Special summit in parliament to resolve ongoing rail crisis

Furness MP John Woodcock's decision to call a special Westminster summit to address the railways crisis has prompted a response from the top tier of government.

Despite parliament being in recess, transport secretary Chris Grayling MP today signalled action to tackle the chronic problems that have hit Furness customers and which culminated last week into 24 hours of cancellations and delays.

In a letter to MPs the transport secretary wrote: "I am writing to you concerning the wholly unsatisfactory levels of disruption on rail services following the huge timetable changes last week."

Mr Woodcock announced his Westminster meeting for following months of shambolic performances from train operator Northern Rail. He has invited Cumbria's MPs, rail minister Jo Johnson MP, council leaders and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.