Traffic chaos strengthens resolve

Motorists have been experiencing lengthy tailbacks on Kendal's Burton Road while workmen replace Victorian water pipes and re-lay power cables.

Many drivers decided to cut through nearby Natland Mill Beck Lane designated for access only to avoid being delayed by the temporary traffic lights at the roadworks.

Roger Gardner, of Natland Mill Beck Farm, said its appearance as a country lane had been destroyed by the general public who had used it as a rat-run this week.

Mr Gardner, whose wife Heather is a district councillor, said motorists had been driving past at 30mph or 40mph "with a guilty look on their face". Verges where wild flowers grew had been trampled into mud by motorists trying to squeeze past each other, while people living down Natland Mill Beck Lane had been subjected to "aggression and abuse" if they blocked the traffic while trying to access their properties.

Kendal police increased patrols after receiving numerous complaints about drivers using the lane to avoid the roadworks, and there were reports of several near misses between vehicles, and vehicles and pedestrians.

By Wednesday, there was relief for the residents of Natland Mill Beck Lane, as water engineers completed their task of replacing 100 metres of cast-iron water pipes with durable plastic. The temporary traffic lights were removed, and Mr Gardner said SLDC had "made a good job" of sweeping up the lane.

He said residents would now try to get some kind of barrier installed to stop motorists using the access-only lane as a rat run. He said the farm had been opposed to the idea because access to fields would be restricted, but the week of chaos had changed their minds, and it was hoped to get a bollard or barrier that could be moved for farm access.

Meanwhile, United Utilities said the work to re-lay power cables from Parkside Road along Burton Road was expected to continue until April.

February 13, 2003 16:30