THIS striking photograph of cars dumped on the verge in front of the bus stop at Skelwith, near Ambleside, vividly illustrates what residents have said is a growing problem.

According to horse breeder and Little Langdale resident David Robinson these cars blocking the bus stop is just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ of a number of serious problems in the area.

Mr Robinson, who has been living in Little Langdale for 25 years, said residents have felt abandoned due to the volume of tourists that come through.

“We have been overrun by tourists and it’s frightening” he said. “If I knew what we knew now we wouldn’t live here.”

“Cars being dumped here is just the tip of the iceberg and one of many series issues locals suffer as a direct result of uncontrolled mass tourism.

“It’s like the Lake District National Park Authority wants to create a theme park.”

Mr Robinson explained how the small roads going through Little Langdale have been “littered” with broken plastic parts from cars.

“Our infrastructure is crumbling due to the sheer volume of cars,” he continued. “There is a total lack of maintenance and walls are constantly being knocked down by drivers.

“Unless action is taken urgently the rapid degradation of this area will continue at a pace.”

Mr Robinson said he first raised the issue to the police and Cumbria County Council (CCC) nearly two years ago but nothing had been done.

He believed that the World Heritage Status given to the Lake District has only added to the problems.

Emma Moody, the Lake District National Park’s Lead Strategy Adviser for Recreation and Sustainable Transport, said:“We are aware of localised traffic and parking issues in this area and will work alongside CCC as the highways authority and the police to identify ways we may be able to work together.”

“We’re working, in partnership, to reduce the number of visitors travelling to and around the Lake District by car and to encourage more sustainable modes of transport. “Our long term target is to reduce the amount of visitors who currently arrive by car from 83 per cent to 64 per cent by 2040.”

A CCC spokesperson said the council was aware of issues at the junction.

“The junction requires a traffic regulation order (e.g. double yellow lines), the legal legislation that makes restrictions enforceable,” he said.

“This is a lengthy process which also requires funding and significant staff resources. This is being discussed and will be considered in line with other local priorities.”