BY ANDREW THOMAS

 

The idea of building a northern relief road linking the A591, presumably from somewhere around the roundabout at Plumgarths to the A6 Shap Road, has been around for around 40 years.

Now it looks like the proposal is going to come under some intense scrutiny after the Department of Transport approved the strategic outline business case and supported Cumbria County Council's funding application for the next stage of proving the worth of a new route.

One of the big arguments for a northern access route is that it would vastly improve traffic flow when there is a traffic accident or closure somewhere between Junction 36 of the M6 at Crooklands and further north.

At such times motorway traffic is usually diverted along the A591 from the south or down the A6 from the north, which results in huge traffic jams and long delays for motorists, with cars and large lorries clogging up roads in Kendal.

Such incidents do not happen very often. But relief road supporters also believe it would free up road-space in the town centre for walking, cycling and public transport and that a route could unlock development opportunities to the north of Kendal.

Concerns have been voiced that a road might lead to the destruction of the green gap between Kendal and Burneside and also divert focus and resources from making the town centre a more attractive place to live, work, shop and visit.

But tackling issues in the town centre and creating a relief road are not mutually exclusive and reducing traffic through Kendal might actually create a more pleasant environment and help to boost the town centre's fortunes.

On the latter front, it is good that independent businesses in Kendal have united to launch 'The Creative Quarter', an initiative designed to raise the profile of creative firms and shops.

And it is encouraging that coffee and food chain Bob & Berts is preparing to open a branch in the former Monsoon unit in Elephant Yard.

Overall, it is excellent that we have passionate people in this area who care deeply about its economic success and also want to protect its unique character and the environment.