THE dank hole' that is Padgate Station has been criticised by rail passengers for its neglected state.

The unmanned station, run by Northern Rail, is in a poor state of repair, with boarded up windows - the result of frequent vandalism.

It has no help points, no clock, no monitors, and does not even have a working telephone.

And it has become a playground for teenage drinkers.

One passenger, Grant Upchester, aged 49, of Green Lane, Padgate, said: "I've used quite a few train stations in my working life and Padgate has to be by far the most depressing.

"The Manchester platform is always littered with bottles or cans from the teenage drinkers who can hang out there undisturbed.

"You only get a broken-down bench to wait on and there's a distinctly unsavoury odour lingering around the old station house.

"But even this is luxury compared to the Liverpool-bound platform, where there's only a metal three-seater, and no shelter whatsoever from the elements.

"Most stations have help points, where you can find out when the next train is due to arrive in either direction, but Padgate doesn't even have a working telephone or clock.

"I would hate to be a vulnerable passenger having to catch a Liverpool or Manchester train late at night in the middle of winter because you're basically left high and dry."

He added: "Northern Rail doesn't get away with offering such a shoddy service at stations in Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive's area.

"If you travel through the likes of Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme stations they are a lot more inviting and welcoming, not a dank hole like Padgate."

A spokesperson for Northern Rail said: "Northern apologise to customers who have experienced problems at Padgate station, which has been subjected to vandalism and fly-tipping.

"The station is part of our Station Adoption Scheme, which means members of the community monitor standards and service quality and report any problems on a dedicated hotline to ensure reports are dealt with promptly.

"Northern is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for passengers and staff and has implemented initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour.

"Initiatives include working with the British Transport Police to deliver a safe railway environment and embarking on a scheme with Crimestoppers to improve the reporting of crime."