Libby Bateman secures Lib Dem party leader’s support for campaign to keep Junction 38 open

Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Cumbria, Libby Bateman, has garnered the support of the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, for the community campaign to keep Junction 38 open of the M6.

Under plans previously set out by National Highways, the junction will be closed southbound for 18 months, and then northbound for 18 months while essential work is carried out to repair bridges at the Lune Gorge.

A petition, opposing the controversial proposals, has received more than 8,000 signatures.

Earlier this summer, the organisation said they would be conducting a full review into the project after listening to feedback.

Libby said: “Of course we absolutely agree that the work that engineers are doing to rebuild bridges across the motorway is vitally important. No one would dispute this

“However, the disruption that would be caused by these closures over the next four years would result in traffic chaos in Kirkby Stephen and Kendal, and lead to villages such as Tebay, Orton and Grayrigg facing huge delays.

“The community have done a fantastic job making the case for National Highways to pause and review, but now is the time to make sure they follow through on their word.

“That’s why I’m thrilled that Sir Ed Davey has thrown his weight behind the campaign and is backing local residents to keep Junction 38 open.”

During a visit to Tebay on Friday, Sir Ed Davey added: “Liberal Democrats get out and fight for the communities we serve – and that's exactly what Tim and Libby have done, standing up to National Highways over the closure of Junction 38, which would hit families, businesses, farmers and Cumbria's tourism trade hard.

“National Highways need to keep listening and keep this vital junction open while the bridge repairs continue.”