Grim British Railway Journeys

[6Gman]

The Old Euston was a shocking dump from people I know who worked there (yes the Great Hall had attraction and the Arch) , the rest was a wooden planked shambles with poor facilties for the passengers and staff. What shows Euston up now is the superb ambience of both Kings Cross and St Pancras.....time for a rebuild of course.

The new Western Concourse at Kings Cross is a thing of beauty, but what they've done to St Pancras is an abomination.

 

[6Gman]

Merseyrail has some less than appealing stretches - Brunswick area; Bank Hall; and the like.

The first few miles out of Chester toward North Wales are a bit of a shock to overseas visitors arriving in "beautiful Wales" ...

 

[Parallel]

Bristol Temple Meads - Bristol Parkway at the moment. Extensive track work. Filton Abbey Wood basically a building site, and you also get to sample the delights of Lawrence Hill and Stapleton Road.

 

[McDontrains]

Maybe we should get Mr Portillo to travel some of the country's not so nice routes, such as the short distance from Wakefield to Huddersfield.

I travelled this route today and what a treat! This is what I saw.

* Wakefield Kirkgate - bird poo literally caked at the top of the subway on platforms 2/3.
* Thornhill area - embankments COVERED in rubbish courtesy of the residents of properties that back onto them.
* Mirfield - not a railway related issue, but a lovely view of copious amounts of rubbish in the River Calder
* Deighton station - station platforms and shelters clean, but the shrubbery behind the platforms filthy.
* Huddersfield station - the only saving grace. Lovely building and apart from the subway, well looked after.

Now looking at this from a passenger's point of view, this wouldn't entice me out of my car (if I drove). I appreciate SOME passengers and the seemingly filthy neighbours of the railway cause this, but this problem at least in my area is getting worse.

There was an American guy and another with a Southern accent on my train, travelling to Manchester Airport, and they were commenting on it. What an impression to what some people laughingly call "God's Own Country".

I appreciate Network Rail probably don't have the resources to clear everywhere, but I will email them all the same. As owners of said land, they have a duty to keep it clean. I'm sure SOME prosecutions could arise against the dirty residents who are fly-tipping behind their own properties. We just need the law to change and to stop this 'namby-pamby' approach to it all.

It's not just rolling stock that makes for some unpleasant travelling around my neck of the woods, it's the journeys themselves.

Is your name Mark and were you born in 1974 by chance?

 

[yorksrob]

Funnily enough, I do quite like the run between Wakefield and Huddersfield. I think its something to do with being able to get from home to Huddersfield without either the rigmarole of going via Leeds or the heaving masses of transpennine express.

I also quite enjoy going through the remains of Healey Mills yard and have a soft spot for Horbury signal box.

My main gripe with the route is that it needs a later last train back from Huddersfield to Wakefield for my purposes, and that the connections towards Castleford are poor (the latter due to be sorted out so I understand !)

 

[Iskra]

I wouldn't say we have had incredibly high winds, more like normal windy winter weather you would expect to get at least once every year, but parts of the Southern network are well stocked with rubbish, usually where it passes through the major urban areas.

It's definitely been very windy in the Sheffield area this week

I suggest you travel along this route and THEN comment. As for me having a "strange obsession" for this topic, well enlighten me as to what is strange about wanting to live in a clean country? Do you think it's acceptable for people to fly-tip from their back gardens down railway embankments, or for people to litter generally?

I am not denigrating the populace of West Yorkshire at all. I was born and live here, although I've lived all over the country. I'm denigrating the scruffy people who can't dispose of their waste properly. Yorkshire, according to a government report I read is the second dirtiest English region (after the North West, and before the North East). I see you're from Sheffield, and you think being "anti-litter" is somehow strange. Is this mindset commonplace in your area? Maybe this explains why we as a region fare so badly. Maybe litter isn't something people in our region care about. Maybe I'm wrong, because according to my local council it's the most complained about issue, so maybe not everyone is like you and people recognise it as a problem.

