People are being invited to share their views on proposals to improve walking and cycling access to the Sandgate area of Penrith town centre.
There are also planned improvements to benefit all road users at the existing double mini-roundabout junction at the top of Sandgate/bottom of Fell Lane.
The proposals aim to address long-standing issues faced by pedestrians on well-used walking routes from the Scaws area into Sandgate. Ideas include widening of pavements and improving crossing opportunities at the junction and on adjoining routes.
The proposed changes would also enhance safety for all road users by changing the junction layout to remove the complicated double mini-roundabout, which is a barrier for pedestrians, confusing for motorists and puts people off trying to cross the road at this junction
Feedback has confirmed these safety issues particularly affect anyone walking or wheeling, including children and parents going to and from Beaconside Primary School and the Penrith Pre-School nursery on Meeting House Lane.
Led by Westmorland and Furness Council, early designs for the improvement project have been drawn-up, informed by discussions with key stakeholders including council partners and other organisations along the route of the proposed improvements.
Now people are being invited to share their thoughts on the proposals through a public consultation, which launches on Monday next week (12 October 2026) and will run for five weeks until 13 November 2026.
You can find more information, look at the initial designs and have your say by completing the online consultation survey (from 12 October) at:
https://consult.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/westmorland-and-furness-council/sandgate/
An in-person drop-in event, where you can pop along and to meet the project team, look at the designs and ask questions, will be held at: Penrith Library, St. Andrew's Churchyard, on Wednesday, 14 October, 1pm to 5pm
Paper copies of the survey will also be available from Penrith Library for the full duration of the public consultation period.
Once final designs are agreed following more detailed design work in 2027, it is planned that construction work on improvements would commence in Autumn 2027 and be complete by Spring 2028.
By improving accessibility and safety, the council hopes to encourage more people to feel confident using the route to walk, wheel or cycle into the town centre, as part of its plans to create better infrastructure to enable more people to choose 'active travel' for everyday local journeys such as going to school, work or to the shops.
Councillor Adrian Waite, Westmorland and Furness Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Transport, said: "This is an opportunity to tackle one of the most difficult and confusing locations for pedestrians in Penrith and turn it into a safer, more welcoming gateway into the town centre.
"Many local people will know how challenging it can be to cross at the Sandgate and Fell Lane double mini-roundabout, particularly parents with young children, older people and anyone with a pushchair, wheelchair or mobility aid. We want to make it much easier and safer for people to get into town on foot, by wheelchair or by bike.
"This project is about far more than changing a road layout. It is part of our wider vision for Penrith, creating better links between neighbourhoods, schools, shops and services so that more people can choose to walk, wheel or cycle for everyday journeys if they wish. By improving safety, accessibility and the look and feel of the route, we hope more people will feel confident leaving the car at home for shorter trips.
"Alongside the recently approved 20mph speed limit, these improvements have the potential to make a real difference to the way people move around this part of the town and support our ambition to make active travel a practical, attractive and healthy choice for residents of all ages.
"These are still draft proposals and we genuinely want to hear what local people think. I would encourage everyone who uses this route to look at the plans and take part in the consultation so we can help shape the final design together."
The council has undertaken feasibility and initial design work and has secured funding to deliver the scheme from central Government sources, including Active Travel England and the Department for Transport's Local Transport Grant.
More information about the project is on the council's website: Sandgate and Fell Lane, Penrith | Westmorland and Furness Council
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