MP welcomes Tour of Britain to South Lakeland

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has tabled a motion in parliament to welcome the Tour of Britain cycling race to South Lakeland.

The Tour of Britain will see some of Britain's top cyclists tackle the roads of Cumbria as they race 116 miles from Carlisle to Kendal. Thousands of spectators are expected to turn up to see the likes of Olympic medallists Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish race through some of the country's most stunning scenery.

The route will take in a number of locations across Cumbria that were badly hit by the floods last winter, including the repaired A591 route near Thirlmere.

Tim has tabled a motion in parliament welcoming the event, and thanking the County and District Councils for their work in bringing this event to the area.

Tim said: "This race is the perfect showcase for our area. People in Britain and beyond will see that the Lake District really is a stunning location and a fantastic place to visit.

"Hosting this event is a real testament to the resilience of our area. Local residents and businesses suffered badly during the floods but have shown incredible determination to fight back.

"This race is a real vote of confidence in the Lake District as a whole, and will provide a welcome boost to the local tourist industry as we continue to fightback from the effects of the floods."

The text of the EDM is as follows:

This House welcomes the Tour of Britain to Cumbria; notes the damage caused by flooding in the areas the race will visit and the welcome boost to the tourist economy that the race will provide to the communities that are now bouncing back after the floods; thanks the County and District Councils for their work bringing this event to Cumbria; and looks forward to the event's return to Cumbria in future years.