WESTMORLAND and Lonsdale MP Tim Collins has condemned the

decision to freeze improvements on the railway line between Oxenholme and Windermere.

As reported in last week's South Lakes Citizen, the Strategic Rail Authority has announced that plans to double the number of trains on the Lakes Line by creating a passing loop and installing a ramp at Staveley station have been put on hold due to lack of money.

Mr Collins, who is also Shadow Transport Secretary, said: "This is a big blow to rail modernisation in South Lakeland. Despite big promises on improvements to the Oxenholme and Windermere line, we now learn that the scheme is to be postponed into the far future.

"Local rail passengers and businesses have every right to feel let down by this decision."

February 12, 2003 08:30