Farron uses Parliamentary debate to boost campaign to save Ambleside campus.

12.00.00am GMT Wed 20th Jan 2010

The decision to close Ambleside campus at the University of Cumbria will have a "devastating impact" on the local economy according to South Lakeland MP Tim Farron, who believes the University's plans to mothball the campus could put Ambleside in dire straits".

Speaking today in Parliament, Mr Farron reinforced to Minister for Higher Education David Lammy, the importance to the local community of keeping the 600 undergraduate students at Ambleside.

Mr Farron received the backing of Chair of the Children, Schools and Families Select Committee, Barry Sheerman, who said that Mr Farron was "absolutely right" to highlight the importance of keeping Ambleside open to undergraduate students.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"Ambleside campus is the only University of Cumbria campus in the south of the County and has huge importance to the local community. Losing undergraduates from Ambleside will take 600 young people out of the local community and could devastate Ambleside

"Over 35 MPs have signed my Early Day Motion in protest against the mothballing of Ambleside side campus.

"Keeping Ambleside campus open to undergraduate students will guarantee a strong profile for our area, maintain a vibrant community with a balanced age range and give underlying strength to the local economy."