Carlisle Lake District Airport, the Energy Coast rail upgrade and GSK's site in Ulverston were on the table at top-level talks over future infrastructure developments in Cumbria.

The issues were outlined at a meeting between Richard Harrington, Minister for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Board of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (Cumbria LEP), the county's strategic economic body.

As sponsor minister for Cumbria LEP, the meeting gave the opportunity for face-to-face discussions which allowed the Board to outline its ambitions for the county.

The minister opened the meeting by outlining the government's aims and expectations for LEPs, before focusing discussion on Cumbria and the county’s role in the Northern Powerhouse, Transport for the North and the developing Borderlands initiative.

Cumbria LEP Board members were given the opportunity to discuss major infrastructure developments with the minister, including Carlisle Lake District Airport, which commences commercial flights next month, the Energy Coastal rail upgrade and the GSK site in Ulverston, which is currently up for sale.

The Board also outlined how the LEP intends to address issues that might impact on growth, including labour supply, skills and broadband and mobile coverage.

Jackie Arnold, vice chair of Cumbria LEP said Mr Harrington’s visit to the county and his commitment to meeting with the Board underlined his genuine affection for the area.

"He has worked in business in and around the county and is therefore familiar with our economic challenges," she said.

“This was a chance for the Board to show the business, energy and industry minister what Cumbria has to offer to the Northern Powerhouse, but also to emphasise the need for additional investment and positive interventions in key areas such as transport, skills development and connectivity.

“It was clear to the Board that the minister considers the Northern Powerhouse, Transport for the North and the Borderlands proposals as important vehicles in rebalancing the economy in geographic terms, as well as opening up more opportunities for Cumbria to make a significant contribution to national productivity.

“All in all, this was an extremely encouraging ministerial meeting, with strong signals that the government will be offering greater support to the LEP Board to ensure that we can maximise opportunities for economic growth.”

Mr Harrington - who gave a speech at last month's Copeland Open for Business Conference - added: “This meeting was a great opportunity to hear about the bold and ambitious plans being developed by the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.

“This LEP has a critical role to play as part of the Northern Powerhouse and in delivering on the ambition set out in our Industrial Strategy.

"In the months to come it will be responsible for delivering and driving forward a Local Industrial Strategy that will support economic growth in the area, boost people’s earning power and create good quality jobs.”