PLANS to install traffic lights on a grade two listed bridge have been axed following mounting pressure from local councillors and residents.

The proposals, which were part of a Department for Transport scheme to improve safety on the A684 which runs from Kendal to Sedbergh, would have seen works carried out on Lincoln’s Inn Bridge, Sedbergh.

“This was yet another case of the Government down in Westminster thinking it knows what’s best for local people in Sedbergh,” said MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron.

“My inbox has been inundated with local residents who had grave concerns about these plans, and so I’m delighted that after much pressure from local councillors including Ian Mitchell, Nick Cotton and Suzie Pye that the traffic lights will no longer be going ahead.”

Recently district councillor for Kendal Rural, Pat Bell and district councillor for Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale, Kevin Lancaster said they were ‘horrified’ by the plans, with Cllr Lancaster saying the works would be “ a very urban intrusion into a very rural area” and that the lights “far from reducing accidents it would increase them.”

The councillors said there was no need for the lights as traffic waits at either side of the bridge with little delay.

Sedbergh Parish Council had been consulted several times on the matter and had consistently opposed the works.

Councillors were also dismayed after engagement sessions with the council were postponed, with Cumbria County Council attributing the postponements to coronavirus restrictions.

Lib Dem district councillor for Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale Ian Mitchell said: “I’m delighted that working across political parties, with our MP and Sedbergh parish council we have managed to stop this.

“We listened to local people and changed something that no one wanted.”

In a statement released on September 11, Cumbria County Council said that “having listened to all the feedback it has been decided not to proceed with traffic signals, and instead to look at alternative options which would include clearer signage on the approaches to the bridge, and road lining to provide better advance warning, whilst ensuring the safety of all road users is paramount.”