Sir, I was very interested in the letter from Emma Dewhurst of the Lake District National Park Authority. claiming to have just completed a “major consultation exercise” with local people (Letters, November 7, ‘No last minute change of heart over speed limit’).
Reading the letter, it sounded as if half Cumbria had been involved, but up to now I have not found anybody who knew about it. I have managed to find out there were three public meetings with about 20 people present.
I have no idea who the partners, societies and other interested groups are, but would have thought the British Disabled Water Ski Association who I represent would have fallen into the latter category. The invitations must have been very selective.
There is no way people who use the lake for power boating, water ski-ing, or similar activities have been consulted.
On May 31, we had a gala day when 430 boats and over 3,000 people came along to support our “no 10-mph speed limit on Windermere” - none of these can have been consulted.
When are the Lake District National Park Authority going to stop having the gall of just saying: “The bylaw is in place and we have no intention of moving it and there is nothing you can do about it.” Water skiing is the best sport to have become available for people with disabilities and I am determined they are not going to push us off the largest stretch of inland water in England, when there is no suitable alternative place to go. On October 16 in the World Record Attempts Week, I had the privilege of setting a new World record with Mark Threadgold, for the fastest blind water skier being pulled by a boat driven by a blind driver, with my disability and at the age of 70, (I was the water skier and Mark drove), I cannot think of any other sport where this sort of thing could have been achieved.
Will the LDNPA please reply to this letter and tell me why they will not discuss what all lake users want, a Management Plan where safety is paramount so all lake users can continue to enjoy their particular sport or interests in safety. There is no conflict of water use by various water users.
Could it be that the LDNPA will not talk because of their determination to become a World Heritage Site and turn the National Park into a Mausoleum?
I think Tom Pratt (Letters, October 31, ‘Walking could be next!’) has a valid point - LDNPA and ban seem to go together. We don’t damage water, but look what they are doing to us.
As for footpaths and people walking on them, well I don’t think 4 by 4’s have much chance and as for banning fireworks, just give them a little time.
Gerald Price BDWSA National Committee Member Heaton Chapel, Stockport
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