Last week our Chair, Lord Patrick McLoughlin, and Deputy Chief Executive, Katie Day, met with partners across Cumbria to explore transport opportunities and challenges. They joined the leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, and the leader of Westmorland & Furness Council, Cllr Jonathan Brook, along with their officers, Enterprising Cumbria and local businesses to discuss connectivity and economic growth within Cumbria.
With unique natural assets in Cumbria bringing more than 40 million visitors to the area each year, to a diverse range of manufacturing capabilities, including operations at Sellafield and new growth planned at BAE Systems in Barrow-in Furness; this is a region where effective, efficient and sustainable transport infrastructure and services are becoming ever more important.
It is why partners and businesses are working closely together to not only deliver the connectivity needed today, but to plan the strategic transport capacity necessary for the next 10-15 years. As set out in the North’s Strategic Transport Plan, this includes a reliable and safe road network, so people and businesses can access jobs and opportunities, including education. East-west links are especially important for the area’s rural communities. But equally, so is frequent and affordable public transport options, including buses, and enhanced capacity for passenger and freight on our railways.
By working together – Transport for the North, our partners, government, the transport industry and business – we can enhance connectivity and unlock economic potential, reduce social exclusion and improve our environment.
