A PARLIAMENTARY candidate who arrived in the Lake District this week to launch his election campaign ended his visit being quizzed by police over a dispute with a ranger, reports Michaela Robinson-Tate.

Independent candidate and long-standing anti-10mph speed limit protester Tony Kemp told The Westmorland Gazette that he voluntarily attended a police station after kicking off his campaign by water-skiing in a business suit on Windermere.

He said he was questioned over an alleged incident between him and a Lake District National Park Authority ranger.

Mr Kemp, 45, of Bingley, who is standing for the Westmorland and Lonsdale seat, claimed that the incident arose over him being filmed by the ranger. He said that what happened had been captured on film by watching media, and he denied any wrongdoing.

"They (the police) said they would be investigating the matter further," he said.

"I know they have been in touch with the press to ask for a copy of their tape, and I think this is - please quote me on this an appalling waste of police time."

He told the Gazette he had been skiing at speeds of up to 25mph.

If the speed limit, which was imposed last month after many years of controversy, was broken, it would be the boat driver who would be in trouble. In this case, the driver was wearing a mask and left the scene without giving his name.

Rangers, unlike the police, do not have the authority to demand someone's name and address.

LDNPA spokesman Mick Casey said that a ranger attended hospital for treatment.

Mr Casey said that Mr Kemp's water-skiing party was being monitored by rangers as part of the routine implementation of the by-law.

Mike Head, for Cumbria Police, said a 45-year-old man from Bingley attended Windermere Police Station voluntarily and he had been reported for the offence of common assault.

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