UNITED Utilities have outlaid a project timeline in their ambitions to reopen a controversial Lake District road closure, with survey works having commenced this month. 

Cumberland Council 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. 

Previous assessments by the landowners United Utilities (UU) evaluated the full face of Rough Crag, determining hazards, necessitating the continuation of the road closure.

The closure means that walkers, cyclists and horse riders are forced to use the busy A591 on the eastern side of the lake.

News and Star: Work begins in ambitions to reopen Thirlmere Road closureWork begins in ambitions to reopen Thirlmere Road closure (Image: United Utilities)

Earlier this year, an online petition gathered over 10,000 signatures as well as more than 1,000 workers demonstrating calling for the reopening of the road. 

In November, the firm revealed that they aim to support the reopening of the road, and to do so, they would need to make Rough Crag as safe as possible. 

Kevin Sayers, Cumbria area manager at United Utilities, said: “We’ve made a lot of progress since the start of November and we’re on schedule to have a detailed plan of action for the remedial work in place before the end of January. 

"As we have always said, this will be subject to the necessary regulatory planning approvals. We’ll continue to keep our website up to date with the latest news.” 

Engineers are working in collaboration with specialists to conduct survey work on Rough Crag and have been using drone-enabled LIDAR survey, which uses pulses of light to accurately map the rock face in 3D.

The team has also carried out a physical inspection and assessment of the rock face using rope access and a mobile platform. 

The firm's forestry team has finished the work to clear the road of fallen trees and debris. 

The next steps involve discussions with other relevant agencies, such as Natural England, involved in the road reopening. 

Julia Aglionby, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Penrith & Solway, is glad to see positive steps being made towards the reopening of the road. 

"We know people care enormously about the reopening of the road. Let's hope United Utilities do that. 

"The good news is that with 1,000 people really caring and making their views known, change is possible.

"It's fantastic to see people of Cumbria showing their strong voice," she said.