Last updated at 01:00, Tuesday, 17 April 2007

PLANS to reopen the Keswick to Penrith railway line have been dealt a blow after Eden District Council declared the line abandoned rather than disused.

But with a key business case report by the Northwest Development Agency due out at the end of April, supporters of the rail revival scheme say it is by no means the end of the line.

Keswick town councillor Lorraine Taylor said Eden council officials had told her that the track had already been compromised and, with bridges having been removed, land sold and caravan parks on the track, it was no longer a viable option to open it.

She said: “Eden says it is abandoned and there is no possibility of it opening again. While it was classed as disused there would be policies to protect it.

“The development agency says it is as viable as the Windermere branch line and would attract a similar number of passengers.

“We have also been looking at the railway as part of the Keswick masterplan, which said it would be a sustainable way of getting tourists into the area.”

However, a government office told the councillor that responsibility for detailed administration of planning was given to local authorities, such as Eden.

Campaigner Cedric Martindale has been battling for several years to restore the Keswick to Penrith line, which closed 35 years ago.

Mrs Taylor said: “It’s a matter of where to go next but we aren’t giving up. There is still the potential for a viable line and that remains the case unless the business report from the NWDA says otherwise.

“This finance report is going to be crucial. If it says it is viable, then it will be a huge tool to use in support of the project.

“Eden’s view is short-sighted. This would benefit Eden and the Lake District in the long-term.”

First published at 15:09, Thursday, 24 January 2008
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk