Stockport residents have joined thousands of rail users across the north to highlight threats to rail staff from Department for Transport proposals on the next Northern Rail and TransPennine Express franchises.
A Labour motion to Stockport Council on 16th October called for protection of staff at local stations and of train conductors. The Labour Group argued that it is vital to protect staff to make local rail travel accessible to everybody, to ensure high safety standards are maintained, and, by issuing tickets to every passenger using a service, to protect revenue and make sure ticket prices don’t rise any further.
Councillors Dean Fitzpatrick (Heatons South) and Elise Wilson (Davenport and Cale Green) showed how cuts to staff are a false economy, driven by central government slashing budgets rather than a true assessment of what Stockport commuters really need.
In response, Stockport’s Liberal Democrats and Conservatives refused to support Labour in fighting to maintain station staffing.
Cllr Fitzpatrick said, “There are currently 15 stations* in Stockport with a staffed ticket office. Only Labour will campaign to protect the opening hours and staffing at these local stations.”
At the meeting the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives went on to advocate the introduction of ‘Driver-Only’ trains, despite industry experts saying these are less safe for passengers and staff.
Cllr Wilson added, “I know from talking to people in my ward that the consequences of removing staff are a cause of great concern. Stockport Labour Group will defend staff working on our local trains. This is crucial for the safety of all rail users.”
Stockport Labour Group is committed to working with residents against proposals to cut staff from local stations and trains. If you’d like to lend your support, please get in touch:
*Heaton Chapel, Davenport, Brinnington, Bramhall, Rose Hill, Marple, Bredbury, Woodsmoor, Hazel Grove, Reddish North, Romiley, Cheadle Hulme, Heald Green, Gatley and Stockport.