MP and Cllr welcome Uni of Cumbria agreement on traffic issues

Local MP Tim Farron and Ambleside and Grasmere councillor Heidi Halliday have welcomed the news that the University of Cumbria have agreed not to use Greenbank and Castlefield for access to the new Ambleside campus site.

Tim has been lobbying the university on this for the last couple of months and after a phone call with Mike Berry, the Director of Estates earlier today an agreement was reached that the road would not be used. The builders will instead use the main entrance of the campus.

This is a major victory for the Greenbank and Castlefield Residents' Association, Lakes Parish Council and local councillor Heidi Halliday who have all been working together on this issue.

Two years ago the campus was proposed to be 'mothballed' by the University. Tim, working with David Earnshaw, Vivienne Rees and the local community launched a massive campaign to re-open the campus.

Now, University bosses plan to bring between 450 students back to Ambleside. Their plan also states that parts of the campus will be improved and upgraded. With the new course portfolio it will mean a major investment in new facilities like laboratories and student accommodation.

The university will have to sell certain buildings outside the main site to pay for the plan.

Commenting, Tim said: "Thanks to the Lakes Parish council, the residents association and Heidi Halliday we have this victory. When I spoke to residents in the streets affected recently, they told me about their concerns of the university turning this quiet area into a major thoroughfare with dozens of lorries travelling along it every day.

"I remember two years ago that we thought the campus would close and I was desperately worried about what that would do to the community. So I want to thank the university and their management team for their help over the last few months on this, but also on their commitment to re-start the campus. Together we did it!"

Councillor Heidi Halliday added:"I welcome the news that the University have not just listened, but responded to the concerns of Greenbank and Castlefield residents by agreeing to the re-routing of construction traffic. I'll continue to keep monitoring the University's plans to make sure their return works for local people."