TWO drop-in surgery days are being held in the Lake District next month to give the public the chance to ask questions and have their say on how Windermere should develop once the 10mph speed limit is introduced on the lake in March 2005.

The events, which are being organised by the Lake District National Park Authority and South Lakeland District Council, are intended to give everyone a chance to comment on their new report, Windermere, the Lake - Planning and Managing its Future.

But the LDNPA has said the sessions "are not an opportunity to re-run all the arguments that were voiced at the public inquiry in 1994/5."

The national park authority recreation management adviser Clarissa Lough said all comments on the new management strategy would be considered, and ideas could certainly help formulate the final document, which will be published early next year.

"I do hope that local residents, businesses, visitors and lake users will take the opportunity to contribute their own views on Windermere's future, and comment on the extensive and detailed work that has already been carried out.

"This is part of the widespread consultation we will co-ordinate over the next few months, but it is not an opportunity to re-open the whole 10mph debate. That issue has been decided, the speed limit will be implemented from March next year. I hope these drop-in surgeries will be used by people who want to look forward rather than backwards."

The first session will be held at the Bowness information centre on February 7 between 10am and 2.30pm. This is the day after the Windermere Management Strategy will have been given its public launch. The second session is being held at St Martin's College, in Ambleside, on February 18 between 3pm and 8pm.

At each venue, copies of the issues and options report and an abbreviated leaflet will be available for people to take away, along with feedback forms for comments and suggestions. These documents will also be sent out to businesses, interested groups and registered boat owners. People unable to attend the drop-in surgeries will also be able to study the report and make comments via the authority's website: www.lake-district.gov.uk