‘Cattle trucks’ to stay another 10 years

PACER too slow: old trains to stay another decade

THE Government has done a U-turn on its promise to give the North-West a world-class rail network says Oldham MP Debbie Abrahams.

The MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth said the decision to modernise Pacer trains and use them for another 10 years is “unacceptable”.

Mrs Abrahams has previously complained in Parliament about constituents being treated like “sardines in a can” on Northern Rail trains through Greenfield Station.

She added: “This is an appalling U-turn from the Government, which has only just promised to provide the north with a world-class rail network. I’m not sure how 30-year-old cattle trucks trundling up and down Northern railways fits.

“Investing in better quality and more railway carriages is imperative to meet growing demand. Better rolling stock would encourage more people to use the network.

“Greenfield station is a very well-used station with rising passenger numbers. It is vital that this growth continues.”