Last updated 10:19, Thursday, 20 November 2008

The Lake District's most iconic powered water craft - the Bluebird K7 jet powered hydroplane - may soon be able to speed along Coniston Water again.

Members of the national park authority today agreed to ask for views on changing current regulations which could allow trials for the craft to exceed the existing 10 mph speed limit on the lake.

A report from Director of Park Services Bob Cartwright explained that the lake's current byelaws do allow for speeds in excess of 10 mph but
only where vessels are trying to mount a serious challenge on a genuine world speed record.

The rebuilt Bluebird - which was recovered from the lake in 2001 after Donald Campbell's fatal speed attempt in 1967 - would be capable of
speeds way above 10 mph. But its restorers say it would no longer be capable of mounting a serious and legitimate challenge even to the
craft's own current British Outright water speed record of 276.3 mph.

Before considering the proposal, which would enable Bluebird to take part in high-speed trials on the lake, the Lake District National Park Auhtority decided consultation would be required.

This asks for comments on whether to keep the byelaws as they are or promote a totally new byelaw relating specifically for Bluebird K7. Any
approval would also need to meet stringent safety and environmental criteria.

In supporting the idea in principle, the report explained that the request from the team behind the rebuilding of Bluebird should be
considered as a genuine "unique case", but one which must still be given widespread opportunities for interested parties to express their views and opinions.

Mr Cartwright added: "It could be argued that such high speeds are no longer appropriate even if confined to occasional trials or that such activity would compromise lake safety, the lake's environment and its tranquillity.

"But Bluebird also represents an iconic element of the cultural heritage of the area by virtue of its place in the history of the Lake District, Coniston and Coniston Water. The trials would also be likely to attract a good deal of public interest, which could augment the local economy,"