A COMPREHENSIVE new Cumbrian bus network could be set up if a bid for Government funding succeeds.

After the Government confirmed plans for a new transport strategy across the UK, MP Tim Farron pursued the issue and met with transport minister Baroness Vere last week.

And Mr Farron said the minister asked him to work with Transport for the North to draw up a bid for central funding. the Government to fund a comprehensive rural bus network for Cumbria.

“I’m really grateful to the receptive response the minister gave to our case,” said the Westmorland and Lonsdale MP after the meeting.

“For too long, local people have been isolated from their surrounding villages and towns which is especially problematic in Cumbria when the average age for people in our area is 10 per cent higher than the national average.

“And with more than eight in ten visitors coming to the Lake District in a car, there is a strong environmental case for a comprehensive, affordable and reliable bus service.”

Mr Farron also raised the issue during a speech on the floor of the House of Commons last week.

“It is utterly ludicrous that bus services in London receive a £722 million annual subsidy, when in Cumbria we receive nothing at all—not a single penny,” he told the House of Commons.