Cumberland Council’s Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act introduces a Permanent “Prohibition of All Traffic” restriction on the U7003 at Thirlmere. This is a very rare example of an Order which will make it illegal for any person to be anywhere at anytime on a 250 metre stretch of the Public Highway. There is an exception for United Utilities staff or contractors, but no one else. The reason given for this prohibition is “for avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using the road or any other road or for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising”. We are told by Cumberland Council that there is a “very serious risk to public safety such that the prohibition of all traffic restriction (full road closure) at Rough Crag has to remain in place and be implemented on a permanent basis”.  We are also told that “Cumberland Council wishes to reassure our residents and business we are fully committed to the U7003 being reopened as soon as is practicable. This is what officers are working towards with no other agenda.” 

What we would like to know is :
1. What is Cumberland’s assessment of the likelihood of danger to the public using the U7003 ?
2. Whether this likelihood of danger exceeds that of using the A591 ?
3. Why a Permanent Closure to All Traffic is now necessary even though we are told that the intention is for this to be Temporary ?
4. What process is involved in reversing a Permanent Prohibition of All Traffic (the cost, time and steps needed) ?
5. Given the abject failure to make any progress on reopening this road in the last 21 months, when should we expect this road to reopen in future ?