A PETITION To help support Cumbria’s hard-hit tourism industry has received the backing of the MP for Barrow.

Simon Fell and fellow Conservative MP, Neil Hudson, who represents Penrith, have thrown their weight behind the campaign to extend the financial support package for the county’s tourism and hospitality sectors, which have been blighted by Coronavirus.

The petition, launched by South Lakes MP Tim Farron with the Cumbria Tourism body, calls for the Government to provide support measures for the sector, helping businesses to survive until Spring 2021.

The petition garnered 1,500 signatories in its first 24 hours.

Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism said this represented ‘a brilliant start’ to the campaign and extended ‘a massive thank you to all who have signed already’.

Mr Fell said: “Tourism is crucial to Cumbria’s economy but Coronavirus has hit the sector hard. I’m keen to see support for the sector so that our museums, nature reserves, attractions and local businesses are ready to hit the ground running once it is safe to see visitors return, and have the financial security to continue and thrive.”