Closing Crummock will swamp Buttermere
Our research is highlighting problems for Farmers, businesses and residents of Buttermere if plans go ahead to restrict access to Crummock water from next year. Crummock attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year but the United Utilities scheme to drop the lake level is expected to divert them elsewhere.
Chaos on roads to Buttermere has been a problem for years but the long term closure of the Lake is expected to make the situation much worse.
“ Restricting public access to the Crummock area during any site works is highly likely to increase pressure on surrounding tourist sites and local infrastructure, including the potential funnelling of visitors toward nearby honeypot sites like the Buttermere Lake”( Dr NC Coleman, a valley resident and specialist in Human Geography)
John Temple was a farmer in Buttermere but relocated his flock to Lorton five years ago. He said, “while most visitors are very respectful, for some there are no rules really”. He had continued problems with dogs killing sheep, human waste and wild campers. “You used to be able to share the craic with them and they would be gone by 5am the next morning but now its all music, bbq’s and windbreaks.” John has written to LDNPA objecting to the United Utilities scheme. He faces hundreds of construction lorries coming past his door in Low Lorton.
John Temple
Dropping the level of Crummock will expose wide beach areas 10 metres or so deep. During UU consultation, locals voiced concern about cars parking on the Buttermere road blocking emergency vehicles. It looks like it can only get worse.