Three MPs have slammed Northern Rail for closing Sunderland train station for most of the festive period.
The station will be shut to the public on December 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24. It will open between 5.15am and 2.45pm on Tuesday, December 20.
Julie Elliott is MP for Sunderland Central, Bridget Phillipson, represents Houghton and Sunderland South, and Sharon Hodgson's constituency is Washington and Sunderland West.
The trio have released a joint statement in which they say the move is "totally unacceptable" and they have written to the Secretary of State for Transport.
They said: "At a time when public transport is absolutely essential, not just for allowing families to see loved ones, but for local businesses who are often reliant on the festive period, it is totally unacceptable that Northern Rail have decided to completely shut Sunderland Station for such a long period of time."
They said that Northern Rail has known about the various issues surrounding industrial action and staff shortages for months and have done little, if nothing, to resolve the situation.
The MPs said: "It is their responsibility to keep open Sunderland railway station. They need to sort this out and sort it out quickly.
"Whilst it is clear that the Government need to stop ducking responsibility and get round the negotiating table to bring an end to the planned industrial action, it is totally unacceptable for Northern Rail to leave a city the size of Sunderland without a train station for that long.
"Northern Rail need to, at the highest levels, sort this out urgently, and make sure Sunderland railway station is open. We have written to the Secretary of State for Transport on this urgently."
Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said he is "quite frankly appalled" by the decision of Northern Rail to close the railway station at such a critical time of year and with such little notice.
He said: "This will have a huge impact on our residents and businesses, not to mention anyone planning to visit Sunderland over the festive season to enjoy the many wonderful things our city has to offer. Passengers are already facing travel disruption.
"What is particularly disgraceful is that this is the very time of year when people rely on public transport the most for last minute shopping and getting together with family and friends.
"It’s also a crucial time for businesses who are already struggling through the cost of living crisis. For many Christmas and the sales are often their busiest and most lucrative time of year.
"As a council we will be trying our hardest to reverse this decision in the interests of everyone in our city."
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