Privatisation to blame for station barriers

This press release is on the Sheffield Green Party website, but the Star has managed to miss out the bit about privatisation!

Privatisation blamed for Station bridge row

1st October 2009


Sheffield Green Party have blamed the privatisation of the rail network for the controversial proposal to prevent free access across the bridge at Sheffield Station. East Midlands Trains has applied to Sheffield City Council for Listed Building Consent to install ticket barriers there.

Coun Jillian Creasy, who represents Central ward, commented, "After all these years of Labour Government we still have a privatised rail network which is more concerned about shareholders profits than providing an integrated transport system.

"The Transport Minister Lord Adonis has failed to intervene in this dispute. He has the power to resolve this situation if he chose to listen to the elected representatives in Sheffield, all of whom remain opposed to East Midlands Trains' plans. The Green Party would nationalise the railways and ensure that public transport was a more attractive option than the car."

Residents Against Station Closure and local Green Party campaigner Graham Wroe added, "There is massive public support for the campaign to stop the barriers. These people should now write to Howard Baxter, Sheffield City Council Planning Division Howden House 1 Union Street Sheffield S1 2SH,quoting the reference 09/02887/LBC.

"This can also be done on-line and you will find links and advice on how to do this at www.sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk and www.rasc-sheffield.com

ENDS

East Midlands Trains apply for consent to barrier the station

Please act quickly- we have very little time to respond to this.We must show the Planning Office the strength of feeling about this planning application. We can't let East Midlands Trains steal our bridge!

Consultation on Listed Building Consent Application


East Midlands Trains have submitted a proposal for:
Provision of Automatic Ticket Gates, CCTV cameras and improved lighting in station booking hall and Supertram lobby, erection of glazed barriers adjacent to footbridge stairs, provision of ticket vending machines and video help point in Supertram lobby, erection of boundary fencing and walling to the west side of platform one
Location: Sheffield Midland Station, Sheaf Street, Sheffield, S1 2BP,
Applicant: Mr S Dakin - Stagecoach South Western



Please make comments on the application at Planning Applications Online (www.sheffield.gov.uk and follow the Quick Link to Planning and City Development) or at First Point, Howden House, between 8:30am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday.

If you decide to write a letter, please send it to Les Sturch, Principal Planning Officer Development Management Section,Howden House, 1 Union Street Sheffield S1 2SH , quoting 09/02887/LBC. Please comment before the 2 October 2009, so that your views can be considered. You should note that any comments you make will be placed on the Council website, together with other application details, and placed on the public file.

Most of these applications are decided by officers, but occasionally they are reported to an Area Planning Board. If so, you may attend and, if you wish, ask to speak. I will try to inform you when the board meeting is.