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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Alexandra Rucki

Frustrated rail commuters to stage 'No to Northern' protest at Manchester Victoria station

Commuters frustrated over delays are staging a 'No to Northern' protest over the lack of faith they have in the rail service provider.

The peaceful protest is set to take place at the entrance of Manchester Victoria station next Thursday, during evening rush hour.

There are no plans to cause disruption to travellers, but campaigners say they want to raise awareness of the 'awful service', lack of communication with customers and constant delays.

Those taking part will be carrying placards reading #NorthernLightsOut and other messages to the Department of Transport to highlight their ongoing commuting woes.

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The event has been organised by the Northern Resist campaign group. Members are calling on the government to replace the provider with another franchise or nationalise the service.

Kate Anstee, Northern Resist campaigner, said members have decided to launch the protest to tie in with the upcoming General Election.

The 36-year-old, of Hebden Bridge, said: "It will be a peaceful protest saying 'No more to Northern'.

The protest is set to take place at Manchester Victoria station (Manchester Evening News)

"I know there are long standing issues on the railway network itself, but our issues are with Northern.

"We have issues with the way they communicate with people, the increase of fares in January when people are most poor and the fact less than 50 percent of their trains turn up on time.

"We want to cause no disruption to passengers, we don't want to storm the railway track.

"We want people who aren't on social media or the Northern Resist Facebook group to know people are doing something about it."

Kate added: "I live in the Calder Valley and commute from Hebden Bridge to Swinton.

"At the moment going home is a nightmare. It takes up to two and a half hours. It should be 75 minutes. It is really doing everybody in.

A Northern Pacer (Teesside Live)

"There are no lifts, no toilets. I understand improvement works are essential, but it is the way they go about it. Four people fainted on overcrowded trains last week."

It comes after disgruntled commuters in London launched a protest at London Victoria Station following frequent cancellations by Southern Railway, however there has never been a northern equivalent.

A spokesman for Northern said: “We are aware of the planned event and are having regular conversations with the organisers.

“We will continue to work with them and British Transport Police to help to facilitate a peaceful protest outside Manchester Victoria station.”

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