Last updated at 12:13, Thursday, 12 April 2012

CALLS have been made to restore the first Sunday rail service to Millom in 30 years.

Stagecoach last week announced it would scrap the number seven bus service between Barrow and Millom, along with the M1, M2 and M3 services between Millom and Haverigg.

Residents have reacted angrily after it was announced the services will stop if the council fails to retender the routes.

Many have called for Northern Rail to reinstate a Sunday train service on the Barrow to Millom line, which takes in Askam, Kirkby, Foxfield and Green Road.

Millom could be left without public transport links on a Sunday if no alternative service provider comes forward.

The calls have been backed across the community.

Copeland MP Jamie Reed said he would back a campaign to reinstate a Sunday service on the coastal line.

The county councillor for Millom, Ray Cole, said: “This is something I totally support and I hope we can make progress on – especially after what’s happened with the buses.

“We do need an integrated transport system. We say we have the Rural Wheels scheme but it’s not always convenient and on a Sunday getting out of Millom can be extremely difficult.

“A Sunday service is something that I myself, as a councillor, will be looking at and lobbying for.”

Darren Gill, of Grammerscroft, in Millom, said: “They are cutting our services and we are in the middle of nowhere. On a Sunday there are no trains and now no buses.

“It’s not just us but people in Broughton, Kirkby and Ireleth that are effected.”

South Copeland Tourism officer Mark Holroyd said: “The Cumbrian coast line presents huge tourism opportunities for the area, but there are several things needed so we can capitalize on this.

“A Sunday service is obvious, it allows visitors to stay in the area for a weekend break and return the next day and access key attractions along the coast without a car.

“Evening services between Millom and Whitehaven will improve access to nightlife in Millom and allow the pubs in Silecroft, Bootle and Ravenglass to thrive.

“The railway is an attraction in itself, but our trains have very dirty windows as there are no washing facilities at Barrow or Carlisle. This needs to be rectified in order for visitors to enjoy the view.”

Brian Thomas, of Surrey Street, Millom, said: “It’s come as a great shock to us here in Millom to hear of the axing of the buses. Many people depend on the buses – we need at least one bus every morning to Barrow.

“I’d like to see a bus service at least once a week on a weekday from Barrow to Millom and up to Whitehaven.

“Many people depend on the buses, some people who work in Millom live in Haverigg and many pensioners come to Millom from Haverigg to do their shopping.”

First published at 11:59, Thursday, 12 April 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk