How can north cope with underfunded rail system?
I AM writing to raise the subject of cuts in funding for rail services in the north when London, as usual, gets increasing money to improve their infrastructure.
I am a wheelchair user and overcrowding makes it really difficult for me to use the train when people without seats have to stand in the corridors.
I have been refused entry onto trains because there is no way I could board because the train was packed full.
I feel my MP, Mary Robinson, should stand up for her constituents by raising the lack of investment in rail in the north west.
How can the north succeed when our railway system is underfunded, expensive and overcrowded? Rachel McDonald Hazel Grove
OUTRAGE OVER TRAIN MONEY
I WAS outraged to hear that the funding for improvement to Northern services has now been re-allocated to London (as if it needs to attract more people).
Now insult has been added to injury as there will be a further price increase for tickets on these sub-standard journeys.
As an individual with autism, crowded and out-of-date trains have an impact on my health and discourage me from travelling.
The north needs this investment to bring our railways and carriages into the 21st century surely not a big ask. James T Pelham address supplied
REMEMBERING THE W.JACS
ON a recent visit to Stockport I called into the Heritage Society in St Mary’s Church.
I purchased a folder containing 12 back copies of Stockport Heritage magazine. In Volume 2, 1990/1991, there was an article about the W.JACs by Jack Barlow.
I was a member of the W.JACs in 1949. We met on a Thursday evening at St George’s secondary school, later moving to Cale Green Infants School.
Our commanding officer was Mavis Jones, who lived in Hazel Grove.
Other names I recall are surnames Wedge, Sharkey and Stonier who came from Heaton Norris.
We used to go to Avro’s at Woodford Aerodrome on Saturday mornings and go up in a small plane whilst learning about the aircraft.
We used to meet at St Mary’s Church in the Market Place with other cadet forces for a service in the church.
In September 1949, I was promoted to Lance Corporal so when doing drill or attending services I was the one calling out the orders - much to the amusement of my friends from Buckingham Street, Heavily area, who had come to watch the parade.
I wonder if there is anyone else in Stockport who remembers the W. JACs before they disbanded in 1951? Sybil Marshall nee Webb Nettleham, Lincoln