Adopting community spirit in times of crisis

Date published: 22/01/2008

In times of flooding, frozen conditions or even leaves on the line, a job working at a railway station can be gruelling.  Facing passengers, furious about a stream of cancellations is not an easy job.  The recent flooding problems left passengers stranded as all trains to Leeds from Rochdale were cancelled.  The bearer of the bad news though came from an unusual source.  John Murray, who has "adopted’ Rochdale Railway Station was quick to react and as part of Northern Rail’s "station adoption scheme’ started helping passengers with frontline information at the busy station.

Popular Rochdale cricket umpire John Murray of Osborne Street, an active member of the STORM Action Group, was on the receiving end.  Rather than being "hit by six’ John said: "Passengers were very patient and appreciated the help and advice.  Our staff at the station have a very demanding and stressful job.  Rail users tell me that in times of great difficulty it’s good to see a friendly local face.  The flooding in Rochdale was the worst in recent times and the station was chaotic at times.  I was pleased though to help out and make sure that everyone knew what was going on."

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: "In times of great adversity people like John step forward and provide a great public service.  As MP, I am proud of volunteers like John who give their time up to help people for no reward.  The members of the station adoption scheme help bring the community back into the heart of our railway station.  They make it more attractive and bring the human touch, so often missing back into public transport.  Well done John and the team for a good job done."