A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build zip wires across Thirlmere has been dramatically withdrawn.

The application by Windermere-based Treetop Trek had received mixed responses as environmentalists and adventure-seekers disagreed over the plans.

The Lake District National Park Authority had been due to discuss the application early next month but today, Mike Turner, managing director of Treetop Trek, said the plans had been withdrawn.

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The Ministry of Defence was one of those who had submitted an objection to the plan - which Mr Turner said contradicted a previous communication from the MoD.

“We made it clear from the beginning of this process that we would not propose a scheme that was not supported by the MOD," he said. 

"To date we have received two contradictory communications with the MOD; one supporting the scheme and the other opposing the scheme.

"The MOD’s internal investigation into Thirlmere and into what they would be happy with at Thirlmere is ongoing and unlikely to be resolved within the next eight weeks, so on that basis we are withdrawing the application.

“We would like to sincerely thank all those who have supported us during this process. Their positivity has been hugely appreciated.”