Earlier this month Leeds DPAC was delighted to accept an invitation to co-host a protest against planned ticket office closures at Cross Gates Station in Leeds. The protest was planned by Margaret Batty, a local resident and member of Leeds DPAC. Margaret also gained support from, other residents, RMT, Unite Community, local councillors and local MP Richard Burgon.
Cross Gates station is important to local residents both for ease of access to the rail network and as an easy means of accessing the city centre.
A huge amount of credit has to go to Margaret for her energetic and expert organisation. Already having linked with the RMT, she approached Unite Community for support who funded a joint banner (including DPAC and RMT) as well as the production of petition forms and use of tables chairs and tablecloths. Leeds DPAC produced an information handout (see photograph- happy for people to share). Margaret ensured that all permissions were granted and organised the wording of the petitions which asked for postcodes but not addresses (to avoid problems with GDPR). All three organisations involved worked together on publicity. The protest was on a Saturday morning near the main entrance to a shopping centre with excellent accessibility including toilets and parking, and near the railway station.
On the day there were plenty of people from the various organisations supporting to collect signatures and to inform people what was happening. Even those linked up to local groups were unaware that the ticket office was closing. Most people signed the petition with very few not doing so. The local press gave us really good coverage. And Rail Business Daily also reported on the event.
It was good to be working alongside trade union members and grassroots activists on a joint campaign like this. A real bonus is that organisations in other areas are now planning similar campaigns.
Margaret Batty holding a placard saying “Dont put Cross Gates train ticket office on the bonfire”
Group photo – DPAC members some with placards, local RMT rep, Unite Community members, local councillors and MP Richard Burgon;
Unite Community members (a number are also DPAC members
Leeds DPAC admins Emma and Sandra
Leeds DPAC handout
