Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373375/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 13:36, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
14:25 Westbury to Chippenham due 15:06
Additional 14:25 Westbury to Chippenham due 15:06 will be cancelled.
This is due to an obstruction on the track earlier today.
Additional Information
These buses will no longer run as the train service has been reinstated.
Additional 14:25 Westbury to Chippenham due 15:06 will be cancelled.
This is due to an obstruction on the track earlier today.
Additional Information
These buses will no longer run as the train service has been reinstated.
A whole series of these - excellent to get train services back on track rather than a car on the track.

Good to see that that contingency was in place for later services, though proved to be un-needed; one of the cases where cancellation notices that are revoked are a good approach.
| Re: National Car Parks (NCP) goes into administration In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373374/31752/5] Posted by John D at 13:16, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
NCP seem to have lots of multi-story car parks in city centres, that are of the 1950s and 1960s design, often with other businesses in the ground floors. Many of these concrete car parks have very tight spaces by modern (fatter) car standards.
Last time I used one of these (in Nottingham) it seemed to be really unpopular and run down, and required careful manoeuvring to park, so I can see why many prefer other car parks that are more modern, better lit, with working lifts, and bigger ramps and spaces.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373373/31359/18] Posted by Oxonhutch at 12:30, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
It's brought railway services to a halt. 

It is GWR territory. I think you mean 'halte'.

| Re: National Car Parks (NCP) goes into administration In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373372/31752/5] Posted by Oxonhutch at 12:26, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
The rot probably set in when all those German engineered parking areas in our inner cities started to get built on. I have memories of lots of NCP sites in London in my youth.
| Re: Glasgow Central Station closed by fire in adjoining building - 8 March 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373371/31728/51] Posted by ChrisB at 12:01, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
What that quote doesn't say is that there are only two access points - via the low-level station or the vehicle access drive. all other access points are staying closed as are all the retail points too
| Re: National Car Parks (NCP) goes into administration In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373370/31752/5] Posted by Fourbee at 12:00, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
I'd just assumed they owned all their sites; I wonder how much debt they are carrying too?
Some feel that they are entitled enough that the general rules don't apply to them more like.
| Re: Glasgow Central Station closed by fire in adjoining building - 8 March 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373368/31728/51] Posted by grahame at 11:45, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
ScotRail will begin running trains from Glasgow Central high level tomorrow (Wednesday, 18 March) after a partial reopening of the station was confirmed today, following the significant fire on Union Street.
Platforms seven to 15 on the west side of the station will be back in use from the start of service on Wednesday.
The train operator is running as many services as possible, but with a reduced number of platforms available, and limited entry and exit points for customers, this will not allow for the return of trains on all routes that normally operate.
From the start of service on Wednesday, the following will operate:
* Ayr and Glasgow Central – a half hourly service, calling at all stations between Paisley Gilmour Street – Kilwinning (Johnstone / Milliken Park / Howwood / Lochwinnoch / Glengarnock / Dalry).
* Gourock and Glasgow Central – an hourly service, calling at all stations.
* Wemyss Bay and Glasgow Central – an hourly service, calling at all stations.
* Kilmarnock and Glasgow Central – a half hourly service, calling at all stations (integrated with normal Carlisle/South Ayrshire services).
* East Kilbride and Glasgow Central – a half hourly service.
* Lanark and Glasgow Central – an hourly service.
Platforms seven to 15 on the west side of the station will be back in use from the start of service on Wednesday.
The train operator is running as many services as possible, but with a reduced number of platforms available, and limited entry and exit points for customers, this will not allow for the return of trains on all routes that normally operate.
From the start of service on Wednesday, the following will operate:
* Ayr and Glasgow Central – a half hourly service, calling at all stations between Paisley Gilmour Street – Kilwinning (Johnstone / Milliken Park / Howwood / Lochwinnoch / Glengarnock / Dalry).
* Gourock and Glasgow Central – an hourly service, calling at all stations.
