THE public is being given the chance to shape the future of one of the Lake District's busiest and most important roads.

Consultation events have been taking place this week for members of the public to feed in views into what they want to see as part of a £2m government funded project.

The scheme is called Optimising Connectivity and it aims to improve links between transport hubs and key visitor destinations along the A591, including Grasmere, Brockhole and the Low Wood Bay.

It will also focus on Glebe Road in Bowness by enhancing bus infrastructure, cycling and walking facilities and improving the highway over the next two years.

No specific plans have yet been decided as Cumbria County Council, with project partners the Lake District National Park Authority and South Lakeland District Council, want as much public input as possible.

They have identified some key challenges facing the areas and are asking for views on possible improvements including any issues people currently have when visiting the region or ideas for how the highway could be improved.

Malcolm Johnson, transport consultant with CCC, told the Gazette at Monday's consultation event at Dove Cottage in Grasmere: "We need to get as much information from the local community as we can so we don't fall into any early pitfalls."

Kelly Alty, area engagement officer for CCC, said: "We want to make sure we get this right first time. We need to work with the community to make sure it is something they want. We also have to balance that with the needs of all users. It is a lot of money and we want to spend it in the right way."

A drop-in event is being held at The Club Lounge, Low Wood Hotel, Windermere, between 2pm-5pm today (Thursday).

The plans are also available online at www.cumbria.gov.uk/optimisingconnectivity.

Comments should be emailed to kelly.alty@cumbria.gov.uk by January 5.

A second phase of consultation on specific scheme designs will be held in the New Year.