A SKATE park and cycle track for Ambleside's Rothay Park have been proposed as ways of improving the village - and district councillors have given support in principle.

The ideas were suggested during a joint Neighbourhood Forum and Sustainability South Lakeland event in Ambleside.

The £5-10,000 cycleway would cross the park, connecting Vicarage Road with Under Loughrigg Road, and link up to the Kendal-Keswick cycleway, which is part of the national Sustrans bike route.

Lakes Parish Council supports the cycle route in principle, provided it is separate from the footpath, to keep pedestrians safe.

SLDC's leisure and amenities committee heard the £ 20-30,000 skateboard facility would be particularly welcomed by younger people.

No specific site has been earmarked in Rothay Park - which is owned and managed by the district council - but parish councillors would not be opposed to it in a suitable location.

Coun Philip Ball said district council officers had more urgent matters to devote time and money to than skate parks.

However, Coun Bob Barker said the skate park should be provided if possible, as there was a demand for it.

He also hoped any cycle path would be separate from the footpath, as cyclists used the footpath, which could be "extremely dangerous".

Chairman Coun Phil Lister said the committee supported both ideas in principle, and they should be worked up into more detailed schemes for future consideration.

He warned that prospects of significant financial help from the council were "remote."