* Wemyss Bay and Glasgow Central – an hourly service, calling at all stations.
* Kilmarnock and Glasgow Central – a half hourly service, calling at all stations (integrated with normal Carlisle/South Ayrshire services).
* East Kilbride and Glasgow Central – a half hourly service.
* Lanark and Glasgow Central – an hourly service.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373367/31359/18] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:06, 17th March 2026 Already liked by GBM | ![]() |
Head of Travel and Events for the international healthcare communications company ...
So someone who is clearly well au-fait with travel and health issues, then ... and obviously a good communicator as she got her views very clearly across to the staff involved. But then, perhaps, we can all snap and perhaps some try to push the system for their nearest and dearest.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373365/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 08:37, 17th March 2026 Already liked by Rob S, matth1j | ![]() |
Report of a car on the line at Holt.
From Wiltshire 999
BREAKING: The railway line is blocked after a car, reportedly being chased by police, ended up on the tracks.

The incident happened on the line between Chippenham and Trowbridge around 4am this morning (17 March).
A spokesperson for Great Western Railway said: "A car has been driven on to the line between Trowbridge and Chippenham.
"Network Rail are making arrangements to have the car removed, until this is done we are unable to run trains."
It's affecting services running between Swindon and Westbury, with many diverted. Trains are unable to serve Melksham. Disruption is expected until around midday.

The incident happened on the line between Chippenham and Trowbridge around 4am this morning (17 March).
A spokesperson for Great Western Railway said: "A car has been driven on to the line between Trowbridge and Chippenham.
"Network Rail are making arrangements to have the car removed, until this is done we are unable to run trains."
It's affecting services running between Swindon and Westbury, with many diverted. Trains are unable to serve Melksham. Disruption is expected until around midday.
| Re: Communications expert, ordered to pay £1.5k for foul-mouthed tirade @ staff In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373364/31753/51] Posted by Bob_Blakey at 08:35, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
A couple of points having looked at Wilmslow Railway Station via Online Maps:
'Police were called to the station which has received complaints online over a lack of free short stay parking close to the main entrance due to 'aggressive' cab drivers 'hogging the drop off area.'
Maps - dated 2026 - clearly shows segregated Taxi & Drop-Off zones at the front of the station (the boundaries of which need repainting); if this is really that much of an issue start issuing PCN's to transgressors. Hitting people in their wallets generally solves stuff like this.
...Waring said her mother had 'severe mobility issues' and she parked her car temporarily in the restricted area of the station to help the elderly lady climb the steps to the platform.
Maps also quite clearly shows an accessible ramp leading from the main car park to the station concourse. Perhaps the signage is not good enough.
| Re: Birmingham's new railway stations on Camp Hill Line In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373363/30899/51] Posted by grahame at 08:25, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
Just wondering if the Cross country services will still go via Camp hill or straight down the main line from Birmingham New street.
It will be interesting to see how it works in practice. The Camp Hill line has been a useful quieter line that has been available to Cross Country trains, except those calling at University, when they would conflict (by timetable or by delay) with local trains.
Some Cross Country trains ... from what I see ... have generous pauses at Bristol Temple Meads and at Birmingham New Street. Part of that is, I'm sure, because of the very large passenger turnover at those stations as the regional passengers are dominant over the very long distance ones, but it also means that the trains can get stuck behind a local service all the way from Barnt Green to Five Ways, yet still be on time into Waverley.
| Re: Night Riviera Sleeper train - between Paddington and Penzance In "London to the West" [373362/489/12] Posted by grahame at 08:20, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
21:45 Penzance to London Paddington due 05:04
16/03/26 21:45 Penzance to London Paddington due 05:04 will be diverted between Taunton and Reading.
It is being delayed between Taunton and Reading and is now expected to be 110 minutes late.
This is due to an obstruction on the track
16/03/26 21:45 Penzance to London Paddington due 05:04 will be diverted between Taunton and Reading.
It is being delayed between Taunton and Reading and is now expected to be 110 minutes late.
