THE option of transferring the annual Windermere powerboats records week to Coniston Water has met with a warm reception from people in the village.

Hoteliers say the move could only be good for business, and would tie in with the historic water speed record bids of Malcolm and Donald Campbell.

However, there would be obstacles to overcome, because the ferry and Gondola run in October when the event traditionally takes place.

Members of the records week committee have also not given up the idea of continuing to hold the event on Windermere.

As reported in the Gazette, the Lake District National Park Authority has turned down a request from the Windermere Record Attempts Committee for an exemption to the 10mph speed limit to allow the annual records week to take place.

Committee chairman Robin Brown said he had begun to put out feelers in Coniston about transferring the event from 2005 when the 10mph limit comes into effect.

Mr Brown said if the event did move to Coniston, the date might have to be altered because of other activities on the water during October.

"All that has to be thrown in the pot," he said.

"I still believe that the national park was incorrect in their decision, and I still hope and believe that further discussion can take place and sense will out."

Chairman of Coniston Parish Council Jonathan Hext said he and fellow members would discuss records week at their meeting on January 22.

Speaking personally he would "hate to see" records week leave Windermere or the Lake District.

But although he was interested in records week moving to Coniston, there were other lake users, like the Gondola, to consider.

Owner of the Sun Hotel Alan Piper said people in Coniston would be delighted to host records week, although he was angry about the 10mph speed limit.

"From a trade point of view I would be all for it," he said.

"I just happen to think it's an appalling decision by the park authority."

Ken Barrow, of the Yewdale Hotel, said the move would be good for business.

Anthony Robinson, of Coniston Lodge, whose family has long been connected with the Campbells, said Coniston was the UK home of the water speed record.

National park authority solicitor John Chapman said byelaws meant Coniston Water was a place where record attempts can be authorised, although the authority would still have to give approval.