OVER 8,000 signatures have been gathered in a petition opposing council plans to permanently close a road along the western shore of Thirlmere Reservoir.

Cumberland Council has proposed a permanent road closure on the U7003, which runs along the western shore of Thirlmere, following severe damage caused by Storm Arwen in November 2021.

As a result, Cumberland Council previously implemented a temporary Traffic Regulation Order, restricting access to the road due to fallen trees, significant rockfall, and debris.

The petition, set up by Mark Hatton, is calling for the road to be reopened to walkers, cyclists and motorists 'in order that all who wish to use this route as an enjoyable, quiet and scenic route should be able to do so'. 

Cumberland Council sought the public to share their views in a consultation that closed on July 31. 

Extensive assessments by the landowners United Utilities have been conducted, evaluating the full face of Rough Crag.

The assessments determined that the hazards still pose a risk to all road users, necessitating the continuation of the road closure.

Supporters of the campaign argue that everyone should have the opportunity to utilize the road, questioning the safety threat attributed to the closure of the road with many saying it is 'vital' for cyclists in the area. 

“Yet another serious accident and prolonged road closure along the A591 on the East side of Thirlmere provides further evidence, if any were needed, that this section of the A591 is a particularly dangerous, accident prone road," Mark Hatton said. 

"For highly vulnerable road users like cyclists it is essential that there is a safe alternative route open along the West side of Thirlmere.

"And for local residents, emergency vehicles and public service vehicles the west road also serves as a lifeline that has been cut off for far too long.

"This shameful and intolerable situation is a disgrace that reflects very poorly on Cumberland Council and United Utilities.

"Rather than hanging their heads in shame, these two should be putting their heads together and working on reopening the Thirlmere West Road," he said. 

Notions such as debris barriers have been put forward on the Facebook page Keep Thirlmere Open as an alternative to completely shutting the road.  

A spokesperson from Cumberland Council said: "Extensive assessments have been made by United Utilities. The areas requiring assessment included the full face of Rough Crag and areas out of sight of the general public at the top and to the side of the crag. This included assessment of damage to trees, hazards of exposed and loose tree root plates and loose or fallen rock on the Rough Crag section.

"The hazards remain to all road users and therefore the road closure needs to continue.

"Discussions are ongoing with United Utilities to establish whether technical and engineering measures can/cannot be put in place to secure the areas and allow the road to reopen.

"In the meantime, the hazards remain to all road users and therefore the prohibition of all traffic restriction (full road closure) at Rough Crag has to remain in place and be implemented on a permanent basis to continue the restriction in force.

"A Prohibition of Motor Vehicles restriction is also proposed along two sections of the U7003; between Dobgil car park and Rough Crag, and between Rough Crag to Armboth car park.

"These sections permit access for pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists where it is considered safe to do so, whilst providing suitable points for motor vehicles to turn," they said.