Cumbrian MPs have met with a Government minister to discuss upgrading rail in the county.
Westmorland & Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister and Barrow & Furness MP Michelle Scrogham met with rail minister Lord Hendy.
Mr Farron is pressing for a passing loop on the Lakes Line, which would double capacity on the line between Oxenholme and Windermere.
A business case was submitted to the Government in 2023 by Westmorland and Furness Council.
The minister told Mr Farron that the next stage is would be for the Government to include the scheme in the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline – a list of rail projects which require government funding.
The minister said that they would be announcing the list of projects soon.
Mrs Scrogham and Mr MacAlister made the case for upgrades to the Cumbria Coast Line which runs between Carlisle and Barrow.
After the meeting, Mr Farron said: “I was reassured to see that the minister was incredibly positive about the passing loop, and was clear about the many benefits that doubling capacity on the Lakes Line would bring for businesses, commuters, and visitors.
“Nevertheless I’ve been disappointed by the slow progress on this, despite the warm words of previous ministers.
“It is an absolute no brainer for the Government to back this project – I’m determined to keep up the pressure to make sure they do.”
