'Warm welcome' for new Greenfield station high-tech water dispenser

A new hi-tech £4,500 water dispenser has been greeted with mixed views by travellers at Oldham’s only main line rail link.

The ultra modern unit was plumbed into Greenfield station by a team of workmen last week.

But rail operator Northern have revealed the facility will remain under lock and key and only used when the booking office is actually open for business.

Their spokesperson said: "The reason is a combination of plumbing, security and protection from the elements, for example frost.

“We want to provide our customers with unlimited free water refills and help them to stay hydrated, cut down on plastic pollution and save money.

"Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and this is a benefit for them and the environment.”

The water dispenser is part of the company’s wider operation for customers to refill their water bottles across some of Northern’s busiest stations.  

Each water dispenser has a hands-free sensor and provide free chilled water, with users able to see how many times reusable bottles have been refilled thanks to a digital counter.  

At Greenfield, initial reports show a favourable reaction to the dispenser from rail users and walkers who use the station as a link to the countryside.

But Mark Ashmore, chairman of the Greenfield Rail Action Group, said: “It will not able to be used after 2.25pm and not at all on Sundays, which is increasingly important as leisure passenger growth at weekends is outstripping weekday growth.

“But overall, the water machine is to be welcomed in spite of negatives and it won’t be vandalised.

“However, it adds another reason to protest against government’s idea of closing all ticket offices.”

David Wheeler, who lives in Greenfield, is a regular train user and local campaigner for improved rail services.

He said: “Any improvement to the station is warmly welcomed, but what the travelling public ask for is reliable trains. 

“And at a time when we have rail strikes each month and daily cancellations, a water station, that can only be used when the ticket office is open, is not asked for. 

“All this is in a climate of strikes by RMT members against the closure of local ticket offices.

“The travelling public would like to see better access at Greenfield, including access for the less abled passengers.”

He added: “While the installation of a lift is someway off, the reopening of the footpath from the Huddersfield bound platform on to Oldham Road would be a welcome improvement and enable passengers to access the station walking on Oldham Road without having to cross the bridge carrying the main road with a reduced footpath."  

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.