Counciller Stewart's questionnaire has started to arrive in Arnside and we only have until 11 March to reply.
The introduction to the survey says that if there is sufficient support in favour of creating this access then Councillor Stewart will seek to have the project included in the Local Transport Plan 3 (2011-2026). The first step will be to have a feasibility study to look at the technical and safety issues. This project would sit alongside many other projects all needing funding, so there would be no guarantee that it would become a reality any time soon, particularly in view of the current harsh financial climate.
The document then lists 3 positive and 4 negative points that Councillor Stewart has heard so far.
Positive
It will make Arnside less of a 'bottleneck' during the busy season.
It will link in with potential Arnside station improvements.
It would be a useful short-cut over the estuary, forming part of the proposed coastal trail route.
Negative
It is not wanted by Arnside residents.
It would spoil the look of the viaduct.
It will be of no benefit to Arnside because walkers and cyclists don't spend money in the shops.
Arnside gets full already and can't cope with more visitors, and there is nowhere for people to park.
There is a Yes/No reply slip with comments enclosed with the letter.
Sadly, the survey is not available on line but the councillor says that he looks forward to hearing from us by Friday 11 March.
If you live in Arnside, you can use the following freepost address:
Freepost, Area Support Team, County Council Offices, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4RQ.
If you do not live in Arnside, you cannot use this address but you could still send your comments to the councillor c/o the County Council offices (marked 'urgent' or with 'Arnside to Grange cycleway' because of the 11 March deadline).
Sustrans are still waiting to hear from Network Rail what the cost of the work would be so that they consider raising funding.
Please encourage anyone you know who will be getting the survey to respond positively to the proposal for the cycleway.
