MP pushes National Park Authority to keep the Lake District open for all after gates enforced on popular bridleway

Local MP Tim Farron has written to the Chief Executive of the Lake District National Park Authority urging him to rethink plans to restrict access to Gatescarth Pass near Haweswater.

Recently, two padlocked gates have been erected at both ends of the popular bridleway. And while walkers can still get on the pass through a kissing gate, the tall gates are inaccessible for mountain bikers, horse riders and off-road wheelchair users.

Tim said: "Gatescarth Pass is such a beautiful and well-used green lane in the heart of the Lakes, so it boggles the mind that it's being made more difficult to access it.

"I'm putting pressure on the National Park Authority to rethink their decision.

"It's vital that if we are to reap the benefits of being a World Heritage Site, then the Lake District simply must be open for all."