Fury as rail line is closed
A DECISION to suspend a train line from Manchester to Stockport has been blasted as ‘nonsensical’ by outraged councillors
Councillor for Edgeley and Cheadle Heath ward, Coun Matt Wynne, and Marple south and High Lane councillor, Coun Tom Dowse, have both condemned the planned temporary closure of the line between Rose Hill and Piccadilly.
Northern’s decision was made in July but has been slammed.
In a motion due at Stockport council’s next full meeting on September 17, the representatives wrote: “This could permanently damage local trust and confidence in the Greater Manchester public transport network, putting more pressure on our already congested roads as people have little option but to resort to car usage.”
The councillors are also concerned the closure will place even greater pressure on the already overcrowded commuter links that stop at Marple, Romiley, Bredbury, Brinnington and Reddish North.
Since Northern announced their plans last month, thousands of local residents have signed petitions against the move.
The Rose Hill Line also serves Woodley, which will now not have a service running to or from it until the line is planned to reopen in December.
Cllr Matt Wynne, said: “Even a temporary closure of this railway line is a retrograde move and a massive dent to the public’s hopes and wishes for a resilient Greater Manchester public transport network.
“Notwithstanding the difficulties this will mean for Stockport residents, it may adversely affect those who work in Manchester and students returning back to school.
“Northern, and the other transport bodies involved, have a duty now to consult properly and bring all concerned around the table to make a way forward.”
Cllr Tom Dowse added: “Closing this line for a duration of three months is completely nonsensical. At a time when local residents are encouraged to return to the office, and schools are reopening, closing a line entirely doesn’t make sense.
“It will be more difficult for commuters to socially distance if people are forced onto other lines. At a time when we are trying to encourage people to use public transport more, punishing people who are making that step isn’t a good move.”
Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on many parts of society and this includes the railway.
“We have done all we can to continue to provide the best possible service for customers across the network, but we still have members of staff shielding and the knock-on effects of the virus will be felt for many months.
“As we work towards reintroducing services and re-instate our driving training programme, we have had to make some very tough decisions and one of those is to suspend our timetable to and from Rose Hill.”
The regional director said this would provide the needed flexibility amongst train crew and trains to keep other services across Manchester and beyond reliable.
He added: “I completely understand this may frustrate customers on that route, but it was chosen carefully as the route has other excellent public transport links and several nearby stations which will still have a good service to and from Manchester. We will also be providing a shuttle bus service between Rose Hill, Marple and Romiley, with an additional stop at Woodley in the morning and evening to help schoolchildren.”