaped following steering group meetings and in partnership with key stakeholders, including the parish council, civic society, Cumbria Tourism, Lake District National Park, the two local district councillors and all the respondents to the consultation.

“It is an excellent example of true partnership working and has resulted in a scheme that greatly improve a popular and much-loved Lake District location.’’