A major £1m investment upgrading Windermere’s power network has been confirmed, which will cause 'inevitable delays.'

Next month, Electricity North West will start work upgrading and replacing 5.4km of underground electricity cables as part of its £1m scheme. 

Engineers will start work on Lake Road and will progress through Windermere and Bowness. The project will start on October 3. 

Throughout the project, temporary traffic lights and road closures will be needed 'to ensure the engineers can work safely and complete the work as quickly as possible' which member for highways and transport for Cumbria County Council (CCC) Keith Little admitted will cause 'inevitable delays.' 

Electricity North West will be holding a drop-in session on Thursday September 22 from 2-8 pm at The Ladyholme Centre on Lake Road. Information packs are being produced, and locals and businesses along the route will receive updates on the project and when engineers will be in the area. 

The work, carried out alongside Cumbria County Council, will create new capacity which will enable the installation of Windermere’s first electric ferry. The new supply will also allow for the potential installation of new electric charging points in several car parks within the town which the council argues is crucial to supporting future business and tourism.

John Wilkinson, who is overseeing the work for Electricity North West, said: “This project has been in planning for several months we can now confirm a start date to help keep businesses and residents informed about the work.

“The work we’re carrying out is a major upgrade which will lead to the first ever electric ferry being installed in Cumbria.

“This major investment in the town will not only allow for the electric ferry to function, but also create opportunities for charging points to be installed in Windermere.”

Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport added: “I’m delighted to hear that funding has been secured and work is planned to start in the coming weeks on this major electricity upgrade in Windermere. Our plans for the brand-new electric Windermere Ferry relies on this infrastructure being in place. The enhanced provision of electric vehicle charging points in this high tourist area will also be of great benefit to visitors and locals alike.

“I’d like to thank the travelling public in advance for their patience and understanding whilst these important works take place as traffic delays are inevitable.”

Managing director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, said: “The development of Windermere’s first electric ferry is very welcome. Along with the benefits of potential new electric charging points in several car parks, this will be crucial in supporting future business and tourism, as well as supporting Cumbria’s wider ambitions as a sustainable visitor destination."