Protest march

Residents and politicians marched through the streets of Sheffield in protest against East Midlands Trains plans to install ticket barriers.
East Midlands Trains, which owns Sheffield station, wants to put ticket barriers up on the footbridge to prevent people travelling without tickets. The bridge, which links Sheaf square and the tram line at the end of the bridge, provides a safe well-lit walk way for residents of the Norfolk Park area.
The plans have caused public outcry from residents in Sheffield, politicians and rail users. The protest began at Sheffield City Hall where around 100 protestors marched with signs to vent their anger.
Central Sheffield Labour MP Richard Caborn made a speech and said the move was “economic madness” especially with the launch of Sheffield digital centre. Mr Caborn added it would restrict “social mobility” to some people, particularly wheel chair and push chair users.
Paul Scriven, Liberal Democrat council leader said: “So many people in the city are strongly opposed to these barriers and we must ensure that East Midlands Trains sits up and takes notice.
“If we can put a man on the moon we can come up with a solution to this problem. Sheffield says no to barriers at Sheffield station.”

By Gavin Patterson