CAMPAIGNERS still intent on turning round the decision to implement a ten mile an hour speed limit on Windermere just more than a year from now really must resist the temptation to let their frustration and anger interfere with their judgement of what is acceptable protest.

A poster campaign that vilifies the current chairman of the Lake District National Park Authority goes beyond the pale.

The object of the inappropriate and vicious character assassination, Councillor Michael Bentley, was not in position when the original decision was taken. It is not true that the limit is intended to ban water sports and neither is it aimed at interfering with the pursuit of enjoyment by disabled youngsters, as alleged.

Such distortion of the legitimate arguments over the limits will only undermine what case the protesters have left.

They have resorted to such tactics, presumably, as the limit looks increasingly likely to be introduced in March 2005.

The Authority, which originally announced the limit, is steadfastly refusing to contemplate introducing a new by-law to overturn their decision. It would indeed seem strange to introduce a by-law to negate one they passed earlier, before it had even taken effect.

Nor is there any sign of further intervention by the Government, which called in the decision to endorse the limit by a planning inspector after a public inquiry, only to endorse his ruling.

We can all look forward to a summer of renewed action by the more extreme campaigners.

Rallies and legitimate demonstrations are right and proper ways of making their feelings known. Road blocks and illegal ski-ing on other lakes, where such activities are already contrary to regulation, are less likely to win friends and influence people.

What established local businesses need to do more than anything else is gear up for the change in culture and other opportunities that will come with the imposition of the limit.

That way was clearly marked by the Berry family's deserved victory in their attempt to get alternative use for their water sports club by the fringe of the Lake at Low Wood.

No one can accuse the family which runs all the English Lakes Hotels of caving in to the speed limit ruling. They have fought tooth and nail to overturn it, and continue to hope for a last-minute reprieve.

But as well as protesting, they have looked for alternatives. In their case it was an exhibition and conference centre.

It did the Authority's reputation no favours that the application was deferred for almost a year, and then voted out at a poorly attended meeting, against the recommendation of its own officers. Their actions were starting to look vindictive.

But now that apparent injustice has been put right, with the decision of another planning inspector, to allow an appeal, being accepted by the Government.

The delays have meant that there is little time for the new building to go up before the limit is implemented, but there is some hope of jobs being saved and even new ones created.

The tranquillity that the limit will bring may yet be an economic boost for the Lake District, and not the threat that it is often portrayed.

Businesses would do well to think through the opportunities and prepare to take advantage of them. Any protests still to be staged need to stay within acceptable limits.