ON the fifth anniversary of the introduction of a speed limit on England’s largest lake there has been a mixed reaction to its impact on the Lake District.

When introduced in 2005 the bylaw hit those businesses involved in the watersports industry hard.

There was also a knock on effect on other tourism related businesses around the lake.

The Westmorland Gazette takes a look at how things have changed since the ban and whether there are still calls for it to be overturned.

IT IS generally accepted that the initial impact of the bylaw - introduced by the Lake District National Park Authority - to limit speeds on Windermere to 10mph was hard felt by businesses directly involved in the powerboat and waterskiing industries.

However, it is believed many businesses around the lake have adapted to the reality of a quieter lake.

Despite this there are still calls from some quarters for the bylaw to be altered.

“Five years on from the ban, Windermere Marina Village has successfully diversified to cater for people wanting more sailing and cruising but we still believe there is room on Windermere for waterskiing and powerboating,” said Jason Dearden, managing director of Windermere Marina Village.

“We have to get out of the mindset of treating the lake like a millpond and that legislation somehow makes it quiet.

“Windermere is the biggest and most popular lake in the Lakes and one of the most developed for tourism.

"If people are seeking total tranquillity, there are 15 other lakes and bodies of water across the Lake District that offer it.”

Bill Smith, chairman of the South Lakes Development Trust, and Mayor of Windermere, said businesses had taken time to adapt to the bylaw and to revoke it now would see a return “back to square one”.

“I think we have got to accept that initially it was damaging to those businesses that were reliant on clients that enjoy speed on the lake,” he said.

“We have seen since then a lot of the businesses adapt to meet the needs of a quiet lake.

“If we remove the ban we would be back to square one again.

"We would see businesses have to reform again. We perhaps have to accept what has happened.”

Mr Smith said he thought it would be a good idea if the bylaw could be altered to allow special annual speedboat events to be held on Windermere.

Paul Senior, who represents more than 4,500 powerboat users on the Windermere Lake Users Forum, and would like to see the bylaw altered to allow higher speeds in certain parts of the lake, said he feels the ban has led to an increase in shore erosion.

“Powerboats are meant to pull out of the water onto the ‘plain’ - therefore causing very little disturbance of the water,” he said.

“When you take these boats below that speed it creates more wash.

"There is a lot more shore erosion because of this.”

Neil Birkinshaw, who represents anglers on the Windermere Lake Users Forum, said: “The feedback from anglers following the introduction of the 10mph limit has been overwhelmingly positive.

"The reduction in disturbance from fast, powered craft has significantly enhanced the angling experience on the lake and has encouraged an increasing number of anglers to visit the fishery.

"I'm sure that the transition to a more natural and tranquil atmosphere on Windermere is already highly valued by all those who participate in low impact recreational activities on the lake.”

Nigel Wilkinson, chief executive of Windermere Lake Cruises and chairman of the Windermere Lake Users Forum, said: “From a Windermere Lake Cruises aspect it hasn’t had a direct impact on our operation.

"We just had to slightly adjust our time table to make sure we could operate within the 10mph limit.

“Initially following the ban we had feedback from customers who said that it was quiet on the lake, which was a disappointment to some people. Some of our visitors used to enjoy watching other users on the lake, but these comments have dropped off recently.”

Mr Wilkinson, whose office looks out onto the lake from Bowness Bay, said the water can often be deserted in the evenings.

“Given the rationale that the speed limit was to avoid conflict between different categories of lake users it does make you wonder if the speed limit was the only way of achieving that.”

Mr Wilkinson said the ban had cost businesses in the area a younger customer base - by driving away waterskiers.

“From a business point of view it has had an adverse impact on businesses who directly supply the waterskiing fraternity,” he said.

“That was a younger market, and to a degree that is something that we have lost which hasn’t been replaced yet.”

A spokesman for the Lake District National Park Authority said: “We believe the High Court ruling has proved the speed limit is legitimate and has made the lake a better place for the many thousands of people who enjoy the lake and abide by the regulations.

“Also since the speed limit came in Windermere has improved dramatically, attracting a wider range of activity.”