SENRUG Launches Manifesto

SENRUG, the group that campaigns for better rail transport in South East Northumberland, today formally launched its manifesto that brings together all its campaign objectives for better rail transport in the area in a single handy document.

“Most of our campaigns are for issues which are realistically achievable in the short term,” said Chairman Dennis Fancett. “This includes issues such as customer information systems at Morpeth & Cramlington, level access at Morpeth, extended opening hours for Morpeth’s ticket office and of course, full re-opening of the Ashington Blyth & Tyne line for passenger services to Ashington and Woodhorn. But we acknowledge other objectives are more aspirational and require significant shifts in public policy and release of further funding to achieve. Nevertheless, we think it important to list together all the components needed to deliver an excellent, integrated rail service in this area.”

Although the group are using the term “manifesto” they are anxious to point out they are not aligned to any political party but instead seek to work across the whole political spectrum to achieve their objectives for the benefit of the local community.

In recent years the group have become increasingly well known and respected locally for their tireless campaigning efforts. Last year, they chartered a passenger train to run round the Blyth & Tyne line to Ashington and had over 40 local councillors on board. At present they are pointing out the folly of introducing punitive charges for parking at Morpeth station, which they say will only force rail users back to cars.

The manifesto is divided into different sections covering local services between Newcastle and Morpeth, local services north of Morpeth, Station facilities at Morpeth and Cramlington, inter-city services at Morpeth, the Ashington Blyth & Tyne line and bus / rail integration issues. The full manifesto can be found on SENRUG’s website at www.senrug.co.uk.