You mention that most people would be more interested in the stock they are travelling on. Probably true, although as stated in my post the businessmen near me on the train, both not local from their accents, also commented. Is this the impression we want to give?

I have only just contacted Network Rail so haven't had a reply yet.

I will say this though. If the state of our railways doesn't concern/bother/interest you, maybe concentrate on threads that interest you instead of trying to denigrate the ones that don't.

I've travelled on the route many times, and it's never struck me as unreasonably littered, the only unpleasant bits being the former Healy Mills and the Sewage Works at Cooper Bridge. If you're suggesting it's a recent thing, the recent high winds may have something to do with it as I alluded.

You do have a strange obsession with 'network rails linear scapyard,' and keep making threads/posts about it ad nauseum, it's not realistic for them to keep thousands of miles of lineside in immaculate condition. I'm not from Sheffield, but I'm a firm believer that actions speak louder than words. I take responsibility for my actions/litter and organise a litter pick in my community once a year, perhaps you could do similar? I'll happily join you if you get the relevant approval from NR in tidying one of the aforementioned stations.

 

[farleigh]

That would be a lovely story guys. I hope it comes to fruition.

 

[Agent_Squash]

Durrington on Sea deserves a mention - believe it was once voted grimmest station in the South? The back entrance isn't anything to get excited about either.

 

[anti-pacer]

It's definitely been very windy in the Sheffield area this week


I've travelled on the route many times, and it's never struck me as unreasonably littered, the only unpleasant bits being the former Healy Mills and the Sewage Works at Cooper Bridge. If you're suggesting it's a recent thing, the recent high winds may have something to do with it as I alluded.

You do have a strange obsession with 'network rails linear scapyard,' and keep making threads/posts about it ad nauseum, it's not realistic for them to keep thousands of miles of lineside in immaculate condition. I'm not from Sheffield, but I'm a firm believer that actions speak louder than words. I take responsibility for my actions/litter and organise a litter pick in my community once a year, perhaps you could do similar? I'll happily join you if you get the relevant approval from NR in tidying one of the aforementioned stations.

I just get frustrated seeing it, especially from the backs of peoples properties. It looks awful. I'm not talking about a few cans or whatever, I'm talking mattresses, white goods, cupboards, clothes, and even kid's toys.

I understand NR don't have the resources to clean it all, and I think I acknowledged that in my OP.

As for litter picks, yes I do get involved. I proactively clear litter in my area and have joined many a litter pick locally. I've even been in the local paper for it. Nice to see you do too, good work.

 

[IanD]

* Wakefield Kirkgate - bird poo literally caked at the top of the subway on platforms 2/3.

How does that work?

Pigeons in Wakefield are specially trained to fly upside down through subways so that their poo lands on the top rather than on to the people walking through.

 

[Starmill]

What would the OP advocate doing about this problem? More resources for council officers to investigate fly tipping? What about more money for street cleaning? The government seem interested only in reducing funding for this type of thing. Tougher regulations on plastic packaging? Progress on this is very, very slow.

Perhaps there are some changes in the law that could be made to increase the penalties for littering or make it easier to prosecute those dumping waste on a larger scale. These would only be effective if more properly enforced. There is a lack of time to bring this kind of business in Parliament too (although in my view it's time wasted to no benefit whatsoever, but that's off-topic).

I would support all of these changes. They seem very unlikely to happen though.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

ANYWHERE IN A PACER

 

[anti-pacer]

Pigeons in Wakefield are specially trained to fly upside down through subways so that their poo lands on the top rather than on to the people walking through.

The top of the subway opens out onto an island platform, therefore pigeons have easy access to it. Rather than make silly comments, how about having a look if you're ever up here.

Maybe I should have said "subway entrance".

Anyway, it's shown on the photo (if it works) and the offending bird poo is currently caked behind that glass panel.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?...08046201529567669&selectedIndex=10&ajaxhist=0
#

 

[gazthomas]

Merseyrail has some less than appealing stretches - Brunswick area; Bank Hall; and the like.

