BETTER road signs are needed around Windermere to divert tourists to Hawkshead and Sawrey, a meeting has been told.

The call was made by Cllr Matt Brereton (Con, High Furness) after the Windermere Ferry was out of action for five months following a fire in May.

He said the two areas were “badly hit” in a “long and frustrating summer”.

Speaking at a meeting of the full council in Kendal, Cllr Brereton said lessons needed to be learned

“That includes better permanent road signage around the lake making it clear to motorists that places such as Near and Far Sawrey can all be reached without using the ferry.”

He asked for the reinstatement of the Windermere Ferry Users’ Group to  represent communities and businesses. The ferry links Bowness with Hawkshead and avoids a massive diversion around England’s longest lake.

“This group should meet at least twice a year at the beginning and end of the tourist season and could be convened in extraordinary circumstances such as those we experienced this summer,” said Cllr Brereton.

Cabinet member for highways, Keith Little (Lab, Maryport) said he was happy to confirm the group would be reconvened.

“We will organise two meetings a year and if you think it’s better before the start of the season and right after the season, I’m happy with that,” said Cllr Little.