NEWS that newly developed hybrid trains could soon be in operation on the Lakes Line has sparked mixed reactions.

South Lakes District Council's Conservative group leader Cllr James Airey described as a "huge boost to the area" news that a project to bring the new low carbon trains into service in the South Cumbrian area could become reality after it won a share of £1.7 million funding announced by the Government last week.

However, MP Tim Farron dismissed the announcement about what he described as "untried technology" and said the focus should instead be on addressing the issue of much criticised local rail franchise holder Northern.

Rail Minister Andrew Jones announced the funding last week as part of a Government drive to cut carbon emissions on UK railways, though the introduction of the hybrid trains is not expected before the early 2020s.

'Hybrid' trains have two separate power systems, so the trains could theoretically run on the electrified line to Oxenholme then switch to a diesel system for the last portion of the journey on the non-electrified Lakes Line.

“I’m delighted that Cumbria will be among the first places in the country to benefit from a cleaner and better connected rail network thanks to this funding," said Mr Jones.

“I look forward to continuing to work with them to bring the benefits of this project to the Lakes Line and wider community in Cumbria.”

And Cllr Airey said he hoped the benefits of the new technology would be felt across the county.

"The funding will place the Lakes Line at the forefront of the next generation of low carbon technology on our railways,” he said.

However, Mr Farron blasted his political rivals for "celebrating promises of untried and untested hybrid trains" which he claimed were well behind schedule in their development, and he said the focus should instead be on Northern's performance.

“The Conservative’s fanfare announcement is full of platitudes and promises of jam tomorrow, but devoid of any reality," said the MP.

“The simple fact is this new technology is so far behind schedule that Northern – who let’s face it aren’t renowned for their ability to plan themselves – have given up on it and instead ordered more new diesel trains for the Lakes Line.

“But at the end of the day, local residents just want a train service that works.

“The Conservatives need to stop patting themselves on the back for promising unicorns and start dealing with the donkey that is Northern Rail.”

Rob Talbot of the Lakes Line Rail User Group said the hybrid trains would by definition be carrying two different systems so there will be added weight and fuel consumption.

And he pointed out that the hybrid trains were still at the development stage so any introduction was still some way off and the group's immediate focus was on the new 195 diesel trains which are shortly due to enter service on the line.