LABOUR wants the high speed rail to stop in Oxenholme because it will boost tourism and business.

There are currently no plans for the high-speed rail to stop in Cumbria.

But the party’s candidates for Carlisle Eric Martlew and his counterpart for Westmorland and Lonsdale Jonathan Todd have joined forces in calling for the train to stop once an hour in the Lake District, and once an hour in Carlisle.

“To have a stop in Oxenholme would provide a great boom for this particular part of the economy,” said Mr Martlew.

“We can increase tourist numbers because the number of people who use this line is huge and it will be quicker for them to get here. It makes economic sense.”

And Mr Todd added that businesses have much to gain from the high speed rail stopping at Oxenholme.

“It’s not just about tourism, it’s about making it easier for people to conduct business in Westmorland and Lonsdale.

“By cutting train times, it will be quicker for business people to get to their meetings.”

Marilyn Molloy, Labour candidate for Kendal Fell, and Kendal Town Councillor Tony Rothwell also lent their support.