Last week I received the letter below proposing the effective closure of Hyde Central and Hyde North stations until the end of the year. This seems so drastic that I went back to Northern immediately to query the basis on which it was being proposed. Unfortunately I have had a response today which basically says the decision is made and alternatives will have to be used.

I want to make absolutely clear that I oppose this decision and will continue to fight it. The Rose Hill and Hyde Central/North part of the Hope Valley Line seems to get treated like some unfashionable legacy part of the local rail network, when it is actually a major asset. I feel like this decision effectively downgrades this line without any due process or public consultation.

I have been in touch with my colleagues Will Wragg MP (Hazel Grove, covering Rose Hill, Woodley and Romiley stations) and Andrew Gwynne MP (Denton and Reddish, covering Fairfield) who both also strongly object to this decision. In the case of Fairfield, there isn’t even an alternative rail station so season ticket owners are being told to use the bus.

The Rail Minister has been informed of our objections and we would value your support and personal testimonies to show the strength of feeling about this issue. Comment below or email jonathan.reynolds.mp@parliament.uk marking your email “Rail experiences”. Thank you.