We are now told the A591 is unlikely to re-open until May. During this time, there will be a half-term holiday, Easter weekend, and May Bank Holiday. All of these traditionally bring many tourists to the Lake District, many of whom will be unaware of the road closure and of the closure of other roads through bridge damage.

It is important, if we are to look after our visitors, that we keep them fully informed of the situation.

Here in Ambleside, and indeed outside Windermere Railway Station, the bus timetables still show the 555 Stagecach bus travelling to Keswick, more than six weeks after the service had to be curtailed to Grasmere. Road signs on the A591 still point to Keswick (although, on the A66,Windermere has been deleted).

Could I suggest that the bus timetables be re-drafted, or at least altered to show the current situation, and that the county council prepares some adhesive cover to the road signs - perhaps replacing Keswick with Grasmere, which may help that beleaguered community?

There could also be better use of the M6 gantries; that near Penrith showed the A591 blockage, at first, but seems to have dropped it.

If we look after our visitors, they will come back. We must not appear disorganised.

Tim Brown

Ambleside