RENEWED efforts are being made to boost the A591 by upgrading its classification to Major Road Network (MRN).

MP Tim Farron claims the upgrade is essential to ensure the busy, arterial tourist route is properly maintained.

The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP was dismayed this week when the Department of Transport announced that it had rejected a proposal to upgrade the route to the new MRN classification.

This means the route, which runs from Brettargh Holt south of Kendal through the heart of the Lake District to Bothel in the north of the county, will continue to be a Cumbria County Council responsibility.

But Mr Farron said MRN status, which is one step down from the top classification reserved for motorways and major trunk roads which are maintained by Highways England, is essential as this would allow access to Government funding.

And he has written to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling pleading the case for the decision to be reviewed, and said he was hopeful the case would be re-examined.

"It's the main road into the centre of the Lake District and it's vital for the economy of the area that it is maintained to a high standard," said Mr Farron.