MP secures Transport for the North’s backing for A591 investment

Local MP Tim Farron has secured the support of Transport for the North for a key Cumbrian road to be included in a new Government funding scheme.

The A591, which runs from Keswick to Kendal, had previously not been included in plans for the Major Road Network.

However, after a meeting in Westminster, the body pledged to advise the Government to include the Cumbrian road in the new scheme.

The Major Road Network will see more money allocated for some of the country's busiest and most economically important local authority 'A' roads.

Last month Tim wrote to the Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, urging him to reconsider the omission.

Tim said: "I'm delighted to have the backing of Transport for the North to include the A591 in the Major Road Network.

"The A591 is essentially the Lake District's motorway and we saw the huge problems that were caused to the county when Storm Desmond forced it to close back in 2015.

"This investment is badly needed if our area is to truly reap the benefits of the Lake District becoming a World Heritage Site."