Leading political figures have backed the idea for a Morecambe Bay crossing.

Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland, and mayor of Copeland Mike Starkie have voiced their support for crossings across Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary.

Mrs Harrison said she was supportive of the project, but said it would require ‘unprecedented collaboration and absolute determination of all community leaders and communities along the coast’.

Mr Starkie said he would be ‘very supportive’ of the project if it could be delivered.

This comes after Barrow councillor Alan Pemberton launched a petition to gather support.

Sign the petition here

The proposal would see tidal gateways built across Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary, harnessing the tidal power to generate renewable energy.

A dual carriageway would then be built across the gateways, reducing the travel times from the west coast to Barrow and then across The Bay, joining up with the M6.

Mrs Harrison said: “As anyone who frequently makes the journey would surely agree, our connectivity in West Cumbria to the M6 is poor.

“It really could offer a solution to speed up journey times, reduce emissions and better connect our communities.

“This is especially important for our remote and rural community which would benefit socio-economically.

Sign the petition here

“For as long as I can remember, the concept of bridging the gap between Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary has been discussed.

“Getting such a development underway would require unprecedented collaboration and absolute determination of all community leaders and communities along the coast in an area with incredibly sensitive eco-systems, but I for one am supportive of starting the process.”

Cllr Starkie said: “I would be very supportive of this project if it could be delivered. It would massively improve the transport links to the area and places like Millom would really benefit. The harnessing of tidal power would also be good for the environment and a reliable source of energy.

“If there is company out there who would be willing to do it, I would support it.”

Sign the petition here