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Batley to Stalybridge: Fast track to trouble on the Real Ale Trail
Unruly real ale lovers searching for high-octane beer are losing their heads and giving fellow rail travellers and staff a hangover with anti-social behaviour.
Now British Transport Police have warned real ale fans taking the Transpennine Real Ale Trail from Batley to Stalybridge, stopping at Dewsbury, Mirfield and Huddersfield, to keep their celebrations on the right tracks or face prosecution.
They could end up walking home if banned from the railways.
The trail, featured on the BBC’s Oz and James Drink to Britain, is described as a “unique voyage to a selection of Yorkshire and Lancashire best real ale pubs”.
Some drunk trail-followers are running across crowded platforms and railway lines, compromising safety, say police.
Stag and hen parties are downing a range of strong ales, beer glasses are taken on trains, people urinate on platforms, train doors are held open, disrupting services, and trains damaged, added police.
Insp Richard Price, from BTP, said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned over large drunk and disorderly groups. We do not want to stop people having fun but this makes the journeys of other passengers and staff intimidating.
“It is a matter of time before we have a major incident,” said Insp Price. “This will not be tolerated and we are seeking a solution with Northern Rail and First TransPennine Express.”
Lee Wasnidge of Northern Rail, said: “Passengers have the right to travel and our employees the right to work without fear.”
Billy Vickers, of First Transpennine Express, said: “The vast majority of customers behave in a decent manner. However, there are those whose behaviour, whether fuelled by alcohol or not, is unacceptable.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Comments
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The_Monk85
Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 10:39 AMHaving been on the real ale trail myself with a group of regular ale drinkers from one of my locals I can safely say that I have not seen any trouble either. The age range of our group was from 23 up to 60ish and it was a fantastic day. There were plenty of other groups though with varying ages and of both sexes. As forever old says, there are plenty of high spirits but not any trouble. It would be a shame for the actions of a few numpty's to spoil what is a regular event for some people. The real ale trail is a great opportunity for the seasoned ale drinker (and the not so seasoned like myself) to try something different.
forever old
Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 08:04 AMAs a regular traveller on this line I often see many groups young and old, male and female having a good time on the real ale trail. Admittedly they can be in high spirits, but I have never seen any trouble yet. In fact they often bring amusement to other passengers on the train. Rumours are around that they want to have less stopping trains on this busy line. Is this the first of the excuses they are going to use?
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