A ‘GREEN corridor’ through Kendal is one of the possible schemes that could be created with money secured from a major supermarket development in the town.

Kendal Futures Board and South Lakeland District Council’s economic team has secured £208,000 from Morbaine, the company which is currently developing the Sainsbury’s store on Shap Road, to enhance town centre routes from the Mint Bridge site.

The funding has come through a section 106 agreement that required Morbaine to pledge half a million pounds to various projects after being granted planning permission for the multi-million pound store which is set to open in the autumn, creating around 140 new job opportunities.

Members of Kendal Town Council’s environment and highways committee heard that the preferred project is to enhance Stramongate and Kent Street through new surfacing and parking provision at a cost of £100,000.

Cllr Giles Archibald requested that if work did proceed along Stramongate, that pavements be widened to accommodate disabled users and prams.

The remainder of the cash would be available for smaller enhancement schemes at Stramongate Bridge corner, Longpool Bridge and enhancements to traffic islands.

But Cllr Archibald asked whether the cash had to be spent on car routes and suggested whether a green corridor option featuring a walking/cycling path would be a major improvement.

Councillors agreed to get the project manager to clarify whether the wording of the section 106 agreement permitted funding to be spent on a green corridor option.

Town council members heard that the cash must be spent within five years.

Morbaine has also agreed to contribute £170,000 - payable in two £85,000 instalments - to Cumbria County Council to fund an increase in the frequency of buses between the town centre and the new store at the former rugby club.

The county council will also receive £95,000 to provide a cycle route from the town centre past the new store to Queen Katherine’s Avenue.

It will also get a £97,000 ‘travel plan’ contribution towards introducing measures that will reduce single-occupancy vehicle journeys.