MORE than 200 people attended a drop-in session to give their views over plans to rejuvenate an historic area of Kendal.

New drawings, plans and images to spruce up Market Place went on show in the town's Westmorland Shopping Centre and attendees were invited to see the designs, ask questions of South Lakeland District Council representatives and express their opinions in a questionnaire.

Jacki Robinson, SLDC's Economic Development Project Officer, said: “Some people arrived with some concerns about the scheme, but once they’d looked at the proposals and we explained a bit more about the project the vast majority were reassured and supportive of what we are trying to achieve."

Visitors were able to pick their favourites out of the suggested bespoke seating, which included Herdwick sheep benches, species of trees to be planted and designs for feature stones, incorporating Kendal Castle, K Shoes and Kendal Mint Cake.

SLDC says the £200,000 initiative aims to enhance the user experience of Market Place, providing a space for people to meet while enjoying the market atmosphere. It seeks to celebrate Kendal's history and use robust and durable materials that are in keeping with the local area.

Stuart Perry, who lives at Endmoor, said: “I think the scheme is a good idea. It would be nice to rejuvenate the square. I think it’s important to include local elements in the design, like they have done by featuring such things as the Herdwick sheep.”

Tony Lang, who lives at Cliff Terrace and supports the scheme, said: “The Kendal town centre is dying. I have lived in Kendal all my life and nowadays when I go out, I never meet anyone I know. People need a place in the town where they can meet and have a chat. If someone tries to do something to achieve that, I think that’s a good idea.”

The existing silver birch trees will be removed once the majority of pied wagtails have left for their summer nesting sites, with the work planned for the week of March 13.

Replacement lighting work is scheduled to begin on March 20, and will take approximately two to three weeks.

The existing silver birch trees will be removed once the majority of pied wagtails have left for their summer nesting sites, with the work planned for the week of March 13.

Replacement lighting work is scheduled to begin on March 20, and will take approximately two to three weeks.

Plans will be available to view in the main reception at SLDC's offices on Lowther Street and in the former calendar shop in the Westmorland Shopping Centre.

The public consultation ends on March 10.