Train station kiosk owner hits out at Northern Rail

The owner of the kiosk in Rochdale train station has hit out at the treatment he has received from Northern Rail - who have decided not to renew his lease.

Allan Spence, 58, has run the kiosk in the station for the past 8 years, but his lease ran out in November and Northern Rail will not be renewing it.

Mr Spence said the treatment he has received “stinks.”

Adding that he was only made aware of the reasoning behind the decision when a letter was sent from Northern Rail to Simon Danczuk MP outlining the need to ensure the highest possible customer service at the kiosk means the opportunity should be opened up to all those interested in managing the kiosk.

Mr Spence has until 15 January to vacate the premises and effectively will be left without a business and a job.

Mr Spence who is married and has five children doesn’t hold much hope that Northern Rail will reconsider.

He said: “Once these people decide they don’t want you, they don’t want you.”

Adding: “Morally it stinks.”

Mr Spence said when a customer emailed Northern Rail about the issue of the lease a response stated there had been “managerial issues”

But, Mr Spence denies that is the case and said he hasn’t had any official complaint about any managerial issues.

A Northern Rail Spokesperson said: "The current tenant's lease has now expired and we [are] in the process of marketing the retail opportunity to ensure we secure the highest quality service for our customers. This can only be achieved by opening the opportunity to all those who are interested in managing the kiosk."