MORE helicopters, more trains and better roads in the county are three of the recommendations of a report into transport in Cumbria, which the county council has backed.

The Access to Furness and West Cumbria study gave a snapshot of local opinions on transport problems and identified the most important issues and possible solutions.

Coun Kevan Wilkinson, CCC portfolio holder for transport, said: "Cumbria, and particularly the west coast, needs serious investment in its transport infrastructure if the county is to flourish."

He added the report would "hopefully help us to get Cumbria's transport needs to the top of the agenda at a regional and national level."

The report, by independent transport consultants Mouchel Parkman, is designed to make the best of the existing transport infrastructure and suggest new developments to boost business and jobs.

The recommendations included: l Helicopter terminals throughout the county.

l Climbing lanes and pull-ins on the A590, A595 and A66.

l Improvements to the A590 at Ulverston.

l Commercial flights from Carlisle airport or Walney airfield.

l Increased rail freight capacity.

l Improved and integrated bus and train timetables.

If the recommendations are adopted, they could help to shape the North West Regional Assembly's next transport policy.