TOWN councillors are taking action to make it safer for walkers heading to a south Cumbrian beauty spot.

Ulverston’s deputy mayor Sharon Webster has started to put up waymarker discs provided by Cumbria County Council to ensure walkers can see footpaths leading to Birkrigg Common.

The open area is a favourite walking spot, but it is also notoriously treacherous as people walk along Mountbarrow Road.

The narrow, twisting roads along with poor visibility makes the road dangerous for walkers. In July 2014, student nurse Jessica Quayle, 19, died after being struck by a car on Mountbarrow Road.

“We have discussed this problem with the county officer who has footpath responsibilities,” said Cllr Webster.

“We believe that the very least we must do is make it clear to all that there is an alternative footpath which has no traffic dangers. The footpath passes alongside attractive farmland, with wide landscape views.”

She added: “The paths are badly signed and the start at the town end, by the former Lancastrian Pub, is totally unsigned from the road.”

Council leader Colin Pickthall explained Ulverston Town Council has arranged with Cumbria County Council for new finger posts to be made.

The posts will be pointing the way to Birkrigg at several crucial junctures, most importantly on the main road before the garage.

Cllr Pickthall said: “We are arranging to pay half the cost to make these crucial improvements possible. We are well aware of the terrible situation faced by the county council, with waves of austerity cuts.

“We are finding that the only way now to get vital works under way, is to part fund, even bigger enterprises like the refurbishing of Buxton Place car park and the pavement works in the town centre. This smaller venture, promoted by the deputy mayor, will make many walkers’ outings much more enjoyable.”