A PLAQUE has been unveiled on an ancient pre-medieval path in Kendal marking the end of a 28-year-old battle to rescue the lane from dereliction.

Back in 1988, members of Kendal Civic Society were very concerned about the sad state of Garth Heads, which runs from Captain French Lane across the hillside to Beast Banks, above the Brewery Arts Centre.

It was unlit, rough, muddy and badly drained, overgrown with weeds and bushes and with collapsing walls and resembled an abandoned building site.

For the next 28 years, the society kept a “Total Lack of Progress Report”, listing all the site visits, suggested projects, promises of help, meetings and countless letters and phone calls, most of which came to nothing.

At times, members despaired of ever having the lane restored, but one fact eventually saved the project.

Garth Heads is an unclassified highway (U152), although it is impassable for motor vehicles for much of its length. But it was this which worked in favour of its restoration.

Cllr Geoff Cook, former chairman of Cumbria County Council and South Lakeland District Council pushed for the improvements to be made. The works to rescue the lane from decay were overseen by Owen David and David Mainwaring of Cumbria County Council Highways Department.

Its length was graded and drained, a new surface was laid with the final top layer of a grey, chosen by the society to blend into the surroundings.

Finally, attractive new lighting was installed. The plaque was fixed to the house of Mr and Mrs Peter Laresche with their agreement and unveiled at a special cerermony.

The town's long history is told on the 62 Kendal Civic Society plaques which have been placed on buildings and places of interest in the town.