IT IS the first summer since the warding to the Lake District of World Heritage Site status and the past few weeks have seen wonderful weather.

Visitors have come out in vast numbers (too many really) - and how do we welcome them? Another summer of sewer works and temporary traffic lights on A592 and Bowness and Windermere resembling one large building site with scaffolding covering many attractive buildings.

There are far too many works taking place and builders' vans everywhere

South Lakeland District Council decided to remodel the gardens at the steamer quay at such a busy time has made the place very unattractive.

One recent weekend saw gridlock in Bowness with vehicles parked along main roads, Braithwaite Fold car park full to overflowing and without any SLDC staff on site to help motorists.

And, of course, the Windermere Ferry yet again having mechanical problems.

The infrastructure cannot cope with existing levels of visitors let alone the 10 per cent increase sought by those deciding World Heritage status was just what we need. Where were the managers at the weekend to see for themselves the problems we are having?

Something has to give - probably visitors being deterred from coming to this part of the Lake District.

David Thomas

Bowness