RAIL services run by Northern have improved - but are still below a satisfactory level, say train campaigners.

From July to October, the average amount of trains that were roughly on time across the Furness and Cumbrian Coast lines was 77.4 per cent, down on the 92.8 per cent expected as part of their franchise requirement.

In July 2018 there were 162 cancellations that were either cancelled, part cancelled or over 30 minutes late on the two lines.

In September 2018 this number dropped to 76.

Campaigners attending yesterday’s meeting of the Cumbria Better Connected group, held at the Coronation Hall in Ulverston, acknowledged the situation had improved.

Tim Owen, chairman of both the Furness Line and the Lakes Line Community Rail Partnership, said there was a ‘downward trail’ for cancellations but urged Northern Rail directors to 'put things right’.

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock said: “Over a quarter of trains not getting to the airport can have huge economic effects and much of this is impacting those who already don’t have much."

In response, Christopher Jackson, regional director of Northern, said: “We truly value the importance of local rail and even though things have been difficult we have been working hard to stabilise the ship."

He said in May next year 98 new Class 195 electric trains will be introduced to the network.

“These trains are the very best, being both faster and larger and more reliable," he said.

There were also further concerns the transition would cause further difficulties.

Mr Jackson said: “Each driver would be required to complete nine days of training, which would be additional stresses on our services, but I will be implementing a strategy to minimise the effects."

During the meeting there was also a lot of concerns over whether Northern Rail will be reducing the amount of people managing the trains to one.

Craig Harrop, Northern director said: “We are still open to talks and we haven’t said we will be getting rid of the second person,” though for many in the room this was of great concern.

The next meeting will take place on November 11 at 2pm at the Coronation Hall in Ulverston.