People in the Morland area are considering lodging a high level appeal against a decision by Westmorland and Furness Council to install depth gauges at a ford in the village.
A member of the council’s highways team visited the ford in May to hear objections to the plan and during this meeting admitted the installation of gauges in such locations was not mandatory.
Despite this, however, the decision has now been taken to go ahead with the scheme — although possibly with a warning sign designed by villagers in place rather than a “one size fits all” version.
In an email sent to the parish council, it is stated the work will be carried out straight away and that any appeal must be made to the Department for Transport.
The parish council and local residents in the Protect Morland Ford Group say they are very disappointed the decision has now been taken to install the gauges without any opportunity for further dialogue with or appeal to Westmorland and Furness officials.
In a letter to Westmorland and Furness, the parish council says it is the speed of the water at the ford which presents a hazard and that depth gauges could cause drivers to cross when it is not safe to do so.
Concern is also expressed about potential damage to the fragile environment of Morland Beck and its wildlife.
Gillian Garratt, joint co-ordinator of the group opposed to the gauges, said: “Dr Neil Hudson, as our local MP, is supporting the Protect Morland Ford Group in its efforts to find out what we need to do to make any appeal to the Department for Transport.”
