Roads are “main arteries for the survival of businesses”

That’s according to Graham Haywood, director of the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, who we spoke to as part of our focus on transport issues in Cumbria.

Cumbria’s roads and transport links are a focal point of the Lep’s Strategic Economic Plan to accelerate business growth, improve Cumbria’s enterprise capabilities and create more jobs.

Mr Haywood, the man in charge of ensuring this happens, expanded on what transport success in Cumbria looks like.

Mr Haywood said: “In 2016, we have to balance longer term goals with more urgent, shorter term needs to repair key roads and bridges which were damaged during the winter storms.

“For example, the repair of roads such as the A591 between Grasmere and Keswick need to be prioritised and dealt with very quickly to reduce the impact on tourism. Roads in rural areas are like main arteries for the survival of local businesses. “More efficient transport links are powerful tools to help the Local Enterprise Partnership to develop the local economy.

“In the longer term, Cumbria LEP is seeking to ensure that Cumbria’s urban and rural areas are represented in the government’s Transport for the North vision.

“Improved connectivity will help the county and neighbouring areas to function as a more joined up economy which is stronger than the sum of its parts. “Better transport infrastructure across the county and beyond bring new economic opportunities within reach.

“The development of existing links to improve connectivity with the M6 corridor makes it easier for incoming and expanding supply chain companies, especially those associated with growth in the logistics and advanced manufacturing sectors.

“For example, ongoing improvements to the A590 are helping existing businesses like GSK Ulverston operate more effectively and attract new investment in the county.

“We will continue to lobby for essential upgrades to key trans-Pennine road routes, the A66 and the A69, as well as the important A66 and A590 connections to the industrial areas in West Cumbria and the Furness peninsula. “The county has ample land in key locations to increase storage and warehousing facilities and we will seek to engage in the development of the freight and logistics strategy which will cover both road and rail distribution networks, including ports and warehousing. “Investment in the Cumbria Coastal railway is also a top priority for us. We need to improve both freight and passenger capacity, and the quality of service, to support the economic growth of West Cumbria. “As well as strengthening rail links, more needs to be done to improve our airport infrastructure assets to ensure access to global markets. A revitalised Carlisle Airport would significantly enhance our connectivity to London and Dublin and onwards to international markets.”