A NEW high-speed rail link proposed by transport chiefs could slash journey times between the Lake District and London to less than two hours.

Network Rail today announced proposals for a new £34bn line that would mean passengers could go from Glasgow to London in two hours and 16 minutes.

The firm’s investigation into the need for new capacity on Britain’s rail network found that a new 200mph line, to be built by 2020, was the best way of meeting future passenger demands as more people choose to travel by rail.

While the trains would not stop in Cumbria, passengers could catch them from Preston, where the journey time to London would be one hour and 13 minutes.

Keith Lumley, a spokesman for Network Rail, said the move would ease pressure on the West Coast Main Line, which the new line is likely to shadow.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said: “I hope Network Rail and the Government are forward thinking enough to look at innovative uses of the existing West Coast Main Line,” he said.

“Residents would receive a huge benefit if stations like Milnthorpe and Carnforth re-open and new stations are built.

"These local services could then link up with the high speed line at a regional station.”