Today the three Sunderland MPs have written to the Secretary of State for Transport regarding Northern Rail’s unacceptable decision to close Sunderland Train Station almost every day until the new year.
The MPs say:
“At a time when public transport is absolutely essential, not just for allowing families to see loved ones, but for local businesses who are often reliant on the festive period, it is totally unacceptable that Northern Rail have decided to completely shut Sunderland Station for such a long period of time.
“They have known about the various issues surrounding industrial action and staff shortages for months and have done little, if nothing, to resolve the situation.
“It is their responsibility to keep open Sunderland railway station. They need to sort this out and sort it out quickly.
“Whilst it is clear that the government need to stop ducking responsibility and get round the negotiating table to bring an end to the planned industrial action, it is totally unacceptable for Northern Rail to leave a city the size of Sunderland without a train station for that long.
“Northern Rail need to, at the highest levels, sort this out urgently, and make sure Sunderland railway station is open. We have written to the Secretary of State for Transport on this urgently.”
Julie Elliott MP, Bridget Phillipson MP, Sharon Hodgson MP
