DONALD CAMPBELL’S Bluebird could return to the water for a one-off attempt to reach 100mph, national park officials have decided.

A bylaw enforcing a 10mph speed limit on Coniston Water was amended for the attempt, using the jet-powered boat on the stretch of water where Mr Campbell died attempting to break his own world water speed record in 1967.

He died instantly when the craft flipped over at a speed of more than 300mph.

Members of the Lake District National Park Authority, meeting in Kendal, Cumbria, agreed yesterday to allow a one-off trial to prove the restored vessel’s seaworthiness ahead of any further trips on the lake. Eleven members voted to allow the trial, while four voted against.

The bylaw had to be amended because, although world speed records are exempt from the 10mph limit, the Bluebird Project’s ambition is only to travel up to 100mph.

Any additional events on the lake involving Bluebird following the trial would need the authority’s additional approval.

Chairman Bill Jefferson told the committee yesterday: “It (Bluebird) is a tribute to human endeavour. We could close it in 1967, but what a way for the human race to believe.

I would rather support human endeavour and leave it this way.

“This is much bigger than creating noise or closing roads off. Think bigger, think wider, think visionary.”

The recommendation will be submitted to the Government for approval and any dummy run would also need to pass stringent environmental and safety checks.

Formal consultation will take place and a public inquiry could be ordered if there are objections.

Diver Bill Smith, who has lead the restoration of the craft at a workshop in North Shields, North Tyneside, said they hoped to have Bluebird ready for its trial in 2011.

“I think it is a good result. I am euphoric at the prospect of having the final objective in sight,” he said.

“This means so much to me personally, because I started looking for the wreck in 1996 and to my mind it is obvious that Coniston is the right place to attempt to get it back in the water.

“Gina (Mr Campbell’s daughter) will be thrilled. She wants to see her father’s memory brought to the fore. She sees this as a fitting memorial.”

Paul Evans was an Army communications officer who manned the radio on the day of Mr Campbell’s ill-fated record attempt. His son, Mark, has been involved in restoring Bluebird.

Speaking from his home in Darlington yesterday, he said he initially had reservations about the project, but was now fully in support.

“I am 100 per cent behind it.

It will generate interest,” he said.

“It will keep it alive for the future and keeps it in people's memories.”