CUMBRIAN MPs met with Rail Minister Andrew Jones in Parliament last week to discuss the future of rail services in the county.

Industrial action was at the top of the agenda following contentious proposals to remove guards from Northern trains.

Mr Jones said he supported the campaign to keep guards on trains, which is supported by the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union.

He explained there would be no downgrade in their position and responsibilities and said the current situation, in which talks between the train company and the rail union are suspended.

He expressed a desire to end the strike, clearly saying the current suspension is not a satisfactory conclusion.

Upgrading the shabby rolling stock on Northern trains was another discussion topic.

However, MPs from across Cumbria said the benefits need to be seen by all across the county. Further issues were raised with the delay in the introduction of new trains.

They also talked about last summer’s timetable trouble in which hundreds of services were cancelled was also addressed.

The minister also discussed MPs’ concerns over bank holiday and weekend closures and the impacts this will have on Cumbrian tourism, successive landslides in and around Copeland and Workington, and the future of HS2.

Speaking after the meeting, Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock said: “I’d like to thank the minister for taking the time to meet with us and for providing useful assurances on the future of the Cumbrian rail network.

"After months of disruption and woeful service, things have finally started to pick up.

"It seems cancellations and an end to the strikes are in sight.

"I am grateful for the work the minister has done to contribute to the improvements.

“There are still considerable issues.

"Delays to rolling stock upgrades have been causing thousands of passengers to suffer in prolonged misery on rickety trains. After last summer’s disaster, trust with passengers needs to be earned and rebuilt.”

Copeland MP Trudy Harrison added: "After a dreadful start last year, there are now huge improvements on our line, the rolling stock and service reliability.

"As Cumbrian MPs we are all working together as a good rail service is vital for our remote and rural community, and we’ll continue to do so.”

The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP ,Tim Farron, said: “Passengers in Cumbria have had to put up with a lot over this past year. So, it was really positive to see the minister acknowledge the need for upgrades, particularly for a passing loop for the Lakes Line."