MP demands new trains after mass delays across the South Lakes cause more misery for commuters

Local MP Tim Farron has written to the Transport Secretary asking for the Government to start properly investing in the area after a Freedom of Information request by Tim's office found that over a quarter of trains on the Lakes Line have arrived late at their final destination since April.

Earlier this month it was revealed that over 100 trains were cancelled over the summer on the Furness Line.

In a letter written to Chris Grayling, the South Lakes MP called for the current trains on the Windermere and Furness Lines to be upgraded.

Last April, the Government downgraded the trains from the Class 185 trains to the much older and smaller Class 156 trains.

Tim said: "These woeful figures are yet another kick in the teeth for commuters in South Cumbria.

"The decision to shelve the electrification of the Lakes Line, mass cancellations on the Furness Line, and now huge delays on the Windermere Line, are all proof that this Conservative Government don't really care about rail users in the South Lakes.

"I've written to the Transport Secretary demanding this area's railways be given proper investment, starting with upgrading the trains on the Windermere and Furness Lines."