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Train bosses forced to put metal cages around new digital signs after headbanging mistake

Last updated at 13:02 24 January 2008

Trans bosses are embarrassed to announce a clanger on platforms one and two.

Passengers at Salford Central have been forced to consult train information displays which are enclosed in metal mesh cages because the signs are positioned so low that they could hit their heads on them.

As a temporary measure, the electric displays have been surrounded by metal guards on health and safety grounds.

Scroll down for more... Four screens - two on each platform - are cordoned off.

They are only about 5ft 9ins above the ground, while the height of the average man is 5ft 10ins.

The mistake has taken the shine off an impressive revamp of the once-dark and ugly station.

About £5 million has been spent providing a new bright glass entrance hall and improving steps and walkways.

The new displays, which show the times of the next three trains, are on platforms which still have to be improved.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive has spent £3.85m on the station revamp and interim projects director, Paul Griffiths, said: "We are very proud of the Salford Central project, which has rejuvenated a key train station.

"We installed the information displays at this stage so passengers can benefit straight away.

"We have temporarily provided screens around them for safety reasons as they are too low.

"The screens will be removed when Network Rail raises the level of the canopies during the next phase.

"We appreciate the screens are not ideal and we are already working with Network Rail to look at other solutions and bring forward the next phase as soon as possible."

A new ticket office, public address system, customer information screens and CCTV are all part of the refurbishment.

Taxi and bus facilities are also being improved, along with new ramps and lifts.

Roger Jones, chairman of the Passenger Transport Authority, said: "Network Rail is managing this renovation and I'll ask them to sort out this problem as soon as possible. We don't want people to bang their heads."

The station is served by trains to and from Manchester Victoria and to Salford Crescent, Bolton and Wigan Wallgate and beyond.

It was built in 1838 as a terminus on the Bolton to Manchester line.




