THE unravelling of rail timetable chaos which has affected Northern rail passengers for two months could take much longer than anticipated.

The implementation of a new timetable in May across the entire rail network sparked a firestorm of disruption of passengers in south Cumbria.

The situation was so bad the Lakes Line was reduced to a bus replacement for a full month as franchise holder Northern fought to maintain services across Cumbria and Lancashire.

A fresh blow has been dealt following a crunch rail summit chaired by MP John Woodcock in Westminster on Wednesday.

It was heard how a promised improved timetable, scheduled for December this year, may in fact be scrapped or drastically reduced.

Mr Woodcock said: "The apology we got was needed but it was infuriating to hear that we might have to wait even longer for more frequent services if promised timetable changes are delayed yet again. It is vital that the rail industry and government act on the message they heard today – timetable improvements for the Furness line must not be shelved again."

This meeting was a watershed moment for transport stakeholders in Cumbria. For two years complaints have been seemingly met by deaf ears by the government.

Among those invited to the rail summit included Copeland's MP Trudy Harrison, MP Tim Farron, a representative for Workington MP Sue Hayman, and a multitude of borough and district councillors and local rail group members.

Tim Own, chair of the Furness Line Community Rail Partnership, spoke of his hopes rail improvements came to Cumbria sooner rather than later.

He said: "The hurried re-writing of the May timetable for the Furness line following the delay to the Preston to Manchester electrification resulted in a timetable that was less than ideal for passengers.

"It is to be hoped that the December timetable will, as a minimum, make adjustments to remove current weaknesses. Ideally, the timetable, with the benefit of cascaded rolling stock due from other parts of the rail system, should be brought a step closer to what was originally planned for this May, with its 10 return services from Barrow to Manchester Airport."

When pressed, rail minister Jo Johnson made assurances to the summit new trains would be in place in Cumbria by December 2019 - but it was revealed by David Brown, MD of Northern, some of the new stock would be available as early as December 2018.

The minister was challenged on where the first new trains would be deployed, and whether Cumbria would be at the front of the queue. Mr Johnson maintained the trains would be in place on the Furness line by December 2019.