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Lord Adonis criticises Network Rail in letter about state of Wakefield Kirkgate
THIS is a transcript of a letter sent to Iain Coucher, chief executive of Newtork Rail, by Lord Adonis follwing his visits to Wakefield Kirkgate and Pontefract Monkhill stations.
Dear Iain,
Last Friday I visited both these stations at the request of the local MPs, Mary Creagh and Yvette Cooper.
In both cases, I found local stakeholders with real ideas for improvements, but who were being frustrated by the apparent inability of the rail industry to work together to deliver them.
Kirkgate is probably the worst 'medium-large' station I have seen in Britain.
It is a largely derelict, grade II listed building, which brings shame to Britain's railway.
In October 2008, there was a serious sexual assault at the station, and the public perception is that it is a dangerous place to be.
It is unwelcoming, bleak and inaccessible.
Metro, the local authority and Northern Rail have been trying their best to improve things.
However, a recent grant of 300,000 for improved security systems from the NSIP has still not been spent due - I was told - to delivery issues with Network Rail.
Similarly, the shuttle bus service to and from the town centre has been discontinued for some time because the car park has become dangerous and requires resurfacing - something Network Rail has been unable to do so far.
I do hope it will be possible for your local management to speed up these small but important improvements.
In the medium term, I hope Network Rail will be able to take the lead on finding new uses for the fine buildings at Kirkgate, and ensuring passengers get the kind of station environment they deserve.
Lord Andrew Adonis,
Secretary of State for Transport
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Weather for Wakefield
Thursday 23 May 2013
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