Last updated 19:39, Thursday, 10 April 2008

WHERE there’s a will there’s a way. And today, as more comfortable breathing begins again across Cumbria, there’s knowledge that a will to serve the best interests of this county has forged a route through conflict.

Snatching opportunity from crisis, talks yesterday between Stobart boss Andrew Tinkler and Carlisle City Council formed the first steps of a renewed journey along that path to a more hopeful future.

Almost all the planning conditions Mr Tinkler believed would have restricted the growth of his business have been ironed out. With sensitivity and common purpose, when the council’s development control committee meets again at the end of this month, proposals for a £35m investment plan to transform Carlisle Airport into a freight and passenger hub should be able to nudge towards reality.

There is detail, of course. But it is by no means as bedeviled or overwhelming as it was this time last week. A workable solution to problems that saw an angry breakdown in relationships last Friday is now a distinct possibility. That means a chance of Cumbrian job security, economic growth in Carlisle, development of business potential and necessary prestige.

Stobart’s airport plan has been controversial, dogged by high drama and it isn’t quite home and dry yet.

Mr Tinkler’s legal duty to the shareholders of his public company must be met. His board, meeting next week, will need to weigh the relative merits of basing their business in Carlisle rather than Widnes.

Council representatives must also work to meet their duty to the electorate and the wider regional economy.

There are also remaining conditions relating to the monitoring of noise and wildlife, giving an added dimension to the crucial way ahead.

But with hundreds of jobs hanging on a business’s willingness to invest private money and focused enterprise in the future of a county in serious need of financial uplift, it’s perhaps worth all parties remembering – badgers don’t have mortgages.