AN ambitious action plan for Kendal has taken a step forward as town councillors agreed on an implementation schedule for their ‘vision’.

At its meeting on Monday, Kendal Town Council formally agreed a timetable for their ‘wish list’ of measures for the town’s future.

One of the four overarching ambitions for Kendal is to make it ‘the best arts and culture destination in the rural North West'.

Proposals identified as ‘high priority’ in delivering this include:

l Better signage within the town

l A website and apps with information about events and attractions

l Promoting the concept of an athletics track and other facilities

The document also states an ambition to see Oxenholme Station changing its name to Kendal, or including ‘Kendal’ in its name in some way.

A raft of measures have been suggested to make Kendal ‘a vibrant and successful market town’, including a focus on creating a ‘continental’ cafe culture to boost the evening economy.

The authority also wants to work with the district and county council to help introduce buses after 5pm for events, special parking deals at quiet trading times, more pedestrian ways, more cycle ways and potentially a new bridge in town.

Other recommendations in the document include the creation of a northern development route and southern relief road, finding 'a better place for taxis' and reviewing town perimeter car parks, with a possible 'Park and Ride' service.

Another ‘high priority’ issue is to make the town ‘a place for creative and innovative businesses’, including supporting incubator units and Enterprise hubs, as well as working with planners to ensure employment sites are attractive.

The fourth key area of the plan is for Kendal to be an age and disabled friendly town.

The council has consulted with several local groups and organisations over aspects of the plans, including Kendal Futures, Kendal Business Improvement District (BID), the Civic Society and the Federation of Small Business in South Lakeland.

Speaking in support of the schedule, Cllr Chris Hogg said: “It’s important that we have a plan – and an ambitious plan – but we can only deliver it through partnerships.”