PLANS to boost the 85-mile long coastal railway line linking Barrow with Carlisle are steaming ahead.

Anything that increases capacity on a route with a potential 25 stops and a fastest journey time of two hours 20 minutes, can only help secure its long-term viability.

But we would urge all those with a passion for the line to lobby for more than just cash for fixtures and fittings.

Anyone who has gone up the coast by rail will know what a spectacular journey it can offer, at certain times of the year, anyway!

Yet despite the best efforts of many volunteer-led rail interest groups, it is comparatively under promoted.

This may have something to do with the fact that it is largely viewed as the ‘Sellafield train’. It also touches no fewer than five local authority areas – Barrow, South Lakeland, Copeland, Allerdale and Carlisle.

It would help if more funding was awarded to help raise its profile as a heritage railway route.

It may not climb as high as the Settle to Carlisle, but many sections are a real eye-catcher for the tourist looking for something to do.

In any event, it is good to see organisations such as the county council, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, Transport for the North and Network Rail, all working collaboratively for the area.