FOOT-and-mouth and the resulting fall in visitor and tourist numbers has had a big impact on car park income in South Lakeland and it has been largely felt in the Lakes.

South Lakeland District Council's head of highways and public services, Morris Brundrett told members of the planning and transportation committee that ticket sale income is currently £11,850 below budget.

While the money the council gets from car parking in towns such as Kendal and Ulverston has increased there has been a dramatic fall in the Lakes area which was particularly hard hit in April.

In that month income dropped by £16,136 compared to what was made in 2000.

Since then there has been a steady improvement.

Councillors were also told that permit sales had declined, probably due to the increase in fees and charges at the beginning of the year and the exclusion of permit holders from the Westmorland Shopping Centre car park.