FOR many years I have been travelling by train once a year to Lowestoft in Suffolk.

I change trains twice, and I have had many problems on stages of this journey. Twice I’ve had my fare money refunded, but by far the worst is the journey between Bolton and Manchester.

The outward journey isn’t so bad because it’s the tail end of the rush hour.

Before I come home I plan my journey so that I’m not travelling at busy times, but because of delays I often reach Manchester Piccadilly when it’s the rush hour.

Apart from there being too few carriages, sometimes there are trains missing.

As a pensioner, I’m finding it difficult getting my luggage on and off the train, but at these times I get pushed and jostled — it’s horrendous. Also I have to stand all the way from Manchester to Bolton.

I last used the train in July. We were having a mini heat wave, and the heat in the carriage was unbearable. If I had fainted I wouldn’t have hit the floor because we were all pressed together. Is it legal to have all these passengers blocking the exits?

When I get home I am drained, physically and mentally.

I vow I’ll never do this journey again, but I will, because my only son and grandchild live in Lowestoft.

Is there anyone out there who can tell me how to get to East Anglia without using the train?

Mrs S Myerscough Molyneux Road Westhoughton