KENDAL could be set for an injection of continental-style 'cafe culture' in a bid to shed its evening 'ghost town' reputation.

A raft of measures could be brought in, including more public transport and extensions to the opening hours of shops and businesses, in a bid to keep people in the town centre after 5pm.

The news comes as several pubs face closure which could leave the town centre even quieter in the evening - with local people already saying Kendal is 'dead' outside of business hours.

"One of the concerns is there isn't the continental evening environment, even in summer," said Cllr Giles Archibald, of Kendal Town Council, who presented the plan to colleagues.

"We have these fantastic festivals during the summer and we want to build on that and have an environment that's more conducive to people staying further into the evening.

"What this plan says is that we want to have more things going on beyond 5pm."

The document states that the town 'shuts' when retail businesses close - and Cllr Archibald believes this discourages both residents and tourists from remaining in the area.

Although some businesses stay open - including restaurants - he believes even during summer visitors tend to return to their accommodation elsewhere in the Lakes in the early evening.

This week it was revealed several town centre pubs, including the Wheatsheaf in Highgate, have closed, while others face uncertain futures as their owners search for new managers. Other pubs such as the Fleece Inn, which is currently shut, are set to undergo refurbishment

Now, he says, plans are in the pipeline which could 'revitalise' the town in the evening, with businesses encouraged to offer late night shopping on as many as three evenings per week.

Coffee shops could also be encouraged to stay open to emulate the 'cafe culture' popular in holiday destinations across Europe, while bus companies could be approached to offer services later.

This week the news was given the thumbs up by residents, with many agreeing that Kendal needs 'an injection of life' at night.

And Windermere man, Bill Smith, who works as an expert in promoting retail on the high street, described the idea as 'great'.

"I think a night-time economy is important because it brings a different aspect and flavour to the town centre," he said.

"If it works it's a very positive move."

However, he said it could take a long time to send out the message that businesses are open later - and warned it would only work if a significant number of businesses were on board.

"It won't work if it's just a shop here or there and it's not cohesive," he continued.

"We've got to remember that an awful lot of shops have suffered from the last few years and they will approach opening longer with caution."

It is believed the 'Festive Fortnight', taking place in the run up to Christmas, will be used as a pilot scheme which could see the plan rolled out longer-term if statistics are 'encouraging'.

The idea forms part of a much wider document - 'Our Action Plan for Kendal' - which has been compiled by members of Kendal Town Council, setting out four overarching ambitions for the town.

They hope to make it:

* The best arts and culture destination in the rural North West

* A vibrant and successful market town

* A place for creative and innovative businesses

* An age and disabled friendly town

The council has consulted with several local groups and organisations over aspects of the plans, including Kendal Futures, Kendal Business Improvement District (BID), the Civic Society and the Federation of Small Business in South Lakeland.

Other recommendations in the document include 'age friendly' street design, more accommodation for all budgets and the creation of a northern development route and southern relief road.

The document will be open to input from the public.

"If other people want to add other items and get involved I think the plan is flexible and living," added Cllr Archibald.