A CLOUD of uncertainty hangs over the future of several resting places used by thousands of people who enjoy the spectacular views of Morecambe Bay from Ulverston's Hoad Hill every year, reports Daniel Orr.

Ulverston Town Lands Trust, which owns the hill, claims the benches are under threat after South Lakeland District Council, which is responsible for maintaining about 33 seats there, announced it was to stop looking after them.

Responsibility is being passed to trustees of the registered charity, but they are furious about the decision, claiming there had been no prior discussion or warning.

The district council also intends to terminate its lease of Little Hoad and Gillbanks.

Trustees claim that SLDC told them the benches would be removed if they did not agree to take over their ownership, and at Monday's town council meeting, mayor Brenda Marr, said: "I think the situation is appalling.

"SLDC gave us funding for the Hoad restoration project and now it is going to take away part of the amenities which are associated with the whole project."

But Laurence Conway, strategic director of customer services for the district council, said the step was being taken as part of general move to give responsibility of towns back to their people.