CUMBRIAN leaders and political figures have written to the transport secretary to seek a commitment from the new government to upgrade the Cumbrian coast railway line.

Cumbria’s new Labour MPs, Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron, the leaders of Cumberland Council and Westmorland Council, the chief executive of Cumbrian LEP and the chief executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce are all co-signatories of a letter to the new transport secretary, Louise Haigh, which describes upgrades to the line as an ‘urgent’ issue.

Former prime minister, Rishi Sunak, promised to 'upgrade' the energy coast train line linking Carlisle, Workington and Barrow after cancelling the leg of HS2 from Birmingham to Manchester.

The Energy Coast Rail upgrade would see more space for freight and passenger trains and improve the reliability of the line more broadly – both seen as essential to support inward investment and to meet the needs of businesses and communities along the length of the line and the wider rail network.

The letter was co-ordinated by new Whitehaven and Workington MP, Josh MacAlister.

“Building on opportunities along its route, the line can be a catalyst for significant inward investment and inclusive growth; but only if constraints are addressed; including limited capacity, poor line speeds and unreliable infrastructure,” the letter said.

“This is now an urgent issue. Poor infrastructure has seen the line closed several times in the last year alone, completely cutting off communities and causing chaos.

“Investment is essential for the future success of Cumbria and the north.

“The proposed investment looks to reverse the growing connectivity deficit in the region and allow the area to capitalise on future investments opportunities and drive forward the UK energy sector."

In their manifesto, the Conservatives committed to spending £5million for the evaluation of proposals to extend the borders railway line to Carlisle as well as funding for the improvement of the 'Energy Coast' railway line between Carlisle and Barrow.