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STOP PRESS 31 AUGUST 2017: We are pleased to report that on 30 August the South Lakeland District Council’s cabinet unanimously approved the scheme for the restoration of New Road Common.
We are delighted that South Lakeland District Council in Cumbria proposes to reinstate Kendal’s New Road common as a green space. For many years this has been used unlawfully as a public car-park. The public has the right to walk and ride over the whole area under section 193 of the Law of Property Act 1925.
On Wednesday (30 August) the council’s cabinet will consider a recommendation from the chief executive that the common land to the south of New Road be made into public greenspace and that alternative solutions are found for car-parking.
The Open Spaces Society has been lobbying the council for many years to reinstate the common as public open space. The council decided to do this in 2009 but has delayed for eight years. Now it has received a report which alerts it to the risks of health and safety and this has galvanised it into action.
Says Mary Traynor, our local correspondent for South Lakeland: ‘This small piece of common land in the town centre, adjacent to the River Kent, is of high potential amenity value. The new park will enhance the public’s experience of Kendal. The Kent is a beautiful river and too much of the historic riverbank is spoiled by traffic. The parking issue, which is a problem for people who live and work in Kendal, should be addressed in other ways than appropriating a common which should be left for the enjoyment of all.
‘Personally, I look forward to sitting in the park watching the swallows and ducks, eating a chip supper on a summer evening, or having a break from Christmas shopping there.
‘We are delighted that the council is at last taking action to restore the common and people’s rights to enjoy it, and we offer our full support to councillors in this endeavour.’