Last updated at 14:26, Sunday, 23 September 2012

OVERDUE measures to improve parking and traffic flow in Ulverston need to be completed as soon as possible, according to councillors.

On Thursday, Cumbria County Council’s South Lakeland local committee agreed to a series of traffic regulation orders in the town – including controversial plans for Church Walk.

But councillors said it had taken too long to finalise the plans and insisted the work needs to be completed in the next two months.

Councillor Ian Stewart said: “Members are urging that the work be done as soon as possible and at the very worst by the end of November.”

Council officers present at the meeting blamed bad weather for some of the delays in completing scheduled highways work. Councillor James Airey said: “The next job is making sure we have got these done and dusted as soon as possible. Some of these issues have been going on for 18 months or two years.”

While most of the original plans attracted little opposition, proposals for Church Walk were heavily amended following criticism from residents.

Cllr Airey insisted there had not been a “U-turn” but that the council had made sure the plans were what people wanted.

He said: “These proposals have wide-ranging community support.

“We were just going through the proper consultation.

“We were doing it properly and listening to residents.”

The traffic regulation orders approved by the committee will mean double yellow lines and “keep clear” markings painted along Beech Bank, near Sea View, and residents-only parking bays added in Soutergate.

There will also be double yellow lines on sections of Church Walk and The Drive while restrictions on limited waited parking bays in Lightburn Avenue will be amended.

First published at 13:04, Sunday, 23 September 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk