A PETITION opposing council plans to permanently close a road along the western shore of Thirlmere Reservoir has received almost 5,000 signatures. 

Cumberland Council has proposed a permanent road closure on the U7003, which runs along the western shore of Thirlmere, following severe damage caused by Storm Arwen in November 2021.

The petition, set up by Mark Hatton, is calling for the road to be reopened to walkers, cyclists and motorists 'in order that all who wish to use this route as an enjoyable, quiet and scenic route should be able to do so'. 

A spokesperson from Cumberland Council said after an assessment carried out by landowners, United Utilities, 'hazards' continue to pose a threat to all road users meaning the road must remain closed. 

"We have sent letters to local residents, with proposals to implement a permanent road closure on the U7003 along the western shore of Thirlmere.

"Following Storm Arwen in November 2021, the U7003 along the western shore of Thirlmere had a road restriction that was implemented on an emergency basis under a temporary Traffic Regulation Order, due to fallen trees, significant rockfall and debris on the highway.

"This made the road hazardous to all users. Damage was caused to adjacent land, known as Rough Crag, which is the responsibility of United Utilities, as the landowners.

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"Extensive assessments have been made by United Utilities. The areas requiring assessment included the full face of Rough Crag and areas out of sight of the general public at the top and to the side of the crag. This included assessment of damage to trees, hazards of exposed and loose tree root plates and loose or fallen rock on the Rough Crag section.

"The hazards remain to all road users and therefore the road closure needs to continue.

"Discussions are ongoing with United Utilities to establish whether technical and engineering measures can/cannot be put in place to secure the areas and allow the road to reopen.

“In the meantime, the hazards remain to all road users and therefore the prohibition of all traffic restriction (full road closure) at Rough Crag has to remain in place and be implemented on a permanent basis to continue the restriction in force," they said. 

In addition to the permanent road closure, a Prohibition of Motor Vehicles restriction is also proposed on two sections of the U7003, specifically between Dobgil car park and Rough Crag, and between Rough Crag and Armboth car park.

These sections will be accessible to pedestrians, horse riders, and cyclists, where safety permits, while providing suitable turning points for motor vehicles.

Cumberland Council has invited the public to share their views by Monday, July 31.

Comments and feedback can be made through  trafficteam.west@cumberland.gov.uk