Electrification ‘desperately needed' for Greenfield station

MP Debbie Abrahams is pictured at Greenfield station in front of the footbridge which is inaccessible for many disabled residents, people with prams or anyone who is unable to use stairs

Full electrification is ‘desperately needed' at Greenfield station, Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams has said in a letter to the transport secretary, Grant Shapps.

The Government announced in July that it was merely ‘considering’ the full electrification of the line between Leeds and Manchester but, in her letter, Ms Abrahams is urging the transport secretary to commit to full electrification of the line. 

Detailing the points she raised in the letter, Ms Abrahams said: “We were previously promised full electrification of the route, but this was pulled from the line as it passes between Stalybridge and Huddersfield, which of course, includes Greenfield.

“Full electrification is desperately needed for a number of reasons.

"Not only would this cut emissions and give passengers faster and more reliable journeys, but one of the major issues at Greenfield station is the lack of accessibility. 

“With nearly 400,000 journeys made in 2018/19, Greenfield station is one of the busiest in Greater Manchester without fully accessible platforms. 

“Currently those travelling towards Huddersfield have no step free access, and this is an issue for disabled residents, those with prams or anyone who is unable to use stairs.

"A requirement of the full electrification of the line would be a new footbridge across the tracks, and this new bridge must be accessible. 

“Despite the heavy footfall at Greenfield we have not been in consideration for the Government’s ‘access for all’ funding as Transport for Greater Manchester stated the previously promised electrification would mean we would be getting a new footbridge. 

“However, when this was withdrawn, the platforms' accessibility issues at Greenfield were still not addressed. 

“Regarding the newly formed Transport Acceleration Council (TAC), I asked the transport secretary to provide more information about this new council.

"And I have urged him to commit to the full electrification of the Trans Pennine route ahead of the integrated rail plan.”

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