The below response was submitted to Northern on behalf of the Labour Group Stockport on 04/07/2017
There is an official Stockport Labour Group petition (click here) calling for Northern to rethink their timetable proposals and improve rather cut train services to Stockport station.
We write to highlight our concerns over Northern proposals on future Buxton- Manchester timetabling arrangements. These proposals would reduce the number of trains which stop at Davenport, Woodsmoor and Heaton Chapel stations during peak hours, and introduce an uneven service distribution pattern, both factors which will exacerbate overcrowding and reduce service standards for local residents.
The proposals seek to reduce journey times between Buxton and Manchester. However, to achieve this they seek to reduce services stopping at Davenport, Woodsmoor stations during peak hours, from nine trains between 7.00am and 10.00am down to seven. Alongside this, the proposed distribution of services would change from regular to intermittent; with two trains 14 minutes apart in the hour followed by a long (circa 45 minute) wait instead of roughly half hour intervals.
These services are important for many travelling to and from Stepping Hill Hospital, Aquinas Sixth Form College, a range of other local employers and commuters between Manchester and Stockport. It is notable that almost 1000 residents have already made their objections known having signed online and physical petitions.
The effect of these proposals would be to increase passenger demand upon already overcrowded services. The latest Office of Rail and Road (ORR) figures show that Davenport and Woodsmoor stations see over 517,000 annual passenger journeys. This number has more than doubled (X2.26) in the last decade. For its part, Heaton Chapel Station remains the busiest two- platform commuter station in Greater Manchester, hosting 757,000 journeys last year, a total which has again more than doubled (X2.23) in the last decade (ORR figures).
In light of this, our view is that Northern should be examining options to increase service levels (at least by volume, if not by frequency) to accommodate demand at these stops; while ensuring regular service provision is maintained at times of high demand. If our understanding is correct, these proposals appear to work against both these points and therefore appear both unworkable and at odds with the interests of Stockport residents.
While we are supportive of reduced journey times from Buxton to Manchester, we agree with Friends Of Davenport Station and Woodsmoor Friends Group, that reducing valued services is not the way to achieve this. These aims should be accomplished through the requisite infrastructure investment, as opposed to cutting corners which will significantly impact people’s lives, many of whom choose to live where they do due to the availability of transport links.
We ask that you consider the above points, and work with Network Rail to create additional capacity on these lines so that residents can be in receipt of the services they deserve.
We look forward to your response and to working with you toward this.
Kind regards,
Cllr Kate Butler, Cllr Wendy Wild, Cllr Dickie Davies, Cllr Elise Wilson, Cllr Alexander Ganotis, Cllr John Taylor and Cllr David Sedgwick on behalf of the Stockport Labour Group.