CHANGES to train timetables have been welcomed by rail campaigners.

A number of changes to timetables across the country came into effect last Sunday, a year on from the "chaos" of last year's alterations.

Among the changes to services in south Cumbria is an increase in the number of services between Barrow and Manchester Airport.

The Furness Line Action Group was vocal last year when changes to timetables were followed by a number of cancelled or delayed trains in May.

Robert Parker from the group said only one train on the Furness Line had been cancelled this week.

He said: "It's been a heck of a lot better than the debacle of last year. It was chaos.

"Everyone involved has had a year to learn lessons and it has been a big improvement."

Robert Talbot, chairman of the Lakes Line Group, said: "

Barrow and MP John Woodcock was pleased the timetables changes had arrived without a hitch.

He said: “Northern have been trying hard to pull their act together since their shambolic summer last year and I am pleased that their efforts are starting to pay off. They obviously still have a long way to go in regaining the trust of their customers, but the marked improvement in services and drop in cancellations is to be commended.

“I’d like to thank the Furness Line Action Group and Lakes Line Action Group for all their hard work in pressuring the company into effecting real change and hope that we can continue working together to push Northern to hold themselves to a higher standard and deliver for their customers.”