Kendal looks set to become a greener town after a raft of measures were voted through by the town council.

Liberal Democrats on the council voted in favour of the projects, aimed at making Kendal "cleaner, safer and friendlier", and will include:

  • Maintenance and improvements to the Alphabet Trail in Serpentine Woods
  • Improving the visual aspect of railings on Windermere Road
  • Commitment to improving footpaths in and around Kendal
  • Biodiversity grants available for groups and individuals carrying out work in these areas
  • Ongoing works to support the recommendations of the Citizens Jury including supporting food shares and repair cafes
  • Supporting the Environment Agency where possible and ensuring the delivery of the flood defences is on time and up to scratch
  • Lobbying to introduce 20mph speed limits across the town to make it safer and friendlier for people to walk and cycle, especially school children
  • Dark Skies project to reduce light pollution and to help fund more appropriate lighting in certain area

These projects will be funded by a rise in council tax which equates to £2.50 a year for a house in Band D.

Councillor Eamonn Hennessy, Chair of Kendal Town Council’s Environment and Highways Committee, said: "The projects we have identified are key to us being able to carry out the recommendations from the Citizens Jury, improve biodiversity, as well as improving public spaces in the town.

"We’re proud of our town and hopefully these steps will make it an even cleaner, friendlier and safer place to live and work."

These projects will be funded by a rise in council tax which equates to £2.50 a year for a house in Band D

Councillor Giles Archibald, Vice-Chair of Kendal Town Council’s Environment and Highways Committee, said: "We face two enormous crises - climate change and biodiversity loss.

"On the same day that we held our meeting, the government published its Climate Risk Assessment.

"My comments at the meeting were that this report shows the seriousness of the issue.

"We face substantial risks to our environment, our infrastructure and our health.

"We will continue to look for opportunities to improve access to and the appearance of the Obelisk on Bowling Fell and money has been specifically allocated for this purpose.

"This will be within the remit of the new project officer."