'Stupid' one way walking system at Doncaster's Lakeside to be scrapped after complaints

Doncaster Council installed signs urging walkers to follow a one way route around the popular beauty spot in a bid to prevent coronavirus infections.

But the project was instantly met with ridicule – and now councillors have said the scheme is to be ditched.

Bessacarr Ward councillor Coun Majid Khan said: “Coun Dave Shaw and I have had a meeting this morning with council officers.

"The one way system around the lake will be removed. An official statement will follow from DMBC.”

Blue direction signs, installed earlier this month, have arrows indicating the way walkers should walk around the popular Doncaster beauty spot when they visit.

But the move was heavily criticised by walkers who were left baffled by the signs.

Vivienne Bell wrote on Facebook: “I will be going the way I've always gone, what a ridiculous idea.”

Tom Chambers posted: “Complete waste of money and stupid idea. I’m on there daily with my dog and daughter and there many elderly people who use small sections of the lake to walk a little then turn back because they are unable to walk all way round.”

Mark Collins added: “Absolutely agree - waste of time, resources and money! What if you’re not completing a full lap?”

The lake has become popular spot during lockdown, but there have been a number of criticisms.

In June last year, parts of the path were sealed off over fears of people being able to maintain social distancing on narrow sections – but fences were repeatedly smashed down.

Then in November, non-waterproof signs urging walkers to follow social distancing were washed away hours after being painted.

Explaining the system last week, Doncaster Council’s Director of Economy and Environment, Dan Swaine, said: "The paths around the lake are narrow in some places and so to make it easier for people to navigate their way round and be able to continue social distancing we have installed a one way system around the lake, which will be a monitored and reviewed.

"Our aim is to help people to enjoy Doncaster’s beauty spots as safely as possible.”