IN response to the report ‘Lakeside spot to be ruined’ (Gazette, June 21), we would like to take this opportunity to allay any concerns readers may have about our plans for Fell Foot park.

The proposed plans are not a wholesale redevelopment of the site, but of incremental improvements that will both enhance and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Fell Foot for generations to come.

Fell Foot has been a popular destination for to the Lake District for many years, but the site has had little investment since the 1960s.

Our proposals are aimed at making sensitive improvements to the site, such as preserving and safeguarding the historic lake shore boathouses, as well as modernising the existing facilities, using local materials and designs that are sympathetic to the character of the site.

Though guests would be able to enjoy its lakeside location overnight, this has been carefully planned to complement the landscape and layout of the park itself and so detailed consideration has been given to the potential impacts, both environmental and as ‘good neighbours’.

The National Trust has an excellent reputation for wellmanaged, family-friendly camping and Fell Foot would be no exception, as has been our experience at the site over the previous three summers has shown.

As we will need new staff to manage the site, we will also create local job opportunities and, for example, the existing shop would continue to operate as it does currently.

We were aware of residents’ concerns over traffic (both existing and potential) and discussed with the authorities the options for speed limits, entrances and exit-ways.

It hasn’t been possible to reinstate the original entrance, as it is opposite the Gummers How road and would not be safe in current traffic conditions.

However, we do plan to create a new exit, with better lines of sight and have introduced pedestrian access directly from Staveley-in- Cartmel as an outcome of consultations.

When the park is closed, bollards will prevent cars driving onto the site.

During the development of our plans, we held eight open sessions for local people to find out more and to share their views, as well as hosting a Question and Answer session at Staveley-in-Cartmel village hall, to help explain our thinking and gather views on the future of the park.

Our intention is that it remains a well-loved destination for both residents and visitors, and that we continue to safeguard Fell Foot for the long term, reinvesting any income we earn as into the places that we care for, to protect them for ever.

Tori Dodd

Fell Foot Project Manager for the National Trust