A PUBLIC consultation will begin this weekend to allow residents to have their say about a scheme to improve an historic area of Kendal.

From Saturday new drawings, plans and images will go on show, revealing more of what the redesigned Market Place could look like.

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) is leading on the project to create a high-quality, versatile space suitable for hosting a wide range of community-focused events and markets.

The council is inviting comments and suggestions on a preferred option before a final scheme is agreed.

Two drop-in consultation days will be held on Saturday and on Wednesday March 1 at the former Christmas calendar shop on the first floor of the Westmorland Shopping Centre in Kendal, from 10am to 6pm. The plans will be displayed at the shop until March 10, the closing date for comments.

From Monday, for two weeks, members of the public will also be be able to see the latest plans in the main reception at SLDC’s Lakeland House and give feedback.

SLDC’s economy portfolio holder, Cllr Graham Vincent, said: “We hope that residents and businesses around Market Place take the time to come along to look at the proposed designs and we welcome their feedback.

“We are taking great care to ensure this project delivers an attractive, clutter-free and more accessible space but without too much disruption to businesses and the public.”

The £200,000 initiative is being supported by a project board including SLDC, Kendal Futures, Cumbria County Council, Kendal Civic Society, Kendal Town Council, Kendal Business Improvement District and the Chamber of Commerce.

The aim of the scheme is to make Market Place a more welcoming and safe public space, encourage a vibrant café culture and provide a quality retail environment attractive to businesses, residents and visitors.

The first phase will involve the removal of two trees at the Highgate end of Market Place. The existing silver birch trees were looked at to see if they could be incorporated in to the new design scheme but arboricultural investigations have shown they are reaching the end of their natural life span.

It is not possible to relocate the trees as their root systems are too entangled and they would not survive being moved. The new design scheme will incorporate a new tree, one more suited to the space, in an underground planted pit, ensuring it has sufficient rooting space now and in the future.

Following consultation with the RSPB the removal of the silver birch trees has been scheduled for early March, to avoid disturbing the pied wagtails that roost there during winter months.

Once the trees are removed Cumbria County Council is expected to begin installing new street lighting in Market Place, around mid March.