A BURY family has criticised Metrolink, claiming that ticketing problems ruined their theatre outing.

Mr David York (44) and his three children set off from their home on Braemar Drive, Bridge Hall, for a matinee performance of Peter Pan at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.

He said: "After the much heralded hype by our MPs and the media to use public transport, I thought I would take advantage of our local Metrolink into Manchester.

"But on arriving at the Interchange we were amazed at the length of the queue to the ticket machines." Two of the dispensers were out of order.

Mr York continued: "Just as it was our turn in front of the ticket dispenser, two uniformed gentlemen interrupted the flow by emptying the cash. At this point I noticed a bar placed over the note slot.

"I mentioned this dilemma to the two officials who retorted 'tough, we only empty the cash'. I politely pointed to the many signs advertising that notes will be accepted."

As it was apparent that this was not the case, Mr York asked if they could change his £10 note.

But he claimed they just said "no chance" before storming off.

And he continued: "No tickets, so a hasty retreat back to the car with three increasingly distressed children for a traffic-congested journey into central Manchester. After paying another exorbitant fee to park, we arrived at the theatre late and and missed half the show."

After the experience, Mr York is demanding clarification of the Metrolink policy.

And he has contacted Goverment transport supremo John Prescott in a bid to take the matter further.

A Metrolink spokeswoman responded: "We are very sorry to hear Mr York and his family experienced difficulties with the ticket machine at Bury.

"The trams were very busy in the run-up to Christmas and, consequently, the ticket machines were getting full quickly and then going out of service.

"To alleviate this situation, we asked our contract company to empty the machines more frequently and this is what was happening as Mr York reached the machine."

The spokeswoman added: "We will, however, be speaking to the contract management about the remarks made to Mr York.

"We are, unfortunately, still experiencing some difficulties with our new note acceptors, but are working hard with the supplier to overcome these. Note acceptors are being brought into service as they become available.

"We will be sending Mr York some complimentary tickets for himself and his family."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.