MP’s anger over rail disruption in West Cumbria

A West Cumbrian MP said he was angry and disappointed that train passengers face disruption until spring next year as Bransty Tunnel remains closed.

Network Rail revealed this morning that the tunnel, which closed on July 25, will have to remain closed as it had discovered old mine workings which had made its work more challenging.

The 1km tunnel connects Whitehaven and Corcickle stations. Since its closure, a rail replacement bus service has been running.

Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister said he was extremely disappointed by the news.

He said: “I’m also angry at the disruption this will cause to passengers on the Cumbria Coast Line.

“I have received assurances that rail services will continue to run as far as Corkickle from the south and Whitehaven from the north and will raise any issues that arise with services directly with bosses at Northern.

“I have also made clear to Network Rail my strong view that the temporary treatment works on the water from the tunnel should continue throughout the closure so that we don’t see Whitehaven Harbour return to its orange state while work continues on a permanent fix to that problem. They have committed to explore this.

“Tens of millions of pounds are now needed to fix this problem. I have already made representations to the Rail Minister to ensure that we get the funding we need.

“But the problems in the Bransty tunnel are a symptom of years of neglect of the line and demonstrate the urgency of a wider and significant upgrade to the Cumbria Coast Line.

“My Cumbrian MP colleagues and I have been calling for this upgrade since the election last year and our work continues to deliver it. We will be meeting with the Rail Minister in the next few weeks to press our case again.”