Signs for Blackpool North railway station have been changed to 'Blackpool North Pole'
Northern Rail have made the festive decision to change signs for Blackpool North railway station to 'Blackpool North Pole'.
But, this didn't go down well with some commuters.
Many train users took to social media to comment on Northern Rail's Christmas spirit, whilst also raising issues regarding the capacity and punctuality of services.
One user said: "Northern's attempt to show Xmas spirit with the Blackpool North Pole train, doesn't stop the disaster that its always late and now only 2 carriages - leaving half the passengers on the platform as they can no longer fit."https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/blackpool-man-given-suspended-sentence-17337274
Another added: "Northern rail trying to be cute changing ‘Blackpool North’ to ‘Blackpool North Pole’. Doesn’t make up for delays and cancellations all the time."
Similarly, someone else posted: "Nice and seasonal witty of Nothern Rail to rename the station to Blackpool NORTH POLE but I would much sooner they had run the service rather than cancelling yet AGAIN. #northernfail."
Some commuters complimented the name change, however.
One person tweeted: "Nicely played whoever has replaced ‘Blackpool North’ with Blackpool North Pole on the departure screens at Chorley train station. Someone’s having some fun on a Monday morning ."
Another added: "I just wanted to say that I like what you have renamed Blackpool North. I am referring to the departure boards at Bolton. They have got it down as Blackpool North Pole which has made me laugh."
LancsLive have approached Northern Rail for comment.
And, for balance, the same article also reports that some people really liked it.It doesn't seem to have gone down too well in some quarters...
I'm sure someone somewhere might find it hilarious, I just think it's rather childish and will only serve to confuse passengers unfamiliar with the area.
Ahh, it's good to see that the spirit of 'bah humbug!' is alive and well on RailUK!It might be a harmless bit of fun on 23rd or 24th December but on the 10th? Really?
The article states that "Blackpool North, Barnsley, Hartlepool and Holmes Chapel have temporarily been given new names". This thread has already 'revealed' two of the altered names (Blackpool North Pole and Barnsleigh). Has anyone seen what the other two are, please?And, for balance, the same article also reports that some people really liked it.
It genuinely amazes me how some people seem to believe that it's unprofessional to display a sense of humour
Nice to see someone at Northern is trying to brighten up people's journeys and put a smile on passengers faces. Commuting, especially at this time of year, is pretty grim so every little bit of cheer is welcome in my book!
It genuinely amazes me how some people seem to believe that it's unprofessional to display a sense of humour
Nice to see someone at Northern is trying to brighten up people's journeys and put a smile on passengers faces. Commuting, especially at this time of year, is pretty grim so every little bit of cheer is welcome in my book!
Sleigh. Santa.Sorry if I’m thick but how is Barnsleigh related to Xmas? Jesus was born in a barn, but?
Completely agree. Along with the lack of social skills.Does it surprise me that some people find reason to complain about such a thing? Not in the slightest. Society seems to lack any sort of sense of humour these days - people are happier when they are moaning about something especially when it comes to the railways
The article states that "Blackpool North, Barnsley, Hartlepool and Holmes Chapel have temporarily been given new names". This thread has already 'revealed' two of the altered names (Blackpool North Pole and Barnsleigh). Has anyone seen what the other two are, please?
They missed one.
Could have had Lapland instead of Leyland.
Sorry, I am an idiot.Sleigh. Santa.
People are always grumpy when their trains are cancelled.People are so grumpy. It's just a bit harmless fun.
People are always grumpy when their trains are cancelled.
If Northern were operating at best-in-class levels of reliability, punctuality and customer service (in other words, essentially just what people expect these days), then I am sure they would find the festive fun quite lovely.
If my train is cancelled, I prefer apologies and sincerity - and not levity. That is the way plenty of people will see it.Would you rather have a cancelled train, or a cancelled train heading to an amusing sounding destination? Because I know which I'd prefer.