MP calls on 'Cross Country MPs' to join rail campaign

12.01.31pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Aug 2006

Local MP Tim Farron has called on other MPs who represent seats on the Cross Country rail route to join the campaign against proposals which would see passengers having to change at Birmingham or Manchester to get to stations in the North West.

The Department for Transport is currently consulting on plans to remove the North West from the Cross Country franchise - meaning passengers travelling to and from Cumbria would no longer benefit from through trains to the South West and South Coast.

Tim Farron has launched a motion in Parliament against the plans, and last week wrote to other MPs who represent seats on the Cross Country rail route asking them to support it.

Tim said: "Many local residents together with tourists visiting the Lake District will be affected by these proposals - and will be less likely to travel by train as it becomes less convenient. We should be doing more to encourage travel by train - this is simply a step in the wrong direction."