A COUNCILLOR has welcomed plans to transform cycling and walking infrastructure in Kendal.

Councillor Jon Owen’s comments came after Cumbria County Council launched a consultation asking for people’s feedback to help shape new plans which aim to improve the town’s infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.

The Kendal town councillor, who is also a South Lakeland District Council councillor for Kendal North, revealed that Kendal was knocked out of the running for The Sunday’s Times’ Best Places to live due to a ‘confusing gyratory system’.

Kendal- alongside Barrow and Carlisle- is one of the first to undergo consultation for the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans.

In Kendal proposals include cycling and walking infrastructure around the town centre, links to the north and south of the town and links along the Kendal River Corridor.

“It’s fantastic that the county council is drawing up serious plans to enable more people to walk and cycle,” said Cllr Owen.

“It’s very much being done in partnership with the town council.

“Kendal’s of an ideal size to encourage more people to take some of their trips without using cars.

“It lost on the Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live because of our traffic system.

“The jury who decide said that Kendal was in the running but said its ‘confusing gyratory system and congested streets’ put it out of the running.”

Kendal's Climate Change Citizens' Jury have previously spoken of the importance of making shifts in the town’s transport.

“That was really important to them,” said Cllr Owen.

“They talked about a transport system that prioritises pedestrians and cyclists so this piece of work is cracking off the back of climate jury’s recommendations.”

The Kendal North councillor encouraged as many residents as possible to get involved in the consultation, which is available until May 28.

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Cycling and walking have many benefits, not just for our mental and physical wellbeing but also for improving air quality, reducing congestion and making our towns more vibrant."

Find out more about the schemes and proposals and complete the survey on the county council website at www.cumbria.gov.uk/cyclingandwalking