MP calls for Northern Rail to be stripped of its franchise over travel chaos

Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd has written to Chris Grayling calling for Northern Rail to be stripped of its franchise over rail services in Rochdale and the North due to continuing chaos and unacceptable inconvenience to passengers.

Recent months have seen rail misery for thousands and Rochdale, Smithy Bridge, Littleborough and Castleton have been hit hard.

Travellers whether for work, leisure or family reasons are entitled to expect a high quality and reliable train service for the good money they spend.

Just last weekend (4 - 5 August) all services between Liverpool and Manchester Airport were cancelled, causing misery for passengers.

The unnecessary disruption offered up to passengers by Northern Rail has the potential to cause plenty of distress to people looking to get away for their holidays or get to work on time.

Mr Lloyd said: “Chris Grayling has consistently promised to get a handle on the rail situation but has so far failed to do so and questions have to be asked as to what the Department for Transport under his stewardship is doing to assist badly affected northern rail passengers.

"My letter is part of a formal representation to strip Northern Rail of its franchise due to gross and consistent incompetence.”

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