Traffic changes in Kendal town centre have contributed to a fall in trade, a report has concluded.

An independent consultants' report said controversial changes to the traffic system earlier this year added to the problems faced by shop owners.

But consultancy firm Rural Innovation said the road changes were not the only reason for the town's economic problems and said the real issues for a downturn in business lay elsewhere.

Their report concluded the solution was more complicated than simply reversing the traffic changes.

To simply reverse the traffic system would be tinkering around the edges

Rob Hindle, Rural Innovation

Many businesses blamed the experimental changes in Kendal's one-way system, brought in last April, for a drop in trade.

Rural Innovation was brought in to study the claims.

Their conclusion is that Kendal's shopping centre suffers problems ranging from a lack of short-stay free parking to the selection of shops and buildings in the town.

They said the traffic changes exacerbated some of these and added to others.

Rob Hindle, from Rural Innovation, told BBC Radio Cumbria: "We say there are a lot of things that need looking at.

"What is needed is that the council, county council, the traders and other businesses get together and have a good look at what they can do to improve the town centre.

"To simply reverse the traffic system would be tinkering around the edges."

County councillors will discuss the traffic debate at a meeting on Wednesday.