The first few miles out of Chester toward North Wales are a bit of a shock to overseas visitors arriving in "beautiful Wales" ...

Someone drew the border wrong!

 

[anti-pacer]

What would the OP advocate doing about this problem? More resources for council officers to investigate fly tipping? What about more money for street cleaning? The government seem interested only in reducing funding for this type of thing.

Perhaps there are some changes in the law that could be made to increase the penalties for littering or make it easier to prosecute those dumping waste on a larger scale. These would only be effective if more properly enforced. There is a lack of time to bring this kind of business in Parliament too (although in my view it's time wasted to no benefit whatsoever, but that's off-topic).

Starmill, it's a tough one. It's not a council issue as it's NR owned land, but the problem appears to be getting worse.

You could prosecute, if the law was changed, on the basis that it's behind their property so it's their responsibility. Is that fair though? Probably not. It could be from a previous tenant/owner for a start. Smaller items could be blown across in the wind, although for things like mattresses and fridges, it's fairly evident it's come from the property immediately behind it.

Maybe CCTV at hotspots, mail shots to residents whose properties back onto railway lines (and companies too as some of them are equally as bad).

There was an issue in Bradford where the local council kicked off, saying that all the rubbish on the approach to Forster Square was portraying a bad image and of the city. I will link it below.

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co....f_rubbish_strewn_alongside_city_centre_track/

 

[Starmill]

Funnily enough, I do quite like the run between Wakefield and Huddersfield. I think its something to do with being able to get from home to Huddersfield without either the rigmarole of going via Leeds or the heaving masses of transpennine express.

It will not be long before Normanton has direct hourly services to Huddersfield!

 

[yorksrob]

It will not be long before Normanton has direct hourly services to Huddersfield!

Indeed - that will come in handy !

 

[johntea]

To be fair, we have just had several days of incredibly high winds. My normally tidy street is currently messy due to high winds coinciding with wheelie bin day.

I work between West Yorkshire (Wakefield) and North Yorkshire (Harrogate). In Wakefield a nice simple solution, chuck all your recycling in a dedicated wheelie bin so it takes quite strong winds to flip the lid of that or tip it over.

In Harrogate? Stupid tiny black plastic boxes for recycling and a blue bin bag for paper so no wonder everything goes flying with a bit of wind there! Apparently you can get lids for the boxes, good luck trying to shove all your recycling in one and get the lid on afterwards! They do give a bonus one if you beg the council but still quite inadequate really!

 

[fowler9]

What would the OP advocate doing about this problem? More resources for council officers to investigate fly tipping? What about more money for street cleaning? The government seem interested only in reducing funding for this type of thing. Tougher regulations on plastic packaging? Progress on this is very, very slow.

Perhaps there are some changes in the law that could be made to increase the penalties for littering or make it easier to prosecute those dumping waste on a larger scale. These would only be effective if more properly enforced. There is a lack of time to bring this kind of business in Parliament too (although in my view it's time wasted to no benefit whatsoever, but that's off-topic).

I would support all of these changes. They seem very unlikely to happen though.

Liverpool City Council are using a company called Kingdom to fine people littering and leaving dog mess (I have been fined by them myself. Never again, it was a cigarette end). They seemed to start out just getting people for dropping ciggy ends outside stations (Not the cities biggest problem) and they got a lot of criticism because they were easy to collar and they would tend to pick on people who wouldn't argue, just letting scalls who might cause trouble off with throwing what they wanted where they wanted. They are now being sent out in to the suburbs. The problem is that the local paper has published when they are going to be in what area so you can make sure you don't break the law on that day (Much like people who go on the internet and warn where the speed cameras are). I happily paid my fine and haven't done it again.

 

[anti-pacer]

I work between West Yorkshire (Wakefield) and North Yorkshire (Harrogate). In Wakefield a nice simple solution, chuck all your recycling in a dedicated wheelie bin so it takes quite strong winds to flip the lid of that or tip it over.

