MP calls for investment in Cumbrian railway

Tim Farron: Passing loop would cost £10m Credit: PA

The Government must use the funds saved by shelving the Lakes Line railway electrification plans to invest in a passing loop to increase capacity, South Lakes MP Tim Farron insisted today.

The Government last week announced that it would shelve plans to electrify the Lakes Line.

Mr Farron is angered that his project, costing £16 million, was due to take place by 2017, but had been repeatedly delayed.

This decision came just days before the government reaffirmed its commitment to Crossrail 2 – a rail scheme in London which it is estimated will cost about £30bn.

An independent study commissioned by the Lakes Line Community Rail Partnership suggests that a passing loop would cost just under £10million, Mr Farron said.