Investigation work will take place next week as the council looks for solutions to a damaged and uneven footway on Infield Park, Barrow.
The work – which take place between Wednesday, November 27, and Friday, November 29 - will see various sections of the footway carefully excavated to measure the exact depth of tree roots below the surface, which should help inform future engineering decisions. The footway surface will then be reinstated back to how it was.
The investigation work next week will not impact any of the trees and no trees will be removed during the works.
The findings from the investigations next week will inform a consultation, planned to launch in January 2025, where residents will be able to provide feedback on options that aim to provide a long-lasting solution to the footway issues.
The council is keen to explore options that balance any impact on the streetscape with ensuring a safe and accessible highways for all, in line with the authority’s statutory duty under the Highways Act 1980.
As well as investigating the impact of the tree roots on the footway, the council is also working with the Barrow and District Disabled Association to audit the footway in its current condition and to assess the impact of any proposed options on people with impaired or restricted mobility.
A road and footway closure will be in place from 27-29 November between house numbers two and 10 on Infield Park Road while the investigation work is carried out.
Access for both residents and emergency service vehicles will be maintained throughout with no disruptions to waste and recycling collections.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT at Westmorland and Furness Council said: "Ensuring the safety of our network for the local residents of Infield Park is our priority. These investigations are a crucial step in determining whether resurfacing parts of the footway, without the need for any tree removal, is a viable and sustainable solution based on the depth of the roots causing the damage.
"The findings will contribute to a consultation we plan to launch in January 2025. During this process, we will seek residents’ views on all feasible options before making any decisions.
“We are committed to finding the right balance between ensuring public safety and protecting the character of the streetscape; both of which are important to the local community.”
A letter informing residents of the works will be delivered to impacted properties today (Thursday 21 November).