WALKERS could be banned from roaming across parts of Kendal's Helm after an appeal by the owners went before a public inquiry.

The area under appeal is a 90-acre section, enclosed by walls and fencing, to the east side of the Helm summit.

The land is owned by Mr and Mrs Greenbank, of Sedbergh Road, and they want to prevent public access from damaging farmland, which they have to pay to keep in a usable condition. If the appeal is successful, the land will be removed from the provisional map of open country and registered common land.

A decision on whether the land can be shown on the provisional map of open country and registered common land will be published within the next eight weeks.

Whatever the outcome, the public will still have access to the west side of the helm which is a popular spot for walkers and fell runners.

See Lakes Guide - Walking and Cycling for the full story and more.