WATCHDOGS who undertook a special investigation of the Kendal Traffic Plan last month have supported plans to push ahead with the scheme but recommended a project manager be appointed.

Members of South Lakeland District Council's development overview and scrutiny committee backed the scheme but expressed "regret" at Cumbria County Council's decision to shelve parts of the town's original traffic plan.

The group put forward the following recommendations to CCC: l The implementation of a project manager to co-ordinate the scheme.

l CCC provides revised forecasts to ensure proposals can still cope with traffic flows.

l CCC creates a consultative forum to provide a voice for various groups.

l CCC provides a fall-back plan should pedestrianisation fail.

The Kendal Traffic Plan was conceived in 1996 as a four-stage scheme. However, since phase one the reversal of traffic on Lowther Street key elements such as widening Miller Bridge to allow two-way traffic on Aynam Road have been aborted.

The next stage of the scheme will see Stricklandgate become a pedestrian priority zone.

In a report to the scrutiny group, Coun Jennifer Borer stated the investigation last month which heard from various consultees had clarified issues surrounding the scheme.

But she added: "Having considered the various views and information gleaned from review, members regret the changes to the phasing of the Kendal Traffic Scheme and the fact that reasons for changes by the county council have not been communicated as effectively as they might have been. However, members feel the scheme should progress in the revised format."

Recommendations also included that SLDC should review enforcement procedures to help delivery vans get to domestic properties off the high street.