RESIDENTS and traders turned out in force yesterday (Thursday) to cast an eye over much-debated plans for Windermere town centre amid fears the layouts are being "railroaded" through, reports Andrew Daniels.

Dozens of people began adding their names to a new petition declaring "we don't want traffic lights" as the future of the town's road system sparked heated debate at the town's Marchesi Centre.

A prominent junction has become the focus of attention as the latest plans for the £2 million Cumbria County Council-led town centre enhancement went on public display.

As already reported in the Gazette, engineers have proposed a controversial traffic light junction where Elleray Road meets the A591, making it a one-way street.

Instead, residents and traders are clamouring for a roundabout where the A591 meets Victoria Street - a move engineers say is impossible.

CCC's South Lakeland area engineer Nick Raymond said: "People want a roundabout and there's no getting away from that fact. People see traffic lights as causing congestion and I have a lot of sympathy with that view.

"But going back to the principle of enhancing the town centre we want something that provides a safe place to shop and visit and makes people want to stop in Windermere and not pass through - we believe this scheme will do that."

Town centre manager Paul Holdsworth said the exhibition had started well and was giving people the chance to get a feel for what was a complex scheme.

Outside, a petition opposed to traffic lights was being signed.

Despite engineers ruling out a roundabout, locals, backed by Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, still want to pursue that option.

Windermere and Bowness chamber of trade chairman Barry Butler said he still did not think the plans were workable - in part due to a loss of parking - while others felt traffic lights were being "railroaded" in.

The plans will remain on display in the library for two weeks and a revised plan should be ready in early July, which will take into account some of the ideas raised during the consultation.