HUNTER HAILS VAST INCREASE IN LOCAL RAIL USE

5.12.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 16th Jul 2010

HUNTER HAILS VAST INCREASE IN LOCAL RAIL USE

The number of passengers using the eight stations in and around the Cheadle constituency has increased by 78% in the last five years, research by local MP Mark Hunter has revealed.

The latest ORR Station Usage Figures show a dramatic rise in the number of people using Bramhall, Cheadle Hulme, Davenport, Gatley, Hazel Grove, Heald Green, Woodsmoor and Stockport railway stations. Bramhall has seen an increase of 114%, whilst Hazel Grove and Cheadle Hulme Stations have seen usage increase by almost 100% since 2005.

Stockport Train Station has also seen passenger numbers boosted by 75% in the last five years - despite being recently labeled by the previous government as one of the 'ten worst stations'.

Mr Hunter set up the Cheadle & District Rail User Group a number of years ago which meets regularly to lobby for improvements to local rail services. The Group has campaigned for essential upgrades to local stations, including disabled access at Gatley Station and now to Cheadle Hulme Station (set to take place later this year).

Commenting, Mark said:

"I am delighted to see such a dramatic increase of passengers using local trains. This is good news for our environment, our economy, and for road users who will have less traffic to grapple with.

"The increase in rail use shows the public demand for effective rail transport and as the local MP this helps me to take the case for further improvements to our local services right to the top.

"Local trains can still be overcrowded at times and, in some stations, trains are not as frequent as many passengers would like. I will continue to work hard to ensure we both maintain and develop this strong local transport network."