Mayor Andy Burnham has visited Greenfield Station to add his weight to calls for disabled access and a service every thirty minutes, on the day he launched his manifesto for re-election.

Meeting with Oldham Council leader, Cllr Sean Fielding, and local Labour candidates, Andy restated his ambition to take control of our trains and train stations, to create a seamless transport network by 2030.

Andy said: “Residents of Saddleworth have waited far too long for the Government to deliver disabled access at Greenfield station – it’s the minimum we should expect.

“If re-elected I’ll be the voice for residents, I have set a deadline of 2025 for Network Rail to make these stations fully accessible and if they don’t then we will demand local control so we can get on and bring services and stations up to standard.”

Cllr Sean Fielding, who is running for re-election in Failsworth West, said: “Working with Mayor Burnham, we’ve made real progress for Failsworth, Oldham and the whole of Greater Manchester to improve the transport network.

“It’s a key Labour priority to make public transport affordable and accessible, to tackle the climate crisis and help people access jobs and facilities across the region. Having a strong political link between local people and the mayor’s office helps us make that journey more quickly.”

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “I’m delighted that my campaign to improve disabled access at Greenfield Station is now bearing fruit. Twenty five years on from the Disability Discrimination Act, I’m grateful to Andy for committing to support action to achieve this basic right for disabled people.

“Greenfield station is a vital link for local communities, and disabled access combined with a more frequent service could be transformational.”