STATEMENT: Extension of Bransty tunnel closure

I am extremely disappointed that the tunnel will remain closed until next spring and angry at the disruption this will cause to passengers on the Cumbria Coast Line.

I have received assurances that rail services will continue to run as far as Corkickle from the south and Whitehaven from the north and will raise any issues that arise with services directly with bosses at Northern.

I have also made clear to Network Rail my strong view that the temporary treatment works on the water from the tunnel should continue throughout the closure so that we don’t see Whitehaven Harbour return to its orange state while work continues on a permanent fix to that problem. They have committed to explore this.

Tens of millions of pounds are now needed to fix this problem. I have already made representations to the Rail Minister to ensure that we get the funding we need. But the problems in the Bransty tunnel are a symptom of years of neglect of the line under the previous government and demonstrate the urgency of a wider and significant upgrade to the Cumbria Coast Line. My Cumbrian MP colleagues and I have been calling for this upgrade since the election last year and our work continues to deliver it. We will be meeting with the Rail Minister in the next few weeks to press our case again.