PARISH councillors and residents have rejected two new cycle and pedestrian plans for Ambleside amid fears for the safety of children.

Members of Lakes Parish Council said neither a proposed cycle way through Rothay Park, nor a link for pedestrians between Rydal Road car park and Millans Park, would be acceptable.

Coun Lesley Johnson told a parish council meeting the cycle way had caused "enormous concern".

He said there was no need for a cycle track to go through the middle of Ambleside.

Chairman of governors of Ambleside CE Primary School Tony Champion told the meeting he wanted to register his "extreme concern" about parts of the plan.

He said there would be danger from cyclists coming down Vicarage Road, which was narrow, and there could be a safety issue because a public highway went by the playground and even with proposed railings there was likely to be an increased risk of cyclists coming through the school grounds.

The plan to have the cycle route through the park also caused concern because the children were permitted to run about in the park.

"The whole thing seems to be a potential threat to the safety of our children," he said.

The Rev Robert Coke, of St Mary's Church, said he was speaking on behalf of the school governors, the PCC, and the Rotary Club.

The idea was dangerous and also damaging to a "unique" park, he said.

Members backed a proposal by Coun Lesley Johnson that they recommend the cycle track should be routed from Waterhead through to Rothay Bridge and along Under Loughrigg.

They rejected the pedestrian link between Rydal Road car park and Millans Park because it would mean children being directed through a car park.

Coun Vivienne Rees said the idea was "quite ridiculous", and would allow a quick get-away for anyone who wanted to harm a child.

The proposals are part of the environmental enhancements in the Lakes Parish Area Action Plan.

The parish council's views will be discussed by the plan group on April 18.