HS2 meeting positive for Cumbria, say business leaders

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has held "positive and constructive" talks with the Minister for HS2 to call for high-speed trains to stop in Cumbria.

The Government plans to build a 225mph high-speed line as far north as Wigan, from where trains will continue over existing tracks to Glasgow or Edinburgh.

The Chamber has been making the case for Cumbrian stops for the last year and HS2 is now actively considering a stop in Carlisle where trains from London would be divided into separate portions for Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Julian Whittle, the Chamber's Business Engagement Manager, met HS2 Minister Nusrat Ghani in London today to make the case for Cumbrian stops.

Under current proposals, HS2 trains between London and Scotland will pass through the county without stopping, forcing passengers from Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme to change at Preston.

The Chamber says the loss of direct trains to the capital will damage businesses.