A SURVEY has labelled 80 per cent of railway stations as either dirty, feeling unsafe for lone travellers, or having poor disabled access.

The research has been carried out by the Yorkshire branch of Soroptimist International, the worldwide service organisation for women in business and the professions.

They surveyed 60 stations in Yorkshire as part of national campaign, Safe and Sure.

Researchers found that station security was a key concern. They said that getting help in an emergency at an unmanned station would be a problem.

They found that only a third of stations provided information about help for disabled travellers.

The researchers added that the position of the notice- boards and size of the print of the notices limited access for wheelchair users and the visually impaired.

Researchers also found many of the stations were littered and one even saw a rat on the platform.

The report calls for better lighting, clearly signed and working emergency telephones, improved waiting facilities, more regular cleaning and ramped access to platforms.

A spokesperson for Arriva Trains Northern was unavailable for comment.