Don't be the Grinch in Manchester this Christmas

The street festivities open their doors on Friday, 9 November, and Northern wants to make sure excessive drinking, which can lead to anti-social behaviour and violence, doesn't steal the fun from Christmas this year.

Liam Sumpter, Regional Director for Northern said: “Christmas is a fantastic time of year and the markets in Manchester give everyone the chance to have fun in the lead up to the big day.

“However, with so much food and drink on offer it's easy to get carried away and overdo the celebrating - and this could result in you not being allowed home on our trains.”

To try to keep everyone safe on the railway this Christmas Northern staff, supported by British Transport Police, may refuse travel to anyone who is thought to be too drunk.

Liam added: “Sadly, when someone has had too much to drink, we sometimes see this turn into aggression and violence towards other customers and our staff. This has no place on the railway and can spoil Christmas for everyone involved.

“We are working closely with BTP to make our trains and stations as safe as possible this Christmas and will not tolerate any behaviour that puts customers or staff at risk.

“Of course, we don't want to stop people enjoying themselves and having a drink is, for many, a traditional part of the Christmas Markets. But we are calling on our customers to respect others and help make sure everyone has the best possible Christmas.”

Chief Inspector Dave Rams, of BTP, said: “As the party season gets underway, we ask that while you enjoy the festive fun with a tipple or two, please don’t overdo it and risk having to fork out for a cab home because you’ve been refused travel on the train.

“Most importantly since it’s the season of goodwill, please respect rail staff who are doing their very best to get you home safely. Be patient and be nice. We understand it’s easy to get stressed with the added pressures of Christmas, crowded trains and packed stations but please keep an even temper.”

If you witness anti-social or violent behaviour on the railway this Christmas please call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016.