30.05.17
Bravery of rail staff praised as Manchester Victoria reopens
Manchester Victoria has reopened for passengers today after being closed for seven days following the terrorist incident last week.
The station was shut after the attack on 22 May at Manchester Arena’s foyer to allow police to carry out their investigation in the area.
A spokesperson for Northern confirmed: “Rail and tram services to and from Manchester Victoria station will resume planned normal operations on Tuesday 30 May. The services that will resume are those provided by Northern, TransPennine Express and Metrolink.”
Praise has also been heaped on staff who, despite having worked long shifts, immediately responded after the terrorist attack to help victims and assist the emergency services with their work.
Deputy chief constable Adrian Hanstock from the British Transport Police (BTP) commented: “I am sure that today’s announcement that the station will reopen will be greatly welcomed by the community of Manchester.
“Officers from BTP will be at the station on Tuesday and will stand alongside members of rail staff who supported emergency services last Monday evening. It will be an opportunity to recognise their courageous efforts as, without a moment’s hesitation, they rushed to the arena and provided vital assistance.
“It is important that their role is commended including the efforts and the extraordinary work all the emergency services did in the aftermath of this atrocity.”
Hanstock remained defiant as he said that BTP officers would stand united with staff and passengers against the cowardly act.
“The attempt to divide our way of life will never succeed; hatred has no place in our society,” he asserted. “We will be proud to stand alongside our colleagues in the rail industry as Manchester Victoria is opened up to the public.”
Last week, BTP stepped up its security efforts as armed police patrolled rail services outside of London for the first time.
Liam Sumpter, Northern’s regional director, said that 15 members of rail staff were among the first to respond and give help to those injured during the blast.
“It has been an exceptionally difficult week for the whole of Manchester and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this terrible attack,” Sumpter commented. “However, our city is incredibly resilient and everyone has stood side by side in an unbelievable way.
“Our team at Victoria are ready to welcome people back to the station and on behalf of Northern I would like to thank our customers for their understanding over the past seven days.”
Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, added: “The professionalism and compassion of railway staff and others working in the vicinity of Manchester Victoria on the night of the Manchester Arena bombing showed the positive side of what people are prepared to do for each other.
“Colleagues across the railway are proud of staff working in the station, on trains, and in the surrounding area who went above and beyond their duties, rushing to the scene to help and comfort victims and working late into the night to help children and families get home safely in the aftermath of this atrocity.”
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