West Walls traffic ban plan likely to be dropped

By Julian Whittle

Last updated at 13:00, Wednesday, 25 July 2012

Proposals to close Carlisle’s historic West Walls to through traffic have been revived – but look set to be shelved almost immediately.

Have your say

The council should have gone ahead with the West Walls Escalator that was planned in I believe 1960's if they really wanted to rejuvenate the historic quarter. They then cited easier disabled access etc from Town Orchard/Viaduct car parks. Today they are no longer both filled to capacity. They might have reason to close the lane to traffic with increase in footfall which they mostly likely favour in the Carlisle Lanes with car parking. Fast forward to rejuvenating as with recent fire station and more? The West Walls is suitable for narrow carts, or cars of 1950's vintage not today's speedy white vans. Another Lane that warrant's attention urgently before an accident happens is the Stainton link with the CNDR road. Both are unsuitable for fast two-way traffic.

Posted by Royl on 30 July 2012 at 22:35

Mr Whitehead did you read the article?
"Cumbria County Council has earmarked Â£400,000 to be spent on âpedestrian improvementsâ"
"However, the councilâs Carlisle [County council] local committee is likely to ditch the scheme when it meets on Monday."

Get it??? Cumbria County Council is responsible for highways everywhere and in all circumstances. Carlisle City Council carries out some maintenance on some roads on *behalf* of Cumbria County Council, but *never* on anything else.

Posted by Anon on 28 July 2012 at 22:21

Carl, sorry, you are wrong, Anon is right. The Carlisle Local Committee is County Council - County Counncillors. City Council doesn't get a say as it is not the highway authority.

Posted by Tim on 28 July 2012 at 15:59

anon, wrong, wrong, wrong it is carlisle city councillors not cumbria county ey

Posted by carl whitehead on 27 July 2012 at 16:43

The amount of near misses I've seen on this road is ridiculous. Just pedestrianise it with a cycle lane and be done with it.

Posted by Brian on 26 July 2012 at 18:56

extremley unlikely,in my lifetime,im 63, hopefully the next generation of city dwellers will hopefully enjoy the cities historic quarter.

Posted by Roy on 26 July 2012 at 14:33

Joe, wrong, wrong, wrong. It isnt Carlisle Councillors, its Cumbria Councillors. But maybe they dont have any vision either? Maybe they are all wrong and you are right. But I wouldnt bet on it.

Posted by Anon on 26 July 2012 at 13:19

The "Carlisle highways and transport working group" seem to have too much power!!!! they are the people who tried to stop "New Build Properties" with the Disc Zones from having "Residents Permits" when they couldnt even be bothered to get the "Traffic Order" right. West Walls needs something done to it and I agree with Mr Martlew.

Posted by Mike on 26 July 2012 at 11:47

A good idea in principle but I cant see what the road would be used for?

Posted by alan brown on 26 July 2012 at 08:35

You could imagine all those mews type lock-ups on the back of west walls as little artists studios - Foxe's cafe opening up into the big yard at Northern Vacs. Lovely safe walks round the perimeter of the Cathedral without risk of being flattened by white-van-man.

Posted by James on 26 July 2012 at 08:32