Borderlands deal must work for all of Cumbria - MP

Local MP Tim Farron has stressed that the Government's new Borderlands Growth Deal needs to benefit the whole of Cumbria - not just the North of the county.

In a letter to Jake Berry, the minister responsible for the deal, Tim welcomed the initiative but said it must focus on improving broadband and transport infrastructure in the Lake District.

Tim said: "The Borderlands Growth Deal is a positive step for bringing more growth and job opportunities to our area.

"However, for it to be a success it needs to work for all of Cumbria - not just the North of the county.

"For the deal to be able to deliver something tangible - there are two keys areas it needs to focus on.

"Firstly, poor broadband speed continues to be a problem which is hampering local businesses in Cumbria. A big priority for the Growth Deal needs to be improving this and ensuring superfast broadband is installed during the building of all new homes and public buildings.

"Secondly, with the Lake District recently gaining World Heritage Site status, it's vital that the new deal looks at improving infrastructure - especially road and rail - to help Cumbria cope with the likely increase of people visiting the area."