Platform to save rail cuts

ANGRY rail campaigners say their opposition to planned service cuts at Greenfield Station is gathering steam.

Over 1,400 signatures have been collected on a petition opposing the ending of rail services between Greenfield and Manchester Victoria from 2016. The petition also gathers support against “skip-stop” services, in which trains stop at two of the four stations along the journey, alternating between Marsden, Slaithwaite, Greenfield and Mossley.

Organiser, former leader of Oldham Council and former vice-chairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, Richard Knowles, said: “There is a great deal of anger in Saddleworth about this decision by Network Rail and its endorsement by councillors on the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee.

“Local rail users are incensed that their views have been ignored. Victoria Station is much nearer the city-centre shops, most jobs and entertainment venues than Piccadilly Station (to which trains will run from 2016).

“Diverting all local trains to Piccadilly is unacceptable and will sever links with Ashton, Victoria and two of the other three local stations between Huddersfield and Stalybridge on the North Trans-Pennine line.”

The petition will be delivered to Network Rail in London and presented to Transport for Greater Manchester at its meeting on February 15. Both organisations will be asked to reconsider their plans.