PROPOSALS aimed at supporting the reopening of high streets in South Lakeland have been put on hold after negative feedback from businesses and town councils.

South Lakeland District Council put forward several new initiatives for various locations in the district - however after consultations the plans will not be implemented until further discussions can be had.

Initial proposals included widening foot ways at pedestrian pinch points in Bowness and Ulverston, and temporarily removing some parking spaces in Ambleside and Windermere.

One councillor said removing parking would have 'severely harmed local businesses at a time of their greatest need.'

A reduction of the speed limits in Ulverston, Ambleside and Bowness to 20mph is still being explored.

A spokesman for South Lakeland District Council said: “An action plan was developed for the re-opening of high streets in the main towns in the district, which included suggested highways interventions such as closing off some on-street parking bays to widen pedestrian walkways to enable easier social distancing and the introduction of 20mph speed limits.

“The action plan was shared with parish and town councils and business representatives in June for comment and feedback.

“The intention was to get agreement to enable the county council to implement the measures to coincide with the start of the school summer holidays and expected increases in visitors, especially in the main tourist towns in the national park.

“It was made clear that some town and parish councils did not currently support the measures being proposed to close off some on-street parking bays in town centres to enable wider pedestrian areas. We have also had representation from local businesses objecting to these proposals. As a result, these proposals are still being discussed with local partners to find a way forward.

“There was overall support for 20mph speed restrictions in town centres and these are still being looked at by the county council.”

Councillor James Airey, the leader of the Conservative on Cumbria County Council, was critical of the council for its ‘lack of consultation’ and voiced concerns for the effects on the Ulverston area.

Cllr Airey said: “The council tried to rush through proposals that would have severely harmed local businesses at a time of their greatest need. They were badly-thought out and didn’t have the support of the communities they were supposed to benefit.

“Overwhelmingly residents have asked that the council introduce 20mph zones across our town centres and residential areas.

“They have Government funding to deliver it. It is time they stopped dragging their feet and got on with it.”