Electrification of Lakes Line

Today's announcement by the Secretary of State for Transport was good news for the Conservative members who worked in conjunction with the Lakes Users Group to bring this to a successful conclusion. The Secretary of State said:

"This is a key line to one of the most important tourist areas in the UK and I believe the rail industry has a role in making sure more people can travel comfortably to enjoy the beautiful lakes. I recognise that strong rail links across the country are important drivers in our economic recovery at a national and regional level. That is why we are pushing ahead with the biggest programmes of rail electrification ever.”

Dr Ann Myatt, newly appointed as Prospective Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said:

“This is truly electrifying news! Local Conservatives have been working hard behind the scenes to campaign for the electrification of the Lakes railway line between Windermere to Manchester Airport as part of the electrification of the North West routes. They worked with local organisations to build an overwhelming case for the electrification of the line. I am delighted by the announcement made by the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin, on the platform of Windermere station today”.

This announcement comes hot on the heels of another very significant infrastructure investment in Cumbria of £7.1 million to pay for flood defences of the road network following the severe flooding of 2009. Ian Keeling, the Conservative Council Candidate for Windemere Bowness North, said

“As a former travel agent in the town, I know this is great news for Windermere and the tourist industry. I'm glad the Secretary of State for Transport was able to see for himself what a vital link the lakes line is and this rewards all those who have worked so hard”.

Again this tells you that it’s not all about getting your name in the paper or in a newsletter - it's about doing the hard work.