The leader of the Liberal Democrats has backed a community campaign and petition with more than 8,000 signatures to keep an M6 junction open. Sir Ed Davey visited Tebay on Friday to support Libby Bateman, the party’s candidate for Cumbria, in opposing National Highways’ plans for Junction 38, reports Cumbria Crack.

National Highways previously set out plans to close the junction southbound for 18 months and northbound for 18 months for essential bridge repairs at the Lune Gorge.

Earlier this summer, the organisation said it would conduct a full review into the project after listening to feedback.

Sir Ed, who met with Ms Bateman and Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Farron, commented:

“Liberal Democrats get out and fight for the communities we serve – and that’s exactly what Tim and Libby have done, standing up to National Highways over the closure of Junction 38, which would hit families, businesses, farmers and Cumbria’s tourism trade hard. National Highways need to keep listening and keep this vital junction open while the bridge repairs continue.”

Ms Bateman added:

“Of course we absolutely agree that the work that engineers are doing to rebuild bridges across the motorway is vitally important. No one would dispute this.

“However, the disruption that would be caused by these closures over the next four years would result in traffic chaos in Kirkby Stephen and Kendal, and lead to villages such as Tebay, Orton and Grayrigg facing huge delays.

“The community have done a fantastic job making the case for National Highways to pause and review, but now is the time to make sure they follow through on their word.

“That’s why I’m thrilled that Sir Ed Davey has thrown his weight behind the campaign and is backing local residents to keep Junction 38 open.”

(Picture: Mapillary)