Heritage service success leads to fresh calls for Lakes Line passing loop

Local MP Tim Farron has renewed his calls for a passing loop on the Lakes Line following the success of the free heritage service run by West Coast Railways over Easter weekend.

A passing loop, as well as doubling the number of trains that could run on the line, would allow for the possibility for heritage services to run on the line alongside regular passenger trains.

Tim has written to the rail minister, Andrew Jones, encouraging him to pursue the idea of a passing loop.

Tim said: "The service provided by West Coast Railways proved to be a massive success with both local residents and visitors.

"This has been a rare good news story for the rail industry but it's such a shame that we can only reap the benefits of this when the line has been closed.

"There is already a clear case about the need for a passing loop which would double the numbers of trains going into the country's second biggest visitor destination.

"But following the success of the West Coast Railways service it's clear that a passing loop ,which would allow heritage services to run alongside existing passengers services, would surely provide a massive boost to the Lake District economy."