The government has denied claims that Brexit Brexit preparations will have an impact on the multi-million pound Borderlands Growth Deal.

A UK Government spokesman said: “It is categorically untrue to suggest that our preparation to leave the EU will have an impact on the Borderlands growth deal.

“We were delighted to sign the £394.5 million Borderlands Deal earlier this year, and work on the detail of the projects is progressing well.

“The Borderland Growth Deal will boost economic growth by helping existing business, encouraging new ventures and bringing a wealth of improvements to people who live and work in the area and to visitors.

“The UK Government has a track record of delivering City Region and Growth deals across Scotland, having already committed nearly £1.4 billion to nine of them – including Borderlands - with more to come.”

The project involves five local authority areas on both sides of the border and is designed to accelerate the region’s economic development, create jobs and encourage future investment.

Up to £265 million is coming from the UK Government, £85 million from the Scottish Government and the remainder coming from the other partners.

Cumbria County Council leader Stewart Young is not aware that Brexit preparations will have an impact on the Borderlands Groth Deal.

The Labour councillor said: "The only issue is that the Government has so much resource and focus on Brexit that everything is getting slowed down.

"We are still talking to the Scottish government and the UK Government. I can't say Brexit is causing us a problem."

Carlisle city council leader, Conservative John Mallinson, was also surprised at the claim.

"I don't see why Brexit should affect it. The funding is there and in place, " he said.

The Government denial comes as plans go on show in the city for a £15m revamp of Carlisle's railway station as part of the Borderlands project.

Members of the public are being urged to view the outline scheme and have their say on it.

The plans are on show in The Lanes Shopping Centre today from 9am-5pm when project team officers can be questioned on the scheme.

A display is also in place at the railway station.