More investment needed in West Coast Main Line says Farron

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called for more investment on the West Coast Main Line and at Oxenholme station to try and help capitalise on the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Virgin said demand on Glasgow to London services has increased by 144% in the past five years and they expect it to grow further in the next few years. Virgin has said the trains will be lengthened to cope with a surge in demand already experienced by the operator - and an increase in visitor numbers next year.

Tim is hoping that better services on the West Coast Main Line will boost tourism in the Lake District and the Western Dales. Tim has asked Virgin to invest in improving facilities at Oxenholme and help advertise the SouthLakes.

Tim has written to Virgin Trains Chief Operating Officer Chris Gibb asking them to look into the plan.

Tim said: "The usage of the West Coast Main Line has grown massively in the last few years. I hope to meet with Virgin bosses to discuss investment in Oxenholme and ways that we can advertise the Lake District to the hundreds of thousands of commuters, passengers and travellers who use the line every year."