MP's protest as Overcrowded local trains set to to get worse

11.05.19am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 19th Sep 2008

Following reports that there may be a cut in the number of carriages on trains on the Hazel Grove to Manchester line in December local MP, Andrew Stunell, has challenged the train operator to think again.

"People are jammed in like sardines already in the rush hour. Now the three-carriage electrics look like being replaced by two-carriage diesels. It will be bedlam, and comes just when the Passenger Transport Authority is trying to get us all to vote for Congestion Charging.

"If this report is correct, they are bonkers."

Mr Stunell has already held meetings with both Northern Rail and PTA representatives to express his concern.

"This comes at a time when the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) is spending an absolute fortune placarding every bus and billboard urging us to back congestion charging. I have had to explain to them that it is madness to be cutting back on train services, and that this action completely undermines their claim about the advantages for Stockport residents. "

Now Mr Stunell has written to Transport Minister Ruth Kelly telling her to release funding and allow Northern Rail to bring in longer trains.