PLANS to rejuvenate and 'enhance the public realm' of a top Lake District tourist destination has been put before the public for feedback.

A day-long drop-in session for residents to see designs of proposals to improve Bowness Bay promenade was held at the Belsfield Hotel on Tuesday.

Bowness Bay is a key destination for both local residents and visitors to the area, as well as a hub for sustainable travel on Windermere. The scheme would build on the highway improvement works along Glebe Road, which will recommence in September following delays caused by a burst water main and will continue until March 2017.

The proposals, designed to make the area more accessible and to improve it aesthetically, are subject to a successful bid for funding, a decision on which is expected in the Autumn Statement.

Landscape architect Rosie Cockcroft, who created the designs with firm Capita, said: "We are trying to improve the look of the area in keeping with the local natural landscape with the use of local stone.

"The plans will also improve the safety of access. At the moment there are areas where the pavement is narrow and people have to step into the road.

"The seating areas will also be improved. There are only a few benches there at present, so we will put in long benches on top of low walls.

"We have spoken to a number of stakeholder groups and the feedback has been very positive."

New trees and plants will provide the area with colour, and the designers have paid attention to making sure the promenade will look good all year round.

Allan McNicholl, Infrastructure Planning Officer for Cumbria County Council, said: "These improvements are for the benefit of residents as well as visitors.

"They will support the local economy. A lot of people come to this area and we want to increase their enjoyment. This will boost local businesses.

"I think the designs are really good. They work within our budget. Subject to funding the work should begin in Autumn."

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “This is an exciting phase of the scheme to improve the infrastructure in one of the most popular areas of our county, and will be a tremendous asset to the many people who will use it."