PROPOSALS for a £250,000 upgrade to a popular Lake District tourist destination have been unveiled.

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) is launching a consultation on its plans for improvements at Waterhead, on the northern shore of Windermere.

Waterhead includes an extensive lake frontage, with a ferry pier and a mix of hotels, guesthouses, a youth hostel, pub, shops and cafes.

The authority is encouraging people to have their say on proposals to improve the promenade, which will include resurfacing walkways, repairing walls and installing a ‘panorama’ board, developed with Ambleside Civic Trust, to identify key Lakeland landmarks that can be seen from the shore.

Other suggestions in the consultation plans include new benches and seating, better landscaping and railings and litter bins more in keeping with the location and surroundings.

SLDC is investing £250,000 to fund the improvements and Lakes Parish Council is also committing up to £20,000 to the scheme.

Councillor Giles Archibald, SLDC portfolio holder for town centres and small business, said: “This is an exciting project that will greatly improve a popular and much-loved Lake District location.

“The proposals that have been shaped following steering group meetings and in partnership with key stakeholders, including the parish council, civic society, Cumbria Tourism, Lake District National Park and the two local district councillors. “

The public consultation will run for two weeks, from January 19 until February 1.

During this period there will be an opportunity to see the plans and complete a survey during normal opening hours at Ambleside Library, Windermere Lake Cruises’ Ambleside (Waterhead) Pier Café Bar and the reception at SLDC’s main offices at South Lakeland House, Kendal.