This is due to an obstruction on the track
Trowbridge at 02:29 on time.
No report at Melksham.
Chippenham at 04:39, 110 minutes late.
Paddington arrival 06:35, 90 minutes late.
| Re: West Wiltshire Rail User Group AGM 2026, and spring meeting In "Diary - what's happening when?" [373361/31307/34] Posted by grahame at 08:14, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
Tomorrow (18.3.2026) - adding a reminder to this thread - West Wiltshire Rail User Group / AGM - 19:00 for 19:30 at Bethesda Church Hall, Trowbridge. To be followed by an update from Nina Howe of Transport Focus - all welcome.
All Welcome
The withdrawal of the peak local train (Warminster to Westbury) from passenger service last December has made getting to the meeting awkward - or would have done - from Dilton Marsh. Thank you to GWR who have - for this one day only - added a stop at 18:08 on less-local train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373360/31359/18] Posted by bobm at 07:16, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
Report of a car on the line at Holt.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373359/31359/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 06:50, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09 will be diverted between Chippenham and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to an obstruction on the track.
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be diverted between Trowbridge and Chippenham.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
07:45 Westbury to Swindon due 08:34
07:45 Westbury to Swindon due 08:34 will no longer call at Melksham.
This is due to an obstruction on the track.
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26 will no longer call at Melksham.
This is due to an obstruction on the track.
| Re: Birmingham's new railway stations on Camp Hill Line In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373358/30899/51] Posted by infoman at 06:50, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
Just wondering if the Cross country services will still go via Camp hill or straight down the main line from Birmingham New street.
| Re: Night Riviera Sleeper train - between Paddington and Penzance In "London to the West" [373357/489/12] Posted by TaplowGreen at 06:48, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
21:45 Penzance to London Paddington due 05:04
16/03/26 21:45 Penzance to London Paddington due 05:04 will be diverted between Taunton and Reading.
It is being delayed between Taunton and Reading and is now expected to be 110 minutes late.
This is due to an obstruction on the track
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373356/31359/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 06:09, 17th March 2026 | ![]() |
Alterations to services between Chippenham and Trowbridge
Due to an obstruction on the track between Chippenham and Trowbridge the line is blocked.
Train services running through these stations may be delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 08:30 17/03.
Customer Advice
Owing to an obstruction on the line we are currently unable to operate any train services on the route via Melksham.
Currently, only those customers travelling to or from Melksham station will be adversely affected. Replacement road transport has been requested to operate between Chippenham and Westbury via Melksham. Train services between Swindon / Chippenham and Trowbridge / Westbury may be diverted via an alternative route not calling at Melksham.
| Blue badge holders and others can now get a Disabled Person's Railcard In "Fare's Fair" [373355/31754/4] Posted by ChrisB at 21:35, 16th March 2026 | ![]() |
From Money Saving Expert
If you've got a blue badge or disabled person's bus pass, you may now qualify for a Disabled Person's Railcard as the eligibility criteria for the scheme has been expanded from today (Sunday 1 March). Below we explain what's changing and how to apply.
A Disabled Person's Railcard entitles the holder and an adult companion to one-third off most train fares across England, Scotland and Wales – we've more info on how it works below.
It currently costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years. The Rail Delivery Group, the firm in charge of railcards, says it has no plans to increase prices as a result of it becoming available to more people.
If you're not eligible for this railcard, there may be another one you can get – for full details of the different types available, see our Cheap train tickets guide.
From 1 March: Blue badge holders and others now qualify
Until now, the Disabled Person's Railcard had only been available to those receiving certain benefits or with certain medical conditions (as set out below). It will remain available to those people.
From today (Sunday 1 March), however, eligibility has been expanded to cover a wider range of both visible and non-visible disabilities, meaning more people will be able to apply for one.
The criteria now includes those who:
Have a blue badge.
Have a disabled person's bus pass (England, Scotland and Wales).
