A FLOTILLA of speed ban protesters sailed around Winderemere this weekend with former Sports Minister Kate Hoey at the helm.
Horns sounding, the chain of white vessels cruised in a slow-moving procession of yachts, speedboats, toppers and canoes in a demonstration against plans to introduce a 10mph speed ban on the lake in 2005.
The limit will effectively mean the end of sports boats and activities such as water-skiing and campaigners say it will drive away younger visitors and hammer the economy.
Speaking aboard a Compromis 888' cruising yacht Ms Hoey said her Government had made a bad choice and criticised the Lake District National Park Authority and South Lakeland District Council for failing to listen to local people.
Protest organiser and businessman Norman Park of Shepherd's boat yard said the ban could cost the area up to £25 million in revenue every year and around 1,000 jobs.
He appealed to the LDNPA to sit down with all user groups to come up with a proper management plan that would allow everyone a chance to enjoy the lake.
June 2, 2003 09:00
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