Thebestof have been asked to raise awareness and collect signatures on behalf of the above campaign to protect the Furness and Lakes Line services between South Cumbria and Manchester has been launched.
Signatures are being sought after draft timetables for 2014 show that the number of trains to Manchester Airport will be drastically reduced - with passengers having to change at Preston or Lancaster. There will be no direct links between Furness and Manchester after 2014 which will be disastrous for the area at a time when there is so much investment coming into Furness.
The Cumbria Better Connected campaign was launched at Barrow, Ulverston and Grange railway stations on Friday by Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock after the draft timetable was published by Network Rail and First TransPennine.
Mr Woodcock said: “The campaign got off to a flying start with scores of passengers signing our petition on the trains, on the platforms and online at www.johnwoodcock.org
“First Transpennine’s proposals are causing alarm among the public who rely on the services for work and access to Manchester and the airport. The service also provides an essential link to the economic centre of the north-west and helps to secure jobs and economic growth. It is also essential to the tourism industry and provides people with access to employment, training and leisure opportunities.”
The campaign has also been supported by Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron.
Mr Farron said: “The Furness Line is as important as the Lakes Line and they both play a vital part to boost tourism. I know that many residents back the campaign and we will work together to protect the frequency of the service.”
To go direct to the online petition please click here
https://www.change.org/petitions/first-transpennine-express-the-secretary-of-state-for-transport-save-our-through-trains
