New train timetable omits service frequenting Castleton

Castleton Railway Station

A new train timetable has omitted a service frequenting Castleton, say local rail campaign group STORM (Support the Oldham Rochdale Manchester rail line).

Timetables across the North changed on 19 May.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/127926/plan-ahead-for-this-weekends-timetable-change

Chairman of STORM, Richard Greenwood, said: “The new timetable has an unfortunate alteration in the service at Castleton Station. The specified service is two trains per hour, but the train which previously called at Castleton en route from Rochdale to Manchester at 13:45 has been axed, leaving a gap of an hour.

“Another gap in the hourly regular sequence, which has been in force for some time, is at 16:35. This latter omission is because Network Rail say they cannot otherwise schedule a freight train from the Arcow Quarry to Bredbury. This train is not guaranteed to run every day but ‘runs as required’.

“I can find no evidence of any freight trains which has caused the problem at 13:45, and assume that this error was committed early in the timetabling process and not corrected when it was realised there was no conflict with any freight train.”

A spokesman for Northern said: “The timetable has been amended to allow for slightly different freight movements across the network. In turn, these enable us to operate our new extended services between Leeds and Chester, calling at all points in between.”

The spokesman added: “We understand the frustration of customers, but our new timetable still provides two services per hour between Castleton and Manchester Victoria through most of the day (Mon - Sat).

“Of course, we take all feedback on board and will consider all views when compiling future timetables.

"Our aim remains to provide the best possible service for our customers.”