Updated Lakes Line statement

“As part of this, we announced that we were removing all rail services on the Lakes Line to and from Preston, Lancaster and Oxenholme for an initial period of two weeks, and were instead providing a replacement coach service to keep people who live, work and visit the Lake District on the move. This has included express coaches in operation for commuters, stopping services for tourists and special buses for school children – ensuring customers are able to continue to travel along the Lakes Line and enjoy all the Lake District has to offer.

“It has since been agreed with Transport for the North that this closure – and the provision of rail replacements services – will run for a further two weeks until Sunday 1 July. This will enable us to provide a more reliable service in the region and help deliver training for our drivers, so that rail services on the Lakes Line can be reintroduced in a way that provides more certainty to passengers.

“In addition, from Monday 11 June, we will be increasing the frequency of coaches in operation between stations on the Lakes Line to give our customers even greater flexibility and help them plan onward journeys with confidence.”

Sharon added: “We will be working closely with our stakeholders in the region to develop a marketing campaign to highlight all the Lake District has to offer and to assure anyone visiting the world heritage site that it is very much open for business.

“We are determined to provide the best possible service for our customers on the Lakes Line and will continually monitor our performance and the efficiency of the road transport we are currently operating. As part of this we will be seeking feedback from our customers and local stakeholders to ensure we are providing a service that keeps the Lake District on the move.”