MP Tim Farron urged the Government to tell Network Rail to scrap plans to close the Lakes Line over the busy Easter weekend in the House of Commons this morning.

Network Rail are planning on closing the line, which runs from Oxenholme to Windermere, for both Easter Saturday and Sunday to do maintenance work.

The section of the Furness Line which runs between Grange-over-Sands and Carnforth will also be closed during Easter Sunday.

Speaking during Transport Questions, the Westmorland and Lonsdale MP said: “Is the minister aware that there will be no stock rolling at all north of Preston during the busy Easter weekend because Network Rail are closing the line for maintenance?

“Doesn’t he know that the Lake District is Britain’s biggest visitor destination outside of London and that Easter weekend is our busiest time of year?

“Will he tell Network Rail to change their plans?”

In response, the Rail Minister Andrew Jones said he understood the importance of tourism to the Lake District economy and would pass on Mr Farron’s point to Network Rail.