I WANT to give some recognition to Cllr John Harding and Northern Rail for their quick and excellent response to issues that I brought to their attention about Atherton railway station.

At the bottom of the steps which take you to the platform at the station there are two swing doors that had been without automatic door closers for nearly two years.

Having sought help from Cllr Harding and him taking up the matter with Northern Rail, I found on my trip to Manchester just two weeks later that the automatic closers had already been fitted at the bottom of the steps and two more were being fitted to the main entrance doors.

This should now make for a more comfortable environment for all passengers at the onset of winter.

Another issue I brought to Cllr Harding’s attention was the lack of heating in the area where passengers wait for trains.

Hopefully Northern Rail will give some attention to this matter for the benefit of all passengers.

It was noted that at Newton-le- Willows’ railway station, which is also run by Northern Rail, there is a purpose-built waiting room with automatic doors complete with heating, which is appreciated by waiting passengers.

Thanks again to Cllr Harding and Northern Rail.

Harold Rowe

Walkdens Avenue

Atherton