DISGRUNTLED rail users in East Lancashire are being encouraged to 'have a pop' at rail operators by a new campaign launched today.

The Rail Passengers Committee (RPC), which represents passengers' views are raising awareness of their services and want anyone who has a gripe with the railways to come forward and tell them about it.

In a recent RPC survey, while over 90 per cent of residents think that an organisation representing rail passengers would be either a good or excellent idea in principle, less than five per cent are aware the RPC exists and is the organisation to approach regarding these issues.

John Moorhouse, Secretary of the North West Rail Passengers' Committee, said: "We are committed to listening to and trying to resolve issues facing rail passengers in the North West.

"To this end, the RPC is launching an advertising campaign this week to provide rail users with information on how they can contact us and how we will work with them to successfully resolve their rail issues."

In a recent survey conducted by the RPC, 39 per cent of regional rail users polled felt that punctuality and cancellations should be the key issue for the rail industry to tackle, with security coming in a close second with 38 per cent of the vote.

The RPC takes up passengers' issues with train operators, local authorities and Government and putting forward the case for improvements. It also monitors the performance of passenger train and station operators.

Other rail transport issues North West passengers thought should be addressed by the rail industry include: fares/ticket types, timetables, capacity/overcrowding and cleanliness.

Rail users are encouraged to call the RPC hotline -- 08453 022 022 -- to hear more about the RPC and register to receive a free information booklet.