HIGHWAYS engineers are asking residents, motorists and shopkeepers for patience as major roadworks get under way in two South Lakeland towns.

People in Kendal and Ambleside have been warned to expect disruption over the next six weeks as workmen resurface worn-out carriageways, install new traffic lights and carry out other civil engineering works.

With the roadworks due to start on Monday, public meetings were held in Kendal and Ambleside this week to reassure townsfolk that every effort would be made to minimise disruption - and to give them chance to air any concerns.

The projects have been drawn up by Capita, which is contracted by Cumbria County Council to maintain highways in South Lakeland.

In Kendal, the works will include:

m Resurfacing Sandes Avenue, which is pummelled by 20,000 vehicles every day.

m Resurfacing Station Road and Longpool.

m Repaving the footway from the Market Place to the post office.

m Rewaterproofing Victoria Bridge.

m Installing new traffic lights at the junction of Burneside Road and Windermere Road, to cope with the new Briery Meadows housing estate.

m Installing a pelican crossing on Sandes Avenue.

m Removing the traffic island at the top of Blackhall Road to prepare for new traffic lights.

Associate for highways, Peter Allan, said residents and businesses would be kept well informed about the £370,000 works as they progressed, and emergency services were closely involved in planning.

He told the public meeting that noisy resurfacing would only be carried out between 6-11pm, and encouraged residents to contact Capita on 01539-773040 if they had any concerns.

"We need your cooperation and understanding, and most of all your tolerance and patience, for the next few weeks," said Mr Allan.

"I hope we've got it.

We are trying to do everything we can to accommodate everybody."

In Ambleside the works will include:

m Resurfacing the north end of Compston Road.

m Installing pelican crossings at the top of Compston Road.

m Building a mini-roundabout at the junction of Smithy Brow and Rydal Road.

m Widening the footway at the west side of Compston Road from White Platts to Millans Park.

Meanwhile, motorists are experiencing lengthy tailbacks at peak times on the A591 between Windermere and Ambleside, close to the Low Wood Hotel, where new water pipes are being laid.

Ambleside GP Dr David Earnshaw told the Gazette he was concerned the congestion might hamper the progress of emergency services.

However, he said contractors D.J.

Ryan were doing their best to get emergency vehicles through.

Suzanne Rigby, for North West Water, said temporary traffic lights were the best way to keep traffic flowing, and motorists would always let emergency vehicles through.

"It's essential work, and it does mean unfortunately there's going to be an impact on road users," she said.

"All we can do is apologise and thank people for their patience while the work is going on."

Mike Smith, for Cumbria Police, said no particular problems had been experienced by police in reaching incidents.