Lake chiefs back Bluebird speed limit exemption

Donald Campbell's Bluebird will run again at speed on the lake where the record-breaker lost his life almost 60 years ago after Lake District National Park chiefs backed the plan.

The hydroplane was destroyed on Coniston Water in January 1967 when Campbell crashed as he attempted to push his own water speed record past 300mph (480km/h).

After being recovered and restored, it was handed to Coniston's Ruskin Museum last year, with the organisation applying for permission to run the craft above the lake's 10mph (16km/h) speed limit next May.

The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) was told the event would enhance the legacy of a man who was "a hero for millions of adults and children".

Jeff Carroll, chair of the museum's trustees, told a LDNPA committee meeting in Kendal that Bluebird K7 represented the UK's post-war "engineering prowess".

He described the planned return to Coniston Water between 11 and 17 May as "a possibly one-time-only event to inspire a new generation".

"Campbell's death was a day that shook the world," he said.

"Four of Bluebird's seven world water speed records were set on Coniston Water. That would have been five had fate not intervened."

With worldwide interest still strong in both Campbell and his craft, Mr Carroll said "significant numbers" of visitors would be expected in Coniston.

Museum chiefs are working with traffic management experts in an attempt to mitigate disruption for villagers.

Park-and-ride facilities would be used for the duration of the event, he added.

Debating the speed limit exemption application, Steve Ratcliffe, LDNPA director of sustainable development, told colleagues about 20,000 visitors would be expected each day.

Committee members heard Bluebird had reached just over 150mph (250km/h) when the craft last ran, at Loch Fad on Scotland's Isle of Bute, in 2018.

Coniston Power Boat Records Week, meanwhile, saw speeds of about 130mph (210km/h) annually, Mr Ratcliffe explained.

Concerns around safety measures for other lake users as well as members of the public nearby were discussed.

Chair Tiffany Hunt MBE said she was "very supportive" of the event but added organisers faced "quite a challenge".

Committee members then approved the exemption.

Campbell's daughter Gina welcomed the news, saying her father "would be delighted".

"I know that the Ruskin Museum and the people of Coniston will get behind it," she added.

Bluebird was recovered from the bottom of the lake in 2001 and restored on Tyneside by engineer Bill Smith and a team of volunteers.

However, a years-long ownership row followed before Mr Smith relinquished his claim last year.

While September will be the 70th anniversary of Campbell setting one of his world records on Coniston, May has been proposed for Bluebird's return because it is hoped it will provide smoother conditions.

Australian Dave Warby, son of the late-water speed world-record holder Ken Warby, will be in the cockpit.

Blue Bird K3, a hydroplane used by Campbell's father Malcolm to set three water speed world records, is also set to run.

Events are due to be held on the lakeside including musical performances on the final weekend.

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.