Councillor calls on Northern to fund major Lakes marketing campaign

A leading South Lakes councillor has called on troubled rail operator Northern to fund a major marketing campaign over the summer to send the message out loud and clear that the Lake District is open for business.

Councillor James Airey, the Conservative group leader on Cumbria County Council, has written to Northern’s managing director David Brown urging him to commit to a marketing campaign for the Lakes when train services from Oxenholme to Windermere are restored.

Councillor James Airey said: “We need to continue putting Northern and Network Rail’s feet to the flames and holding them to account for fixing the immediate problems that have led to the current suspension of rail services on the Lakes Line.

“But of equal importance is the need to get the message across loud and clear that the Lakes is open for business. The disruption on the Lakes Line is appalling and we need to make sure visitors and potential visitors are not put off coming to South Lakeland.

“I have spoken to business and tourism leaders in our area who have all stressed the importance of getting this message across.

“Northern have a duty to help spread that message when services resume. That’s why I am calling on Northern to fund a marketing campaign for the Lakes when the service is restored.”