AN angry Blackrod commuter is starting a petition after claiming the new train timetable is driving the station off the rails.

Beverly White, aged 33, of Widford Walk, got steamed up when she saw the summer timetable, due to start on May 24.

It axes trains from Blackrod to Manchester Victoria, leaving only the service to and from Piccadilly.

It would force those travelling to Victoria to change trains at Bolton or Salford Crescent.

But North Western Trains, which serves the route, said the changes would mean shorter journey times for people travelling from Chorley and Preston.

Mrs White, who works as a legal assistant in Manchester, said: "It's disgusting. There are quite a lot of people who feel very strongly about it.

"We've heard rumours that they are going to close the station. This is only going to add fuel to the fire."

Mrs White has been collecting commuters' signatures and got 40 people to sign from just one train. She will send the petition to the train operators.

Mrs White said the service from Piccadilly was inadequate because trains were often overcrowded.

She said: "It's going to mean that more people are going to get in their cars and try to drive into Manchester or Bolton."

David Potter, North Western Trains spokesman, said there would still be six trains travelling between Piccadilly and Blackrod in the morning and during the early evening.

He said: "There is still a regular service into Piccadilly. It's difficult to please everybody but the change does benefit a lot of customers."

Railtrack, which owns Blackrod station, said there were no plans to close it.

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