THE publicity given to the poor rail services on the Lakes Line is understandable and justified but let us not forget the service on the Furness Line.

The Furness peninsula is one of the greatest industrial hubs in Cumbria with many international companies, yet since Northern Rail took over the franchise the service is appalling.

There are only four direct trains a day to Manchester and the Airport - 0611,1153, 1448 and 1934; many of the journeys take the best part of three hours! The return service is no better with, again only four direct trains a day – 0841, 1141, 1742, and 2210.

If you want to return from Manchester in the afternoon you have to change at either Preston or Lancaster and even worse in mid-afternoon the 1556 train does not stop at Silverdale, Kents Bank or Cark.

Northern Rail should be stripped of the franchise.

Donald A. Wroe

Bouth