Have a disabled person's Freedom Pass (London only).
Can't drive on medical grounds.
Receive Armed Forces Compensation Scheme benefits.
Receive Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for 20% degree of disablement or higher.
Are without speech.
The existing application process remains the same, but if you meet any of the new criteria, you'll also need to provide one of the following documents:
A copy of the front and back of your blue badge.
A disabled person's bus pass.
A disabled person's Freedom Pass.
A letter from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) or a health professional confirming you're unable to drive on medical grounds.
An award letter confirming receipt of an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme benefit.
An award letter confirming receipt of an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for 20% degree of disablement or higher.
A document from a health professional confirming that you're without speech.
For full info on the expanded eligibility criteria, see the Disabled Person's Railcard website.
You can still get it if you receive certain benefits or have certain conditions
The previous qualifying criteria for a Disabled Person's Railcard isn't being removed – this means that you can still qualify if you:
Receive Personal Independence Payments or Adult Disability Payment.
Receive Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment at either the higher or lower rate for the mobility component, or the higher or middle rate for the care component.
Have a visual impairment.
Are registered as deaf or use a hearing aid.
Have epilepsy and receive drug treatment for it.
Receive Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment.
Receive war pensioner's mobility supplement.
Receive war or service disablement pension for 80% or more disability.
Buy or lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme.
See the Disabled Person's Railcard website for full info on eligibility criteria.
Eligibility will be extended again from September 2026
Under further planned changes from September this year, you may also qualify if you have a disability or condition that requires professional health evidence and more detailed assessment to verify. This will include:
Some long-term or degenerative health conditions.
Neurodiversity that has a substantial impact on a person's ability to travel by train.
The Rail Delivery Group says it will share information on what evidence will be required closer to the time.
You can get a third off most fares with this railcard
The Disabled Person's Railcard's discount applies to advance tickets, anytime day tickets, anytime single tickets, anytime return tickets, and off-peak and super off-peak tickets (day, single and return). It covers both standard and first class for all these ticket types.
It can also be used to get one-third off a Transport for London (TfL) travelcard for zones 1-9 and Oyster pay-as-you-go travel on the London Underground, London Overground, Elizabeth line, London buses and more.
The discount also applies to buying tickets for Gatwick Express, Heathrow Express and Stansted Express. See full info on using your railcard.
The Rail Delivery Group says Disabled Person's Railcard holders save an average of £126 a year, or £4.70 a journey – to see how much you could save on a specific journey, use its calculator.
Visually impaired, blind or using a wheelchair? You don't need a railcard to get discounted train travel
If you're visually impaired or blind: you and and an adult companion can get 34% off anytime singles or returns and anytime day singles, and 50% off anytime day returns, both standard and first class. You can also buy an adult season ticket that lets a companion travel with you at no extra cost.
You don't need to buy a Disabled Person's Railcard to get these discounts, but you do need to provide evidence of impairment or blindness. This has to be either a CVI, BP1 or BD8 certificate, or documentation from a recognised institution, such as social services, your local authority or Blind Veterans UK.
If you're a wheelchair user and will be staying in your chair for the journey: you and a companion can get 34% off anytime singles or returns and anytime day singles, and 50% off anytime day returns, both standard and first class, on adult and child fares. Again, you don't need a Disabled Person's Railcard to get these discounts. But to take advantage of them, tickets must be purchased from a staffed train station ticket office.
For more details, see the alternative discounts section on the Disabled Person's Railcard site.
A Disabled Person's Railcard entitles the holder and an adult companion to one-third off most train fares across England, Scotland and Wales – we've more info on how it works below.
It currently costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years. The Rail Delivery Group, the firm in charge of railcards, says it has no plans to increase prices as a result of it becoming available to more people.
If you're not eligible for this railcard, there may be another one you can get – for full details of the different types available, see our Cheap train tickets guide.
From 1 March: Blue badge holders and others now qualify
Until now, the Disabled Person's Railcard had only been available to those receiving certain benefits or with certain medical conditions (as set out below). It will remain available to those people.
