Rail services to Penrith should be increased to help boost north Cumbria’s economy, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
The group made the comments in response to a consultation on the Intercity West Coast rail franchise.
The federation says that 40 per cent more trains travelling south on weekdays stop at Oxenholme than stop at Penrith and Oxenholme also benefits from having Windermere trains call there.
The FSB’s west Cumbria branch chairman Joe Saxton said: “Increasing the number of times trains [that] stop at Penrith will convince more people that visiting north and west Cumbria is a real opportunity, while businesses based in these areas will also benefit, as will residents who will find commuting more attractive.
“We hope that the firms bidding for the next rail contract take note and help us seize this opportunity.”
The FSB response states: “A better train service for Penrith will boost the economic, touristic and business climate in northern Cumbria."
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