NEW proposals from train operators could threaten the future of Sankey station, according to a council transport watchdog.

Sankey councillor Pete Black fears that the introduction of a new computerised ticketing system will mean that people can no longer buy certain tickets at the station.

The concern follows an annoucement by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) last week.

Clr Black said: "As a smaller station, Sankey would not be able to issue the full range of tickets, particularly cheaper ones. This is likely to lead to fewer passengers.

"It is incredible that private train operators intend to turn away people who want to give them money. It's like the Warrington GUARDIAN saying it does not want its paper to be sold at smaller newsagents.

"Sankey station is an important part of our community, but always seems to come bottom of the heap for private train companies. I will be asking the rail regulator to intervene and to insist that public service comes before private profit."

Philip Benham, ATOC's director of commerical services, said: "One of the proposals suggests redefining the range of tickets that have to be sold at stations.

"This would take into account the actual demand for these tickets, bearing in mind that some stations sell very few of them.

"We are convinced that the proposals will benefit passengers and the industry by making it clear to passengers what tickets they can buy at which stations.

"It will also help the train companies to determine the right type of investment, according to the needs and wants of their passengers at each station."

Last month, Great Sankey Parish Council won its fight to persuade First North Western Railways to include the station on the schedule for the last evening train from Manchester to Liverpool.

After months of consideration, the company has agreed to reschedule the 11.19pm service to include Sankey from May 2001.

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