MERSEYTRAVEL have denied claims by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) that users of Earlestown railway station will not be getting an adequate service due to a decrease in staffing levels by North Western Trains... but Merseytravel also indicated that if franchise agreements are broken, financial penalties would follow.

In a letter sent to the St Helens Star, Andy Warnock, divisional organiser of the RMT, stated: "Rail users will find it difficult to buy through tickets or obtain information. Earlestown additionally has problems with drug users hanging around the station and staff are frequently required to pick up syringes. This is clearly a health hazard to both staff and passengers and the withdrawal of staff will exacerbate the situation.

"Approximately eight years ago two fatalities occurred at Earlestown station as a result of trespass incidents. A High Court judge recommended at the time that staffing levels be fully maintained, but this edict is now being ignored by North Western Trains."

He also stated: "As part of their programme of cutbacks, North Western Trains have withdrawn the middle turn at the station and this is going to deter disabled passengers from travelling. Anyone familiar with the location will be aware of the distance between platforms one and five, and without assistance from station staff, disabled passengers will not be able to change trains for North Wales, etc, nor commence journeys."

In response to the claims of the union, a spokesman for Merseytravel, said: "North Western Trains is obliged under the franchise agreement to ensure the station is staffed from first train to last train seven days a week. "The train operating company must ensure customers are able to purchase tickets and obtain information from the booking office. And the station must be kept clean and well maintained.

"If North Western Trains fails to meet the standards set by the franchise agreement, Merseytravel is able to exact financial penalties."

He continued: "An ongoing partnership with Railtrack and North Western Trains is delivering closed circuit TV, telephone help points, new lighting and further station platform improvements for passenger comfort, safety and security.

" Merseytravel recognises that disabled access to Earlestown station is inadequate but there are more than 80 stations on the Merseyrail network, many of which are Georgian or Victorian, which require massive investment.

"Merseytravel has limited public funds but is committed to a long-term multi-million pound investment in access facilities, ramps and lifts across the network.

"Wheelchair users have never been able to access the central platforms of Earlestown station and are, regrettably, asked to use an accessible station.

"Other passengers who are elderly, or who have mobility problems, should ring North Western Trains on 0151 702 2714, allowing 48 hours notice before their intended journey where possible."

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