Lib Dem MP backing Sheffield's fight against barriers

6.12.52pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 27th May 2009

Simon Hughes MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesman for Energy and Climate Change today to join Sheffield Central Lib Dem Parliamentary campaigner Cllr Paul Scriven in the fight against the installation of barriers at Sheffield Station.

Simon, who is the former Lib Dem Party President, and Paul collected signatures for the petition in Sheffield Station itself. Simon said: "I'm delighted to be in Sheffield today to help Paul in the campaign against these ticket barriers."

"Millions of pounds of taxpayers money has been spent on Sheffield Station, including the footbridge over it which acts as a key transport link for local people. Like Paul and many other local residents, I believe that the Government should act immediately to stop East Midlands Trains blocking off access."

Over the last few days options have been put forward by EMT and the Government. These include the issuing of electronic passes to some local people and the possibility of spending £1.5m on another bridge to provide access through the station.

Cllr Paul Scriven said "People have thrown in a number of potential options in the last few days but for me the issue is simple. We have a perfectly good bridge which taxpayers have paid for. The Government should not allow East Midlands Trains to block it off.""

"Rather than issuing passes or spending even more taxpayers money on another bridge why don't they just put ticket checks at the bottom of the stairs on each platform? This keeps the footbridge open for all."