South Lakes MP Tim Farron will visit the car park at New Road in Kendal on Tuesday morning from 7.30am to listen to residents' concerns about the removal of cars from the site following issues over safety.

Mr Farron will be joined by several Liberal Democrat South Lakeland district councillors including the Leader of the Council Giles Archibald.

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He said: “I understand the safety concerns that have been raised by independent experts surrounding the New Road car park. I want to see a fair and equitable replacement for the spaces that are being lost as a result of the closure.

“It’s been good to see councillors at the car park over the past few mornings, and I’ll be delighted to join them on Tuesday morning to answer any concerns that local residents may have.”

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) is planning to spend approximately £430,000 to transform the land alongside the River Kent into a community open space with pathways, seating, landscaping and tree planting.

Health and safety reports received by the council identified ‘grave and severe’ potential dangers with the current use of the land.

It raised concerns about how traffic exits and rejoins New Road and the risks to pedestrians and vehicles navigating their way across it.

Cllr Giles Archibald, leader of SLDC, said the council had been left with no choice but to end parking on the site.

Opponents have indicated they plan to do their best to delay a decision over the landscaping when the plans are presented to cabinet for approval next Wednesday.

The area is due to be cleared ahead of Taylor's Funfair arriving on September 14. When they vacate the site, vehicles will no longer be allowed to park on the land. 

From then on, motorists who arrive in Kendal before 9am will be allowed to park at the Westmorland Shopping Centre all day for £1, while cars can be left in any SLDC car park free-of-charge between 6pm and 8am.

Long term, the council is assessing the feasibility of creating a new affordable parking space at Beezon Fields.

An arrangement has also been put in place for Taylor's Funfair to relocate to Gooseholme when they return to Kendal after next month.