The threat of a DIY store being built on land at Carlisle which would have blocked expansion of both freight and passenger services between England and Scotland has been lifted.

Carlisle City Council turned down the planning application to build the store on the line of the former freight-avoiding line on the grounds that a similar application has been received for a site better served by public transport.

Railfuture, along with the Rail Freight Group and many other organisations, has opposed this and similar applications.

We believe that the route of the avoiding line should be retained for future rail use.

This decision is good news, but the developer appears to be submitting multiple applications, so vigilance remains necessary.

More info: http://www.rfg.org.uk