Train drivers back our call to sort out the rail service

I AM writing to support your call for the Prime Minister to ‘get a grip’ on the chaos caused to passengers by the new timetable introduced by Northern Rail.

The truth is that Theresa May and the Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling - referred to by colleagues in the Conservative Party these days as Failing Grayling - are badly letting down passengers in the north of England.

The fault lies with Mr Grayling, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and Northern Rail which does not employ enough drivers to deliver the service it promised in its franchise application. It started training drivers – giving drivers the route knowledge they need – far too late.

It makes a mockery of the idea of a Northern Powerhouse.

The lack of investment in rail in the north is an utter disgrace.

The north receives £2,555 less per person than London in rail investment each year (£1,600 per person compared with £4,155).

As train drivers, and as a progressive trade union, we believe in a modern railway fit for passengers and staff to help build a better Britain in the 21st century. THERESA May, Chris Grayling, both southern MPs, well done on proposing a third runway at Heathrow which will increase economic benefits for those living within the ‘golden triangle’ of London.

By the same token, could you do something about the Northern Rail crisis which is bringing an economic crisis to the north of England?

Also, while bunging a few more billion to the DUP in Northern Ireland (population under 2m) to keep you in power, perhaps you could spare a few million for the northern economy. Yorkshire alone has a population of more than 5m.

Industries in the north of England will surely suffer even further with the tariffs your buddy across the pond is proposing! Whatever happened to the special relationship? AFTER hearing of Yorkshire Water’s cost-cutting plans to do away with Holme Styes reservoir in Hade Edge I read with interest Denis Kilcommons’ article on concerns over potential water shortages and how we should conserve water.

Holme Styes is a local beauty spot with nature trails, apart from a water source, and would act as a buffer to ease potential flooding in the Holme Valley.

The last time decommissioning of reservoirs took place to save money was the time of the drought when we had to tanker in supplies from Kielder Water in Northumberland.

I feel your readers should be aware of these plans and express their concerns as it is our futures we are talking about.