derick - part of the problem is that many of our local MPs are "parachuted in" from London. Their kids go to school in London & they don't use local transport outside of London etc. Plus all the national media is based in London - so the disgraceful condition of the likes of Manchester Victoria Station, just doesn't get reported & brought to the attention of influential persons. Such as the BBC - only seem concerned with London transport problems! So you'll never get the northern cities & politicians to join forces - as you saw with the supercasino decision, when Manchester was stabbed in the back by our so called fellow northerners!