THE planned pedestrianisation of Kendal town centre enters its penultimate phase with the introduction of a pedestrian priority zone in Stricklandgate next week.

Work will begin on Monday on the zone, which stretches from the town hall to Library Road, and will take around six weeks to complete.

The majority of the work involves amendments to existing traffic signals and minor carriageway changes at the town hall and Sandes Avenue/Windermere Road junctions with Stricklandgate.

A cycle lane is also to be provided, as are bays for bus stops and goods vehicles.

The pedestrian priority zone will come into effect on March 20 and will be the subject of a six-month trial during which the operation of the zone will be monitored. Cumbria County Council will then make a decision on the future of pedestrianisation of the town centre in October.

Chairwoman of Cumbria County Council's local committee for South Lakeland, Olive Person, said: "The introduction of the pedestrian priority zone is a crucial part of the overall Kendal Transport Plan. The purpose of which is to not only reduce the effects of the increased number of vehicles that enter the town centre but also to provide an enhanced pedestrian shopping area as well as support the use of more sustainable forms of transport."

At least one lane through Stricklandgate will be kept open at all times to minimise disruption and maintain access for residents and businesses.

Work is also being carried out elsewhere to improve traffic flow around the town including the widening of Blackhall Road to provide an additional lane for vehicles.