The government has defended spending on Cumbria's railways in the face of criticism of local services and the decision not to connect the area to a high-speed rail link.

Passengers, unions and MPs have voiced concerns about slow journey times and 30-year-old rolling stock, the BBC reports.

David Andrews, of Copeland Rail Users' Group, called for new rolling stock to be introduced and highlighted the economic importance of railways in the region.

"It's important for tourism and lots of people use trains to get to hospitals in Hexham, Newcastle and even Middlesbrough," he said.

The government has pledged to invest £1 billion in the region over five years. Transport minister Robert Goodwill said fears the coalition would cut services in the region have proved to be unfounded and the government has demonstrated a commitment to keep them running.

Northern Rail, which operates rail services in the area, said below-average scores in the latest National Rail Passenger Survey were better than last year's figures and service improvements are being made.