A Lake District road will remain closed due to safety concerns.
Cumberland Council’s highways and strategic board met today to discuss the controversial closure of the U7003 at Thirlmere.
Following Storm Arwen in November 2021, the U7003 along the western shore of Thirlmere was closed under emergency powers due to fallen trees, rockfall and debris on the carriageway.
But members of the committee said despite the new closure order, it had always been the council’s aim to make sure the road was reopened once it was safe enough to do so.
Rough Crag, the land next to the road, was decimated by the storm and landowner United Utilities carried out assessments of the impact of significant rockfall and debris on the the road.
The assessments determined that hazards still exist and an independent review by Cumberland Council agreed with United Utilities’ findings.
A statement from Cumberland Council said: “The council has agreed to progress the making of the permanent order, to come into operation before the expiry of the temporary road closure on January 11 2024, once a definitive response is received from the Department for Transport as to whether horse riders can be prohibited.
“We are actively pursuing United Utilities in respect of the work which is required to Rough Crag under the Section 151 notice which was served upon them over two weeks ago.
“We wish to reassure the public yet again that we want the road to reopen to all users as soon as it is safe to do so.
“Once all work has been completed by United Utilities in accordance with the Section 151 notice, Cumberland Council, as the highway authority will reopen the road to all users by removal of the traffic signs and revoking the restrictions.”
A United Utilities spokesman said: “We completely understand the frustration at the ongoing road closure and we are committed to doing all we can to reopen the U7003 around Rough Crag.
“We have been meeting with key decision-makers on site today to discuss the work that will be necessary to stabilise Rough Crag, with the aim of getting the necessary permissions for this work to take place over the coming months.”
