Castleton and Smithy Bridge train stations identified by RMT as 'crime hot spots and no-go areas' if Northern Rail proceed with plan to sack guards

Castleton Station is an unstaffed station

RMT has named Castleton and Smithy Bridge among 330 unstaffed stations which it fears will become crime hot spots and no-go areas for vulnerable and disabled passengers if if Northern Rail proceed with plans to sack guards.

Although these stations are currently unstaffed, protection and assistance for passengers and the train driver at stations is provided by the guard who is on all trains.

Northern is planning for at least 50% of services to have no guards with many lines and routes completely unstaffed.

RMT is warning that removing the guard from trains will result in passengers and the train driver being more exposed to crime and anti-social behaviour, while disabled and older passengers will not be able to get on and off the train when they wish to.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “No staff on many routes and lines, no staff on the stations and no staff on the trains travelling through these stations means there will be a cocktail of dangers at the locations we have identified which will increasingly become no-go areas for vulnerable passengers and new crime hot spots.

"At the same time our isolated drivers will be on their own, increasingly exposed to anti-social and violent behaviour.

“As well as these dangers there will be also be disadvantages for disabled and older passengers who require assistance because there will be no one there to help them on and off the train or provide assistance during their journey.

“These are yet another set of reasons why the Prime Minister should stop sabotaging a deal with Northern and why we will keep up the fight for a safe, secure and accessible railway with properly staffed stations and a guard on every train.”