Westmorland and Furness Council has completed a £320k investment in a new pedestrian-friendly ‘gateway’ into Kendal town centre.

The upper section of Stramongate is the site of a major improvement project, headed by the council, in a bid to enhance the commute for the local community.

The revamped alley now has better accessibility, boasting a fresh natural stone and flagstone footpath, bicycle racks, and tree pits at the junction of Stramongate and Blackhall Road.

These features reduce traffic noise and air pollution in the area, besides serving as a charming entrance to Kendal’s main high-street.

The Westmorland Gazette:

A £150,000 grant awarded by the council from the UK government's Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) was instrumental in expanding the scheme.

This extra funding facilitated improvements in the pedestrianised area and a thorough resurfacing of the top of Stramongate and Kent Street.

Cllr Peter Thornton, the council’s cabinet member for highways and assets, applauded the project stating: "As a part of our commitment to improving our town centres, this new ‘pedestrian-friendly gateway’ in Kendal has built on an already thriving link between the town centre and local amenities.

"We’ve used natural materials for this important scheme and it’s been good to see our approach welcomed locally.

"The team has worked hard to ensure pedestrian access to the area was maintained helping to make sure that local businesses and the fruit and vegetable market could remain open.

"We like to thank everyone for their support and patience whilst we worked on this project."

The Westmorland Gazette: The upper section of Stramongate is the site of a major improvement project

The revamp is a part of the Kendal Town Centre Strategy and is in line with Kendal Futures’ Kendal Vision, a call for innovative ideas for the town’s brighter future.

Mark Cropper, chair of Kendal Futures, lauded the council saying: "It’s fantastic to see the Stramongate improvements successfully delivered by Westmorland and Furness Council.

"The Council embraced partnership working and the principles set out in the Kendal Vision for this scheme."

For updates on the council's highway investment projects, follow Westmorland and Furness Council on social media.