A sign near Rattlebeck Bridge opposing the zipwire plans

Plans for a zipwire in a quiet Lake District valley have been dropped after residents voted overwhelmingly against the proposal.

Treetop Trek, which runs a high-rope adventure course near Windermere, wanted to install a mile-long wire in Glenridding, in the shadow of Helvellyn.

But following a local poll by Patterdale Parish Council, in which 96 per cent of people were against the zipwire, the application has been withdrawn.

Only 13 people backed the idea.

The zipwire would have enabled thrill-seekers to reach speeds of up to 60mph gliding down on parallel wires from Stang End above the disused Greenside mine, to near Rattlebeck Bridge at the bottom of the valley.

It would have used land owned by the Lake District National Park Authority.

Mike Turner of Treetop Trek hinted the zipwire might be more acceptable elsewhere. He said: “While I obviously regret not having been able to develop the concept into a proposal, I will stand by our commitment not to pursue this any further in Glenridding.

“I am grateful for having had the opportunity to debate what was always going to be a contentious topic and in doing so have at least demonstrated that the zipwire concept is valid and broadly acceptable in the right location.

“I would like to thank the community again for their time. It is to their complete credit that they have been so unified in their response.”

The zipwire would have rund down Glenridding from the old Greenside Mine buildings

The national park authority said in a statement: “This has been an unusual and complex potential planning application.

“Treetop Trek has listened to the community, taken on board the strength of feeling and announced that they no longer wish to pursue this proposal.

“Our priority is to balance the need to conserve our spectacular landscape, whilst securing vibrant communities, and being open to opportunities to enhance our economy and improve the offer we have for visitors.

“There is no special treatment for us or any potential applicant. If an application had been submitted it would have gone through the normal public consultation and decision-making process to assess whether or not it is suitable development for this location.

“The fact this proposal involved national park land is not an untypical situation for us or any planning authority. It would be subject to the exact same process as an application with no commercial benefit.

“We want to continue to work with residents and businesses to explore options to meet the needs of visitors and the community to help improve the special qualities of this valley and help boost the local economy.”