Travellers angry at Colne Valley rail service cut

Dec 23 2008 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

AN angry rail passenger has criticised a train company for cutting its service to his village.

Northern Rail’s 17.27 from Manchester to Huddersfield no longer stops in Slaithwaite on weekdays.

Craig Dowie used to catch the train to Huddersfield three times a week.

The 24-year-old financial analyst said: “I have to wait an extra half an hour to get the next train.

“There are many other people who used to commute from Manchester to Slaithwaite on that service.”

Mr Dowie has emailed Northern Rail to complain about the cut.

He said: “They say they had to change the timetable to allow a fast train to pass. But why then does the 17.27 still stop in Slaithwaite on Saturdays?”

A Northern Rail spokeswoman defended the change.