Lack of Sunday trains at borough's smaller stations slammed by rail campaign group and local MPs

A limited run of train services stopping at local stations on Sunday (24 February) has been criticised by members of local rail campaign group, STORM (Support the Oldham Rochdale Manchester rail line).

The group says that despite services stopping at Rochdale and Littleborough, other stations like Smithy Bridge, Castleton and Mills Hill were passed through without a train stopping – before waiting at the end of line at Manchester Victoria for almost an hour before reversing the route.

Chairman of STORM, Richard Greenwood, said: “Yet again, there were no trains on Sunday at Smithy Bridge, Castleton, Mills Hill or Moston stations, although trains will continue to fly through these stations nonstop.

“The only train to call at Castleton was at 0841, a train to Manchester from Blackburn. There were no trains from Manchester.

“I am at my wit’s end – surely this must be a breach of the terms of Arriva and Northern’s franchise.

“Who is on the side of the passengers?”

Another member of STORM added: “The units stand at Victoria for 50 minutes, so stopping at our beleaguered local stations is surely possible.”

The level of service operating locally has also been branded "appalling" by local MPs, Tony Lloyd and Liz McInnes.

MP for Rochdale, Mr Lloyd said: “The level of service provided by Northern at the weekend was appalling and completely unacceptable. Northern have not only a contractual obligation, but also a moral duty to provide a reliable service to people across the borough and beyond.

“In light of the above, I am tabling a parliamentary question to Chris Grayling, the Secretary of State for Transport. I, and I’m sure everyone affected by the disruptions, would like to know what the penalties are for transport operators, and what compensation will be offered to those affected.

“Along with that, what assurances can he give to the people of Rochdale that the improvement of public transport will be treated as a priority, and if current operators continue to fail and are unable to fulfil their obligations, will he withdraw their franchise.”

Heywood and Middleton MP, Ms McInnes agreed: “The standard of public transport for residents in Heywood and Middleton and our region as a whole is simply not good enough. For too long, London and the south east have had far greater investment in transport infrastructure than the North and it is high time this imbalance was addressed.

“It is especially clear that the private companies running our rail services are not up to the job: passengers are paying more for their tickets each year, and yet are getting a worse service for their money.”

A spokesman for Northern said: “We are sorry for the inconvenience that customers have faced. The impact of ongoing engineering work means we have to adjust our Sunday timetable each and every week. This has an impact on matching drivers’ availability within their working agreements.

“Routes have been chosen carefully to minimise the impact on customers. On many of the affected routes, our customers will have a range of alternative options available to them including other Northern services, trains run by other operators or rail replacement road transport.”