Rail group lets off station steam (From The Bolton News)

Rail group lets off station steam

A RAIL users' group set up to keep track of the Blackburn and Bolton line has slammed two of the area's stations.

Bob Hayes, the Blackburn and Bolton Line Rail Users' Group chair and publicity officer, expressed his concern over the lack of basic provisions at Darwen and Hall i'th' Wood railway stations.

He said: "We are particularly concerned with inadequate station facilities.

"Darwen, Entwistle and Hall i'th' Wood stations are particularly spartan and we remain concerned about staffing levels at Blackburn when the station is rebuilt."

He let off steam at the group's first committee meeting to elect the first of the organisation's officers.

But train company First North Western said it is planning to provide new customer information systems and payphones at the stations by March 2000.

A spokesman for the operator said: "In general terms, the level of facilities offered at a station will largely depend on its size and the numbers using it but First North Western aims to provide a welcoming environment for customers.

"We are responsible for the day to day running of these stations such as cleaning, posters and timetable displays and ways of improving their cleanliness are being developed."

Mr Hayes' views came as the group outlined its plan to develop a campaign strategy for the months ahead.

He said: "We have received widespread public support. The group will be addressing a range of issues over the coming months."

The group also elected its vice-chair, Sue Crompton and secretary Ian McHugh at the meeting.

It plans to hold its next public meeting in Bromley Cross in September and a senior representative of the train company, First North Western, is to be invited.

Contact Mr McHugh on Bolton 526606 for more details of the group's activities.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.