A NEW survey shows 44 per cent of people living in the North of England have never heard of the 'Northern Powerhouse' initiative.

A further 20 per cent say that they have heard of it, but know absolutely nothing about it.

The revelations come after a recent BBC survey and have prompted Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron to call for the Government to act on their plan to link the Northern economies, instead of just talking about it.

"Actions speak louder than words," said the Lib Dem Party Leader.

"If the government is serious about creating a Northern Powerhouse, then it needs proper policies, not just a catchy slogan.

"The north of England urgently needs investment in broadband, housing, transport and green energy, but instead of detailed plans to deliver this, there are simply further plans for government cuts.

"Here in South Lakeland, essential local services such as Cumbria Police face huge cuts, yet the government has still not announced details of plans to extend access to fast broadband."