From the Bristol Evening Post
GONE OFF THE RAILS?
Some train stations in Bristol have been 'virtually abandoned', according to a campaign group. MARTIN BOOTH visited four stations to see the problems for himself.
For the thousands of people who use the local train services in Bristol every day, problems of litter, broken shelters and graffiti are as much a part of the daily commute as cattle-truck conditions and late-running trains.This week, Campaign for Better Transport, until recently known as Transport 2000, said many stations in the city were run-down and in a very poor state.
But it said the stations could be revitalised through the rail industry linking up with other organisations.
Its report also highlighted stations such as Taunton, where co-operation had helped to improve rail journeys.
The campaign's Avon area spokesman, David Redgewell, said there were several stations locally that needed attention.
He said efforts were being made to improve stations, and they were to be applauded, but progress was still slow.
Mr Redgewell said: "At Clifton Down we've been saying for a long time that something needs to be done about the underground section, where people sleep rough and there is rubbish, including syringes, left lying around.
"At Stapleton Road there are damaged shelters and no glass in the windows.
"There have been improvements at stations such as Montpelier and Sea Mills, with further progress elsewhere but it needs to be faster."
Stephen Joseph, executive director of Campaign for Better Transport, said: "Some stations are virtually abandoned, with no one taking any responsibility for developing or caring for them.
"Right now, local councils and other players, such as developers and rail companies, think it's too difficult to secure much-needed funding to improve stations. Our research shows that's not so."
Train operator First Great Western said it was investing ú40 million in stations and customer service.
Spokesman Lance Coles said: "This includes 100 new CCTV cameras and numerous improvements to access, disabled facilities and customer information.
"We will review facilities at suburban stations and this includes plans to upgrade the Severn Beach line stations. A new shelter will be built at Bedminster in the coming months."
However, Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways was due to stage a protest by delivering flowers, chocolate and 'get well soon' cards to the rail operator this morning at Temple Meads station.
Friends secretary Julie Boston said: "It's just not good enough. First should be responding to passenger demand, not making excuses. Were giving them get well soon cards because First is not in a fit state to run the railways in the South West."