Highgate in Kendal to get £345,000 (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Highgate in Kendal to get £345,000

12:30pm Friday 10th February 2012 in News

PEDESTRIANS are set to benefit from £345,000 of improvements to Kendal’s Highgate shopping street.

Cumbria county councillors have agreed details of the scheme to be funded with £185,000 from the authority’s transport capital programme together with £160,000 from South Lakeland District Council.

Work will take place along the stretch between Lowther Street and Gillinggate. The improvements will see paving replaced with ‘tegula’ paving blocks. The old paving will be removed and restored for future use elsewhere.

Better street lighting and more crossing points will help make pedestrians safer. Clutter will also be removed from the pavements, such as signs which could be better placed elsewhere.

Many local people had their say on proposals for the improvements to Highgate at consultation event held at Kendal library late last year.

Coun Geoff Cook, chairman of South Lakeland Local Committee and county councillor for Kendal Highgate, said: “Highgate is an important part ofKendal’s economy as it is home to so many shops and businesses. It is obviously very well used by pedestrians so it’s important the pavement is in good condition and clear. These works will have a big impact on the look and condition.” Alistair Whittaker, manager of Highgate Carpets, said: "I have seen 25 years of decline. Now we have this chance of new improvements I want to make sure we make it a great scheme and not waste this opportunity."