MP secures meeting with Treasury minister over Lakes Line passing loop plans

On the floor of the House of Commons this afternoon, local MP Tim Farron secured a meeting with a Minister from the Treasury over plans to double the capacity on the Lakes Line from Oxenholme to Windermere.

The proposals would see a passing loop built near Burneside station so that two trains could serve the line every hour.

Cumbria County Council are currently developing a feasibility study into the scheme.

Speaking during Treasury Questions in Parliament, Tim said: "After London, the Lake District is the most popular visitor destination in the United Kingdom, with 19 million visitors a year.

"Its' only direct rail link is a single track from the mainline at Oxenholme to Windermere - the Lakes Line.

"Now there is a proposal on the table to effectively dual that line via a passing loop at Burneside.

"Would she agree to meet with me and folks from the local authority to make sure that we - no pun intended - fast-track the dualling of the Lakes Line?"

In response, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Helen Whately said: "The growth of tourism is really, really important as part of the wider economic growth of the country.

"I'd be delighted to meet with him and talk about his proposal."

Speaking afterwards, Tim said: "Doubling capacity on the Lakes Line is an absolute no-brainer.

"It would bring massive benefits to the tourism economy, to people commuting to work and school and - by making it more attractive to use public transport rather than their car - to the environment too."