From today (Sunday 1 March), however, eligibility has been expanded to cover a wider range of both visible and non-visible disabilities, meaning more people will be able to apply for one.
The criteria now includes those who:
Have a blue badge.
Have a disabled person's bus pass (England, Scotland and Wales).
Have a disabled person's Freedom Pass (London only).
Can't drive on medical grounds.
Receive Armed Forces Compensation Scheme benefits.
Receive Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for 20% degree of disablement or higher.
Are without speech.
The existing application process remains the same, but if you meet any of the new criteria, you'll also need to provide one of the following documents:
A copy of the front and back of your blue badge.
A disabled person's bus pass.
A disabled person's Freedom Pass.
A letter from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) or a health professional confirming you're unable to drive on medical grounds.
An award letter confirming receipt of an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme benefit.
An award letter confirming receipt of an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for 20% degree of disablement or higher.
A document from a health professional confirming that you're without speech.
For full info on the expanded eligibility criteria, see the Disabled Person's Railcard website.
You can still get it if you receive certain benefits or have certain conditions
The previous qualifying criteria for a Disabled Person's Railcard isn't being removed – this means that you can still qualify if you:
Receive Personal Independence Payments or Adult Disability Payment.
Receive Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment at either the higher or lower rate for the mobility component, or the higher or middle rate for the care component.
Have a visual impairment.
Are registered as deaf or use a hearing aid.
Have epilepsy and receive drug treatment for it.
Receive Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment.
Receive war pensioner's mobility supplement.
Receive war or service disablement pension for 80% or more disability.
Buy or lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme.
See the Disabled Person's Railcard website for full info on eligibility criteria.
Eligibility will be extended again from September 2026
Under further planned changes from September this year, you may also qualify if you have a disability or condition that requires professional health evidence and more detailed assessment to verify. This will include:
Some long-term or degenerative health conditions.
Neurodiversity that has a substantial impact on a person's ability to travel by train.
The Rail Delivery Group says it will share information on what evidence will be required closer to the time.
You can get a third off most fares with this railcard
The Disabled Person's Railcard's discount applies to advance tickets, anytime day tickets, anytime single tickets, anytime return tickets, and off-peak and super off-peak tickets (day, single and return). It covers both standard and first class for all these ticket types.
It can also be used to get one-third off a Transport for London (TfL) travelcard for zones 1-9 and Oyster pay-as-you-go travel on the London Underground, London Overground, Elizabeth line, London buses and more.
The discount also applies to buying tickets for Gatwick Express, Heathrow Express and Stansted Express. See full info on using your railcard.
The Rail Delivery Group says Disabled Person's Railcard holders save an average of £126 a year, or £4.70 a journey – to see how much you could save on a specific journey, use its calculator.
Visually impaired, blind or using a wheelchair? You don't need a railcard to get discounted train travel
If you're visually impaired or blind: you and and an adult companion can get 34% off anytime singles or returns and anytime day singles, and 50% off anytime day returns, both standard and first class. You can also buy an adult season ticket that lets a companion travel with you at no extra cost.
You don't need to buy a Disabled Person's Railcard to get these discounts, but you do need to provide evidence of impairment or blindness. This has to be either a CVI, BP1 or BD8 certificate, or documentation from a recognised institution, such as social services, your local authority or Blind Veterans UK.
If you're a wheelchair user and will be staying in your chair for the journey: you and a companion can get 34% off anytime singles or returns and anytime day singles, and 50% off anytime day returns, both standard and first class, on adult and child fares. Again, you don't need a Disabled Person's Railcard to get these discounts. But to take advantage of them, tickets must be purchased from a staffed train station ticket office.
For more details, see the alternative discounts section on the Disabled Person's Railcard site.
| Communications expert, ordered to pay £1.5k for foul-mouthed tirade @ staff In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373354/31753/51] Posted by ChrisB at 21:29, 16th March 2026 | ![]() |
From Daily Mail, via MSN
A leading communications expert has been ordered to pay nearly £1,500 after she launched a foul-mouth tirade at railway staff.
