On Friday 16th November, Fiona hosted a 'Meet the Managers' event at Congleton Train Station with staff from Northern.
During the session a range of issues were raised. The points include:
- Requesting Later Trains
- Mentioned by a number of people as this restricts access to cultural and entertainment activities in Manchester
- The impact of less footfall in the local area impacting local businesses
- No trains running on a Saturday and too few on a Sunday
- Children being unable to get to school on time in Macclesfield and less options available to them because of the cancellation of the 7.32am train. Further, later trains not being available impacts the ability of children to take part in extra curricular activities
- Strike days having an impact
- This was mentioned by several people
- Short general opening hours of the station and no improvements to facilities
- No Saturday service for four months
- Only one cross-country service
- People asked if more could stop in Congleton
- That people are now having to drive instead of take the train
- More frequent trains are needed
- Felt that there is a lack of joined up thinking
- There is no bus alternative for many routes, meaning people feel cut off
- Trespassers when the offices are closed, with people climbing on the roof
- Parking charges
- Confusing and unnecessary
- Causing severe problems on nearby streets where people are now parking
- Inconsiderate parking
- 4 days in a row a car could be parked outside people's houses
- Felt Congleton was forgotten because it was in the gap
- Buildings have deteriorated and shelter is no good
- Accessibility issues
- Strange train ticket prices
- More expensive when buying online than in station
- Advanced tickets not available from Congleton
- No facilities for coffee
- Children are held back from employment opportunities as they can't get to Manchester early enough
- Lack of early trains on a Sunday
- Guards on train
- Electric signage
- Can't check if you don't have a mobile phone or aren't good at it
- Certain trains are very full - particularly the 5pm train
- Too many people standing
- Station and services not fit for the size of Congleton
- Feel that Congleton is penalised for being on the mainline
- Trouble with season tickets
- Seem to be unable to collect tickets from Congleton
- Holmes Chapel - Parking machines take a long time and there are no people to help
- Promise to pay ticket traps people and can lead to missing the train it takes so long
- Why is there no combined tram and train ticket
- Compensation system is not simple enough
- Too many cancelled trains - had to pick up people from Macclesfield