CUMBRIAN MP EXPRESSES DISMAY OVER LACK OF LEVELLING UP FUNDING FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES.

Today, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has expressed his disappointment over the Government's failure to support rural constituencies following the results of the second round of Levelling Up funding.

New research, conducted by the Liberal Democrats, reveals that just over one-fifth of the new round of 'Levelling Up' grants from the Government were awarded to rural constituencies.

Whilst Tim says he is "encouraged" by the news that Morecambe Bay will see £50 million for their 'Eden project' he is saddened to see no new funding awarded across either South Lakeland or Eden District Council boundaries.

A bid was made for a new business enterprise at Junction 41 by Eden District Council and aimed at delivering rural economic advancements. The project - which has already received planning permission - would provide jobs and training in modern technologies and professions to an area which has seen little economic development since the end of the industrial revolution. Additionally, the 'heart of Kendal' bid within South Lakeland would have been low cost, and improved community services such as bus stops and walkways.

Speaking this morning, Tim said: "I am extremely disappointed, but not surprised, to see the Tory Government once again ignore rural communities with this new round of funding.

"The announcement of Levelling Up funding for the Eden project in Morecambe Bay is exciting, but it is so disheartening to see the two bids from Cumbrian rural communities were turned down.

"It very much feels like the Tory Government are taking us for granted and don't recognise or understand the challenges we face.

"The fact of the matter is that smaller, achievable projects from rural communities were not chosen despite how much good they would do or how easy they would be to achieve with the funding."