United Utilities have issued an appeal to Cumberland Council’s decision to close a road around Thirlmere.

Following Cumberland Council’s Highways and Transport Strategic Board meeting held on Friday, November 10, where the permanent closure of the U7003 at Thirlmere was granted approval following a unanimous vote of the Executive Members of the board.

It has been announced that today, November 14, Cumberland Council received an appeal from United Utilities against Section 151 notice, which, in the council’s view, does not necessary reflect a genuine intent by them to reopen the road, this is contrary to the very positive message sent on Friday from the Chief Executive of United Utilities.

While the council acknowledges the inconvenience caused to many road users by this closure, it emphasises its commitment to reopening the road once highlighted safety risks at Rough Crag have been addressed.

Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said: “I am extremely disappointed that we have received this appeal from United Utilities; this contradicts their statement that they want to work with us to reopen the U7003.

“Following the meeting on Friday, we were able to inform the public that we were making progress; however, our officers will now be spending their time preparing to go to Magistrates Court.”

The decision was made after Storm Arwen and according to a report previously presented by United Utilities, there is currently an unacceptably high risk of instability, rock and tree falls, to road users at Rough Crag.

United Utilities, in collaboration with a geotechnical team, conducted thorough assessments and determined that the hazards still pose a danger to road users.

Cumberland Council conducted an independent review and agreed with United Utilities’ findings.

Consequently, due to the severe risk to public safety the road continues to be closed.