Libby Bateman challenges Transport Secretary over West Coast Main Line investment

The Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Cumbria, Libby Bateman has written to the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, asking for a long-term plan to invest in the West Coast Main Line.

It comes as damning statistics show that Penrith, Oxenholme, and Carlisle are

among the worst performing stations in the country for cancellations and delays.

According to the website On Time Trains, Penrith ranks as the second worst station in Great Britain for reliability over the past six weeks.

In her letter, Libby put forward a number of upgrades which have been suggested by people in the rail industry including longer passing loops to allow passenger trains to pass slower freight trains and improved signalling and track layout at Carlisle and Lancaster stations.

Writing to the Transport Secretary, Libby Bateman said, “The West Coast Main Line is an absolutely pivotal transport link for Cumbria.

“But for too long, passengers have had to put up with endless disruption, with a huge impact on businesses and to our visitor economy.

“It is also deeply damaging to regional growth in Cumbria.

“It’s painfully clear that an investment strategy is needed.”