OVERWHELMINGLY positive feedback has been given a year on since the speed limit in Ulverston town centre was lowered.

Councillors would like to see the temporary 20 mph speed limit in Ulverston town centre extended after seeing a 'positive effect' on the community.

The speed restrictions came into force between September and October last year, affecting roads across South Lakeland including Ulverston, Ambleside, Windermere, Bowness, Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale.

The measure was implemented as part of Government funding to re-open town centres safely during the Covid-19 pandemic.

At Monday's town council meeting, South Lakeland District Council requested feedback from the council over the impact of the temporary 20mph speed limit in the town centre.

Mark Wilson, a South Lakeland District councillor and Ulverston Town councillor, commended the speed limit as having a 'good effect' on traffic - and would like to see it extended for another six months and beyond.

He said: "Temporary 20mph zones have had a good effect on traffic speeds and residents' perception of speed.

"Nobody has complained about the speed limit change. I have received only compliments.

"It has played its part in reducing speed and emissions of noxious gases.

"The measures spread courtesy and this has always been a central tenet of our approaches to making the town centre a safer intergenerational place for all the community.

"New businesses have managed to set up successfully all across the town, often choosing to upgrade their location to the key places intended by the lower speed limits and safety messages on mask wearing and spacial separating.

"The notion of a more protected public space has helped visitors to come to town in their thousands - long may this continue.

"We would like to see this continue for six months and further. I and another county councillor have pooled our Local Highways budgets to secure this aim and extend it where possible."

Fellow Ulverston Town councillor Andrew Butcher also praised the positive impact of lower speed limits.

He said: "I think it's working very well. I would like to see other streets added to it such as Foundation Street.

"Often people are speeding up and down there and if they saw a 20mph sign they might stop and think.

"I've definitely seen more people walking around the town. A lower speed limit makes pedestrians feel safer.

"The speed limit doesn't need to be any faster than 20.

"I am for lowering the speed limit of more streets but I am against pedestrianisation. The town market relies on shoppers driving in and banning all cars would seriously affect trade."