A MAJOR transport study could soon be carried out in Kendal in an attempt to boost the local economy and ease congestion issues in the town.

The survey would be commissioned by councillors amid concerns that the 'vulnerability' of existing highways networks in Kendal and its surrounding areas would hinder potential growth.

Such problems came to the fore during December's Storm Desmond when traffic was regularly at a standstill while Victoria Bridge was closed and during closures of the M6 when traffic is diverted through Kendal.

The study is expected to cost £60,000, with plans for Cumbria County Council (CCC) to pay £30,000, South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) £20,000, and Kendal Town Council (KTC) £10,000.

Cllr Stan Collins believes that the most likely outcome of the study is that it will be recommend proceeding with the much-debated Northern Development Route (NDR). It would take traffic from Plumgarths to the industrial estates on the north side of Kendal without the need for heavy vehicles to pass through the town centre.

"I can't see an alternative to the NDR," said Cllr Collins. "It is going to have to feature in the study because there is no other way of moving the traffic around Kendal without doing massive work within the town.

"However, we will leave it to the consultants for them to reach their own conclusion."

Geoff Cook, chairman of CCC, warned it would be unwise to pressure those carrying out the out study towards accepting the NDR, or any other alternative, as the 'best' answer.

"This is a transport infrastructure study we are putting a lot of money into and it should be an open study and we should not be pushing the consultants in any direction," he said.

The brief approved by CCC's South Lakeland Local Committee made no reference to potential solutions, with councillors hoping for multiple options to improve traffic flow and provide an alternative for when Kendal becomes a diversion route for closures of the M6 between J36 and J39.

The commission of the study remains subject to SLDC and KTC approving their contributions.