New footing for popular paths

The Lake District is a popular destination for walkers

Popular footpaths and bridleways in the Lake District are set to benefit from a new deal between council bosses and the national park authority.

Cumbria County Council will take over the maintenance and management of urban paths in Keswick, Ambleside, Bowness and Windermere.

The park authority will continue to look after the miles of footpaths and rights of way inside the national park.

Targets for repairs and improvements will also be set by both organisations.

As part of the new arrangement, the county council will contribute over £100,000 to enable the park authority to replace 160 missing signposts and maintain more than 2,300 bridges.

The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) will continue its present funding level for improving access work at more than £900,000.