Overcrowded Greenfield commute set to continue

5.11.20pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Jul 2009

Commenting on the news that the Government is to withhold funding for the Oldham Loop rolling stock, Elwyn Watkins, Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for Oldham East & Saddleworth, said:

"This decision will increase the current heavily congested rail services from Greenfield to Manchester.

"Rail passengers in the north already must endure overcrowded journeys, particularly at the of busiest times, on rolling stock which is often below the standard enjoyed by commuters in the south east.

"Why is the North being left out from the economic benefits that rail development undoubtedly brings?

"Northern Rail, who operate the services in question, are set to receive just 106 of the 182 carriages previously promised by the Department for Transport. It seems highly likely that many of these carriages will end up in the south east.

"As a result of this cut in funding, the North - South divide on train travel will widen. Government transport bosses must re-consider and give us the rolling stock that promised!"