AUTHORS of a study to improve car parking, walking and cycling provision in Penrith say findings will be available in the autumn.

The county council, Eden District Council and Penrith Town Council have collaborated in the town's parking and movement study which was kick-started in November.

One of its aims is to enhance walking and cycling provision between car parks and the town centre, employment areas and the rail and bus stations.

The study involved collecting information to understand the usage of off-street car parks and to assess the demand for, and use of, on-street parking provision.

Face to face surveys were carried out with people using the town's car parks, and views from a wide range of stakeholders on existing parking and movement issues in the town were captured through an online survey.

A workshop with various stakeholders was also held in January - which provided further opportunity for stakeholders to input into the study.

This provided the project team with detailed information on the main parking and movement issues in Penrith and to understand stakeholders’ views on potential solutions to address these issues.

The information will provide the basis for a variety of improvements.

However they point out that the delivery of any improvements is subject to funding being secured.

Councillor Keith Little, the county council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: "The workshops and online engagement have helped us to understand what is needed for Penrith to ensure that it remains a vibrant town into the future.

"Partners are gathering robust evidence outlining what improvements are required and this will enable them to be in a stronger position to seek funding to support the delivery of the identified improvements going forward - it is vital to understand the needs and views of stakeholders to ensure we develop improvements that have the greatest impact.”

It's hoped that a robust assessment of the situation with options for improvement, will build a strong case when applying for funding.

The three Cumbrian councils agreed to continue with the study during the Coronavirus lockdown restrictions to help support the town’s economic recovery after the lockdown.