A PEDESTRIAN could be seriously injured if parking problems at Oxenholme station are not urgently addressed.

That is the view of the Lakes Line User Group who have urged Virgin Trains, which manages the station, to take immediate action.

The group said the area around the ramp between the upper car park and booking office was a particular cause of concern, especially at train departure times.

And their case has been backed by Kendal Town Council (KTC), who have pointed out that one side of the ramp can be often be entirely parked up creating difficulties for other vehicles entering and leaving the area, including to the business park.

KTC have noted there is 20 minutes free parking in the adjacent car park, an arrangement brought in specifically for those collecting passengers, but claim this is not clearly signed and therefore many people are unaware of the facility.

They have suggested clearly painted double yellow lines in the area and also improving the visibility of the signs indicating the 20 minute free parking.

“Rail travel to and from our area is an important part of our local economy and also helps reduce pollution,” said Cllr Stephen Coleman, chair of KTC’s management committee.

“Rail travel to and from our area is an important part of our local economy and also helps reduce pollution.

“To encourage greater take-up of train travel, passengers and those collecting/dropping off, need to be able to do so safely.

“Unless swift action is taken by Virgin Trains, we fear that a user of this area will be seriously hurt in the near future.”

Steve Warner, secretary of the Oxenholme Village Residents’ Group, said they were well aware of the problems and backed Kendal Town Council’s efforts to tackle the issue.

“It can get chaotic in that area and it is especially busy at times when trains are due in and it’s a problem that does need addressing,” said Mr Warner.

The parties involved were awaiting a reply from Virgin Trains at the time of going to press.