County boss in underpass plea
ASTOCKPORT County director has become involved in the Stockport station underpass row – asking Virgin trains to reconsider its decision to block off the well- used cut- through.
Jon Keighren has asked the company to keep access through the pedestrian tunnel unrestricted, saying the proposed barriers will cause difficulties for both home and away supporters on match days.
Virgin had wanted to make access for train ticket holders only.
Following a huge outcry the company has agreed to introduce a guest pass system for non-passengers when the barriers go live on August 18.
But Mr Keighren says this will still cause problems on match days.
He said: “We are very concerned about a plan which appears to inhibit the free movement of not only our own supporters but also opposition fans who have used the underpass as an access route between Edgeley and the town centre.
“I am sure you would agree that Stockport County’s presence close to Stockport Station has brought huge benefits to the town’s train operators over the years.
“We would hope that there are no disincentives put in place to divide the town unnecessarily, and potentially damage local businesses, including ourselves. We would humbly request pedestrians are able to continue to enjoy unhindered access.”
Me Keighren acknowledges that Virgin has no obligation to provide a right of way.
It will introduce the barriers, which will be manned by ‘welcome hosts’, as part of its West Coast Main Line franchise to tackle fare dodging.
The difficulty with dividing the underpass in two to allow one half for free access is that stairs and lifts to the platforms are on opposite sides.
When the barrier plans were announced there were huge protests and a petition got 4,500 signatures in less than a week.
Last week Virgin announced the guest pass system but this has been described as ‘overly- bureaucratic’.
Virgin’s Gary Iddon said: “We have said from the outset we were open to suggestions and it was never our intention to disrupt.
“That is why we will be introducing the guest pass to allow people to continue to get to where they need to be.
“It could be to families wanting to wave off relatives, residents heading to the town centre or football fans making their way to the match.”
See Mr Keighren’s letter to Virgin Trains in our Letters section – pages 10&11.