Farron celebrates success in campaign for tourist signs for Sedbergh and the Dales

3.00.00pm GMT Wed 25th Jun 2008

Local MP Tim Farron has today welcomed the confirmation that the campaign to persuade the Department for Transport and the Highways Agency to install brown tourist signs directing people to the 'Western Dales' has been successful. Brown signs will appear at Junction 37 this autumn. This should see a sizeable boost in tourism to the area, and is a direct result of Mr Farrons' continued campaign. The key to the Government's decision appears to have been a meeting held between Mr Farron and Transport Minister Tom Harris last December, but has been followed by a consultation period which has now concluded. Mr Farron is nevertheless concerned because the signs are not to be installed until autumn, after the current main tourist season.

Commenting, Mr Farron said:

"This is fantastic news. The sign on Junction 37 of the M6 will bring an increase in tourism business to the area and will be of great benefit to Sedbergh, Dent and Garsdale, providing a boost to the local economy.

"I am concerned, however, that the signs will not be installed until the autumn. This means that the signs will be installed after the tourism season has peaked, costing local businesses trade for another year. Hopefully, this will be the last year that this happens, and I look forwards to seeing more tourists and increased trade in the Western Dales next year!"