Local MP calls for Northern Rail to stay on track with improvements

Local MP, David Rutley, met the Commercial Director of Northern Rail, Richard Allen, and other senior executives at Disley Railway Station to call for improvements to local rail services.

David raised local passenger concerns about customer service standards and the frequency of rail services. In response, Northern Rail was pleased to confirm a number of welcome improvements for customers, including the installation of customer information screens on both platforms at Disley and Poynton later in the year.

At the meeting, Cheshire East Councillor, Harold Davenport, and members of Disley Parish Council also raised the importance of improving the frequency of trains and increasing the number of available carriages. This will become an even more important issue as the new Manchester Airport to A6 Relief Road is predicted to lead to a 30% increase in traffic on the A6 in Disley.

Northern Rail also briefed the meeting on the upcoming franchise negotiations, as the current franchise is up for renewal in 2016. David will be writing to the Transport Minister to clearly set out issues effecting local passengers and the opportunity to improve train services in the area.

Speaking after the meeting, David said, “It was good to have a constructive meeting with Northern Rail, to discuss the transport challenges faced by residents across the constituency. Improving rail services and the experience of passengers is a real priority and will become even more important with the extra traffic pressures on the A6 in Disley expected in the years ahead.”