Latest news with #NigelDixon
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Police warning to Lake District visitors after reports of 'inconsiderate' parking
Police warning to Lake District visitors after reports of 'inconsiderate' parking Copeland Police have issued a warning to drivers in the Lake District after reports of 'inconsiderate' parking. Over the Bank Holiday weekend, thousands of tourists came to the Lake District to enjoy the scenery and views. Despite repeated requests to park sensibly, local police teams received calls about inconsiderate parking in Wasdale. This is not the first time this tourist seasons that parking has affected people in Lake District. Over the Easter weekend, residents of the Lake District have said there have been 'multiple issues' with traffic - as many descended on the area to enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend in the sun. ADVERTISEMENT Seatoller House manager and Chairman of Borrowdale Institute Nigel Dixon said that over the weekend Gatesgarth has been affected by tourists coming into the area on day trips. Nigel also reported that the Stagecoach 77A Keswick to Keswick service was pulled on Saturday, April 19 due to the bus having its passage blocked by cars along the route. Police have asked drivers to 'respect' rural locations, to park in designated parking spots, to consider if a large fire engine can pass them whilst parking and to be 'considerate' to everyone when parking. Copeland Police said: 'Wasdale is a priority hotspot for our neighbourhood policing team due to the volume of visitors it attracts every day and its geographical footprint. 'Officers try to spend as much time as practicable in our rural valleys to ensure they remain clear, safe and respected but due to operational demand this isn't always achievable. ADVERTISEMENT 'Individuals identified as having caused any obstruction or disruption over the weekend will be contacted. READ MORE: A66 set for £1million resurfacing project starting this week | News and Star 'The Wasdale valley is a 'Site of specific scientific interest (SSSI)' location, which means the habitat and environments are protected due to biological and geological significance. 'The 'SSSI' are designed to safeguard important habitats, species and geological features. 'Any damage caused may be actioned under this legislation and or under the 'Public spaces protection order (PSPO). Alongside this, the access road to the valley is mostly single file; It is critical this road remains clear and accessible for emergency services.'
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
Lake District drivers urged to use 'common sense'
Visitors to the Lake District must use "common sense" amid fears parking issues could lead to "an accident or worse". Dozens of cars partly blocked a narrow road at Gatesgarth, between Honister and Buttermere, over the Easter weekend, causing some bus services to be cancelled. Nigel Dixon, who manages a nearby hotel, says guests and people living in the area often end up "stranded" when buses are not running. Cumbria Police urged people to "park with consideration for others". Mr Dixon says troubles occur "pretty much every bank holiday" and can be "a daily occurrence" during the summer. "It's not the widest of roads," he explained. "Some people rely on the buses to get to and from work in the area. If they get taken off, they're not able to get home. "I've also lost count of how many times I've had to pick guests up five miles away at Buttermere because the buses aren't running and they're stranded. "What would happen if a fire engine or ambulance needed to get through? The big fear is that there's an accident or worse [and help can't reach them]." Mr Dixon says Gatesgarth is far from the only place within the Lake District National Park experiencing parking issues, pointing to Ambleside and Stonethwaite among other areas. "It seems to be once one person parks there everybody follows. I think sometimes people should just use their common sense. "The only real answer [in the Lakes] is to let more farmers open up fields so people can park off the road. "We've had that trialled in Borrowdale over the last couple of summer holidays. I don't think anybody wants to see Tarmac car parks everywhere." Cumbria Police said "inconsiderate parking" could have "serious consequences" if emergency vehicles were delayed. A spokesman added: "We would urge people to park with consideration for others and think about the potential impact that the placement of their vehicle could have." The Friends of the Lake District conservation charity warns visitor numbers across the national park are becoming "unsustainable". It is calling on local planners and the government to work towards reducing people's reliance on cars and argues a visitors' levy "could help fund a significant investment in integrated public transport systems". "If things carry on like this, tourism to the Lake District will degrade the very landscape that people are coming to spend time in and destroy the beauty and tranquillity that are the reasons to visit," a spokesman said. Labour-led Cumberland Council said it was looking to expand shuttle bus trials, with a service taking in Buttermere running every weekend and bank holiday from May to August. Another focusing on Wasdale launched on Good Friday and will operate every weekend and bank holiday until 21 September. The Lake District National Park Authority has been approached for comment. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Dozens punished in a day for worst lakeside parking Emergency service issues considerate parking plea Charity says car parks would 'destroy' Lake District Lake District National Park Authority Friends of the Lake District Cumberland Council
