A PASSENGER action group is to be set up after complaints about a town's railway station.

North Yorkshire County Council decided to form the group after a recent meeting when concerns were raised about Northallerton railway station. Among the issues raised were the closure of the waiting rooms when the station is unstaffed and the early closure of the booking office.

Passengers say there is no shelter on the southbound platform in bad weather when the waiting room is closed.

Councillor John Fort,the executive member for transport, said: "The frustration of regular users at Northallerton station has risen to the point where they feel that an action group should be formed.

"Rail user groups have been established in other parts of the country where they have successfully developed positive relations with train operators and, together, they work to improve all aspects of passenger facilities.

"We hope the development of a new action group will bring the users and the service providers closer together, to ensure an even better service."

Northallerton railway station is owned by Network Rail, and is operated by Trans-Pennine Express.

Trans-Pennine Express took over the running of Northallerton and other stations in the region from Arriva Trains Northern in February.

The company has promised to spend £12m upgrading 30 of its stations, including Northallerton, Thirsk, Scarborough and Malton. This will include fitting security cameras, improving car park security and lighting, and updating noticeboards.

The work is due to start next year.

David Mallender, a spokesman for Trans-Pennine Express, said the main problem in Northallerton was a shortage of staff.

"There were vacancies at the station, which we inherited when we took over," he said. "We are aiming to recruit people so we can keep facilities at the station open for longer."

Mr Mallender said the firm was happy to listen to the concerns of passengers and would work with the action group.

For details on joining the group, call Andrew Easson at North Yorkshire County Council on (01609) 785663.