A SENIOR Northern figure made an unequivocal apology for the standard of recent services ahead of an hour-long grilling from councillors in Kendal.

Craig Harrop, Northern's interim regional director, took the opportunity to say sorry to Lakes Line and Furness Line users after months of turmoil when he attended a meeting of South Lakeland District Council's overview and scrutiny committee.

"I would like to apologise for the unacceptable situation that we found ourselves in and for the disruption and inconvenience passengers have experienced in this region," he said.

"We are truly sorry for this disruption and the upset it caused and the impact it has had."

His apology did not stop committee members from demanding answers and assurances over future services.

Much of the concern raised at the committee meeting was about the reputational damage caused by an unreliable rail service which has seen months of widespread cancellations and even the total withdrawal of trains from the Lakes Line.

Cllr Hazel Hodgson told Mr Harrop: "You have destroyed our image and it is disgraceful."

Cllr Vivienne Rees added: "What strikes me is if there were people coming to our area in the future, the experiences they will have had means they will have crossed us off their lists and tourism is extremely important to us."

Vice chairman of the committee, Cllr Doug Rathbone, said: "We are now looking for a renewal of the line from what is now publicly perceived as a failed network.

"That is having an impact on our economic background as well as people living their everyday lives.

"The problems are not just on the ground. There's also the issue of the long-term perception which needs to be dug out and got rid of."

Mr Harrop informed the meeting that much of the issues seen in the North West stemmed from more than 500 drivers needing urgent training which meant they were unable to operate trains. That training, he said, was now nearing completion, while in excess of 150 new drivers had been recruited.

He also said an interim service was being put in place, and that will grow towards a fuller timetable being released next May as more drivers and rolling stock become available.

A commitment for a large-scale marketing scheme was also made, while a £6 million compensation package has also been made available to those disrupted.

"We have put in an interim timetable to make sure we are providing a stable and robust service," said Mr Harrop. "We won't be putting trains back on until they can be operated with stability.

"I recognise we've made mistakes and we are determined to sort them out for both the Furness Line and Lakes Line."

Cllr Rathbone said: “We are pleased Northern Rail accepted our invitation to discuss matters of significant local concern.

“Councillors left Craig Harrop in no doubt that the delays, cancellations and withdrawal of rail services in South Lakeland caused considerable inconvenience and disruption to residents and visitors and impacted on the economy and reputation of the area.

“Mr Harrop said he was truly sorry and that, going forward, he would protect the lines which had suffered the most.

“He made a number of confident assurances about new timetables, new trains and more services and said he was committed to improving and promoting the Lakes Line and the Furness Line.

“A number of councillors asked if his promises were realistic and deliverable. Could we really trust Northern Rail in the future?

“The committee was informed that improvements on both lines would only be incremental until May next year and we will be actively monitoring progress now that this dialogue with Northern has been opened.”