URMSTON Conservatives have launched a campaign to secure a new ticket machine for rail users at Urmston station.

The campaign, led by activist Christine Turner, is backing commuters and calling for the machine in order to prevent long queues at both Urmston and at Manchester Oxford Road.

With the ticket office at Urmston only open for a few hours each day, Christine has launched a petition calling on transport chiefs to offer more flexible ticket facilities.

Christine said: “Many local residents have told me that a ticket machine at Urmston would ease queues and save time, particularly at busy periods when huge numbers of people are arriving at Oxford Road station. With the Urmston station not open all day, sometimes there is no option but to queue in Manchester.”

The campaign has received the backing of the leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Sean Anstee, who said: “Christine is working hard on behalf of residents to secure better rail facilities. Urmston is a heavily-used station for both commuters and those travelling into Manchester in an evening, and a ticket machine would be very welcome.”

A Northern Rail spokesman said: “We are aware of the challenges of buying a ticket at some of our smaller stations, and that customer habits are changing with many people wanting to buy from the comfort of their own home.

"This is why we are investing in alternative ways to buy tickets, such as online and mobile phone purchases. Unfortunately, we have no plans to install a ticket machine for Urmston in the next few months.

"However, the next franchise will begin in April 2016 and we know the Department for Transport has specified improvements in all areas of customer experience including ticket buying facilities.

"The winner is due to be announced in the next few weeks and we will hear more details of their plans in the new year.”

* Anyone interested in signing Christine's petition should visit.stretfordandurmstonconservatives.com