Lib Dems fighting to keep station footbridge open

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 27th Aug 2008

The Liberal Democrat Leader of Sheffield City Council, Councillor Paul Scriven, is calling on the people of Sheffield to come forward and have their say on controversial plans to close an important pedestrian footbridge. East Midlands Trains want to install barrier gates at Sheffield Station. The gates would be in place so that the rail company could ensure that all passengers were carrying a valid ticket. However, the gates would also block the through route used by Sheffielders every week.

Councillor Paul Scriven, Leader of Sheffield City Council said: "Although we support the principle of checking tickets we are totally opposed to gating at the station. We feel that restricting access to the footbridge can only have a negative effect on the people of Sheffield. The footbridge provides pedestrians with a safe, well lit, secure route between the City Centre and the Park Hill and Norfolk Park areas of the city. Residents would have to take a lengthy detour. Surely there must be another solution?"

East Midlands Trains are holding 'stakeholder meetings' with community representatives to see how they can reduce ticketless travel whilst still addressing the needs of people who use the walkway. East Midlands Trains have expressed that they will hold further talks before making a decision and have invited rail users and residents to give them feedback by emailing getintouch@eastmidlandstrains.co.uk

Councillor Scriven continued: "East Midlands Trains have an email address for people to write to but it doesn't seem to be very well publicised. I want as many people as possible that are affected by this to come forward and have their say before any decision is made by the rail company. It is vital that everyone's views are represented and that East Midlands Trains listen to Sheffield residents.

"We have set up a feedback form that you can access via the home page of the Council's website. Just go online, fill in your details and we will ensure that everyone's comments are heard."

Anyone who wishes to have their say on the issue of gating the Sheffield Station footbridge should fill out the online form at www.sheffield.gov.uk

Councillor Scriven added: "East Midlands Trains have to find a solution that works for everyone, but most importantly, for the people of Sheffield."