Morecambe and Lunesdale MP Lizzi Collinge this week celebrated the news that Cumbria had been chosen to lead the way in new approaches to rural bus franchising as the government backed the pilot with up to £500,000 of funding.

The Government announced the expansion of its bus franchising pilots into Cumbria this week, which would grant councils greater control over which private companies can operate routes, and tighten requirements for cancelling bus routes.

Ms Collinge said: "This pilot means more local control over our bus services - protecting vital routes, improving reliability, and making sure decisions are made here in Cumbria.

"I have been working particularly closely with residents in Sedbergh who had their service reduced this year, meaning many are now unable to travel outside of the town. I will continue to advocate for Sedbergh, alongside Sedbergh Bus Users Group to ensure this money improves their situation.

"Better buses means better opportunities - for jobs, education, and staying connected across Cumbria."

Describing the news as a 'big win for Westmorland' Ms Collinge had written to local councils in May to push for improvement in bus services across the region.

The Department for Transport introduced the scheme as a way to test whether bus franchising could improve transport services in non-metropolitan areas.

Roads and buses minister, Simon Lightwood said: "We're backing Cumbria to explore how it could take control of its bus network and transform rural services to work for everyone, ensuring passengers, not profit, are put first when it comes to bus services.

"With our transformative Bus Services Bill just around the corner, this Government will put buses at the forefront of better connectivity -- helping communities thrive and driving economic growth as part of our Plan for Change."