CONGRATULATIONS Bolton News for demanding action on the Northern Rail debacle.

Not only is Northern Rail creating misery for rail users across the North, but it is also receiving huge sums of taxpayers' money for delivering such a substandard service — a subsidy that benefits German passengers as Arriva Trains North, the franchise holder, is wholly owned by the German government.

However, the Tory government must take its share of the blame.

It demanded the change which could lead to trains running without guards on board — something that rail users do not want, particularly those passengers who need support to get on and off trains and those of us that feel vulnerable to assault or abuse.

These government demands have lead to the strike action on our railways.

Also, the Tory government is directly in charge of Network Rail and set the unrealistic programme which has created chaos.

The announcement of an inquiry is not enough.

Urgent action needs to be taken by the Secretary of State for Transport and Northern Rail should be taken back into public ownership.

Chris Green needs to tell his boss to get a grip.

Julie Hilling

Bolton West