SOUTH Lakes MP and former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has labelled Northern as ‘unacceptable’ in the wake of reduced timetables this weekend and additional route penalty fares.

The RMT strike action today followed by cancellations on Sunday have resulted in Northern running 30 per cent of its timetables.

This weekend sees the opening of the Manchester Christmas Market, with many from Furness expected to travel to sample the Yuletide atmosphere.

Saturday marks the 35th day of strike action in the running fallout over guards.

Driver-only trains is when the driver opens and closes the doors - this is usually done by a conductor.

Rail unions have voiced their anger and said conductors have a much better view of the doors and can stop people getting trapped.

Mr Farron voiced his disappointment that the strike could not have been resolved.

He said: “The strikes disrupt people across the whole of the community in South Cumbria and the county as a whole.

“It is a great shame that Northern have failed to resolve this issue.

“There are always two sides to every story, but once again we are reminded that the powers running Northern show their indictment to take responsibility.

Northern has also announced the introduction of further penalty fare routes across the network.

The penalties, which will be £20 fines or double the cost of a single fare (whichever is the greater), will be enforced at destination stations by Northern’s authorised collectors.

Mr Farron said the additional penalty routes are an insult to rail users.

He said: “The quality of service has never been poorer since they took over the Lakes line two years ago.

“They need to get their service right before they think about adding extra charges to the public.

“It is simply unacceptable and it’s another reminder that the government need to step in and resolve the rail crisis.”