THE very notion that a leading Lake District National Park official should raise the possibility of a cable car being introduced to the park, gives a telling insight into how far the organisation has moved in the last few years under the stewardship of its chief executive Richard Leafe. Traditionally, the Lake District National Park Authority has been viewed as a major barrier to development or a denier of what many in the tourism industry regard as progress but other view as protection.

Indeed, even as close as a decade ago, it would be fair to argue, the LDNPA would never have attached its name to concepts as big and bold as this.

The idea of a cable car transporting well-heeled visitors high above the roofs around the Sawreys - is perhaps as 'blue sky' as they come. Whether it ever sees the light of day or is sacrificed on the altar of community appeasement remains to be seen.

But Steve Ratcliffe of the Lake District National Park Authority is right to call for a proper debate about how the park meets the challenges of the future. Like it or not, the park has a statutory obligation to confront the problems of today and be watchful of those coming over the hill tomorrow. To take the path of least resistance is the easiest way but leaves the park with no map for the future.

It is also clear that anyone who has fumed in a line of cars in a Bank Holiday traffic jam at Easter is likely to be highly receptive to the notion of being 'spirited' above the country lanes by cable car to view the totality of this landscape like a bird.

Equally, anyone under the potential 'flight path' who has potentially paid millions for their quiet corner of the country, can be excused for having deep-seated concerns. But it would be a step back for the area if high emotion and outrage is allowed to crush what should be a rational and logical discussion about the Lake District National Park of the future.