SIGNIFICANT repairs are to be carried out on the Tilberthwaite green lanes this autumn.

The announcement comes after a leading advisory group to UNESCO said the damage being done to land in the area by 4x4 vehicles was threatening the Lake District's status as a World Heritage site.

A partnership funded by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), Cumbria County Council and The National Trust will undertake the repair work, which will start on Monday and is expected to take around six to eight weeks.

During this time the Tilberthwaite public road between High Tilberthwaite Farm and the Langdale Road at Fell Foot Bridge will be closed to all vehicles but will remain open to walkers and mountain bikers.

The LDNPA said the road was originally a well-built stone road that served agricultural and quarrying activities and, as such, forms part of the historic heritage of the area.

"However, in recent years the condition of the route has worsened significantly and it has been agreed that remedial action is now needed to preserve the road and prevent further erosion," said a spokesperson. "These major resurfacing and drainage works will be carried out in a sympathetic and sustainable way and will result in improved access for all road users."

The LDNPA will carry out the work on behalf of the partnership.

Steve Tatlock, LDNPA Park Management Team Leader, said: "This represents a significant investment from all partners to ensure improved access for users and to minimise further environmental damage.

"We aim to complete these works as quickly as we can and with as little disruption as possible, but road users should be aware that they will need to plan ahead for journeys during this time.

"Once these repairs are completed and we understand more about the usage of the route it will enable us to decide what the most appropriate long-term management of this route should be."