Erika Waring, 65, was dropping her mother Margaret, 88, at the main entrance of Wilmslow Railway Station in Cheshire at 1.20pm on August 21, 2025, when staff told her she had driven into a restricted area and directed her to the car park.
Waring, who is Head of Travel and Events for the international healthcare communications company Havas Lynx, was taking her mother, who has severe mobility issues, to London on a West Coast train for a day of sightseeing.
The Convent school educated mother-of-one from Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester, repeatedly swore at station staff after they asked her to move on, calling one porter a 'f***ing b***h'.
Staff initially advised Waring to move her vehicle to a car park at the rear of the station. But she retorted with a barrage of foul-mouthed abuse.
The altercation even spread to the station platform as Waring and her mother waited for their train.
Police were called to the station which has received complaints online over a lack of free short stay parking close to the main entrance due to 'aggressive' cab drivers 'hogging the drop off area.'
It costs £3.30 for up to two hours to park a car outside the main entrance to the station - even in the four disabled bays.
Officers located Waring's vehicle, noted the registration and later called her in for interview under police caution.
During questioning, Waring said her mother had 'severe mobility issues' and she parked her car temporarily in the restricted area of the station to help the elderly lady climb the steps to the platform.
She criticised staff at the train station saying they were being 'vociferous' towards her.
At Crewe Magistrates' Court, Waring pleaded guilty to two charges of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
She was fined £738, ordered to pay both members of staff £150 in compensation each plus £380 in costs and a surcharge, with total costs amounting to £1,418.
A charge of common assault against a third employee, for which Waring had faced up to 12 week in jail under sentencing guideline, was withdrawn.
The prosecutor added: 'The defendant allegedly responded aggressively, with words to the effect of "F***, you f***ing t**t. You do not know what you are talking about" along with multiple repetitions of the word "F***".
'The defendant was of good character before this incident.'
In mitigation, Waring's lawyer Stuart Flood said: 'This was a very unfortunate and certainly embarrassing incident for a lady of hitherto good character.
'She was travelling down to London with her elderly mother who is 88 and who has severe mobility issues.
'Quite clearly, this lady has drawn up outside the station and dropped her mother off.
'She saw her mother walking gingerly towards the station entrance and this lady parked up temporarily and ran to help her mother to get to the steps to the platform where she and her mother were going to travel to London.
'Quite clearly the member of staff took exception to where this lady parked her car.
'All she was trying to do was get her elderly mother as quickly as she could into the station.
'She felt the way the staff were dealing with her was not appropriate and unfortunately she lost her cool and said words which she should not have done for which she totally apologises for.
'It was certainly out of character for this lady. Unfortunately, it continued when she was in the station.
'She had parked her car and gone into the station where words were said.
'By this time she was seated with her mother on the station platform, another member of staff approaches and is quite vociferous in his demands to move her car.
'But all she was doing was to make her mother comfortable on the platform.
'She felt she was quite vulnerable.
'Again words were said and she says: "I received words." She accepts she used some profanities that she is embarrassed about.'
Mr Flood added: 'She has worked both in the UK and America but the majority of time in America where she spent 40 years.
'She has always been in employment. She works for a communications firm as head of travel and events.
'She sends people all around the word as part of her job. She is a single lady. She returned to the UK to be near her mother.
'It is a very embarrassing situation and one that will not be repeated.
'I hope you will accept her sincere apologies to the staff members. It was in the heat of the moment.
'She was concerned for her elderly mother. She has travelled all over and used many public transports both in the UK and US and never had any problems hitherto.
'On this occasion, she felt members of staff had not treated her the way they should but she responded in a way she felt she should not have done.'
In sentencing Waring, JP Robert Alves told her: 'This was a very unpleasant incident that we would not have expected from someone with your standing in the community.
