RAIL users are concerned that 'antiquated' diesel trains are giving the wrong impression to tourists visiting the Lake District.

Until last April, First TransPennine Express ran trains on the Lakes Line from Oxenholme to Windermere.

However, the service has since been taken over by Northern Rail and some believe that the trains in service are not up to scratch.

Regular rail user Cllr Matt Severn said the trains that are now being used are not as good as the 10-year-old diesel trains that proceeded them.

"My concern is that you have been left with a poorer quality service in terms of the train itself," he said. "It makes our area not look as good as the trains have less seats, are slower, cause more pollution and send out the wrong message to all our international visitors."

Dick Smith, the assistant secretary for the Lakes Line Rail User Group, agreed that the situation was 'unsatisfactory' but did not blame Northern Rail.

"There is a nationwide shortage of diesel trains, mainly because the coalition government said there was going to be a huge programme of electrification," he said. "As the electric trains came in the diesel trains would be released from service in the south of England for use in the north of England.

"But the electrification process has been delayed all over the country, so there is a shortage."

The Windermere to Oxenholme branch line is still in the early phases of development and although Network Rail says it is committed to delivering a new line for rail passengers in Cumbria, there was not a firm deadline for completion.

Mr Smith said that the current trains being used on the Lakes Line are an 'old bit of kit' and are around 30-years-old.

"They're slower," he said. "They're slower for people to get on and off because they're single width doors rather than double.

"Not only are these trains slightly slower, but passengers on our line have loads of luggage, so it takes longer to board and alight, so they are a pain.

"The group has had an awful amount of flack. We suddenly started getting complaints at the end of June and it's all about these trains and the reduction of trains to Manchester."

A spokesperson for Northern said that it was in the very early stages of an 'ambitious programme to modernise rail travel.'

"By 2020 everyone travelling on the Northern network will benefit from new or completely refurbished trains through our multi-million-pound fleet investment," the spokesperson said.

“All the unpopular Pacer trains will be gone by the end of 2019. We will also further modernise our stations and facilities, all forming part of a significant programme designed to deliver a rail service fit for the 21st Century."

In the meantime, Northern is asking customers to join one of its upcoming workshops to feedback on what great customer service means to them.

For more details, visit northernrailway.co.uk/wearelistening.