Warning issued ahead of Christmas Markets opening this week

Passengers are being advised to plan their journeys ahead of the Manchester Christmas Markets opening on Friday, November 8. Network Rail has issued the advice as they prepare to welcome even more passengers than the 6.6 million who travelled last year.

They have asked people to check the time of their train before travelling at www.nationalrail.co.



uk. Alongside visitors to the Christmas Markets, people travelling to concerts, football matches, and Christmas parties will also be using the rail network. Extra staff and event managers have been recruited to ensure the safety of passengers.

However, Network Rail has warned that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated. Margaret Edge, Manchester Piccadilly’s station delivery manager, said: "Christmas is a special time at Manchester Piccadilly, and we love being a part of the festivities as people travel through the station to celebrate, or do their Christmas shopping. "However, our priority is to keep everyone safe.

"If you are not able to travel safely, you will not be welcome at the station. "Disruptive and dangerous behaviour, after a few too many mulled wines, puts yourself, other passengers, and our colleagues at risk. "Please, be considerate of others when travelling by train this Christmas.

" Network Rail is working closely with the British Transport Police, Transport for Greater Manchester, and train operating companies to ensure the safety of passengers and railway workers throughout the festive period. Chief Inspector James Mitchell from the British Transport Police said: "We want everyone to be able to enjoy the festivities safely. "We’ll have a robust policing plan in place and you’ll see an increased police presence patrolling the network to help keep you safe.

"It’s really important to remember to respect fellow passengers and rail staff - any abusive behaviour or incidents of antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated. "We urge everyone travelling on the railway to save our discreet text number 61016 to their phones and download the Railway Guardian app.".