Farron Welcomes A591 Reopening
South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that, after more than five months, the A591 is finally due to reopen tomorrow morning at 8.30am.
The A591 has been closed since 5th December, when it was damaged during the floods caused by Storm Desmond.
The closure had a significant negative impact on businesses in the area, due to the reduced trade. Since the beginning of April, the closure is estimated to have cost the local economy half a million pounds per day.
Tim is tabling an Early Day Motion in parliament to welcome the opening of the road, thank the workers who helped to make it happen, and to declare the Lake District back open for business.
Tim said: "I am delighted that the road will finally reopen tomorrow morning. It has been a long five months for local businesses, who have struggled with reduced trade since the road was first damaged by the floods.
"It's a shame that the Conservative government decided not to make the A591 a priority and it has taken this long to be fixed, but the repair of the road now sends a clear message that Cumbia is back open for business! This will help to boost the tourist trade and provide welcome relief for local businesses.
"I'd like to thank all those involved in the reconstruction work, as well as the business owners who have held out for this moment throughout this difficult period."
The wording of the EDM which Tim is tabling is as follows:
That this house notes and welcomes the reopening of the crucial A591 route connecting the north and south of the Lake District; thanks all those who have been involved in the work undertaken to repair the road; thanks the businesses that have continued to trade despite the adversity faced; regrets that the road was not reopened sooner so as to relieve this pressure; and declares that with the completion of this work and the reinstatement of the road, the Lake District is back open for business.