PASSENGERS on the East Lancashire Line travelling to Brierfield, Nelson and Colne are being put in danger by being 'turfed out' of trains at Burnley Central Station when the service is unexpectedly terminated.

Pendle peer Lord Tony Greaves said in the past year hundreds of travellers - including the young, old and disabled - had been left on the platform, often late at night.

The Liberal Democrat told Transport Minister Baroness Liz Sugg in the House of Lords on Tuesday:“If trains are late, they often turn back at Burnley and turf out all the passengers without assistance, support or alternative transport to Brierfield, Nelson or Colne, where they have tickets to.

"It happens at all times of the day and night, leaving vulnerable people stranded at a dark unmanned station—children, young girls, old and disabled people.

"When will the government get to grips with Arriva Northern rail and bring an end to scandals such as this?"

Baroness Sugg replied: “Northern is working hard to reduce the number of cancellations, currently running at about four per cent and obviously not good enough.

"If the last train is cancelled, Northern operates a policy which should ensure passengers travelling to Brierfield, Nelson and Colne are not left stranded. I have been assured onward transport has been provided in all circumstances."

Lord Greaves said: “We are talking hundreds of passengers from dozens of trains. Vulnerable people are being put in potential danger, especially at night."

A Northern spokesman said: “The service between Blackpool South and Colne line has not been at the level we expect or our customers deserve.

“When services are cancelled, or have to be stopped short of their original destination, we always seek to provide alternative transport."