TV protest on rail link - Thurrock Gazette - Week Ending 11/02/2005

QUOTE

There were red faces all round when protestors tried to pile into a toilet as part on an onboard train protest.

They ended up flushed with embarrassment - because the loo was out of order!

And to add insult to injury just three people turned up for the demo, aimed at showing opposition to plans byc2c to install television screens in carriages displaying news bulletins and advertisements.

Three protesters did eventually get into the toilet but not until the train had reached Limehouse.

Anneliese Dodds, Labour's parliamentary spokesperson for Billericay and District and one of the organisers of the protest, said: "It was quite ironic really, We should have been able to get through the door into the next carriage but it was locked.

"We eventually got into a toilet when the train reached Limehouse and there where only three of us in it. It was a bit underwhelming.

"We are trying to keep up the pressure on. We will be trying to get people to write to c2c about it. It has excited quite a lot interest, which is why we did it. This is not the last thing we will do, especially because so many people have said they don't want the TV's."

The campaign was organised by Thurrock Rail Users Group and the Pitsea Labour Party. The groups say passengers do not want the televisions as they will destroy the 'peace and quiet' of their journey.

TRUG wants at least one carriage on every train set aside as a "quiet coach" where they claim commuters will be able to read and relax in peace.

Last night Leila Frances claimed more than 80 percent of passengers had [...] televisions on trains because we believe it will enhance the passenger experience.

UNQUOTE

webmaster comments : "TRUG would like to make it clear that we did not organise this protest, although we share passengers concerns on this issue."

"Regrettably in the copy of this article I was given,  parts of the final two paragraphs are unreadable."