MP Contacts Northern Rail About Temporary Closure of Rochdale Train Station
Rochdale, Greater Manchester – Commuters faced significant disruption and frustration this morning after Rochdale railway station was temporarily closed due to staff shortages.
The station, a key transport hub for the town, was locked when passengers arrived for early morning services, leaving many waiting for over an hour. The closure affected multiple routes, including services between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale, as well as connections to Blackburn and Leeds.
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In response to the incident, Paul Waugh, the Labour Co-operative MP for Rochdale, has written to the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Northern Rail demanding an explanation and assurances that such an event will not happen again.
In a letter sent on Tuesday, 17th February 2026, Mr. Waugh expressed his concern regarding the lack of contingency planning during peak commuter hours.
"While I appreciate that illness is unavoidable, a complete station closure during peak commuter hours is deeply concerning", Mr. Waugh wrote. "For many people this morning, the disruption will have meant missed shifts, lost pay, missed medical appointments and childcare complications".
Mr. Waugh has requested a full explanation of why no contingency staffing arrangements were in place to ensure the station could open. He is also seeking details on the protocols for handling short-notice staff sickness at Rochdale and comparable stations, as well as confirmation of steps being taken to prevent a recurrence.
Additionally, the MP has asked for clarification on passenger compensation arrangements for those affected by the morning's chaos.
"Given Rochdale's reliance on rail connectivity for work, education and economic growth, resilience in station operations is essential", the letter concludes.
Mr. Waugh has requested a prompt response from Northern Rail and has offered to meet with representatives to discuss how reliability can be improved for his constituents.
The station, a key transport hub for the town, was locked when passengers arrived for early morning services, leaving many waiting for over an hour. The closure affected multiple routes, including services between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale, as well as connections to Blackburn and Leeds.
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In response to the incident, Paul Waugh, the Labour Co-operative MP for Rochdale, has written to the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Northern Rail demanding an explanation and assurances that such an event will not happen again.
In a letter sent on Tuesday, 17th February 2026, Mr. Waugh expressed his concern regarding the lack of contingency planning during peak commuter hours.
"While I appreciate that illness is unavoidable, a complete station closure during peak commuter hours is deeply concerning", Mr. Waugh wrote. "For many people this morning, the disruption will have meant missed shifts, lost pay, missed medical appointments and childcare complications".
Mr. Waugh has requested a full explanation of why no contingency staffing arrangements were in place to ensure the station could open. He is also seeking details on the protocols for handling short-notice staff sickness at Rochdale and comparable stations, as well as confirmation of steps being taken to prevent a recurrence.
Additionally, the MP has asked for clarification on passenger compensation arrangements for those affected by the morning's chaos.
"Given Rochdale's reliance on rail connectivity for work, education and economic growth, resilience in station operations is essential", the letter concludes.
Mr. Waugh has requested a prompt response from Northern Rail and has offered to meet with representatives to discuss how reliability can be improved for his constituents.
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