A £16MILLION scheme to electrify a stretch of South Lakeland railway line could be completed within three years.

Government transport minister Baroness Susan Kramer visited the LaKES to confirm the investment in the Windermere to Oxenholme branch line – and said cleaner, faster electric trains could be powering along it as early as 2017.

"Obviously it's exciting and I'm just absolutely delighted to be here," she said, as she made the announcement at Windermere railway station.

"You've had people come before and suggest this was in the works. Now I can say it is absolutely confirmed that electrification is coming."

The 10-mile 'Lakes Line', which ends at Windermere, is used by both direct services from Manchester Airport and branch services from Oxenholme, but is only suitable for diesel trains.

Electrification means direct services from the airport will be protected or increased – just two years after a reduced direct timetable prompted fears it could be cut altogether – and electric trains will also offer faster, more reliable journeys.

Baroness Kramer said it was 'an absolute delight' to confirm the investment in the line.

She said: "We thought it was crucially important. This is a line that is so important to the communities here and the £600million tourist industry that hangs on it."

Cllr Peter Thornton, leader of South Lakeland District Council, also hailed the scheme for the 'enormous value' it would bring to local businesses.

"It means people can fly into Manchester and simply cross the concourse to get onto a train that will bring them right into the heart of Beatrix Potter land," he said.

"You could have breakfast in London and by lunchtime be on a steamer on Windermere."

The branch line begins at Oxenholme, on the West Coast main line, and takes in Kendal, Burneside, Staveley and Windermere.

It carries around half a million passengers every year, although it is hoped this will increase after electrification.

Dick Smith, of the Lakes Line Community Rail Partnership, said the announcement was 'great news' for both local people and visitors from further afield.

"The great thing is that this really will link us in with the rest of the network," he said.

And South Lakes MP Tim Farron said he was 'over-the-moon' at the announcement.

"The plan will bring much-needed construction jobs in the shorter term and in the longer term attract new businesses, boost tourism and create a better environment for job creation," he said.

"Electrification of the line makes economic, financial and environmental sense."

At the end of the visit Mr Farron presented Baroness Kramer with a plan for the electrification of the Furness branch line, which she told the Gazette she would 'take back' with her.