Get on line with train complaints

A SADDLEWORTH councillor is calling on locals to help make a real difference to train services in the borough.

Parish councillor Royce Franklin wants help in addressing issues such as overcrowding, old carriages and the frequency of trains along the Huddersfield/Manchester line.

Speaking after a meeting with the Stalybridge Huddersfield Rail User Group (SHRUG) he is now urging residents to get in touch.

He said: “We want to put real evidence forward to address some of the problems. It’s a well-used line and there are problems such as tickets not being bought on the train and overcrowding.

“At times it’s horrendous and passengers simply can’t get on trains.”

Currently, Northern Rail runs the service that calls at Greenfield station and continues through to Mossley and Stalybridge.

However, as a franchise of the line, the company’s contract is up for renewal in 2013.

The group is now attempting to put together a document of evidence to submit to the Department of Transport next year to modify and improve the terms of the deal. Any company can bid for the contract, and members of SHRUG are looking to draw up an evidence based list of priorities to see a change.

Councillor Franklin added: “Northern Rail don’t do a bad job, on the whole they’re quite good.

“But we really are the poor neighbours when it comes to carriages, some of which are 20-years-old.

The option of half-hourly trains on the line would be really beneficial.”

If you think you can provide information about your experiences contact Royce on 01457-873-248 or email royce.franklin1@btinternet.com.