UNITED Utilities has announced they will begin work next week that will pave the way for the reopening of a controversial road closure for all users.  

Cumberland Council proposed a permanent road closure on the U7003,  the West Road at 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 meant that walkers, cyclists and horse riders were forced to use the busy A591 on the eastern side of the lake. 

However recently, it was reopened to horse riders whilst the move faced criticism from campaigners. 

The scheme, expected to take up to 12 weeks, will involve specialist contractors working at height to remove storm-damaged trees, loose rocks and material that is currently suspended on the Crag above the road.

It's been noted that the road will now be temporarily closed during the works to all users, including equestrians.

Jane Simpson, engineering director at United Utilities, said: “We fully appreciate how keen people are to use this well-loved route again, and we have been working hard behind the scenes to get to this point.

“We’ve worked collaboratively with the relevant authorities including Natural England, the Lake District National Park Authority and Cumberland Council to design a solution that makes the crag safe again while respecting the protected status of the area.  

"Cumberland Council has agreed that the road should be closed to all users, including horse riders and cyclists, so that the work can take place safely from next week. 

“We will also need to close the lakeshore footpath temporarily throughout the work and we hope people will understand that this is essential to protect public safety while material is being dislodged from the crag by our contractors.

“We will continue to provide updates on our website as the work progresses," she said. 

The conclusion of the safety programme will see Cumberland Council conducting its own assessment of the road before reopening.

The footpath is projected to reopen by the end of May following the finished work.

For the latest updates on the crag safety work, you can visit https://www.unitedutilities.com/my-local-area/parks-and-reservoirs/acres-of-nature/Thirlmere/thirlmere-west-road-and-rough-crag/