AN MP has written to Northern over concerns people will be stranded during the Furness line closure.

According to the rail company, disruption is expected between Barrow and Lancaster until April 21 at the earliest.

Read more: Disruption expected for weeks after train derailment in Grange | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

This is following the derailment of a train on its approach to Grange station on March 22.

It has since emerged the bus replacement service, operating between Barrow and Lancaster, is not stopping at Kents Bank station.

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: "When so many rail passengers are already deeply inconvenienced by the Furness Line closure, to make it even more difficult to catch a replacement bus service than it already is seems ludicrous and extremely poor planning by Northern.

“I have had frantic parents calling me, as GCSEs and A levels commence in early May, and they are fearful that the line will not be reinstated and worried about how their children will get to school if the line to Ulverston and Barrow remains closed."

Read more: Read more: Northern not planning to instate shuttle service on Furness Line | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

According to the National Rail website, the station is currently not accessible to buses due to the present road conditions.

The MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale added: “Disruption could not come at a worse time of year, so Northern really needs to step up and ensure replacement buses are plentiful and run pretty much to time otherwise we will see pupils impacted.

“This is utterly unacceptable and needs remedying today - please can you ensure replacement buses do henceforth collect from Kents Bank and communicate where pick-ups can take place.”

A spokesperson from Northern explained the current mediations are the best they can do under the ongoing circumstances.

They said: “We would like to thank our customers and the local community for their patience during the current line closure while Network Rail carries out the important repair work required to the embankment and infrastructure.

“In the meantime – following a detailed review of all the wider operational requirements - we have introduced the most resilient temporary timetable to help people get where they want to be.”