A £1.9 million rail hub will boost business, cut traffic problems and create a new gateway to a town.

That was the boast as plans for an eagerly-anticipated project to help improve the fortunes of Maryport were approved.

The development will see a new 78-space car park created at the town’s railway station.

The proposals also include a new multi-use games area (MUGA) to be built on land next to Maryport Social Club, which will replace ageing play equipment that will be cleared to make way for the car park.

Keith Little, a councillor for the town and the county councillor responsible for transport, believes its importance cannot be underestimated.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the plans have been approved. We’ve waited a long time for this to be given the go-ahead.

“I’ve no doubt that the new hub will help to alleviate traffic problems, especially on Mealpot Road. An increased car park should encourage more people to get the train.

“I also believe that it’ll bring more people into the town and that can only be good for local businesses, with an expected increase in the number of shoppers.”

Councillor Gerald Humes told a meeting of the authority’s development control committee: “I welcome this application.

“This gateway to Maryport is in need of transformation and it certainly needs more parking.

“I honestly believe this could really benefit the area and help to bring more trade to Maryport as well as ensuring people want to live there as well.”

A report to county planners described the existing provision for drivers as “severely limited”.

The application has been brought forward against a backdrop of hopes that usage of a Cumbrian coastal railway line between Barrow and Carlisle can expand further, encouraging more people to leave their cars and travel by train.

The new MUGA would be operated by Maryport Athletic Rugby League Football Club and would be available seven days a week. It would be floodlit until 9.30pm.

Fellow development control committee member councillor Ernie Wilson added: “I think it will be a vast improvement to what exists there at the moment and a real benefit to those using the railway.”