'It was a completely unacceptable display of behaviour and language that you used to those public service employees.'
Erika Waring, 65, was dropping her mother Margaret, 88, at the main entrance of Wilmslow Railway Station in Cheshire at 1.20pm on August 21, 2025, when staff told her she had driven into a restricted area and directed her to the car park.
Waring, who is Head of Travel and Events for the international healthcare communications company Havas Lynx, was taking her mother, who has severe mobility issues, to London on a West Coast train for a day of sightseeing.
The Convent school educated mother-of-one from Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester, repeatedly swore at station staff after they asked her to move on, calling one porter a 'f***ing b***h'.
Staff initially advised Waring to move her vehicle to a car park at the rear of the station. But she retorted with a barrage of foul-mouthed abuse.
The altercation even spread to the station platform as Waring and her mother waited for their train.
Police were called to the station which has received complaints online over a lack of free short stay parking close to the main entrance due to 'aggressive' cab drivers 'hogging the drop off area.'
It costs £3.30 for up to two hours to park a car outside the main entrance to the station - even in the four disabled bays.
Officers located Waring's vehicle, noted the registration and later called her in for interview under police caution.
During questioning, Waring said her mother had 'severe mobility issues' and she parked her car temporarily in the restricted area of the station to help the elderly lady climb the steps to the platform.
She criticised staff at the train station saying they were being 'vociferous' towards her.
At Crewe Magistrates' Court, Waring pleaded guilty to two charges of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
She was fined £738, ordered to pay both members of staff £150 in compensation each plus £380 in costs and a surcharge, with total costs amounting to £1,418.
A charge of common assault against a third employee, for which Waring had faced up to 12 week in jail under sentencing guideline, was withdrawn.
The prosecutor added: 'The defendant allegedly responded aggressively, with words to the effect of "F***, you f***ing t**t. You do not know what you are talking about" along with multiple repetitions of the word "F***".
'The defendant was of good character before this incident.'
In mitigation, Waring's lawyer Stuart Flood said: 'This was a very unfortunate and certainly embarrassing incident for a lady of hitherto good character.
'She was travelling down to London with her elderly mother who is 88 and who has severe mobility issues.
'Quite clearly, this lady has drawn up outside the station and dropped her mother off.
'She saw her mother walking gingerly towards the station entrance and this lady parked up temporarily and ran to help her mother to get to the steps to the platform where she and her mother were going to travel to London.
'Quite clearly the member of staff took exception to where this lady parked her car.
'All she was trying to do was get her elderly mother as quickly as she could into the station.
'She felt the way the staff were dealing with her was not appropriate and unfortunately she lost her cool and said words which she should not have done for which she totally apologises for.
'It was certainly out of character for this lady. Unfortunately, it continued when she was in the station.
'She had parked her car and gone into the station where words were said.
'By this time she was seated with her mother on the station platform, another member of staff approaches and is quite vociferous in his demands to move her car.
'But all she was doing was to make her mother comfortable on the platform.
'She felt she was quite vulnerable.
'Again words were said and she says: "I received words." She accepts she used some profanities that she is embarrassed about.'
Mr Flood added: 'She has worked both in the UK and America but the majority of time in America where she spent 40 years.
'She has always been in employment. She works for a communications firm as head of travel and events.
'She sends people all around the word as part of her job. She is a single lady. She returned to the UK to be near her mother.
'It is a very embarrassing situation and one that will not be repeated.
'I hope you will accept her sincere apologies to the staff members. It was in the heat of the moment.
'She was concerned for her elderly mother. She has travelled all over and used many public transports both in the UK and US and never had any problems hitherto.
'On this occasion, she felt members of staff had not treated her the way they should but she responded in a way she felt she should not have done.'
In sentencing Waring, JP Robert Alves told her: 'This was a very unpleasant incident that we would not have expected from someone with your standing in the community.
