Businesses in Kendal and Burneside are hoping their town will receive part of the £4.6m received by Cumbria County Council, from the Department of Transport, to ease traffic congestion in the area.

Indications are that money will be provided to fund two projects, recently discussed during public information sessions.

One scheme will be to install new traffic lights or a mini roundabout at the junction of Mintsfeet Road and Shap Road in Kendal.

The second set of plans is to widen a section of Hollins Lane close to the cricket club in Burneside, just north of Kendal, which will improve access from the A591.

Peter Whitehead, a driving instructor in Kendal said: "Generally Kendal is a relatively easy place to drive. We often have people travelling into the town from as far as London to take their driving tests, mainly due to the lack of congestion in comparison with larger cities."

He added: "At the moment I don't see congestion as a major issue, however, there are quite a few housing developments in progress, and as such, the volume of traffic will increase.

"The poor quality of road surfaces is something I believe should be a priority."

Comments on the proposals can be emailed to NPIF@cumbria.gov.uk