In Harrogate? Stupid tiny black plastic boxes for recycling and a blue bin bag for paper so no wonder everything goes flying with a bit of wind there! Apparently you can get lids for the boxes, good luck trying to shove all your recycling in one and get the lid on afterwards! They do give a bonus one if you beg the council but still quite inadequate really!

I agree that in Wakefield we have a very easy recycling system. However, it was introduced for two reasons.

1) We have a brand new, state of the art recycling facility where recyclables can be easily separated.
2) This district previously had very low recycling rates, so it was in an effort to get more people recycling.

 

[IainG81]

I'm not fond of the ride from King's Cross out to Stevenage not a fan of the tunnels especially on the slow side they get the ears popping really badly.

 

[306024]

Barking to East Tilbury via Purfleet is grim but interesting in an industrial sort of way.

Tottenham Hale to Waltham Cross is just grim.

 

[A0]

I'm not fond of the ride from King's Cross out to Stevenage not a fan of the tunnels especially on the slow side they get the ears popping really badly.

There are a disproportionate number of tunnels on that stretch which is just short of 30 miles.

Have to say, it's a lot better than it used to be - I'm old enough to remember travelling through those tunnels on Class 312s and I'm sure those were worse for making your ears 'pop' than the newer stock. The 387s seem fine the time I've used them.

The 317s used to be bad if you met an express going the opposite way, particularly through the Welwyn tunnels - the 'bang' you'd get from the doors would make even regular travellers jump.

 

[ChathillMan]

Hartlepool to Stockton is as grim as it gets. Pacers, Chemical Plants, Mad Max landscape and oddly coloured pools of water

 

[Bletchleyite]

Merseyrail has some less than appealing stretches - Brunswick area; Bank Hall; and the like.

In a way I always liked the grim suburbs - always an interesting place.

The first few miles out of Chester toward North Wales are a bit of a shock to overseas visitors arriving in "beautiful Wales" ...

Shotton and Connah's Quay are a right dive, so I agree there. But then again further along there's always Rhyl

Along similar lines I did the Merseyrail line to Ellesmere Port at Christmas having never been up that way before (the only Merseyrail branch I hadn't done). I can now entirely understand why I hadn't bothered up to that point - it really is utterly nondescript.

 

[Timrud]

Any trip to Leeds is grim

 

[maire23]

Merseyrail has some less than appealing stretches - Brunswick area; Bank Hall; and the like.

The first few miles out of Chester toward North Wales are a bit of a shock to overseas visitors arriving in "beautiful Wales" ...

I used to work at Brunswick many years ago and the place has some good memories for me although yes I think it’s pretty grim!

 

[Downthelane]

GN from Hertford or WGC into Moorgate on a 313 is awful on most days but as stated previously the Finsbury Park to Moorgate branch is particularly dire. Full and standing, no ventilation and then 10 minutes to get out of the station if you are located in the country end.

Have TL actually considered alighting times as part of their 2020 plan?

 

[yorksrob]

I work between West Yorkshire (Wakefield) and North Yorkshire (Harrogate). In Wakefield a nice simple solution, chuck all your recycling in a dedicated wheelie bin so it takes quite strong winds to flip the lid of that or tip it over.

In Harrogate? Stupid tiny black plastic boxes for recycling and a blue bin bag for paper so no wonder everything goes flying with a bit of wind there! Apparently you can get lids for the boxes, good luck trying to shove all your recycling in one and get the lid on afterwards! They do give a bonus one if you beg the council but still quite inadequate really!

Yes, the brown recycling bin in Wakefield is more than adequate for ones needs (providing no git nicks it).

 

[AM9]

In a way I always liked the grim suburbs - always an interesting place. ...

I find the obsession with trees quite irritating. Certainly in the south-east, locals seem to demand trees that hug rail lines to a hazardous extent, causing problems when winds blow, excess leaf fall issues and making every journey like travelling through a boring long green tunnel. There is some hope that NR are upping their game in the worse spots by removing soem trees on their own land, - despite the whining from those who think that their view has priority over passenger safety.