'It was a completely unacceptable display of behaviour and language that you used to those public service employees.'
| Re: Bizarre routing ........... In "South Western services" [373353/31750/42] Posted by grahame at 21:05, 16th March 2026 | ![]() |
For Taunton on 6th, Google suggested I take the 07:21 from Melksham and change at Swindon and Reading. Google does not quote fares or sell tickets ...
| Re: Bizarre routing ........... In "South Western services" [373352/31750/42] Posted by Oxonhutch at 19:53, 16th March 2026 | ![]() |
Sounds rather like my commute home from Paddington to Cholsey via Bristol Parkway. It was just after a work Christmas event!

There's been a lot of interest especially as people can avoid Bristol and the Severn bridges
I can understand people wanting to avoid Bristol - but the Severn bridges aren't all that bad.

| Re: Former Great Bourton village pub 'The Bell Inn' saved from house conversion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373350/31745/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:40, 16th March 2026 | ![]() |
That's my local - about 30 yards from my front door.
Thank you for posting, ChrisB - I honestly had no idea that I was actually featuring your 'local' when I started this particular topic.

At a time of falling demand for drinking in pubs, we can't fight to save them all.
Agreed. In Nailsea, a town of some 20,000 residents, we still have several active pubs, located around the area. There is a Wetherspoons in the town centre, and traditional pubs distributed elsewhere in each compass direction.
The only pub we lost was the locally historic Friendship Inn, which was closed as being 'commercially unviable', and the whole site was redeveloped as (rather cramped) residential housing. Being brutally honest, their location, while 'on the High Street' was just on the wrong side of the High Street, lacked parking areas and was opposite another pub which is on the modern thoroughfare and has parking.

| Re: Shipping services across the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [373349/30207/28] Posted by anthony215 at 18:39, 16th March 2026 | ![]() |
There's been a lot of interest especially as people can avoid Bristol and the Severn bridges
| Re: Bizarre routing ........... In "South Western services" [373348/31750/42] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:11, 16th March 2026 Already liked by Oxonhutch | ![]() |
My own daughter has been known to travel by train from Cardiff Central to Nailsea & Backwell via Didcot Parkway.
It's a long story - don't ask!

| Re: Former Great Bourton village pub 'The Bell Inn' saved from house conversion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373347/31745/31] Posted by broadgage at 18:01, 16th March 2026 | ![]() |
Use of a building as a public house: it's something that without safeguards in place, is vulnerable, and it's not only the 'Use it or lose it' that applies.
Mark
Mark
At a time of falling demand for drinking in pubs, we cant fight to save them all. Official protection, whether via the planning system or otherwise should be confined to;
Pubs of historical importance.
Pubs that are the only one within walking distance.
Possibly pubs that are one of only two in walking distance.
Pubs that double as a shop or other facility.
| Re: Birmingham's new railway stations on Camp Hill Line In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373346/30899/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:01, 16th March 2026 | ![]() |
A video news report, from the BBC:
Train testing under way on new Birmingham rail line
Final testing is being carried out at five new railway stations in the West Midlands before they open their ticket barriers to passengers.
Stations at Willenhall and Darlaston in the Black Country will open on Thursday 19 March.
And three Birmingham stations - at Moseley, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road - will open on Tuesday 7 April as the Camp Hill Line is brought back to life.
It was closed in 1941 during World War Two, because of a shortage of coal, and never reopened.
On Monday, trains were travelling between Birmingham New Street and Kings Norton via the three new Birmingham stations as work is completed at the locations.
Final testing is being carried out at five new railway stations in the West Midlands before they open their ticket barriers to passengers.
Stations at Willenhall and Darlaston in the Black Country will open on Thursday 19 March.
And three Birmingham stations - at Moseley, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road - will open on Tuesday 7 April as the Camp Hill Line is brought back to life.
It was closed in 1941 during World War Two, because of a shortage of coal, and never reopened.
On Monday, trains were travelling between Birmingham New Street and Kings Norton via the three new Birmingham stations as work is completed at the locations.














