MP raises Lakes Line fiasco at PMQs

Local MP Tim Farron used today's Prime Minister's Questions to push the Government to strip the Lakes Line from Northern.

Almost 2,000 people have already signed Tim's online petition calling for the company to have the franchise taken off them after mass cancellations over the past few months for commuters and tourists visiting the Lake District.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Tim said: "The Lakes Line from Oxenholme to Windermere has seen 160 cancellations in the month of April and in the first week of May 72 cancellations, risking the potential futures of GCSE students as they try and get to school and get left stranded, affecting people trying to get to work and the hundreds and hundreds of people trying to visit what is Britain's second biggest tourist destination.

"Will she join with me and say that this is an outrage?

"Will she use her office to ensure that Northern has the franchise removed from them, and will she undo the damage to the Lakes Line by keeping the Government's initial promise to electrify the line?"

In response, Theresa May said: "The Transport Secretary is aware of the issue that he has raised. I understand that the Department for Transport is working with Northern to identify these issues and to see a quick resolution."