'Full steam ahead' for barriers after shock Government backing

12.00.00am GMT Mon 15th Feb 2010

Cllr Scriven (left) and Cllr Auckland (right) protesting against barriers

Liberal Democrats on Sheffield City Council have revealed that East Midland Trains (EMT) plan to re-apply for consent to install ticket barriers at Sheffield Station with the backing of Government. In a letter to Lib Dem Council Leader Paul Scriven, the Director of East Midland Trains, Tim Shoveller, outlined that the Department for Transport expect ticket barriers to be installed at Sheffield Station and EMT will be re-applying for listed building consent.

The letter states: "Following a review of the determination of the planning committee and further consultation with the Department for Transport, we have decided that we have no option but to re-apply for listed building consent. For the avoidance of doubt, the Department for Transport has confirmed that irrespective of the decision in York of which you are aware, EMT is still expected to implement the automatic ticket barriers at Sheffield Station."

The letter was in response to Paul protesting about EMT recently using members of staff to stop anyone who didn't have a ticket crossing the bridge.

Paul said "I'm saddened to learn that the battle to keep our bridge open is not over yet. It beggars belief that despite the level of local feeling and the Council planning board rejecting the barriers last year, EMT have received Government backing to continue with their plan."

"I'm not surprised that EMT want to continue with their plan. However, I'm astonished that the Labour Government have thrown their weight behind it given all their warm words about listening. Local people will be feeling extremely let down by Labour politicians both locally and nationally."

Cllr Ian Auckland, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport and Streetscene added: "This news comes as a shock to me, since I have had no contact from the Department for Transport to suggest that they have agreed to support EMT in continuing with this unwanted scheme. We are urging them to change their minds so that the bridge can remain open."