Farron raises concerns with minister over cuts in funding for Rugby League

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has written to Minister for Sport Hugh Robertson expressing concern over Sport England's decision to cut funding to the Rugby Football League by £10.1 million in its next round of grants.

Tim cited the forthcoming Rugby League World Cup, which Cumbria helps to host in 2013, as a massive opportunity to raise the profile of the sport at grass roots level, and called on the Minister for assurances that cuts of this volume would not hurt the game's growth in the region.

Workington Town RLFC's Derwent Park stadium has recently undergone £350,000's worth of improvement in anticipation of the event, but Sport England's decision could mean that programmes aimed at attracting youngsters into the sport in Cumbria could struggle to get off the ground.

In his letter, Tim highlighted the importance of using Rugby League's increased national exposure to increase numbers of participants and followers of the sport, having been made aware of public concern that Rugby League could lose out on talented youngsters to sports experiencing well publicised on-field successes.

Commenting, Tim said: "Having the opportunity to host matches in the Rugby League World Cup in 2013 is a fantastic opportunity to boost the profile of Rugby League in Cumbria and get people of all ages interested in the sport.

"It is very important that the Rugby League World Cup coming to Cumbria results in a lasting interest in the sport and an enduring legacy of participation in our region, which is why I am asking the minister to ensure this funding cut will not put this legacy at risk. "